MacPipAnswer
Can Clacky play sounds only in some apps?
Yes. In Settings → General → More options, Clacky has a list of apps, and one menu decides whether sounds play everywhere except these apps or only in these apps.
Keyboard sounds go further: you can give any app its own typing sound, or no typing sound at all.
How to keep Clacky quiet in some apps
An app on the list counts while it is in front, or while the pointer is over it. So if your video editor is on the list, clicking in its window is silent, even while another app is in front.
- Open Clacky's Settings and go to General.
- Click More options and find Quiet in these apps.
- Click Add App and pick an app that is open now, or any app from your Applications folder.
- Next to each app, choose what goes quiet: Sounds and ripples, Sounds only or Ripples only.
How to play sounds only in some apps
Until you add an app, Clacky keeps playing everywhere, so switching the menu alone never silences it by surprise.
- On the same page, set Sounds play to Only in these apps. The list is now called Sounds only in these apps.
- Add the apps where you want Clacky's sounds, for example your writing app.
- Everywhere else Clacky stays quiet. The ripple still shows everywhere.
A different typing sound per app
Settings → Keyboard → More options → Per-app sounds gives an app its own keyboard sound, or No key sounds. Some ideas:
- A soft Muted sound in your code editor and a Typewriter in your writing app.
- No key sounds in a game where you hold keys down.
- No key sounds in your notes app during meetings, while clicks still play.
Quiet without a list
Quiet during calls is on by default. While a call app or your browser uses the microphone, Clacky stays silent, and its menu offers Play Sounds Anyway for that one call. Password fields are always quiet for keyboard sounds, because Clacky respects Secure Input.
For the whole Mac at once, there is the switch at the top of Clacky's menu. How to pause or turn off Clacky quickly lists every way.
Questions
Can I keep the ripple but mute the sound in one app?
Does the app list work for keyboard sounds too?
Can Clacky go quiet in my browser on one website only?
Facts checked on 5 November 2026.
Related
- Sounds where you want themOnly with headphones, on the output you pick, or only in the apps you choose. Ripples still show everywhere.
- Will people on my Zoom call hear Clacky's sounds?No, not by default. Quiet during calls keeps Clacky silent while Zoom, Meet, FaceTime, Teams or Discord uses your mic. The ripple shows on screen share.
- Can Clacky play sounds only in my headphones?Yes. Turn on Only with headphones and Clacky plays in AirPods, Bluetooth or wired headphones, and stays quiet on your Mac's speakers.
- Do keyboard sounds work in Terminal, VS Code and every app?Yes. Clacky’s keyboard sounds play in every app, Terminal and VS Code included. They pause only while Secure Input is on, like Secure Keyboard Entry.
- Do Clacky’s sounds work in games?Yes. Clacky’s sounds play in any app, games included, and the ripple shows over full-screen games. It goes quiet during Discord and other calls.
Make something on your Mac today.
3 days free, every feature. Then $4.99 once.