Changing Input Source with Shift + Space on macOS

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tips shortcut macOS input source

Summary

  1. open ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.symbolichotkeys.plist
  2. Root > AppleSymbolicHotKeys > 61 > value > parameters
  3. Set item 2 to 131072
  4. Restart your PC
  5. Confirm that shift + space is set in System Settings -> Keyboard -> Keyboard Shortcuts -> Input Sources
  6. Confirm that you can switch input sources with shift + space

Background

Since last year, I’ve been using Windows for work, and I’ve also connected my beloved Keychron K2 (US layout) that I’ve been using with my personal M1 Mac to Windows.

Since it’s a US layout, settings are essential for switching between Japanese and English IME. On macOS, I used to convert with control + space (strictly speaking, I replaced caps lock with control).

How to switch on macOS
<span class="figure-number">Figure 1: </span>How to switch on Mac

However, on Windows (I’ve forgotten the details), I couldn’t set it up the same way, so I ended up operating with shift + space.

How to switch on Windows
<span class="figure-number">Figure 2: </span>How to switch on Windows

Since I use my work PC more frequently, my muscle memory gradually changed, and I frequently made typos by accidentally pressing shift + space when using macOS. Since I couldn’t work, I tried to change the shortcut for switching input sources, but…

Cannot set shift + space keyboard shortcut on Mac

I’m on macOS 15.5, but I can’t set shift + space in System Settings -> Keyboard -> Keyboard Shortcuts. It doesn’t respond when I type it.

<span class="figure-number">Figure 3: </span>System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts
<span class="figure-number">Figure 3: </span>System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts

So, I did some research and found the following article:

Thumbnail
macOS 한영전환키를 Shift+Space로 설정하기 (feat. Sonoma)
macOS의 한영전환키 즉 입력 소스 전환키는 사용자 마음대로 설정이 가능하다. 방법은 쉽다. '시스템 설정'에서 '키보드'를 선택해서 '키보드 단축키' 버튼을 눌러주면 나타나는 윈도에서 좌측에서 '입력 소스'를 선...
seorenn.tistory.com

It seems that shift + space cannot be set, but there was a solution written. Among AppleSymbolicHotkeys in the com.apple.symbolichotkeys.plist file,

It seems that shift + space can be registered by rewriting the value of Item2 to the key code 131072.

After changing settings file
<span class="figure-number">Figure 4: </span>After changing com.apple.symbolichotkeys.plist

When I tried it, shift + space was reflected as the shortcut for switching input sources after restarting my PC.

<span class="figure-number">Figure 5: </span>System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts
<span class="figure-number">Figure 5: </span>System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts

Now, I can comfortably switch between Japanese and English with the same feel.

As mentioned in the original article, why can’t shift + space be registered as a shortcut? (Is it highly likely to conflict with shortcuts of other apps?) Currently, it does not conflict with any resident applications (Emacs, iTerm, Aqua Voice) and works without problems.

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