Keeby icon

Keeby

Keeby is a macOS menu bar app that adds mechanical keyboard sounds to typing, with spatial audio, a reactive visualizer, and switch profiles. One-time purchase, fully offline, no data collection.

Keeby

Overview

Keeby is a macOS menu bar app that adds mechanical keyboard sounds while you type. It is built around real recordings of mechanical switches, with separate sounds for key down and key up events, so the audio follows your typing rather than a synthetic loop.

The app combines sound customization with a small visualizer and spatial audio. You can switch between sound profiles, adjust the tone from thock to clack, and control the app from the menu bar. Keeby is sold as a one-time purchase and is described as fully local, with no network access and no data collection.

Features

Down and up keystroke sounds

Plays mechanical keyboard sounds as you type, with separate sounds for key press and key release.

Spatial audio

Pans sound left and right so keys on the left speaker play from the left and keys on the right play from the right.

Reactive visualizer

Shows a small keyboard that follows the cursor and lights keys as you type, with a one-click toggle from the menu bar.

Switch profiles and tone control

Lets you drag between thock and clack and try different switch profiles such as K Pro Red, K Pro Brown, Alpaca, Holy Panda, Box Navy, and others.

Menu bar workflow

Runs as a menu bar app and can be controlled from the menu bar with options such as enabling Keeby, configuring sound switches, enabling the visualizer, and positioning the app.

Low-latency, private playback

Uses a lock-free audio engine with a 128-frame buffer and is described as fully offline with no network access or data collection.

Use cases

  • Add keyboard sound to a Mac setup

    Ideal for people who want their typing to sound more like a mechanical keyboard without buying or replacing hardware.

  • Test and compare sound profiles

    Useful when you want to audition different switch styles and move the sound toward thock or clack before settling on a profile.

  • Pair sound with a typing visualizer

    Helpful for users who like visible feedback while typing and want a small keyboard animation alongside the audio.

  • Control it from the menu bar

    Fits a menu bar workflow where you want quick control over sound switches, visualizer state, and app positioning without opening a separate window.

  • Use a local, private typing app

    Works for users who prefer an offline app with no accounts, telemetry, or cloud sync requirements.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Uses real recordings from actual mechanical switches instead of synthesized sounds.
  • Supports spatial audio, so left and right key presses can map to different speakers.
  • Includes a reactive keyboard visualizer that follows the cursor.
  • Offers tone control and multiple switch profiles for tuning the sound.
  • Described as fully private, offline, and free of network access or data collection.

Cons

  • It depends on macOS Input Monitoring permission to detect key presses.
  • The support page frames many issues as permission-related, so setup may require a macOS privacy check if sound does not play.
  • The source page advertises a Get for Windows link, but the main product page and support guidance are centered on macOS.

FAQ

Why does Keeby need Input Monitoring permission?

Keeby requests macOS Input Monitoring permission so it can detect key press and release events and trigger sounds in real time. If sound stops after a macOS change or permission reset, you can re-enable it in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Input Monitoring.

Where do I find Keeby after launching it?

Keeby is described as a menu bar app. It lives in the top-right area of the screen rather than in the Dock, and the support page notes that it may be hidden by the notch or other menu bar icons.

Is Keeby subscription-based or does it collect usage data?

The pricing page says Keeby is a one-time purchase and that there is no subscription. The privacy page also says it has no accounts, no analytics, and no network access.

What should I do if Keeby stops making sound?

Support issues are often tied to macOS permissions. The support page recommends checking System Settings → Privacy & Security → Input Monitoring, restarting the app after granting access, or reopening it if permission needs to be requested again.

Does Keeby work on Windows too?

The source material explicitly covers macOS and also includes a Get for Windows link that requires Windows 10 or later. The product page itself is centered on Mac use, so Windows support should be verified against the Windows download flow before assuming feature parity.

Quick Facts

Category
Productivity
Platform
macOS menu bar app
Pricing
$4.99 one-time purchase
Privacy
No data collection; no network access
Source domain
keeby.vercel.app
Related platform note
Get for Windows link is shown; Windows 10 or later required