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Tracked since2026
0 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Comprehensive conflict detection across multiple sources (apps, configs, system).
Biggest con
Does not offer functionality to edit or reassign shortcuts directly.
TL;DR - HotkeyClash
- Scans running apps, automation configs, and macOS system shortcuts for keyboard conflicts.
- Identifies both definite and potential shortcut clashes with clear explanations.
- Free, open-source, native macOS application with a focus on privacy and no telemetry.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is HotkeyClash?
HotkeyClash is a free and open-source macOS application designed to identify keyboard shortcut conflicts. It scans running applications, configuration files from tools like Karabiner-Elements and skhd, and macOS system shortcuts to pinpoint exactly where multiple key combinations overlap. This helps users understand why a shortcut might not be working as expected, eliminating the guesswork involved when various third-party apps and system settings claim the same key combination.
The tool is built natively for macOS, ensuring a lightweight and efficient experience without relying on Electron or cloud services. It provides a clear, categorized view of conflicts, distinguishing between "definite conflicts" (two global hotkeys) and "potential conflicts" (a global hotkey overlapping an app's menu shortcut). HotkeyClash is ideal for power users, developers, and anyone running multiple automation or productivity tools on their Mac who frequently encounters unresponsive or unexpected keyboard shortcut behavior.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive conflict detection across multiple sources (apps, configs, system).
- Completely free and open-source, promoting transparency and trust.
- Native macOS application, ensuring performance and a small footprint.
- Prioritizes user privacy with no telemetry, cloud, or accounts.
- Clearly distinguishes between different types of conflicts (definite vs. potential).
Cons
- Does not offer functionality to edit or reassign shortcuts directly.
- Supports Karabiner-Elements and skhd for config file parsing, with other tools on the roadmap.
- Does not provide cheat-sheet overlays for shortcuts, focusing solely on conflict detection.
Key Features
Scans running applications' menu bar shortcuts via Accessibility APIParses Karabiner-Elements configuration files (karabiner.json)Parses skhd configuration files (skhdrc)Reads macOS system shortcuts from preference listsDetects and categorizes conflicts as "definite" or "potential"Normalizes modifiers for accurate conflict groupingDisplays conflicts in a master-detail split view with app icons and actionsMenu bar badge indicating the count of definite conflicts
Pricing
Free
HotkeyClash is completely free to use with no hidden costs.
Reviews
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HotkeyClash FAQ
How does HotkeyClash help with unresponsive keyboard shortcuts?
HotkeyClash identifies why a shortcut might not be working as expected by scanning running applications, configuration files from tools like Karabiner-Elements and skhd, and macOS system shortcuts. It pinpoints exactly where multiple key combinations overlap, eliminating guesswork for users.
Which teams or users benefit most from HotkeyClash?
HotkeyClash is ideal for power users, developers, and anyone running multiple automation or productivity tools on their Mac. It helps those who frequently encounter unresponsive or unexpected keyboard shortcut behavior due to conflicts.
How does HotkeyClash compare to a tool like Keyboard Maestro?
HotkeyClash focuses specifically on detecting and identifying keyboard shortcut conflicts across various sources, while Keyboard Maestro offers extensive functionality for creating and managing macros and shortcuts. HotkeyClash does not offer functionality to edit or reassign shortcuts directly, unlike Keyboard Maestro.
What kind of limitations does HotkeyClash have?
HotkeyClash does not offer functionality to edit or reassign shortcuts directly; its primary purpose is conflict detection. It also does not provide cheat-sheet overlays for shortcuts, focusing solely on identifying conflicts.
Does HotkeyClash include a free tier?
HotkeyClash is completely free to use, with no paid plan required. It is also open-source, promoting transparency and trust among its users.
How does HotkeyClash ensure user privacy?
HotkeyClash prioritizes user privacy by operating as a native macOS application with no telemetry, cloud services, or accounts. This design ensures a lightweight and efficient experience without external data reliance.
Can HotkeyClash differentiate between various types of shortcut conflicts?
Yes, HotkeyClash provides a clear, categorized view of conflicts. It distinguishes between "definite conflicts" where two global hotkeys overlap and "potential conflicts" where a global hotkey overlaps an application's menu shortcut.
Source: hotkeyclash.com