megakey

GitHub Repository

Standardization and extension of the Hyper (and Meh) key

A system of 5 pseudo-modifier keys that works on standard keyboards

• Keyboard shortcuts that don’t conflict with system or app bindings.
• Can bind Mega for universal cut/copy/paste/etc on both Windows (Ctrl) and MacOS (Cmd). (Plus Mega is more comfortable/ergonomic!)
• Opens up memorable keys like Chaos-V for pasting from clipboard history.
• Especially useful for global keybindings such as those required for transcription tools and windows managers.

MegaKey consists of two parts:

1. Mental tools (for your mind)

• Simplify complex combinations of modifiers to a single word or symbol.
• 5 pseudo-modifiers designed as single pseudo-modifier with 4 extra variations.
• Easier to remember/read/write/dictate: Giga-C (❖C) vs Shift-Ctrl-Option-Cmd-C (⇧⌃⌥⌘C).
• The mental tools are cross-platform and work with standard keyboard layouts.

2. Software tools (for your fingers)

• Simplify complex/awkward combinations of modifiers to a single keypress via Karabiner-Elements
• For example: CapsLock converts to Ctrl-Option-Cmd (tapping CapsLock by itself still results in CapsLock)
• Presently MacOS-only, but straight-forward to implement on other platforms.

The 5 new pseudo-modifier keys

	Name	Single Key	Multiple Keys	Notes
⁂	Mega	CapsLock	CtrlOptCmd	Base combination
❖	Giga	Tab	ShiftCtrlOptCmd	Mega with Shift
❋	Chaos	Right Ctrl	OptCmd	Mega without Ctrl
▲	Force	Right Option	CtrlCmd	Mega without Opt
⭑	Wish	Right Cmd	CtrlOpt	Mega without Cmd

See detailed pseudo-modifier guide for:

• Design rationale
• Mnemonics to help remember
• Windows/Linux version
• Prior art

Quick Start

1. Install Karabiner-Elements
2. Import the MegaKey rule: Caps Lock → MegaKey
3. Enable it in Karabiner-Elements → Complex Modifications

That’s it! Hold Caps Lock to activate MegaKey. Tap it for Escape.

[!TIP]

Press Fn+CapsLock to toggle Caps Lock on/off.

See detailed installation guide for:

• Manual installation
• Version that preserves CapsLock

License

MIT

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