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SlasshyWispr uses keyboard shortcuts to trigger dictation and assistant commands. Customize hotkeys to match your workflow.

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Default Hotkeys

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pushToTalkHotkey
string
default:"Ctrl+Space"
Push-to-talk hotkey for voice dictationPress and hold to record, release to stop. The recorded audio is transcribed and pasted into the active application.
This is the primary hotkey for dictation mode.
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commandHotkey
string
default:"Ctrl+Shift+Space"
Command hotkey for assistant modeTriggers assistant mode with wake word detection. Speak your command and get an AI-generated response with TTS playback.

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HotkeySpec Interface

Hotkeys are internally represented using the HotkeySpec structure: 
interface HotkeySpec {
  ctrl: boolean;   // Ctrl key modifier
  shift: boolean;  // Shift key modifier
  alt: boolean;    // Alt key modifier
  meta: boolean;   // Windows/Command key modifier
  key: string;     // Primary key (e.g., "Space", "A", "F1")
  label: string;   // Human-readable label (e.g., "Ctrl+Space")
}

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Customizing Hotkeys

  1. Open Settings > General
  2. Click on the hotkey field you want to change
  3. Press your desired key combination
  4. The hotkey will update automatically
  5. Test the new hotkey to ensure it works
The UI validates hotkeys in real-time and warns about conflicts.

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Supported Key Combinations

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Modifiers

  • Ctrl - Control key (Windows/Linux) or Command key (macOS)
  • Shift - Shift key
  • Alt - Alt key (Windows/Linux) or Option key (macOS)
  • Meta - Windows key (Windows) or Command key (macOS)

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Primary Keys

A-Z (case-insensitive)Examples: Ctrl+A, Shift+B, Alt+Z
0-9 (top row and numpad)Examples: Ctrl+1, Alt+5
F1-F24Examples: F1, Ctrl+F5, Shift+F12
  • Space
  • Enter
  • Tab
  • Escape
  • Backspace
  • Delete
  • Arrow keys: Up, Down, Left, Right
  • And more…

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Best Practices

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Avoid Conflicts

Check that your hotkeys don’t conflict with:
  • System shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V)
  • Application shortcuts in your frequently used apps
  • Other global hotkey tools

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Ergonomic Choices

  • Easy to reach: Choose keys near your home row
  • One-handed: Ctrl+Space is easier than Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F12
  • Muscle memory: Keep hotkeys consistent across updates
  • Left hand: Frees your right hand for mouse/trackpad
Push-to-talk suggestions:
  - Ctrl+Space (default, easy one-handed)
  - Ctrl+` (backtick key, out of the way)
  - Alt+Space (alternative to Ctrl)
  - F13-F24 (if you have an extended keyboard)

Command hotkey suggestions:
  - Ctrl+Shift+Space (default, builds on push-to-talk)
  - Ctrl+Shift+A (mnemonic: "Assistant")
  - Alt+Shift+Space (alternative modifier)

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Capture Modes

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captureMode
CaptureMode
default:"push-to-talk"
Hotkey behavior mode
  • push-to-talk - Hold hotkey to record, release to stop (default)
  • single-tap - Press once to start, press again to stop
Push-to-talk is recommended for faster, more natural dictation.

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Troubleshooting

  1. Check if another app is using the same hotkey
  2. Verify SlasshyWispr is running (check system tray)
  3. Try a different key combination
  4. Restart SlasshyWispr
  5. Check OS permissions for global shortcuts
  1. Open Settings and verify the hotkey assignment
  2. Make sure you’re using the correct hotkey (push-to-talk vs command)
  3. Check capture mode setting
  4. Reset to defaults and reconfigure
  1. Check if conflicting apps are stealing focus
  2. Verify your keyboard connection (wireless/USB)
  3. Look for modifier key stickiness (Ctrl/Shift stuck)
  4. Check if SlasshyWispr has proper accessibility permissions

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