TelunKey

One keystroke to choose the right window and action

Visit WebsiteGitHub
Category
Utility
WM Type
—
License
free
Open Source
No
Keybindings
Yes
Scripting
No
Last Update
2026-03-30

Features

  • Modifier key window thumbnail picker
  • Five configurable trigger keys
  • Adjustable trigger delay per key
  • Space key trigger with typing guard
  • Native Swift, low overhead
  • Screen Recording for thumbnails
  • Local-first, no analytics

About

TelunKey is a macOS utility that turns modifier keys into a visual window picker. Hold a configured trigger key and a thumbnail HUD appears over every visible window — release on the one you want to focus. Built in Swift with no background daemon, it adds a layer of keyboard-driven window navigation without replacing your existing window manager.

Who It's For

TelunKey is aimed at macOS users who frequently switch between many open windows and find Cmd+Tab or Mission Control too coarse. It pairs well with any tiling or floating window manager and requires no existing setup — just install and configure one key.

How It Works

TelunKey monitors five configurable modifier keys: Option, Control, Command, Shift, and Space. When you hold one of the configured triggers for a tunable delay (default ~300 ms), a thumbnail overlay appears on every visible window. Release the key while hovering to focus that window; tap and release quickly (below the delay threshold) to send the key normally — so your regular shortcuts stay intact.

The Space key trigger includes a typing guard: if keyboard input was detected in the past second, the Space trigger is suppressed so you don't accidentally open the picker while typing.

Thumbnails are captured using the macOS Screen Recording API, which means you'll be prompted for permission on first launch. No network access, no analytics, and no background daemon are involved.

Compared to Alternatives

Compared to DockDoor, TelunKey focuses entirely on keyboard-triggered window switching rather than hover-on-dock previews. Compared to Cmd+Tab switchers like AltTab, TelunKey shows thumbnails spatially over each window rather than in a linear list — useful when windows are spread across multiple displays or spaces. It does not manage layout or resize windows, so it complements rather than competes with tools like AeroSpace or Yabai.

Requirements

  • macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later
  • Screen Recording permission required (for window thumbnails)
  • Accessibility permission required (for key monitoring)
  • No SIP changes needed
  • Apple Silicon and Intel supported

Getting Started

Download the latest release from the GitHub releases page and move TelunKey.app to your Applications folder. On first launch, grant Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions in System Settings → Privacy & Security. Open TelunKey preferences to choose your trigger key(s) and adjust the hold delay to taste.

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