Karabiner-Elements Setup Guide
Karabiner-Elements is a powerful tool that allows you to freely customize keyboard behavior on macOS. This guide covers the three most useful settings.
Installing Karabiner-Elements
Open Terminal and install with Homebrew:
brew install --cask karabiner-elements
After installation, you need to allow system permissions:
- System Settings → Privacy & Security
- Allow all Karabiner-related items in Input Monitoring
Basic Setting: Improve Korean/English Toggle
Change Right Command to Korean/English Key
The default Korean/English toggle (Caps Lock) in macOS has a delay which is inconvenient. Let's change the right Command key to Korean/English toggle.
Launch Karabiner-Elements and configure as follows:
- Click Simple Modifications tab
- Click Add item button
- From key:
right_command
→ To key:f18
Change the Korean/English toggle shortcut in macOS keyboard settings:
- System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts → Input Sources
- Click "Select the next source in Input menu"
- Press right Command key (recognized as F18)
Now you can instantly toggle Korean/English with the right Command key.
Installing Ultimate macOS
Ultimate macOS is a comprehensive package containing dozens of useful keyboard settings. Once installed, you can select and activate only the features you need.
Installation Method
- Launch Karabiner-Elements
- Go to Complex Modifications tab
- Click Add rule button
- Click Import more rules from the Internet
- Enter "ultimate macOS" in search box
- Select "ultimate macOS" by suliveevil and click Import
Vim-style Arrow Keys Setup (hjkl)
After installing Ultimate macOS, you can use various Vim-related settings.
Activate Vi Mode
- Check Ultimate macOS rule list in Complex Modifications
- Select one of the following and click Enable:
- "Vi Mode [Hold ⇪ Caps Lock for Vi Mode]": hjkl works as arrow keys only while holding Caps Lock
- "Vi Mode [⌃ Control + hjkl]": Use arrow keys with Control + hjkl
- "Vi Mode [fn + hjkl]": Use arrow keys with fn + hjkl
Recommended Setting
"Hold ⇪ Caps Lock for Vi Mode" is the most practical. It only works while holding Caps Lock, so it doesn't interfere with normal typing.
Available Shortcuts
When Vi Mode is activated, you can use these features:
-
Basic Movement
- h: ← (left)
- j: ↓ (down)
- k: ↑ (up)
- l: → (right)
-
Extended Movement (supported in some modes)
- w: Move to next word
- b: Move to previous word
- 0: Beginning of line
- $: End of line
Additional Useful Features
Ultimate macOS also includes these useful features:
Hyper Key Setup
Activate "⇪ Caps Lock → Hyper Key (⌃⌥⇧⌘)":
- Changes Caps Lock to a special modifier key
- Can create unique shortcuts that don't conflict with other apps
Settings for Korean Users
In "Korean" category:
- "⇧ Shift + Space → Switch Input Source": Korean/English toggle with Shift+Space
- "₩ → ` or ₩ (Hold ⌥ Option)": Change Won key to backtick
Settings for Developers
- "⎋ Escape → ` ~ (Hold ⇧ Shift)": Input backtick with ESC key
- "Delete Line/Word": Quick delete shortcuts
- "Emacs Mode": Emacs-style shortcuts (Control+A/E etc.)
Usage Tips
Backup Settings
To backup your settings, save this file:
~/.config/karabiner/karabiner.json
Troubleshooting
- If settings don't work, restart Karabiner-Elements
- Check if permissions are properly granted in System Settings
- Be aware of conflicts with other keyboard utilities
Restore to Original
- Remove activated rules in Complex Modifications
- Delete settings in Simple Modifications
- Uninstall Karabiner-Elements if needed:
brew uninstall --cask karabiner-elements
Step-by-Step Approach
- First try only the Korean/English toggle improvement
- After installing Ultimate macOS, activate only Vi Mode
- Add more features one by one as you get familiar
Now you can use your keyboard 200% more effectively!