Good fit
- You want one key to dictate in any app, not just one window.
- You want your recording to stay on your Mac.
- You want to keep using the same dictionary on iPhone.
Product · Mac
KeyVox for Mac
Hold a key, speak, and let go. KeyVox places the finished text wherever you were typing, in any Mac app.
100% Local
0 Cloud
Dual AI Models
MIT License
KeyVox for Mac is a global, hold-to-talk dictation tool. Hold your chosen trigger key anywhere on your Mac, speak, and release. KeyVox turns your speech into text on your device and places it in the app you were using.
It works system-wide, not inside one app window, and you do not need to create an account or pay for a subscription to dictate.
Built to Stay Out of Your Way
5 Details
01
Global Trigger Key
Hold your chosen key from almost any app; the default is Right Option, and Command, Control, and Fn are also available.
02
Hands-Free
Hold Shift while releasing the trigger to keep recording without holding the key down.
03
Changed Your Mind?
Press Esc during recording or transcription to cancel that dictation.
04
Reversible Lists and Paragraphs
Before editing your latest dictation, hold your trigger and press L or P to switch list or paragraph formatting on or off.
05
Personal Dictionary
Add names and terms once, and they can sync to your iPhone through iCloud.
How Dictation Works on Mac
KeyVox never presses Return or Send for you. It places editable text where your cursor is and stops there.
- Choose a trigger key in KeyVox settings (Right Option by default).
- Click into a text field in the Mac app where you want the text.
- Hold the trigger key and speak.
- Release the key. KeyVox transcribes on your device and inserts the text.
- Read the result and send it!
A Short One-Time Setup
During onboarding, KeyVox asks for microphone access so it can hear you, and Accessibility access so it can place finished text into other apps.
You also download a dictation model. Whisper runs on macOS Ventura (13.5) and later. Parakeet needs macOS Sonoma (14) or later. Both then transcribe on the device, without sending your recording to a KeyVox server. You can download Parakeet in KeyVox Settings.
Quick Reference for Mac Shortcuts
| Action | How |
|---|---|
| Start dictating | Hold your configured trigger key. |
| Finish and insert | Release the trigger key. |
| Keep recording hands-free | Hold Shift while releasing the trigger. |
| Cancel | Press Esc during recording or transcription. |
| Toggle List formatting | Before editing your latest dictation, hold trigger + press L. |
| Toggle Paragraph formatting | Before editing your latest dictation, hold trigger + press P. |
| Apply or undo a Vibe | Tap the trigger key once; double-tap to cycle Vibes. |
Is Mac Dictation Right for You?
Keep in mind
- A one-time model download needs an internet connection.
- Accessibility access is required so KeyVox can insert text.
- The formatting shortcuts only work on your latest dictation before you edit it.
Common questions
Questions people ask
Does KeyVox for Mac work in every app?
It works in any ordinary text field where Accessibility access is available, which covers the great majority of Mac apps.
Can I change the trigger key?
Yes. KeyVox settings let you choose Option, Command, Control, or Fn as your trigger.
Does KeyVox for Mac need an account?
No. You do not need to create an account or pay for a subscription to dictate.
What Mac version do I need?
macOS 13.5 (Ventura) or later for Whisper. Parakeet requires macOS Sonoma (14) or later.
Is KeyVox Free?
Yes. KeyVox is free to use with no recurring fee for dictation or weekly limit.
Free your voice
Hold a key. Speak. Keep working.
Download KeyVox for Mac and dictate in any app without sending your voice to the cloud.
No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.