Pros of Surfingkeys

• More extensive customization options, allowing users to create complex key mappings and scripts
• Built-in support for multiple search engines and custom search aliases
• Includes a visual command mode for executing complex actions

Cons of Surfingkeys

• Steeper learning curve due to its more complex feature set
• May feel overwhelming for users who prefer a simpler, more streamlined experience
• Less frequently updated compared to Vimium

Code Comparison

Vimium (key mapping):

map('j', 'scrollDown')
map('k', 'scrollUp')
map('gg', 'scrollToTop')

Surfingkeys (key mapping):

mapkey('j', 'Scroll down', function() {
    Normal.scroll('down');
});
mapkey('k', 'Scroll up', function() {
    Normal.scroll('up');
});
mapkey('gg', 'Scroll to top', function() {
    Normal.scroll('top');
});

Both extensions allow for custom key mappings, but Surfingkeys provides more granular control over the actions associated with each key. This increased flexibility comes at the cost of slightly more complex configuration syntax.

Pros of chromium-vim

• More customizable with a wider range of commands and options
• Supports custom CSS for styling the interface
• Offers advanced features like visual mode and text objects

Cons of chromium-vim

• Less actively maintained, with fewer recent updates
• Smaller user base, potentially leading to fewer community contributions and support
• May have compatibility issues with newer browser versions

Code Comparison

Vimium (command mapping):

mapKey('j', 'scrollDown');
mapKey('k', 'scrollUp');

chromium-vim (command mapping):

map('j', 'scrollDown');
map('k', 'scrollUp');
map('<C-d>', 'scrollPageDown');
map('<C-u>', 'scrollPageUp');

Both projects aim to bring Vim-like keyboard navigation to web browsers, but they differ in their approach and feature set. Vimium focuses on simplicity and broad compatibility, while chromium-vim offers more advanced features and customization options.

Vimium has a larger user base and more active development, which can lead to better stability and support. However, chromium-vim's additional features may appeal to power users who want more control over their browsing experience.

When choosing between the two, consider your needs for customization, the importance of recent updates, and your comfort level with more advanced Vim-like features.

Pros of VimFx

• Specifically designed for Firefox, offering better integration with the browser
• Lighter weight and potentially faster performance
• More customizable key bindings and settings

Cons of VimFx

• Limited to Firefox browser only
• Smaller user base and community compared to Vimium
• Development has been discontinued, with the last update in 2017

Code Comparison

VimFx:

export default {
  commands: {
    'scroll_down': {
      description: 'Scroll down',
      cmd: (vim) => vim.window.scrollBy(0, vim.config.scrollstep)
    }
  }
}

Vimium:

const scrollFunctions = {
  scrollDown: function() {
    return Scroller.scrollBy(0, Settings.get("scrollStepSize"));
  }
};

Both projects aim to provide Vim-like keyboard shortcuts for browser navigation. Vimium offers cross-browser support (Chrome and Firefox) and is actively maintained, making it a more versatile choice for users across different browsers. VimFx, while discontinued, may still be preferred by some Firefox users for its tighter integration and customization options. The code snippets show similar approaches to implementing scroll functionality, with VimFx using a more modern ES6 syntax.

Pros of Tridactyl

• More extensive customization options and configuration flexibility
• Better integration with Firefox's native features
• Supports running external commands and scripts

Cons of Tridactyl

• Steeper learning curve due to more complex features
• Limited to Firefox browser only
• May have occasional compatibility issues with Firefox updates

Code Comparison

Vimium (JavaScript):

const scrollBy = function(x, y) {
  window.scrollBy(x, y);
  handlerStack.bubbleEvent('scroll');
};

Tridactyl (TypeScript):

export function scrollBy(x: number, y: number): void {
    window.scrollBy(x, y)
    tri.excmds.scrollnative("y", y)
}

Both projects implement scrolling functionality, but Tridactyl uses TypeScript and includes additional native scrolling commands. Vimium's implementation is simpler and more straightforward, while Tridactyl's offers more flexibility and integration with browser-specific features.

Vimium is a more lightweight and browser-agnostic option, making it easier to set up and use across different browsers. Tridactyl, on the other hand, provides a more powerful and customizable experience for Firefox users who are willing to invest time in learning its advanced features.

Pros of Firenvim

• Embeds a full Neovim instance in browser text areas, providing a complete Vim experience
• Allows use of Vim plugins and custom configurations in the browser
• Supports real-time synchronization between Neovim and the browser textarea

Cons of Firenvim

• Requires Neovim to be installed on the user's system
• More complex setup process compared to Vimium
• May have compatibility issues with certain websites or browser extensions

Code Comparison

Vimium (JavaScript):

const scrollBy = function(x, y) {
  window.scrollBy(x, y);
  handlerStack.bubbleEvent('scroll');
};

Firenvim (Lua):

local function setup()
  vim.g.firenvim_config = {
    globalSettings = { alt = "all" },
    localSettings = {
      [".*"] = { takeover = "never", priority = 0 }
    }
  }
end

The code snippets demonstrate the different approaches:

• Vimium focuses on browser-specific JavaScript for navigation
• Firenvim uses Lua for Neovim configuration and integration