diff --git a/src/lib/components/HotkeyRecorder.svelte b/src/lib/components/HotkeyRecorder.svelte
index 24eec34..307caca 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/HotkeyRecorder.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/HotkeyRecorder.svelte
@@ -189,16 +189,16 @@
       {recording
         ? 'bg-bg-input border-accent shadow-[0_0_0_3px_rgba(201,133,85,0.1)]'
         : captured
-          ? 'bg-bg-input border-border animate-pulse-warm'
+          ? 'bg-success/10 border-success/40'
           : 'bg-bg-input border-border hover:border-border'}
-      border transition-all"
+      border transition-colors"
     onclick={startRecording}
     aria-label={ariaLabel}
     aria-pressed={recording}
   >
     <span class="sr-only" aria-live="polite">{srStatus}</span>
     {#if recording}
-      <span class="text-[11px] text-text-tertiary italic">Hold Ctrl/Alt/Super + key...</span>
+      <span class="text-[11px] text-text-tertiary italic">Hold Ctrl/Alt/Super + key. Esc to cancel.</span>
     {:else}
       {#each chips as chip, i}
         {#if i > 0}