Global home row keys navigation with BetterTouchTool on macOS

I always liked the idea of using the home row keys (IJKL) for navigation purposes instead of the traditional arrow keys since it avoids the constant need for moving the right hand during typing. I recently acquired a MacBook and naturally I was looking for a way to archive this behavior. Fortunately, after some tinkering I managed to find a solution with the help of BetterTouchTool.

At first, I thought I could simply set up my caps lock key as Hyper key and combine it with the I/J/K/L keys to simulate arrow keys, but unfortunately there are some issues with the key repeat feature (i.e. holding down the arrow key to move the cursor automatically) [1][2]. However, thanks to this post, I found out that you can remap your caps lock key as right control key and was thus able to make it work:

1. Open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Modifier Keys > Set up Caps Lock Key as ^ Control. This will internally set the caps lock key as right control key.

   

2. Open BetterTouchTool and set up four new global Keyboard Shortcuts, i.e. Caps Lock + I for Arrow Up. When setting up, make sure to tick the checkmark Differentiate left/right modifier keys so the shortcut does not affect the left control key. In addition, enable Repeat assigned action in case you want to repeat key triggers when holding down keys. Adjust the rate and delay accordingly to your own liking.

   

3. Now you should be able to navigate with your home row keys across the whole OS, i.e. code editor, internet browser, application launcher, etc. Very convenient!