Hyperkey: turn caps lock into a free shortcut namespace on macOS

My notes

Summary

Hyperkey is a lightweight macOS utility that converts the caps lock key (or any modifier) into a “hyper key” that acts as all four modifiers combined (control + option + command + shift). This frees up a massive namespace of unused keyboard shortcuts that never collide with app defaults, and pairs naturally with window managers like Rectangle.

Key Insight

• The caps lock key is prime keyboard real estate wasted by default, it sits where Ctrl used to be on older keyboards and is easy to hit with the pinky.
• “Hyper key” (control + option + command + shift pressed together) is a conceptual trick popularised by Brett Terpstra: no app ever uses this combo by default, so every letter from A-Z becomes a free shortcut slot.
• Hyperkey specifically is positioned as a lighter, GUI-friendly alternative to Karabiner-Elements, which is powerful but has a steep learning curve and kernel-level complexity.
• Common pairings: hyper+H/J/K/L for window snapping via Rectangle, hyper+letter for app launchers (Raycast/Alfred), hyper+number for workspace switches.
• Key advantage over remapping caps lock to just Ctrl or Esc: you get a brand-new namespace instead of fighting with existing shortcut conflicts.