Configuring Push-to-Talk Shortcuts

VibeWhisper uses a global push-to-talk shortcut to control when audio recording is active. You hold the shortcut key to record and release it to stop. This article covers how to set up and customize the shortcut.

How Push-to-Talk Works

Unlike toggle-based dictation (where you press once to start and again to stop), push-to-talk records only while the key is held down. The moment you release the key, recording stops and the audio is sent to the OpenAI Whisper API for transcription.

This model has two advantages:

1. Precise control. You decide exactly when recording starts and stops. There is no risk of the system continuing to listen after you are done speaking.
2. No UI interruption. There is no on-screen microphone indicator or dictation overlay while you speak. The shortcut works silently in the background.

Setting Your Shortcut Key

1. Click the VibeWhisper icon in the macOS menu bar
2. Open the settings panel
3. Find the shortcut key configuration field
4. Click the field to enter recording mode
5. Press your preferred key or key combination
6. The shortcut is saved immediately

The shortcut is registered globally via CGEvent taps, which means it works in any application — your IDE, browser, terminal, chat apps, email client, or any other tool with a text field.

Choosing a Good Shortcut

When selecting a shortcut, consider:

Avoid conflicts with existing shortcuts. Your IDE, terminal, and other development tools already use many key combinations. Choose something that does not overlap. Common approaches:

• A function key (e.g., F5, F6) that is not used by your current tools
• A modifier combination that you do not use elsewhere (e.g., Right Option, Right Control)
• A key on your keyboard that you rarely press

Ergonomics matter. Since you hold the key while speaking (typically 5-30 seconds), choose a key that is comfortable to hold. Keys that require awkward hand positions are not ideal for extended holds.

Single keys are often easier than multi-key combinations for push-to-talk, because you need to hold the key continuously while speaking. A single function key or modifier key is simpler to hold than a two-key combination.

Common Shortcut Choices

These are shortcuts that developers commonly use with VibeWhisper:

Shortcut	Notes
Right Option	Rarely used in most development tools
F5	Common choice if not used for debugging
F6	Generally unbound in most applications
Right Control	Easy to hold with right hand while speaking
Caps Lock (remapped)	Some users remap Caps Lock to a modifier for this purpose

Testing Your Shortcut

After setting the shortcut:

1. Open any application with a text field (a text editor, browser URL bar, or terminal)
2. Click into the text field to focus it
3. Hold your configured shortcut key
4. Speak a short phrase
5. Release the key
6. The transcribed text should appear in the text field

If nothing happens, check the following:

• Accessibility permission: VibeWhisper needs Accessibility access to inject text. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and make sure VibeWhisper is enabled.
• Microphone permission: VibeWhisper needs microphone access. Check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.
• API key: Make sure you have entered a valid OpenAI API key.

Changing the Shortcut

You can change the shortcut at any time by returning to the VibeWhisper settings panel and pressing a new key in the shortcut field. The new shortcut takes effect immediately.

Shortcut Conflicts

If your chosen shortcut conflicts with another application, VibeWhisper’s global shortcut will generally take priority while VibeWhisper is running. If you notice that a shortcut you rely on in another application has stopped working, change the VibeWhisper shortcut to a different key.

To check for conflicts, try pressing your intended shortcut in the applications you use most frequently before setting it in VibeWhisper.

Next Steps

• Set up your OpenAI API key if you have not already
• Return to the Getting Started guide
• Learn about using voice for vibecoding