Keypause
Lock your Mac keyboard while you clean it
3 website clicks
Launch week 46, 2026
About Keypause
Keypause for Mac is a free macOS application that temporarily disables your keyboard, allowing you to clean it without accidental inputs. It supports activation via a keyboard shortcut, menu bar icon, or Terminal command. The application automatically re-enables keys after a set timer, ensuring a hassle-free process. While the keyboard is off, your mouse and trackpad remain fully functional. Keypause operates without taking focus from other applications and prioritizes user privacy by not reading typed input.
Keypause for Mac is a free macOS application that temporarily disables your keyboard, allowing you to clean it without accidental inputs. It supports activation via a keyboard shortcut, menu bar icon, or terminal command. The application automatically re-enables keys after a set timer, ensuring a hassle-free process. While the keyboard is off, your mouse and trackpad remain fully functional. Keypause operates without taking focus from other applications and prioritizes user privacy by not reading typed input.
Overview
Who is it for?
Mac users who need to clean their physical keyboard without accidental input.
Features
- Disables all keyboard keys for safe cleaning.
- Automatically re-enables keys after a set timer.
- Keeps mouse and trackpad functional during keyboard lockout.
- Operates without taking focus from other applications.
- Supports scripting via a keypause command, Raycast, and Shortcuts.
- Ensures privacy by not reading typed input.
Use cases
- Productivity
- Cleaning your Mac's physical keyboard without triggering unintended actions.
- Temporarily preventing keyboard input during a presentation or video playback.
- Automating keyboard lockout for routine cleaning schedules.
- You can use Keypause to safely clean your Mac's keyboard without unintended typing. It can also serve to temporarily lock keyboard input during a video call or when a child is near the computer, while still allowing mouse interaction. Its scripting capabilities enable integration into automated workflows for keyboard management.
Details
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- MacOS
- Categories
- Open-Source Utilities System Maintenance
- Launched
- Last updated
More details
Integrations
Scriptable with a keypause command.
Integrates with Raycast.
Integrates with Shortcuts.
Pros
Disables all keys for safe keyboard cleaning.
Automatically re-enables keys, removing the need for manual reactivation.
Allows continued mouse and trackpad use.
Does not interrupt ongoing tasks by taking focus.
Offers scripting options for automation.
Protects user privacy by not recording keystrokes.
Available as a free and open-source application.
What is Keypause for Mac?
Keypause is a free macOS application that temporarily disables your Mac's keyboard. Its primary purpose is to allow users to clean their physical keyboard without accidentally typing or triggering system commands. It ensures that while the keys are off, the mouse and trackpad remain fully functional.
What are its key features?
Keypause turns off every key on your keyboard, allowing for safe cleaning. It automatically re-enables the keys after a user-defined timer expires, which can range from 30 seconds up to 10 minutes. The application's panel does not take focus, so it will not interrupt activities like video playback. It also supports scripting through a keypause command, Raycast, and Shortcuts, and it never reads what you type, ensuring privacy.
How does it compare to alternatives?
The provided information does not offer specific comparisons to alternative software.
What integrations and ecosystem support does it offer?
Keypause offers scripting capabilities. You can control it using a keypause command in Terminal, and it provides links for integration with Raycast and Shortcuts, allowing for custom automation.
What are its pros?
Keypause provides a simple way to disable your keyboard for cleaning, with keys automatically returning to active status. It maintains mouse and trackpad functionality, ensuring you are not completely locked out. The application does not interrupt your workflow by taking focus, and it prioritizes privacy by not logging keystrokes. It is also available as a free and open-source tool.
Alternatives
Compare
Resources
FAQ about Keypause
How do I activate Keypause?
You can activate Keypause by pressing the shortcut ⌃⌥⌘K from anywhere, using the menu bar icon, or by typing keypause in Terminal.
What macOS version does Keypause require?
Keypause requires macOS 14 or later to run.
Is Keypause free to use?
Yes, Keypause is a free application and is also open source.
Similar products
Launched
Ownership
If this is your product, contact us and we can help transfer it to you.
ChatGPT,
Claude,
Perplexity,
Gemini
