1. Speak
Hold your Mac trigger key, or tap the microphone on the KeyVox iPhone keyboard.
Product · How dictation works
Private On-Device Dictation With KeyVox
One core habit, two devices: hold or tap to speak, then get editable text where you were already writing.
100% Local
0 Cloud
Dual AI Models
MIT License
KeyVox dictation turns your speech into text using a model installed on your Mac or iPhone. You speak, KeyVox transcribes on the device, and it places editable text where your cursor is.
KeyVox never sends the finished text automatically. KeyVox never presses Send or Return for you.
Quick decision
The Dictation Loop, in Four Steps
2. Transcribe
Your device turns the recording into text using the model you installed.
3. Insert
When you stop speaking, the complete text appears in the active field.
4. Enjoy
Keep dictating as much as you need. KeyVox dictation does not require a subscription.
What Makes Dictation More Accurate
These are general good habits for any speech-to-text system, not settings unique to KeyVox.
- A quieter room and a closer microphone generally help any speech model.
- Speaking at a natural pace, without long pauses mid-sentence, tends to help transcription quality.
- Adding names, brands, and specialized terms to your custom dictionary helps KeyVox spell them the way you want.
- Choosing the dictation model that fits your device and macOS or iOS version can also affect result quality and speed.
What Happens After the Text Appears
| Situation | What KeyVox does | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| A message app | Places the text in the message field. | Your message stays in the box until you press Send. |
| A document or note | Inserts the text at your cursor. | Keep writing or editing normally. |
| An AI chat like ChatGPT or Claude | Places the text in the prompt box. | Your prompt appears in the box, ready whenever you are. |
| A terminal such as Claude Code | Adds the text to the active prompt. | The command stays in the terminal until you press Return. |
Choosing Between Whisper and Parakeet
KeyVox offers two on-device dictation models. Whisper runs on macOS Ventura (13.5) and later, and on supported iOS versions. On Mac, Parakeet needs macOS Sonoma (14) or later; it is also available on supported iPhones. Both transcribe entirely on your device once installed.
You can pick a different model on each device you own; there is no requirement to use the same one everywhere.
What Dictation Does and Does Not Do
What it does
- Turns your speech into editable text on your device.
- Applies your saved custom dictionary spellings.
- Leaves the finished text in place until you send it.
What it does not do
- It does not press Send or Return for you.
- It does not control the app once text is inserted.
- It does not require you to create an account.
Common questions
Questions people ask
Does KeyVox send my recording anywhere to transcribe it?
No. Dictation happens on your Mac or iPhone using the model you installed.
Will KeyVox send a message for me automatically?
No. KeyVox inserts editable text and leaves the Send or Return action to you.
Can I use a different model on Mac than on iPhone?
Yes. Each device can use the dictation model that fits it best.
Can saved names and terms improve dictation accuracy?
They can help with names, brands, and specialized terms that a general model would otherwise guess at.
Is KeyVox Free?
Yes. KeyVox is free to use with no recurring fee for dictation or weekly limit.
Free your voice
Dictation without a subscription.
Download KeyVox and turn speech into editable text on your Mac or iPhone.
No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.