macOS Windows Linux

How to change the WhisperJot hotkey

On macOS the default shortcut is ⌥Space, plus the fn key. On Windows it is Ctrl+Alt+Space. Linux uses the GlobalShortcuts portal, evdev, or a CLI trigger socket. Changes apply live without restarting.

How do I change the dictation hotkey on a Mac?

macOS uses one event tap for two triggers: the fn key (hold for push-to-talk, tap of 0.4 seconds or less for toggle) and a configurable shortcut, default ⌥Space. The shortcut can be any key with or without a modifier, including keypad Enter or an F-key.

While WhisperJot runs, the trigger key is reserved and its normal action does not fire. Avoid plain letters or the main Return key; prefer a dedicated key or add Command, Option, or Control. Hotkey changes apply live. Input Monitoring is needed for these keyboard triggers.

What is the Windows hotkey, and how do Linux hotkeys work?

Windows defaults to Ctrl+Alt+Space, changeable in Settings. There are two hotkey modes: Hold chord (default; hold and tap both work) and Tap-toggle, a lighter mode for environments where security software blocks low-level hooks. The trigger key is suppressed so it does not reach the focused app. Changes apply live.

Linux (beta) tries three paths automatically: the desktop GlobalShortcuts portal on Wayland (KDE Plasma, GNOME 48+, Hyprland, with a consent dialog on first run), evdev after sudo usermod -aG input $USER and a log out/in, and a CLI trigger socket at $XDG_RUNTIME_DIR/whisperjot/trigger.sock for tiling-WM keybinds (hold-start, hold-end, tap).

Questions

Straight answers.

Can I use a single letter as the WhisperJot hotkey on a Mac?

You can, but you should not. While WhisperJot runs, the trigger key is reserved and its normal action does not fire. Avoid plain letters and the main Return key. Prefer a dedicated key such as keypad Enter or an F-key, or add Command, Option, or Control. The default is Option-Space. Changes apply as soon as you record a new shortcut; no restart is required.

Why would I pick Tap-toggle instead of Hold chord on Windows?

Hold chord is the default and supports both holding and tapping. Tap-toggle is the lighter mode for PCs where security software blocks low-level hooks. The trigger key is still suppressed so it does not type into the focused app. The default chord is Ctrl+Alt+Space. Switching modes and chords applies live in Settings.

Does Linux have the same Option-Space default as Mac?

No default chord like Option-Space or Ctrl+Alt+Space is documented for Linux. The app tries the GlobalShortcuts portal, then evdev, then a trigger socket for your window-manager keybinds. On first portal use you should see a consent dialog. For evdev, add your user to the input group and log out and back in.

Updated 2026-09-01

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