Okay, we understand. Superhuman just looks so cool with all those fancy features, but $30 per month? That’s just too much money for email alone. The best part is you can actually trick out Gmail to function almost exactly the same. We’ve been assisting users with this configuration for months now, and really, it’s nearly the same as Superhuman.

Let us take you step by step through what you have to do in order to make your dull old Gmail something that you’ll actually get pumped about looking at.

First Things First: Enable Those Keyboard Shortcuts

This is the most crucial step, and it’s crazy that Gmail buries this option. Most users don’t even know these shortcuts exist.

Here’s what you have to do: Click that tiny little gear icon way up in the corner, then click “See all settings.” You’ll see under the General tab there is something labeled “Keyboard shortcuts” and you need to toggle that to “on.” Don’t forget to save it.

After you do this, it all changes. You can fly through emails without ever having to touch your mouse. It really does feel like magic the first time you do it.

Auto Advance Will Change Your Life

This one’s a life-changer that no one discusses nearly enough. If you’re archiving or deleting an email, rather than being booted back to your inbox like an amateur, Gmail will automatically take you to the next email.

You can find this hidden in the Advanced settings. Go to Settings, then Advanced, and seek out Auto-advance. Flip it on and thank us later.

Trust us, once you begin using this, reverting to the old method is like using a 1995 computer.

Templates Are Your Secret Weapon

If you catch yourself writing the same emails repeatedly (and who doesn’t?), templates will be your sanity-saver. Use them for “thanks for reaching out” notes to full-blown project updates.

It’s a breeze to get them set up. Go back to those Advanced settings and turn on Templates. Now you can save any email as a template and use it over and over again. It’s like having your own personal assistant who never gets bored typing the same thing.

The B Key Trick That Nobody Knows About

Here’s something that took us an eternity to realize. Although Gmail doesn’t boast Superhuman’s seamless snooze button, you can press the B key to snooze emails rapidly or schedule reminders. Most folks go back to their inbox by using H, but B is now your best buddy for controlling when emails resurface.

It’s one of those tiny tweaks that makes a dramatic difference once you’re accustomed to it.

Create Your Own Split Inbox Setup

Superhuman’s split inbox is rather neat for staying tidy, but Gmail can also do the trick if you’re resourceful about it. Begin organizing special labels for kinds of emails and employing Gmail’s searching ability to create what essentially works like concentrated inboxes.

For instance, make labels such as “Urgent Stuff” and “Follow Up Later.” Then sort emails using Gmail’s search to put them into those categories. You can even save these searches so they’re always only one click away.

It does involve some setup, but once you’ve got it going, your email management is a snap.

Here’s Where We Come In

All that functionality above gets you close to the Superhuman experience, but we designed Simplehuman to fill in all the gaps Gmail requires to really compete.

After you install Simplehuman, your Gmail configuration actually becomes better than Superhuman in several aspects.

You can press Esc to return anywhere, and Enter opens up emails or initiates replies immediately. It may seem easy, but it makes all of it feel so much more fluid.

Our natural language reminders are phenomenal. Rather than clicking through menus, you can simply type things like “tomorrow at 2pm” or “next Monday” and it actually gets what you’re saying.

The Cmd+K functionality could be our new favorite thing in the world. You press those keys and can quickly go anywhere to a label or folder simply by typing out its name. No more searching through all those sidebar menus.

We also have these nice tooltips that appear and instruct you on shortcuts as you progress. It’s like having a coach assisting you while you get quicker.

And our archive, delete, and reply one-click shortcuts? Chef’s kiss. Your inbox is this tidy, structured place without lifting a finger.

Why This Truly Is Better Than Superhuman

Having assisted thousands of individuals with this configuration, we really believe it’s superior to shelling out for Superhuman. You have all the speed and ease, but you’re still on Gmail, so everything plays along with your current workflow seamlessly. And thinking about your privacy? We do not read your email. You do not have to give access to your inbox to a 3rd party. We work alongside your other gmail extensions.

The Bottom Line

Look, it doesn’t take long to pimp out Gmail, but the benefits are enormous. Start by turning on keyboard shortcuts and auto advance. Add templates if you frequently send the same type of email. Get familiar with hitting B to snooze, and install some smart labels.

Next, add Simplehuman to close all the loopholes and get Gmail to do exactly what you need it to do.

Your future self will thank you when you’re flying through emails rather than sinking in them. And your wallet will thank you for not shelling out $360 per year on high-end email software.

Ready to give your Gmail a boost? Simplehuman is free for 15 days to find out for yourself. Download it here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Gmail work exactly like Superhuman?

Yes, you can get very close by adjusting native Gmail settings like enabling keyboard shortcuts, turning on Auto Advance, and using templates. To bridge the final gap and get features like the Command Bar and natural language snooze, adding a tool like Simplehuman completes the transformation.

2. How do I enable keyboard shortcuts in Gmail?

To fly through your inbox without a mouse, go to the Settings gear icon, click “See all settings,” and scroll down to the “Keyboard shortcuts” section in the General tab. Toggle it to “On” and save. This is the first step to a Superhuman-like workflow.

3. What is Gmail Auto Advance and why should I use it?

Auto Advance is a hidden setting in the Advanced tab that automatically opens the next conversation after you archive or delete an email, rather than dumping you back to the inbox. It drastically speeds up email processing and keeps you in the flow.

4. Does Gmail have a “Command Bar” like Superhuman?

Native Gmail does not have a Command Bar. However, Simplehuman adds this feature (triggered by Cmd+K or Ctrl+K). It allows you to jump to labels, folders, or specific settings instantly by typing the name, which saves you from hunting through sidebars.

5. How can I snooze emails faster in Gmail?

You can use the B key to open the snooze menu if shortcuts are enabled. For an even faster experience, Simplehuman upgrades this with natural language processing, allowing you to type phrases like “next Monday” or “tomorrow 2pm” instead of clicking through calendar dates.

6. Is there a way to navigate Gmail using only Esc and Enter keys?

Standard Gmail can be clunky with navigation. Simplehuman enhances this by making the Esc key always return you to the previous view and the Enter key open emails or send replies. This makes the interface feel much more fluid and app-like.

7. Is Simplehuman safer than using Superhuman?

Simplehuman operates as a layer over your existing Gmail, meaning it does not need to store your emails on third-party servers. We do not read your emails, and you don’t have to hand over full inbox access to a separate email client, which offers better privacy and security.

8. How do I create email templates in Gmail?

Go to Settings > Advanced and enable Templates. Once active, you can draft an email and save it as a template from the compose window’s “More options” menu. This saves massive amounts of time on repetitive emails like “Thanks for reaching out.”

9. Can I customize Gmail to have a Split Inbox?

Yes. You can replicate a Split Inbox by creating specific labels (e.g., “Urgent,” “Read Later”) and using Gmail’s search operators to sort incoming mail. While it requires manual setup, it helps categorize your mail similar to Superhuman’s detailed views.

10. Why should I use Simplehuman instead of just paying for Superhuman?

Superhuman costs $30/month, which adds up to $360/year. Simplehuman offers the key speed features you actually want like shortcuts, command palette, and speed for a fraction of the price, and it lets you keep your familiar Gmail workflow without moving to a new platform.