SpeedKeys - MacOs shortcut key application

SpeedKeys is a lightweight macOS utility that runs unobtrusively in the background and empowers power-users to trigger apps, scripts, or file paths with custom global shortcuts. Built with Swift + SwiftUI, SpeedKeys pairs a modern, native UI with a minimal runtime footprint so users gain productivity without sacrificing system responsiveness.




Problem & Goal

Many macOS users—developers, designers, and admin staff especially—rely on repetitive keyboard workflows. The goal for SpeedKeys was to provide a simple, safe, and flexible tool to:



  • -map global shortcuts to applications, files, or scripts;
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  • - prioritize scripts when both an app and a script are configured for the same shortcut.
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  • - and do all of this while remaining unobtrusive and respecting user privacy and platform security.


Key Features


speedkeys-window
speedkeys shortcut configuration window.
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  • - Background Agent: A small, efficient background process listens for configured shortcuts and dispatches the associated action without requiring an open window
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  • - Configurable UI: A SwiftUI configuration window (and optional menu-bar item) lets users add, edit, import/export, and reorder shortcut bindings.
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  • - Action Types: Each shortcut can launch an application, open a file/path, or run a script. When both an application and a script are provided, the script takes precedence to support advanced, user-defined behavior.
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  • - Global Keystroke Capture: SpeedKeys captures global shortcuts reliably so bindings work even when other apps are frontmost — while honoring macOS privacy prompts and permission models.
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  • - Conflict Management: Each shortcut can launch an application, open a file/path, or run a script. When both an application and a script are provided, the script takes precedence to support advanced, user-defined behavior.
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  • - Profiles & Portability: Users can export/import shortcuts (JSON/YAML) for sharing across machines or teams.
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  • - Opt-in Telemetry:Any usage analytics or crash reporting is strictly opt-in; the default is privacy-first with minimal data collection for debugging only.
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Technical Highlights (High Level)


  • - Native stack: Swift for application logic and SwiftUI for the configuration experience—delivering a modern macOS look & feel and native performance.
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  • - Lightweight runtime: The background component is optimized to use minimal CPU and memory, waking only to handle shortcuts and configured actions.
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  • - Resilient action dispatch: Launching apps, opening files, and running scripts are handled through a robust action queue with timeout and error handling—users receive clear feedback if an action fails.
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  • - Accessible UI: The settings and configuration screens are keyboard navigable and compatible with macOS accessibility features.
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  • - App Distribution: Code-signed and prepared for macOS distribution with attention to notarization and App Store or direct-download packaging considerations.
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Outcome

SpeedKeys provides a reliable shortcut layer for macOS that saves time for repetitive workflows and supports both casual and power users. It strikes a balance between power (scriptable actions) and safety (permissions, clear UX), and its small footprint makes it ideal as a daily utility on developer and production machines alike