VIM: Doesn't VIM 'replace' use of CTRL with ESC?

Question

It is usually advertised that using VIM alleviates the need of moving the hand away from home row. However, it seems that instead of going to CTRL, I am stretching my hand to ESC all the time.
Note: I am a new vim user and I am trying to migrate from Notepad (windows) to VIM. I am asking this question, in case there is some issue in my use or understanding of VIM philosophy.

Answer 1

When vi was originally written, it was written on this keyboard layout:

Note that the Esc is where Tab is on most modern day keyboard layouts and was much less of a stretch. This also explains why hjkl are the proper "arrow" keys in vim and why some of the other common keys in vim may seem like unusual selections.

Answer 2

I almost always use Ctrl+[ instead of Esc. It is fairly easy key combination to type. The only exception is when I panic and have to escape ten times in a row.

Answer 3

ESC is only used when switching from Insert/Replace to Normal mode. In Normal mode is where you spend the vast majority of your time - searching, scrolling, reading, cut/copy/paste (or, in vim terms, delete/yank/put), and so on.

While ESC is hit a lot, it shouldn't be anywhere near as much as CTRL on Notepad. However, there are also several alternative ways to avoid hitting the ESC key: http://vim.wikia.com/wiki/VimTip285 , as well as ways to put Caps Lock to use as ESC: How to map CAPS LOCK key in VIM?

Personally, I don't find it a problem, as my ESC key is the farthest key to the left on the top row; I can hit it without searching for it, and return my hands to their usual position while blindfolded. My wrist doesn't even move from its position on my laptop ;)

Answer 4

As lzkata pointed out, it's only used to switch from insert to normal mode. Depending on the work you're doing, you might go back and forth more often. However, as you gain experience with vim, you'll find you switch modes much less frequently. (If you're going to make small edits of different types in different locations on many lines, you CAN use the arrow keys in insert mode if the terminal supports them, but you should generally try to find other normal mode ways of making common edits - get really good with fast navigation with t, T, f, F, G, etc. )