MacBook Pro Trackpad disable ONLY while typing?

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Level 1

4 points

MacBook Pro Trackpad disable ONLY while typing?

I've had to resort to turning off the Trackpad in Accessibility. I do sometimes use the trackpad, and it's very nice, but normally I use a Bluetooth thumbwheel (Logitech Ergo).

The problem is that I generally wear long sleeves. The trackpad gets triggered at times when I'm typing, and suddenly I'm typing in a previously-typed paragraph halfway up the page.

I'd love to be able to tell the MacBook that "If I'm typing, turn off the trackpad" but leave it on the rest of the time.

There could be a user-definable delay as well ... both for "how long typing has been happening" say, like 0.5 seconds to 5 seconds as well as "how long typing has not been happening" say, for a similar range.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.7

Posted on Mar 15, 2025 7:08 PM

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Answer 1

TheLittles

Level 10

203,869 points

Mar 15, 2025 7:32 PM in response to Mizamook

"There could be a user-definable delay as well ... both for 'how long typing has been happening' say, like 0.5 seconds to 5 seconds as well as "how long typing has not been happening" say, for a similar range."

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User-defined Delay for Trackpad:

You Can't. This is not an option. So, stop using ling sleeves. Perhaps using Hey Siri, you can get it to be disabled, rather than having to disable it yourself. Say something like: "Turn off the trackpad."

Recommend this to Apple:

Do your Part: Inform Apple of this idea. You'd do so by providing Apple Feedback on this. Apple wont get back to you directly, but the more feedback thy receive from its users, the more likely they will know what their customers prefer, and what options to include in macOS versions to come.

Go Here: Feedback - macOS - Apple
Select: "Feature Request" for the "Feedback Type"
Select: "Peripheral" for the "Feedback Area"
Comment: on why you want this to be an option, and how you think it can help others.
Proceed from there as necessary

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Answer 2

Mizamook Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 15, 2025 11:01 PM in response to TheLittles

Hmmm. I know I can't. I guess I should have specified that it is a wish. I know it's not an option.

If you lived where I do, you'd happily tell anyone suggesting not to wear long sleeves to politely shove it. : )

I don't use Siri.

Thanks for the encouragement to write Apple. And for the detailed instructions! I will. I had assumed they monitor these forums, but I guess a specific message as feature request would be more effective.

In the meantime I'll find a plastic material that I can shape to fit nicely into the trackpad area to make it not so sensitive, but allow me to use it on the few occasions I need to or find it more convenient.

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Answer 3

TheLittles

Level 10

203,869 points

Mar 16, 2025 10:21 PM in response to Mizamook

“If you lived where I do, you'd happily tell anyone suggesting not to wear long sleeves to politely shove it. : )”

———-

To Clarify:

It’s no more than a recommendation on my part, as it would indeed solve the issue.

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Answer 4

Mizamook Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 16, 2025 10:47 PM in response to TheLittles

Of course, I understand that. I was being a little snarky, but hopefully in not a mean way. Indeed, using voice input would work too, or simply refraining from typing.

Seriously though, I've done it with my palms as well.

There are many mods and improvements to machines over time, and while some, or even most people had learned to live without them before, it is undeniable that having options or the ability to make one's environment or tools better, or more customisable for the person or task, is a good thing. That's why we have nice things. Otherwise we'd be clacking away on Commodore style keyboards, for instance.

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Answer 5

TheLittles

Level 10

203,869 points

Mar 17, 2025 2:30 AM in response to Mizamook

"MacBook Pro Trackpad disable ONLY while typing?: Of course, I understand that. I was being a little snarky, but hopefully in not a mean way. Indeed, using voice input would work too, or simply refraining from typing.[...]"

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No worries :)

Change the Default Tackpad:

My only other thought is to get an external trackpad, and set that as your main trackpad. See this: Magic Trackpad (USB‑C) - White Multi-Touch Surface - Apple

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MacBook Pro Trackpad disable ONLY while typing?

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