Back to all articles

psychologyinstantflowenter keyapp switching
No Enter Key Needed: The Psychology Behind Instant App Switching
Jamie Chen
UX designer and productivity enthusiast focused on optimizing digital workflows.
6 min read
In productivity, every keystroke matters. Most app launchers (like Spotlight or Raycast) require you to:
- Open the launcher
- Type the app name
- Press Enter
That final press seems small—but it creates a mental pause.
Why the Enter Key Slows You Down
- It's a confirmation step
- It breaks the rhythm of automatic action
- It delays flow
Assignee Removes the Pause
In Assignee:
- Press Ctrl + Tab
- Then press your mapped key (e.g., S for Slack)
- That’s it—no Enter required
The result? An experience that feels instantaneous.
Final Thoughts
It’s not about milliseconds. It’s about momentum. By removing the need to confirm your switch, Assignee keeps your flow unbroken.