Why Alt Tab is Bad for Switching Windows

Alt Tab is Inefficient

Using Alt+Tab or ⌘ command+Tab to switch application is inefficient, because:

• 2 keys combination induces Repetitive Strain Injury.
• Using pinky, the weakest finger, induces Repetitive Strain Injury.
• You have to take half a second to eye-ball it to land on the window you want.

Here's more efficient and ergonomic solutions to switching apps/windows. Starting from most efficient solution.

One Function Key to Switch to Previous Window/App.

Some 80% of time when you press Alt+Tab, you are just switching to the last app/window. So, make that a single key press.

Set up single key (e.g. F9) to switch to previous window/app. (make this key do Alt+Tab)

One Function Key to Switch to Browser

There are 3 or 4 apps you use all the time. It's efficient to set a single key to switch to them, such as F5 F6 F7 F8. This way, you have muscle memory, and also, no use pinky to press Alt+Tab, and no need to glance at the screen to decide if you need to press Tab again.

see How to Set Key to Switch to Browser

Turn on Hover Activate Window or Hover Click

Position your frequently used windows so that it always have a exposed region. So you can move mouse there and it will auto activate.

• Windows: Mouse Hover to Activate Window
• Mac: Hover Mouse Auto Click
• Linux: Mouse Hover to Raise Window
• Linux: Mouse Dwell, Hover Auto-Click

Other Solutions to Switching Apps

You should use one or more the following for most efficiency and ergonomics. In order of importance:

• Set up a single key to cycle to previous/next window/app. (on Windows: Alt+Esc Next window (no dialog). Skip minimized windows. ,Alt+Shift+Esc Previous window (no dialog). Skip minimized windows.)
• Set a key to switch to previous/next window within a app (available in Mac, but not available in Microsoft Windows).
• Use a command that shows all windows. (Windows Ctrl+Alt+Tab)