Best Alternatives to Kleanly in 2025
Kleanly is a clever macOS utility that locks your keyboard and trackpad with a single tap from the notch, making it safe to clean your Mac while a video keeps playing. It also offers a full-screen black overlay to reveal smudges. But if you don't have a notch, prefer a different approach, or need extra features, there are several alternatives worth considering. Here are the best options.
Keyboard Cleaner
A classic, free utility that disables the keyboard for safe cleaning. It doesn't lock the trackpad, but it's lightweight and works on any Mac. You can trigger it via a menu bar icon or keyboard shortcut.
KeyboardCleanTool
This free app from the makers of BetterTouchTool blocks all keyboard and trackpad input with one click. It's simple, reliable, and works on any Mac, though it lacks the notch integration and black overlay.
CleanMyKeyboard
A paid app that locks both keyboard and trackpad, and includes a customizable timer to automatically re-enable input after cleaning. It also offers a screen-cleaning mode with a black background, similar to Kleanly.
FingerLock
FingerLock locks your keyboard and trackpad with a customizable hotkey or from the menu bar. It's ideal for cleaning and also prevents accidental input during presentations. It doesn't have a notch interface, but it's highly configurable.
Keyboard Lock
A simple, free menu bar app that disables the keyboard (but not the trackpad) until you click the icon again. It's a no-frills solution for quick cleaning, though it lacks the trackpad lock and screen overlay.
MacPilot
A comprehensive system utility that includes a 'Disable Keyboard' feature among many other tools. It's overkill if you only need cleaning, but it offers extensive customization and works on all Macs.
Built-in Accessibility Shortcuts
You can create a custom shortcut in System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control to ignore built-in trackpad when a mouse is connected, but it's not a true lock. For a free, DIY approach, you can use Automator to create a service that disables input, though it's less convenient than dedicated apps.
While Kleanly offers a unique notch-based tap and a black overlay for cleaning, alternatives like Keyboard Cleaner, KeyboardCleanTool, and FingerLock provide similar keyboard and trackpad locking with different interfaces. CleanMyKeyboard adds a timer and screen-cleaning mode, while MacPilot bundles the feature into a larger utility. For a free, basic solution, Keyboard Cleaner or KeyboardCleanTool are excellent choices. Choose based on whether you need trackpad locking, a black overlay, notch integration, or additional customization.