Problem with that is that it's global. It can even affect websites if they use a media query for it. I'm ok/enjoy the other animations (I rarely see them, but appreciate when they happen), the only animation I wanted to disable was the desktop switch one.
It was once possible I think, but it seems that's impossible on new versions of macOS. Spaces are unusable because of that as a programmer. I'd love to have a terminal in one space and browser in the other, but the delay in switching between both is very noticeable and considering how many times I'd do that it'd probably take minutes off my day.
Yes, it is global. Even running `matchMedia("(prefers-reduced-motion)")` in the browser console returns true. I see no way of disabling reduced motion only for Safari either.
That being said, if you do decide to use spaces, I want to point out a MacOS setup that would help you to keep apps on different spaces and have an experience (slightly) closer to i3wm and other window managers.
First, you should create 10 spaces. Then go to Settings -> Keyboard -> Keyboard Shortcuts -> Mission Control -> Expand the Mission Control dropdown. You'll see options to set keyboard shortcuts for each workspace there. I've set it to Option+{1-9, 0 for 10}.
Then just open some of the permanent apps you use, and right click on their Dock icon -> Options -> Assign to this desktop. I keep the browser in workspace 1, and messaging app in workspace 10.
I know this isn't the best solution, but behind crazy-hidden settings, it is possible to get a pretty decent solution for window management on macOS. Ohh also, I use Amethyst sometimes, for i3wm-like window layouts, and it allows you to set shortcuts to move apps from one workspace.
one workaround I use is not to use Spaces but custom Alfred hotkeys for most popular apps that you often switch such as: iterm, browser, xcode, vsc, file browser + rectangle.app for shortcuts to maximize/minimize app (without default animations). Takes some time to train muscle memory though - I use cmd+ctrl+(j or or k or l or ;) to switch between most frequent apps. I also use F1 as hot key for iTerm (quake style) and F2 for Dash.app
I think it still takes like half a second for focus to change, which is the thing I care more about. I would be fine if I could switch and then immediately start typing before the animation was finished.
It was once possible I think, but it seems that's impossible on new versions of macOS. Spaces are unusable because of that as a programmer. I'd love to have a terminal in one space and browser in the other, but the delay in switching between both is very noticeable and considering how many times I'd do that it'd probably take minutes off my day.