HoldTap

HoldTap is a keyboard layout and key behavior customization tool for macOS.

It provides advanced capabilities similar to QMK and ZMK firmware on MacBook’s built-in keyboard, Magic Keyboard, and various USB keyboards, without requiring custom hardware, soldered switches, or circuit board replacements. Users can assign different actions for short presses and long presses to any key. For example, a light press on the spacebar inputs a character, HoldTap while holding it down temporarily enters the navigation layer, allowing other keys to perform directional movement or quick controls. The software supports creating multiple function layers, defining shortcut combinations and substitute characters, and provides real-time keyboard layout visualization, clearly showing the current base layer, navigation layer, and key mapping status, facilitating the design, testing, and adjustment of personal setups. All configurations and key processing run locally, without relying on cloud services, and do not record or upload keyboard input, improving operational efficiency while protecting privacy. It is suitable for programmers, writers, heavy keyboard shortcut users, and macOS users who want a layered operation experience on their existing keyboards.