=== modified file 'common/tool/tool_dispatcher.cpp'
--- common/tool/tool_dispatcher.cpp	2016-05-02 14:12:17 +0000
+++ common/tool/tool_dispatcher.cpp	2016-05-05 07:35:11 +0000
@@ -323,6 +323,14 @@
         m_toolMgr->ProcessEvent( *evt );
 
     // pass the event to the GUI, it might still be interested in it
+#ifdef __APPLE__
+    // On OS X, key events are always meant to be caught.  An uncaught key event is assumed
+    // to be a user input error by OS X (as they are pressing keys in a context where nothing
+    // is there to catch the event).  This annoyingly makes OS X beep and/or flash the screen
+    // in pcbnew and the footprint editor any time a hotkey is used.  The correct procedure is
+    // to NOT pass key events to the GUI under OS X.
+    if ( type != wxEVT_CHAR )
+#endif
     aEvent.Skip();
 
     updateUI();