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Set up the Globe key and the ⌘⇧Space fallback
macOS uses the Globe key (🌐, also labeled fn) for its own shortcut, usually the emoji picker. In System Settings then Keyboard, set “Press 🌐 Key To” to “Do Nothing”. Then hold 🌐 to dictate, or double-tap it to talk hands-free. ⌘⇧Space starts and ends hands-free dictation when Globe isn’t free.
Why the setting matters
macOS handles the Globe key before any app can see it. If “Press 🌐 Key To” is set to “Show Emoji & Symbols”, “Change Input Source”, “Start Dictation” or “Show Quick Note”, macOS does that as well as SwitchDesk: the picker pops up over your dictated text and takes focus.
SwitchDesk checks this for you. In Settings then Dictation, the “Globe key behaviour” card reads “All set” when the key is free, and “Needs fixing” when it isn’t:
Set “Press 🌐 Key To” to “Do Nothing”
Click “Open Keyboard Settings”
It’s on the “Globe key behaviour” card in
Settings then Dictation. The setup screens show the same check (“Quick check that your globe key is free.”).Find “Press 🌐 Key To” near the top of the pane
Illustration: System Settings → Keyboard, with “Do Nothing” chosen. Change it to “Do Nothing”
Close System Settings. Nothing else on your Mac changes.
Come back to SwitchDesk
The card updates by itself and reads “All set”. Now hold 🌐 and talk; let go and the text lands where your cursor is.
Try itThe Globe key, bottom-left on a Mac keyboard.
Use ⌘⇧Space instead
If you’d rather keep Globe for something else, or you’re on a keyboard without one, press ⌘⇧Space to start dictating hands-free. Press it again to finish, and the text lands where your cursor is. Both shortcuts are listed in Settings then Dictation:
Hotkey
Tip: System Settings → Keyboard → "Press Globe Key To" → Do Nothing for cleanest operation.
Where emoji went
The emoji picker is still on ⌃⌘Space.