Alt/Option keyboard shortcuts break international keyboard layouts

Problem

Several Claude Code keyboard shortcuts require configuring Option (macOS) or Alt as the Meta key:

• Alt+P - Switch model
• Alt+B - Move back word
• Alt+F - Move forward word
• Alt+M - Toggle model menu
• etc.

This configuration breaks essential character input on non-US keyboard layouts.

Impact

On many international keyboards (Swedish, German, French, Spanish, and others), the Option/Alt key is required to type fundamental programming characters:

| Character | Usage |
|-----------|-------|
| { } | Blocks, objects, interpolation |
| [ ] | Arrays, subscripts |
| \ | Escape sequences, paths |
| | | Pipes, OR operators |
| @ | Decorators, email, mentions |
| ~ | Home directory, bitwise NOT |

When Option is configured as Meta, these characters become impossible to type, making the terminal unusable for coding.

Current workaround

Users must choose between:

1. Using keyboard shortcuts but losing the ability to type essential characters
2. Keeping their keyboard functional but losing access to shortcuts

Neither is acceptable for daily use.

Suggested solutions

1. Make shortcuts configurable - Allow users to rebind shortcuts to different key combinations
2. Use Ctrl-based shortcuts - Ctrl doesn't conflict with character input on international layouts
3. Use Cmd-based shortcuts on macOS - Cmd is not used for character input
4. Support multiple bindings - e.g., both Alt+P and Ctrl+Shift+P for the same action

Environment

• macOS with Swedish keyboard layout (but affects many other layouts)
• Issue applies to any terminal emulator (iTerm2, Terminal.app, etc.)

This is an accessibility/internationalization issue that affects a significant portion of users outside the US.