Koing: Automating Korean-English Input Switching on macOS
An introduction to Koing, a Rust-based utility that automatically detects and converts incorrectly typed Korean in English mode on macOS.
From “dkssud” to “Hello”
Have you ever spent minutes typing away only to realize you were in English mode when you meant to type Korean? Turning dkssud into 안녕 (Hello) automatically is the simple yet powerful goal of Koing.
Why Koing?
While similar tools exist, I wanted to build something that excels in:
- Accuracy: Real-time language detection over simple autocorrect.
- Speed: Zero-latency typing experience.
- Integration: Seamless operation across all macOS applications.
Powered by N-gram and Rust
Koing uses an N-gram statistical model to analyze typing patterns in real-time. It distinguishes between actual English words (the, and) and Korean words typed in English mode (dkssud, gksrmf).
To achieve native-level performance, I chose Rust. Its safety and speed are ideal for a system-level utility that handles keyboard events multiple times per second.
Key Features
- Auto-Detection: Automatically detects and converts text after a brief pause (approx. 300ms).
- Manual Conversion: Press
⌥ Spaceto instantly convert selected text. - Undo: Press
⌥ Zto revert a conversion if it wasn’t what you intended.
Installation
You can easily install Koing via Homebrew:
brew install --cask koingAfter installation, make sure to enable Koing in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
Conclusion
Koing is open-source and free to use. I hope it makes your typing experience on macOS a bit more pleasant.