Karabiner Configuration for MacOS

This configuration creates a Vim-inspired typing experience across MacOS with home row mods and window management support.

Key Features

Navigation

• Vim-style Arrow Keys: Control + hjkl for arrow key movement
• Caps Lock becomes a multi-function key:
  • Tap for Escape
  • Hold for Hyper key (Control + Option + Shift + Command)

Home Row Modifiers with Smart Backspace Indicator

Left hand:

• a → Control
• s → Shift
• d → Option
• f → Command

Right hand:

• j → Command
• k → Option
• l → Shift
• ; → Control

The home row modifier implementation includes a clever feedback mechanism:

1. When you press a key briefly, it types normally
2. When you hold a key to use it as a modifier:
   • First, the character appears (default behavior)
   • Then, when the hold threshold is reached (170ms), the character is deleted
   • The modifier becomes active This provides clear visual feedback for when you've entered the modifier layer, while automatically cleaning up the unwanted character.

Space Bar Modifications

• Left Shift + Space → Backspace
• Left Option + Space → Delete Word Backward
• Right Option + Space → Delete Word Forward
• Control + Space → Enter

Note: Unix systems traditionally use Control + d for forward deletion (like the Delete key). This functionality is automatically available through our home row mods by holding the a key (Control) and pressing d.

Disabled MacOS Shortcuts

• Cmd + h (hide window)
• Cmd + m (minimize window)
• Cmd + Option + h/m (hide/minimize all windows)

Profiles

1. Default: All modifications enabled
2. Gaming: Minimal modifications for gaming compatibility

The configuration is optimized for use with a window manager that uses Option as its primary modifier key.