MonkeySounds: System-wide Mechanical Keyboard Sounds on Windows

Description and use

The developer created MonkeySounds, a free open-source Windows app that plays mechanical keyboard and mouse sounds system-wide. Built with C++ and Win32 API, it hooks into the input system to provide realistic switch sounds for all applications with zero performance impact.

Problem

Existing browser extensions for mechanical keyboard sounds were limited to the browser environment, lacking system-wide coverage for all applications.

Outcome

Released MonkeySounds, a free, open-source Windows app that plays realistic mechanical switch sounds system-wide for every keystroke and mouse click, featuring 16 built-in profiles and custom profile creation with zero performance impact.

Workflow

• Identify limitation of browser-only sound extensions.
• Develop native Windows application using C++ and Win32 API.
• Hook directly into the Windows input system to capture keystrokes and mouse clicks.
• Integrate miniaudio library with WASAPI backend for low-latency audio playback.
• Implement 16 built-in switch profiles and a wizard for custom audio profiles.
• Ensure zero performance impact and system tray integration.
• Package using NSIS installer and set up GitHub Actions for CI.

Evidence

I loved the browser extension that adds keyboard sounds while typing, but I wanted it everywhere not just in the browser. So I built a native Windows app in C++ that hooks directly into the input system.

Source

Zero performance impact runs silently in the system tray

Source