Four tools, different priorities
Start with KeyboardCleanTool
Its current version is free, darkens the screen, and supports optional pointer blocking. CleanLock is another cleaning-focused option with timers and overlays.
Consider Mac Input Lock
Keep the current picture visible, block connected input devices, and unlock with your own key sequence. It has no app account or activation.
Look at Warden
Its documented workflow uses Touch ID or your Mac password, with features aimed at leaving work visible while tasks run.
Compare the documented features
Scroll horizontally on smaller screens. “Not documented” means the checked vendor pages do not establish the feature; it does not mean the feature is absent.
| Feature | Mac Input Lock | KeyboardCleanTool | CleanLock | Warden |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $9 once for the official build; free to build from MIT source. Household use. | Free. | $2.99 once, direct download or Mac App Store. | $8.99 once on its homepage; 7-day trial; up to 3 Macs. Some guide pages still advertise $3.99. |
| Minimum macOS | 14 Sonoma; Apple Silicon and Intel. | 13 for version 8. Legacy version 7 supports older Macs. | 13 Ventura. | 15.2. |
| Devices blocked | Built-in and connected keyboards, mice, and trackpads through the macOS event stream. | Version 8: keyboard and Touch Bar; optional mouse and trackpad blocking. | Keyboard and trackpad/mouse clicks; pointer can still move. Vendor says system volume/media keys can still act. | Keyboard, mouse, and trackpad together. |
| What happens on screen | The existing screen stays visible after brief lock feedback; calls and videos continue. | Version 8 darkens screens to make smudges visible. | Full-screen overlays; optional black/white Screen Clean appearance. | Work stays visible, with optional blur and overlays. |
| Unlock method | User-defined case-sensitive key sequence, or Control–Option–Command–D. | Version 8: hold a mouse/trackpad button; optional automatic timer. No keyboard unlock shortcut. | Timer, Escape three times, timed clicks, three-dot sequence, or custom keys. Vendor documents a safety limit. | Unlock shortcut/control followed by Touch ID or the macOS password. |
| Permissions | Accessibility, used to intercept input locally. | Not documented on the current product page; verify with the developer before installing. | Vendor states no Accessibility or Input Monitoring permission is required; uses overlays. | Accessibility, documented in its setup guide; optional helper setup for closed-lid operation. |
| Updates | Optional automatic in-app updates; manual checks also available. | Version 8 advertises automatic updates through Sparkle. | Mac App Store distribution available. Direct-download automatic update behavior: Not documented on the product page. | Check for Updates appears in its interface. Automatic installation policy: Not documented on the homepage. |
| Source availability | Complete application source under MIT on GitHub. | Source license: Not documented on the product page. | Source license: Not documented on the product page. | Homepage links to the developer's GitHub profile. Product source license: Not documented on the homepage. |
When the free option is enough
If you mainly want to wipe your keyboard and prefer a dark display, KeyboardCleanTool is worth checking first. Version 8 also offers optional trackpad and mouse blocking, so “it only locks the keyboard” is no longer an accurate general comparison. The developer distinguishes it from legacy version 7.
For physical cleaning, follow Apple's shutdown and unplug instructions. Input-lock software prevents accidental commands; it does not protect hardware against moisture. Our keyboard-cleaning guide explains the distinction.
When preserving the picture matters
On a family call, a full-screen cleaning overlay would hide the people you want to see. Mac Input Lock is designed to leave your current content visible after brief feedback, with the call's camera, microphone, and audio continuing. It works equally for a video, music, audio story, or photo slideshow.
Choose an unlock sequence, use Start for a five-second countdown, or press Control–Option–Command–D to lock immediately. Type the sequence or repeat the shortcut to unlock. See the toddler and Guided Access guide for concrete examples.
This is an accidental-input tool, not a security boundary: anyone who knows the sequence or shortcut can unlock it. Physical power controls remain under macOS control. If you need authentication to unlock, compare Warden's documented Touch ID/password workflow instead.
Check before you choose
Confirm your macOS version, whether you need the current screen to remain visible, and which unlock action is practical for you. Test on your own connected devices before relying on any input lock. App behavior, hardware keys, and system shortcuts can differ.
Mac Input Lock costs $9 once for the signed, notarized, ready-to-install app with automatic updates and household use. You can inspect, modify, and build its MIT source for free. There is no trial or subscription.
Official sources and verification notes
- Mac Input Lock source, README, and release notes — behavior and compatibility of the current 1.3.2 application.
- KeyboardCleanTool product page — version 8 features, legacy version, price, and update information.
- CleanLock product page and FAQ — cost, overlay approach, unlock modes, compatibility, and hardware-key limits.
- Warden homepage and setup guide — compatibility, permissions, unlock workflow, and pricing. The homepage lists $8.99 while some guides list $3.99; check the actual checkout before purchase.
We do not claim that undocumented features are unavailable, and do not rank these apps by unsupported performance or security scores.
