So you read HN. Hacker news.
You set up iSync (mbsync) and all Your Gmail via IMAP. Since you are a hacker, you use emacs (or if you are less fortunate :-) vim)
Now configure mu4e, notmuch or gnus. All Your actions are now a simple keystroke away:
C compose
R reply
F forward
And never bother with Gmail interface :-)