Searchable list dialog with keyboard navigation (arrows + enter) - lightweight alternative?”

Hey all,

I need a dialog that shows a searchable list with keyboard navigation, and I’m wondering if there’s a simpler approach than what I’m doing now.
What I need:

  • List of items with a search field
  • As I type, the list filters in real-time
  • Use arrow keys to navigate results
  • Hit Enter to select

Basically, like Spotlight - type to filter, arrows to pick, Enter/return key to confirm.

Current setup:
I wrote a Swift helper that my AppleScript calls via do shell script. It works great, but feels heavy for what’s essentially just a filtered list picker. And also, it has a short 2-second delay till it opens

My question:
Is there something lighter? Maybe an HTML window? Or perhaps a utility or other language I don’t know about? I’d rather not maintain a separate compiled binary if there’s a cleaner way.

I know choose from list exists, but it doesn’t have the live filtering or keyboard navigation I need.
Has anyone known any solution to this before?

I prefer a solution that’s not dependent on third parties unless necessary, but I’m open to any suggestions.

Thanks!

What is making the Swift helper feel heavy? Since it works well, perhaps it would be easier to lighten it up rather than start from scratch with AppleScript, especially if you would be doing the same thing.