Sound Source offers a rather than a "free-forever" version.

Websites offering "cracked" keys for Mac software are notorious for bundling "adware" or "stealer" malware that targets your Keychain and browser passwords.

Instead of hunting for a "hot key" that might compromise your data, consider the value of the software. Sound Source is a "buy once" utility that saves hours of frustration. It replaces several clunky workarounds with a single, elegant menu bar icon. Final Verdict

Rogue Amoeba (the developers) uses advanced verification. Most "hot" keys are blacklisted within days of appearing online.