Trackpad volume control
Slide one finger up or down the right edge to adjust volume, and double-tap the edge to mute. The on-screen level identifies whether sound is routed to speakers, headphones, AirPods, or a display.
Haptiker
Haptiker is a macOS menu bar utility that turns the edges of a MacBook or Magic Trackpad into sliders for volume, display brightness, and keyboard backlight. It is designed for Mac users who want quick controls without function keys or separate monitor controls.
Trackpad edge controls for Mac
Haptiker is a macOS menu bar utility that turns the edges of a MacBook or Magic Trackpad into controls for volume, display brightness, and keyboard backlight. The right edge handles sound, the left edge handles brightness, and the top edge handles the keyboard light. An optional bottom-edge gesture adds app switching.
The app is designed for quick adjustments without reaching for function keys, monitor controls, or the Dock. It requires Accessibility permission to detect trackpad touches, but says those touches are processed in memory on the Mac and are not stored or sent. Haptiker supports macOS 12 or later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, with external-monitor brightness available on Apple Silicon through DDC/CI.
Key features
Built-in and external display brightness
Use the left edge to change the display brightness under the cursor. On Apple Silicon Macs, external displays can be adjusted through DDC/CI without a separate monitor-control utility.
Keyboard backlight slider
Slide sideways across the top edge to adjust the keyboard backlight on supported Macs with backlit keyboards.
App switching
Optional bottom-edge gestures let you flick to the previous app or open a recent-app switcher. App switching is disabled by default and can be enabled in Haptiker's settings.
Gesture configuration and feedback
Edge width, sensitivity, side assignment, bottom-quarter mode, haptic ticks, fine control, frozen cursor, adjustable step sizes, and on-screen zone previews provide control over how gestures behave.
Menu bar controls and updates
A menu bar interface shows live sound, display, and keyboard-light levels, provides one-click pausing, and supports automatic updates.
Practical use cases
Quick audio changes while working
Adjust sound while working in a browser, editor, or other full-screen app by sliding the right trackpad edge. The display indicator helps confirm whether audio is going to speakers, headphones, AirPods, or a monitor.
Multi-display brightness control
Move the pointer to the screen you want to change, then use the left edge to adjust its brightness. This is useful for MacBook users moving between the built-in display and a supported external monitor.
Keyboard lighting without function keys
Change keyboard illumination from the top trackpad edge on a Mac with a backlit keyboard, avoiding the function keys when working in changing light.
Rapid app switching
Use the optional bottom-edge app switcher to return to the previous application or browse recently used apps from the trackpad when switching tasks repeatedly.
Personalized or temporary gesture use
Tune edge width and sensitivity, preview the active zones, and pause gestures from the menu bar when another workflow needs unmodified trackpad behavior.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides volume, display brightness, and keyboard backlight controls from a trackpad edge.
- Brightness follows the display under the cursor, including supported external monitors on Apple Silicon Macs.
- Gesture guards distinguish edge adjustments from two-finger scrolling, mid-pad swipes, and ordinary pointing.
- Includes haptic feedback, fine control, configurable edge zones, a frozen cursor option, and a one-click pause.
- Offers a 7-day full-feature trial, one-time licensing, and activation on up to three Macs.
Cons
- External-monitor brightness requires an Apple Silicon Mac and a display path that supports DDC/CI; some monitors, docks, adapters, hubs, and DisplayLink connections may not work.
- The app requires Accessibility access, and the optional launch-at-login setting requires macOS 13 or later.
- Keyboard backlight control applies to Macs with a backlit keyboard; monitor speakers may not offer adjustable volume.
FAQ
What Macs and trackpads are supported?
Haptiker supports macOS 12 or later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs with a built-in Force Touch trackpad or a Magic Trackpad. Launch at login requires macOS 13 or later.
How do I set up Haptiker?
Download and install Haptiker, then enable it under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility. macOS requires this permission so the app can read trackpad touches and detect edge gestures.
Can Haptiker control an external monitor's brightness?
Yes, on Apple Silicon Macs. Move the cursor onto the external display and slide along the left trackpad edge. Haptiker communicates with the display over DDC/CI, although some monitors, adapters, docks, hubs, and DisplayLink connections may not support it.
Will edge gestures interfere with normal trackpad use?
No. A gesture must begin with one finger on the edge and travel along it. Two-finger scrolling, normal pointing, and slides that begin in the middle of the trackpad are ignored.
Can I try Haptiker before buying, and how is it licensed?
The app has a 7-day trial with every feature, without an account or card. The launch price is £4.99 paid once, and one license key can activate up to three Macs. Haptiker has no subscription.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Mac utility
- Platform
- macOS 12 or later
- Supported hardware
- Apple Silicon and Intel Macs with a built-in Force Touch trackpad or Magic Trackpad
- License
- One-time purchase; one key activates up to 3 Macs
- Trial
- 7 days with every feature; no account or card required
- External displays
- DDC/CI brightness control on Apple Silicon Macs, subject to monitor and connection support
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