About Keyboard Lock
One-click keyboard lock for Mac. Block accidental keypresses from pets, kids, or dusting. Click the menu bar icon or tap the overlay to unlock. Cmd+Q and emergency shortcuts still work.
Overview
Cats, kids, and cleaning cloths press keys at the worst times. Keyboard Lock blocks keyboard input with one click and shows a clear on-screen overlay so you know the Mac is protected—unlock from the menu bar or by tapping the overlay.
Key features
One-click keyboard lock
Enable lock before wiping the keyboard, watching video with a child nearby, or leaving the desk briefly. Keys are swallowed until you unlock.
Visible lock overlay
A clear overlay confirms the keyboard is locked so you are never guessing whether input is blocked.
Emergency shortcuts preserved
Critical escape paths like Cmd+Q still work so you are never trapped if you need to quit an app quickly.
Why download Keyboard Lock
- One-click keyboard lock
- Visible lock overlay
- Emergency shortcuts preserved
- Accessibility-powered
Perfect for
- Cleaning keyboards and screens
- Watching videos with kids nearby
- Live demos where accidental keys hurt
- Temporary desk walks away
How to lock your MacBook keyboard for cleaning (a "keyboard cleaning mode" for Mac)
macOS does not ship a keyboard lock. The usual workarounds are shutting the Mac down, locking the screen with Control+Command+Q (which also hides what you were watching), or wiping around a lit keyboard and hoping. Keyboard Lock gives you a cleaner option:
- Click the Keyboard Lock icon in the menu bar and choose Lock keyboard. An overlay confirms input is blocked.
- Wipe the keys with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Never spray liquid directly on the keyboard.
- Press the unlock hotkey shown on the overlay, or tap the overlay, to type again.
The screen stays on the whole time, so this also works when a toddler wants to "help", a cat decides the keyboard is a bed, or you want to lock the MacBook keyboard while watching a movie without a stray key skipping it. It works on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and external keyboards alike. If you have used KeyboardCleanTool, Keyboard Lock is the same idea as that Mac keyboard clean tool, plus a visible overlay and a hotkey. To clean under the keys, use compressed air at an angle with the keyboard locked; never pry keycaps on a MacBook.
Read more: how to lock a MacBook keyboard for cleaning and keyboard lock in the Korinotch notch app.
Install on your Mac
- Create a free account and verify your email.
- Sign in on this page, then click Download DMG.
- Open the disk image and drag Korinotch - Keyboard Lock to Applications.
- Launch from Applications — look for the menu bar icon.
FAQ
Can I lock the keyboard but not the screen?
Yes. Only keyboard input is blocked; the display stays awake and whatever you were watching keeps playing.
Is there a built-in keyboard lock shortcut on Mac?
No. Control+Command+Q locks the whole screen. Keyboard Lock adds a hotkey that only disables the keys.
Why do I need to sign in?
Free downloads are tied to your Korinotch account so we can prevent abuse and keep installers notarized and up to date. No paid subscription is required.
Is this app really free?
Yes. No subscription and no in-app purchases for the core utility.
Does it collect my data?
Mini apps do not include analytics. Your account is only used for sign-in and download access.
Want more tools in one app?
Korinotch bundles 20+ Mac utilities in one native notch command center.