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Key sounds

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  Key sounds John Hill <watcombeman@yahoo.co.uk> - 2025-02-18 08:42 +0000
    Re: Key sounds David <BD@invalid.email> - 2025-02-18 09:13 +0000
    Re: Key sounds Bruce <07.013@scorecrow.com> - 2025-02-18 16:02 +0000
      Re: Key sounds David <BD@invalid.email> - 2025-02-18 16:23 +0000
      Re: Key sounds John <Man@the.keyboard> - 2025-02-18 23:02 +0000
        Re: Key sounds John Hill <watcombeman@yahoo.co.uk> - 2025-02-19 09:34 +0000
          Re: Key sounds John <Man@the.keyboard> - 2025-02-19 11:09 +0000
      Re: Key sounds John Hill <watcombeman@yahoo.co.uk> - 2025-02-19 09:16 +0000
        Re: Key sounds David <David@home.today> - 2025-02-20 12:01 +0000
      Re: Key sounds Yeechang Lee <ylee@columbia.edu> - 2025-11-04 11:21 -0800

#180318 — Key sounds

I would like to hear a click when I press a key on the keyboard. I have
searched among the plethora of options in System Settings. One or two that
looked promising (mainly in acessibility) have been ineffective.

Is there an option for this and if so where is it hiding?

Old John..
-- 
Classic computing: Computers do what you tell them to do, not what you want them to do.
Modern computing: Computers do what they want to do, no matter what you tell them to do.

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#180321

On 18/02/2025 08:42, John Hill wrote:
> I would like to hear a click when I press a key on the keyboard. I have
> searched among the plethora of options in System Settings. One or two that
> looked promising (mainly in acessibility) have been ineffective.
> 
> Is there an option for this and if so where is it hiding?

Hi John

macOS doesn't have a built-in option specifically for producing a click 
sound when pressing keys.

For a key click sound, you would likely need to use a third-party 
solution. One of the most popular tools to customize keyboard behavior 
on macOS is Karabiner-Elements, which allows for various tweaks, 
including sounds for key presses.

**Karabiner-Elements** is a powerful and versatile keyboard 
customization tool for macOS. It allows you to remap keys, modify key 
behavior, and add additional functionality to your keyboard. It's 
commonly used for advanced users who want to fine-tune their keyboard 
settings, including adding key press sounds.

### Features of Karabiner-Elements:
1. **Key Remapping**: You can remap any key to perform a different 
function or create custom shortcuts.
2. **Key Modifiers**: Customize how modifier keys (like Shift, Command, 
Option) behave or even create complex combinations.
3. **Advanced Configuration**: It supports complex conditions for key 
actions based on specific apps or other variables.
4. **Multiple Profiles**: You can set up different configurations for 
various situations or applications and switch between them easily.
5. **Key Repeat & Delay Customization**: Adjust the speed at which keys 
repeat when held down.
6. **Sounds & Feedback**: Although Karabiner-Elements itself doesn't 
directly produce a typing click sound, it can be configured with 
additional scripts to make a sound when a key is pressed.

### Installing Karabiner-Elements:
1. **Download**: Go to [Karabiner-Elements' official 
website](https://github.com/pqrs-org/Karabiner-Elements) and download 
the latest version.
2. **Install**: Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen 
instructions to install the application.
3. **Allow Permissions**: Since Karabiner-Elements modifies system 
settings, you'll need to grant it some accessibility and security 
permissions in **System Settings > Security & Privacy**.

### Adding Key Press Sound:
Karabiner-Elements allows users to add custom scripts and 
configurations. You can modify it to trigger a sound effect upon 
pressing keys by following a few steps:

1. **Open Karabiner-Elements**: Launch the app after installation.
2. **Go to the "Complex Modifications" Tab**: Karabiner includes a 
repository of pre-built modifications, and you can add custom rules to them.
3. **Create a Custom Rule**: You'll need a script (e.g., an AppleScript 
or a sound-playing command) that plays a sound whenever a key is pressed.
4. **Apply the Rule**: Once your script is set up, you can activate it 
and listen for a click sound when typing.

### Example: Using AppleScript for Key Press Sound
To generate a sound on key press, you can add a simple AppleScript like 
this:
```applescript
do shell script "osascript -e 'beep'"
```
This will cause your system to produce the default macOS "beep" sound 
whenever a key is pressed, but you can substitute with any other sound 
if you wish.

### Final Thoughts:
While **Karabiner-Elements** is an advanced tool that can provide 
substantial control over your keyboard, adding a key press sound is not 
part of the default features. It requires some customization via 
scripts. However, once set up, it offers powerful functionality that 
might suit your needs if you're willing to experiment with these 
advanced features.

=

This information obtained from ChatGPT - NOT my own work! ;-)

It also asks .....

Would you like detailed steps for adding a key press sound or any 
specific help setting this up?

-- 
Warm regards,
David in Devon!

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#180334

On 18/02/2025 08:42, John Hill wrote:
> I would like to hear a click when I press a key on the keyboard. I have
> searched among the plethora of options in System Settings. One or two that
> looked promising (mainly in acessibility) have been ineffective.
> 
> Is there an option for this and if so where is it hiding?

<https://www.imore.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-mac> ;-)

It is possible but convoluted and hidden (in Sequoia at least):

1) Go to System Preferences -> Sound and in the Sound Effects section 
ensure that Play User Interface Sound Effects is selected.

2) Then System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Keyboard and ensure that 
Slow Keys is selected.

3) And now here's the hidden bit as I can't find the path for this: in 
the System Settings dialogue type "click" into the search field. One of 
the results should be "Use key click sounds"

Click on this and in the dialogue box that pops up: turn on "Use 
keyclick sounds" and reduce the acceptance delay to very short. (The 
longer the setting the longer you have to hold a key down for it to 
register.)

That's it.

It's not perfect because it is designed for motor skills issues, rather 
than just hearing a click.

Regards,
-- 
Bruce Horrocks
Hampshire, England

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#180335

On 18/02/2025 16:02, Bruce wrote:
> On 18/02/2025 08:42, John Hill wrote:
>> I would like to hear a click when I press a key on the keyboard. I have
>> searched among the plethora of options in System Settings. One or two 
>> that
>> looked promising (mainly in acessibility) have been ineffective.
>>
>> Is there an option for this and if so where is it hiding?
> 
> <https://www.imore.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-mac> ;-)
> 
> It is possible but convoluted and hidden (in Sequoia at least):
> 
> 1) Go to System Preferences -> Sound and in the Sound Effects section 
> ensure that Play User Interface Sound Effects is selected.
> 
> 2) Then System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Keyboard and ensure that 
> Slow Keys is selected.
> 
> 3) And now here's the hidden bit as I can't find the path for this: in 
> the System Settings dialogue type "click" into the search field. One of 
> the results should be "Use key click sounds"
> 
> Click on this and in the dialogue box that pops up: turn on "Use 
> keyclick sounds" and reduce the acceptance delay to very short. (The 
> longer the setting the longer you have to hold a key down for it to 
> register.)
> 
> That's it.
> 
> It's not perfect because it is designed for motor skills issues, rather 
> than just hearing a click.

I've checked this - and *it works*!  CONGRATULATIONS! 🥳

I also informed ChatGPT and this was the response:-

=

Thanks for sharing that! It looks like Apple has indeed hidden this
option under Accessibility > Keyboard with "Slow Keys" enabled. The key
click sound is tied to an assistive feature rather than a general typing 
option.

I appreciate the correction—this is useful for anyone who wants audible
feedback while typing on macOS. I'll keep this in mind for future
reference.

*Did your Usenet friend find it helpful*?

-- 
Kind regards,
David

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#180347

On Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:02:56 +0000, Bruce <07.013@scorecrow.com>
wrote:

>On 18/02/2025 08:42, John Hill wrote:
>> I would like to hear a click when I press a key on the keyboard. I have
>> searched among the plethora of options in System Settings. One or two that
>> looked promising (mainly in acessibility) have been ineffective.
>> 
>> Is there an option for this and if so where is it hiding?
>
><https://www.imore.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-mac> ;-)
>
>It is possible but convoluted and hidden (in Sequoia at least):
>
>1) Go to System Preferences -> Sound and in the Sound Effects section 
>ensure that Play User Interface Sound Effects is selected.
>
>2) Then System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Keyboard and ensure that 
>Slow Keys is selected.
>
>3) And now here's the hidden bit as I can't find the path for this: in 
>the System Settings dialogue type "click" into the search field. One of 
>the results should be "Use key click sounds"
>
>Click on this and in the dialogue box that pops up: turn on "Use 
>keyclick sounds" and reduce the acceptance delay to very short. (The 
>longer the setting the longer you have to hold a key down for it to 
>register.)
>
>That's it.
>
>It's not perfect because it is designed for motor skills issues, rather 
>than just hearing a click.

 Good work, thank you, but can't Mr. Hill simply buy a keyboard that
clicks? My cheapo Windows KB  which I use for my MiniMac does. It cost
about ten USDollars or ten UKPounds. I bought it in a small computer
bits-and-repair shop.

 It doesn't click repeatedly when I hold a key down, just on first
impact. 

 True, some of the keys are mapped differently from those on a real
Maccy KB but that's easy to learn. 

                                            J. 

>
>Regards,

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#180357

On 18 Feb 2025 at 23:02:33 GMT, "John" <Man@the.keyboard> wrote:

> On Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:02:56 +0000, Bruce <07.013@scorecrow.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> On 18/02/2025 08:42, John Hill wrote:
>>> I would like to hear a click when I press a key on the keyboard. I have
>>> searched among the plethora of options in System Settings. One or two that
>>> looked promising (mainly in acessibility) have been ineffective.
>>> 
>>> Is there an option for this and if so where is it hiding?
>> 
>> <https://www.imore.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-mac> ;-)
>> 
>> It is possible but convoluted and hidden (in Sequoia at least):
>> 
>> 1) Go to System Preferences -> Sound and in the Sound Effects section
>> ensure that Play User Interface Sound Effects is selected.
>> 
>> 2) Then System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Keyboard and ensure that
>> Slow Keys is selected.
>> 
>> 3) And now here's the hidden bit as I can't find the path for this: in
>> the System Settings dialogue type "click" into the search field. One of
>> the results should be "Use key click sounds"
>> 
>> Click on this and in the dialogue box that pops up: turn on "Use
>> keyclick sounds" and reduce the acceptance delay to very short. (The
>> longer the setting the longer you have to hold a key down for it to
>> register.)
>> 
>> That's it.
>> 
>> It's not perfect because it is designed for motor skills issues, rather
>> than just hearing a click.
> 
>  Good work, thank you, but can't Mr. Hill simply buy a keyboard that
> clicks? My cheapo Windows KB  which I use for my MiniMac does. It cost
> about ten USDollars or ten UKPounds. I bought it in a small computer
> bits-and-repair shop.
> 
>  It doesn't click repeatedly when I hold a key down, just on first
> impact.
> 
>  True, some of the keys are mapped differently from those on a real
> Maccy KB but that's easy to learn.
> 
> 

The problem with that is that I would lose the ability to use TouchID to log
in to my iMac. It doesn't always work, but it's so easy when it does.

Old John.
-- 
Classic computing: Computers do what you tell them to do,
not what you want them to do.
Modern computing: Computers do what they want to do,
no matter what you tell them to do.

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#180359

On Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:34:47 -0000 (UTC), John Hill
<watcombeman@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

>On 18 Feb 2025 at 23:02:33 GMT, "John" <Man@the.keyboard> wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:02:56 +0000, Bruce <07.013@scorecrow.com>
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> On 18/02/2025 08:42, John Hill wrote:
>>>> I would like to hear a click when I press a key on the keyboard. I have
>>>> searched among the plethora of options in System Settings. One or two that
>>>> looked promising (mainly in acessibility) have been ineffective.
>>>> 
>>>> Is there an option for this and if so where is it hiding?
>>> 
>>> <https://www.imore.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-mac> ;-)
>>> 
>>> It is possible but convoluted and hidden (in Sequoia at least):
>>> 
>>> 1) Go to System Preferences -> Sound and in the Sound Effects section
>>> ensure that Play User Interface Sound Effects is selected.
>>> 
>>> 2) Then System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Keyboard and ensure that
>>> Slow Keys is selected.
>>> 
>>> 3) And now here's the hidden bit as I can't find the path for this: in
>>> the System Settings dialogue type "click" into the search field. One of
>>> the results should be "Use key click sounds"
>>> 
>>> Click on this and in the dialogue box that pops up: turn on "Use
>>> keyclick sounds" and reduce the acceptance delay to very short. (The
>>> longer the setting the longer you have to hold a key down for it to
>>> register.)
>>> 
>>> That's it.
>>> 
>>> It's not perfect because it is designed for motor skills issues, rather
>>> than just hearing a click.
>> 
>>  Good work, thank you, but can't Mr. Hill simply buy a keyboard that
>> clicks? My cheapo Windows KB  which I use for my MiniMac does. It cost
>> about ten USDollars or ten UKPounds. I bought it in a small computer
>> bits-and-repair shop.
>> 
>>  It doesn't click repeatedly when I hold a key down, just on first
>> impact.
>> 
>>  True, some of the keys are mapped differently from those on a real
>> Maccy KB but that's easy to learn.
>> 
>> 
>
>The problem with that is that I would lose the ability to use TouchID to log
>in to my iMac. It doesn't always work, but it's so easy when it does.


 You would only lose Touch ID were you to do as I vaguely suggested
which was to buy a cheap keyboard. For a few extra pennies really good
ones could be had. 

 Of course, you say in another post that you don't particularly want
hordes of extra KB's cluttering up the place. I fully understand this.
I have lots of old ones from the days when every computer came with
mousey, keyboard and monitor. No one wants them so they sit in boxes
waiting for me to decide to bin them, which I don't as they are good
tech and still work. Well, they *might* work were I to find a computer
unit with the proper connectors. Those old KB's never imagined USB nor
wireless, they all have strange things at the ends of their leads. :)

 I thought I'd offer the KB suggestion out of niceness in case you
hadn't thought of that option. Obviously you have so I'll go away,
now. 

                                         J. 

>
>Old John.

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#180356

On 18 Feb 2025 at 16:02:56 GMT, "Bruce" <07.013@scorecrow.com> wrote:

> On 18/02/2025 08:42, John Hill wrote:
>> I would like to hear a click when I press a key on the keyboard. I have
>> searched among the plethora of options in System Settings. One or two that
>> looked promising (mainly in acessibility) have been ineffective.
>> 
>> Is there an option for this and if so where is it hiding?
> 
> <https://www.imore.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-mac> ;-)
> 
> It is possible but convoluted and hidden (in Sequoia at least):
> 
> 1) Go to System Preferences -> Sound and in the Sound Effects section
> ensure that Play User Interface Sound Effects is selected.
> 
> 2) Then System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Keyboard and ensure that
> Slow Keys is selected.
> 
> 3) And now here's the hidden bit as I can't find the path for this: in
> the System Settings dialogue type "click" into the search field. One of
> the results should be "Use key click sounds"
> 
> Click on this and in the dialogue box that pops up: turn on "Use
> keyclick sounds" and reduce the acceptance delay to very short. (The
> longer the setting the longer you have to hold a key down for it to
> register.)
> 
> That's it.
> 
> It's not perfect because it is designed for motor skills issues, rather
> than just hearing a click.
> 
> Regards,

Thanks! indeed it does work. Much cleaner solution than inststalling extra
software or spending money on keyboards I don't want.
And I can turn it on and off by turning Slow Keys on or off.

Old John
-- 
Classic computing: Computers do what you tell them to do,
not what you want them to do.
Modern computing: Computers do what they want to do,
no matter what you tell them to do.

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#180378

On 19/02/2025 09:16, John Hill wrote:
> On 18 Feb 2025 at 16:02:56 GMT, "Bruce" <07.013@scorecrow.com> wrote:
> 
>> On 18/02/2025 08:42, John Hill wrote:
>>> I would like to hear a click when I press a key on the keyboard. I have
>>> searched among the plethora of options in System Settings. One or two that
>>> looked promising (mainly in acessibility) have been ineffective.
>>>
>>> Is there an option for this and if so where is it hiding?
>>
>> <https://www.imore.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-mac> ;-)
>>
>> It is possible but convoluted and hidden (in Sequoia at least):
>>
>> 1) Go to System Preferences -> Sound and in the Sound Effects section
>> ensure that Play User Interface Sound Effects is selected.
>>
>> 2) Then System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Keyboard and ensure that
>> Slow Keys is selected.
>>
>> 3) And now here's the hidden bit as I can't find the path for this: in
>> the System Settings dialogue type "click" into the search field. One of
>> the results should be "Use key click sounds"
>>
>> Click on this and in the dialogue box that pops up: turn on "Use
>> keyclick sounds" and reduce the acceptance delay to very short. (The
>> longer the setting the longer you have to hold a key down for it to
>> register.)
>>
>> That's it.
>>
>> It's not perfect because it is designed for motor skills issues, rather
>> than just hearing a click.
>>
>> Regards,
> 
> Thanks! indeed it does work. Much cleaner solution than inststalling extra
> software or spending money on keyboards I don't want.
> And I can turn it on and off by turning Slow Keys on or off.

I apologise for misleading you, Old John.

Did you also note the apology from ChatCPT?

-- 
David

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#182208

Bruce wrote:
> 3) And now here's the hidden bit as I can't find the path for this: in 
> the System Settings dialogue type "click" into the search field. One of 
> the results should be "Use key click sounds"

I use Klack, a paid utility on the App Store, for audible keyclicks.
That said, your solution works!

"Use click key sounds" is available through the "i" icon to the right
of the Slow Keys toggle switch.

--
geo:37.783333,-122.416667

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