OVERLAID

// HONEST COMPARISON · CHECKED SEPTEMBER 2026

Overlaid vs
KeyCastr

If you only want to show keystrokes, KeyCastr is free, open source and does the job. We'd recommend it without hesitation.

Overlaid is for when keystrokes are one part of a bigger demo: you also want to circle things, zoom in and make your cursor obvious.

PICK KEYCASTR IF

all you need is keystrokes on screen, for free.

PICK OVERLAID IF

you want keystrokes plus drawing, zoom and cursor effects in one app.

// AT A GLANCE

THE BASICS.

KEYCASTROVERLAID
PriceFree$11.99 ($4.99 at launch)
How you payOpen sourceOne-time
Free trialNot needed, it's free7 days, everything unlocked
Runs onSee the GitHub releasesmacOS 14 or later
Made byThe KeyCastr contributorsA solo developer

// CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE

Where KeyCastr is better.

KEYCASTR WINS

Free and open source

Install it with Homebrew, read the code, even write your own visualiser for it.

KEYCASTR WINS

Mouse clicks too

It can show mouse clicks as well as keys, with a picture of a mouse if you like.

KEYCASTR WINS

Focused

It does one thing. If that's all you need, a second app is just more to configure.

Where Overlaid is better.

  • +Drawing and zoom in the same app

    Pen, shapes, highlighter, text, ruler, and freeze-and-zoom up to 8x.

  • +Cursor effects

    Spotlight, halo, click ripples and a trail.

  • +Keycap styling

    Raised keycaps with separate themes for regular, modifier and special keys, and nine anchor points on any display.

  • +One set of shortcuts

    Toggle keystrokes, drawing and cursor effects from one place instead of juggling two apps.

Keystrokes and drawing together: draw mode, tool keys and ink in one loop.

// FEATURE BY FEATURE

SIDE BY SIDE.

“Not listed” means we couldn't confirm it from KeyCastr's own site or docs either way. It might exist. If it does, tell us and we'll update this.

FEATUREKEYCASTROVERLAID
Draw over any app, liveNoYesMarks stay put while you keep using the app underneathOVERLAID
Arrows and shapesNoYesLine, arrow, rectangle, ellipseOVERLAID
Freeze, zoom and drawNoYesUp to 8x, pan around, draw at any zoomOVERLAID
Spotlight cursorNoYesOVERLAID
Cursor halo or click effectsYesShows mouse clicksYesHalo, click ripples, trailBOTH
Keystroke overlayYesCommand keys, modified keys or allYesKeycaps, themes, 9 positionsBOTH
Works in any call appYesYesShare your whole screenBOTH

Choose KeyCastr if

  • ✓You only need keystrokes
  • ✓You want free and open source
  • ✓You want to write a custom visualiser

Choose Overlaid if

  • ✓You also draw or circle things
  • ✓You zoom into details
  • ✓You want cursor effects too

// FAQ

QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK.

It's an open-source project on GitHub, available through Homebrew with brew install --cask keycastr. Check its releases page for the latest version.

Shortcuts only by default, so ordinary typing stays private. You can turn on every key, and secure input like password fields is never shown.

// WHERE THIS CAME FROM

SOURCES.

Checked September 2026. Apps change. If something here is out of date or wrong, email us and we'll fix it.

// MORE COMPARISONS

OTHER APPS.

// YOUR NEXT CALL

Don't take our word for it. Try both.

7 days free with every feature. Then a one-time purchase. No account, no subscription.

BUY OVERLAID · $4.99or try it free for 7 days