Switch or launch Mac apps with your keyboard

The runaway idea: a little fox chases apps that change places, takes a short hop through a fixed home-row shortcut, and gets back to writing.

Double-tap and release your Leader modifier, then press a home-row key to switch to or launch its app.

Assign up to ten apps: Bind up to ten favorite apps to permanent physical keys on your home row. Optionally sync your settings across Macs with iCloud.
Show or hide the shortcut map: Double-tap your Leader to see a translucent map of your apps and keys. It stays until you choose an app or cancel. Once the keys feel familiar, hide the map in Settings and rely on muscle memory.
Adjust double-tap timing: Adjust the double-tap recognition window from 150 to 600 ms, with interactive testing in Settings.
Menu bar & launch at login: Zero Dock footprint. Key assignments save immediately; pause shortcut detection or launch at login anytime.

Fixed app keys vs Command-Tab

Command-Tab: Command-Tab lists open apps in recent-use order.
KeyHop: KeyHop keeps up to ten apps on fixed physical keys. Double-tap and release the Leader, then press the app key.

Fixed keys take you straight to your apps, with a shortcut map you can hide. No window management or input recording.

Set it up on first launch

Pick a Leader key (Command, Option, Control, or Shift) and assign your go-to apps to home-row slots. Option is the default for new setups; updating keeps your existing Leader choice.

Grant Accessibility access when prompted, and KeyHop quietly settles into your menu bar.

KeyHop switches apps. That’s all

Fixed keys take you straight to your apps, with a shortcut map you can hide. No window management or input recording.

What happens when I press an app key?: If the app is running, KeyHop brings it right to the front. If not, macOS launches it. If it is already active, nothing happens.
Does it manage windows or Spaces?: No. KeyHop leaves window sizes, minimized states, and Mission Control Spaces alone. The app shortcut map appears when you trigger it and can be hidden in Settings.
Can I customize the shortcut map?: Yes. The map is centered by default, with clear key labels in two columns ordered from top to bottom. Move it to any screen edge, preview its position, or hide it in Settings.
Does KeyHop follow my keyboard layout?: Yes. It detects your system layout automatically, with manual overrides for QWERTY, Dvorak, Colemak, AZERTY, and QWERTZ.
Why does it need Accessibility access?: To recognize your double-tapped Leader across macOS and swallow the assigned home-row keystroke once armed. It never requests Input Monitoring.
Does it record what I type?: Never. KeyHop only inspects modifier flags and physical keycodes during active triggers. It records no text or input history and collects no telemetry. Settings go to your personal iCloud only when you enable sync.
Can I sync settings between Macs?: Yes. iCloud sync is off by default; enable it on each Mac using the same Apple Account. It syncs your Leader modifier, double-tap interval, keyboard layout, and ten app assignments. Existing cloud settings take priority when enabled; local settings remain usable offline. Accessibility access, launch at login, pause state, and onboarding progress stay on each Mac.
Which Macs are supported?: Apple silicon Macs running macOS 26 or later. KeyHop is signed with Developer ID, notarized by Apple, and distributed outside the Mac App Store.