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After using a stream deck for some odd automation, I think the real flaw was having the touch bar be so contextual, and replacing the existing function keys. Had both existed, and and allowed the user to extend their customisation; say buttons for common actions, siri suggestions, shortcuts it may have been perceived differently, and more of power user tool.

Most of the actions just duplicated existing UI elements.

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I think one thing that makes an external stream deck work, is that it is a separate context sensitive device, that is mentally separated from the keyboard.

So when you go to the deck to perform an action, you mentally context switch away from the keyboard, so your brain is looking for different clues.

So even with a touch bar + function keys, the function keys stay in keyboard context, but the touch bar requires that switch in any case. Maybe taking your eyes to the touch bar is enough of a context switch, mentally.

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