HyperJIS

HyperJIS is a configuration for Karabiner-Elements designed to transform Apple JIS keyboards into versatile input devices that support US-compatible layouts, a Hyper key, Vim-style navigation, window tiling, and modular accent input for multiple languages. It addresses the challenge of using US-standard shortcuts, efficient navigation, and multilingual typing on Apple hardware, particularly for users who require more key bindings than a standard US keyboard provides. By repurposing the extra keys found on Apple’s Japanese (JIS) keyboards, the configuration enables users to assign new functions such as Command keys under both thumbs, a backtick key for coding, and an emoji picker, while still allowing for a dedicated Hyper key and an accent layer for language support.

The tool implements a modifier cascade, assigning multiple roles to individual keys. For example, Caps Lock becomes Function, Left Control acts as both Escape and Control depending on tap or hold, and Option is replaced by the Hyper key (combining Control, Option, Shift, and Command). Vim navigation is achieved by holding Control (mapped to Space) and using the H, J, K, L keys as arrows, keeping navigation on the home row. The physical arrow keys can be remapped for window tiling using Swish, though this is optional. Accent input is handled by holding the Fn key and tapping vowels to produce grave or acute accents, with additional mappings for currency symbols and quotation marks. The system is modular, offering base and extension files for Italian, French, Spanish, and German, allowing users to enable only the language features they need.

Installation involves setting up Karabiner-Elements on macOS and importing the desired configuration files. Each rule or accent extension can be enabled or disabled individually, and the accent system can be used independently of the full modifier setup. HyperJIS is intended for users who code, use Apple JIS keyboards, and type in multiple languages, especially those willing to adapt to a new modifier layout for increased efficiency.