VoicePrivate
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Last updated 21 October 2026.
The short answer
Open your mouse or macro software, assign a spare button to send your dictation shortcut, and use that button to start and stop dictating. On Windows, VoicePrivate accepts its recording shortcut from programmable mouse buttons, macro keys and accessibility tools, so one press starts recording and a second press stops it and pastes the text.
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Why use a button instead of a keyboard shortcut
Dictation shortcuts usually need two keys pressed together, many times a day. For people with hand pain, limited reach or a single usable hand, a large mouse side button, a programmable key on a keypad, a foot switch or an accessibility switch can be easier. The button does not change how dictation works. It just sends the same shortcut.
What you can use
| Device | How it triggers dictation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse with programmable side buttons | The mouse software maps a button to a keyboard shortcut | Most gaming and productivity mice include this software |
| Macro keypad or programmable keyboard keys | The keypad software sends the shortcut from one key | Useful when you want a dedicated dictation key |
| Accessibility switch or foot switch | Sends a chosen key or shortcut, directly or through its software | Hands free starting and stopping |
| Accessibility software | Sends the shortcut when you trigger it another way | Works with VoicePrivate on Windows since 1.6.90 |
Worked example: a mouse side button for VoicePrivate on Windows
- In VoicePrivate Settings, note your recording shortcut, for example Ctrl+Shift+Space.
- Open your mouse software and choose the button you want, for example the rear side button, which on most mice is button 4.
- Set that button to send a keyboard shortcut and enter the same keys, Ctrl+Shift+Space.
- Click into a document, press the side button once and speak for about 10 seconds, then press it again. The text is pasted at the cursor.
- If nothing happens, check that you are on VoicePrivate 1.6.90 or later for Windows, and that the mouse software is set to send the keys to all applications, not just one.
On a Mac
Mac dictation has its own shortcut, set in System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation, and many mouse utilities for the Mac can send a keyboard shortcut from a button. VoicePrivate for Mac starts with its keyboard shortcut. The support for mouse buttons, macro keys and accessibility tools described above is in VoicePrivate for Windows. See how to use dictation on Mac for the Mac shortcut settings.
Make each dictation count
With fewer presses, longer dictations help: speak a whole paragraph, then stop. A headset microphone keeps accuracy steady when you sit back, which matters if you are dictating instead of typing for most of the day. See best microphone for dictation.
If you are comparing tools for hand pain or arthritis, Mac dictation vs third-party apps compares the built-in options with dedicated dictation apps.
Dictation from a mouse button: frequently asked questions
Can I start dictation with a mouse button?
Yes, if your mouse software can map a button to a keyboard shortcut. Assign the button to send your dictation shortcut, then press the button to start and press it again to stop. On Windows, VoicePrivate accepts its recording shortcut when it comes from programmable mouse buttons, macro keys and accessibility tools, since version 1.6.90.
Does this work with Windows voice typing?
If your mouse software can send Win+H, pressing the mapped button opens Windows voice typing the same way the keyboard shortcut does. Windows voice typing sends audio to Microsoft's cloud, so it needs an internet connection.
Can I do this on a Mac?
Mac dictation lets you choose its shortcut in System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation, and many mouse utilities can send a keyboard shortcut from a button. VoicePrivate on a Mac starts with its keyboard shortcut; the mouse button, macro key and accessibility tool support described here is for VoicePrivate on Windows.
What is an accessibility switch?
A large button, foot switch or other input device for people who find a keyboard hard to use. Many connect as a keyboard or come with software that sends a chosen key or shortcut, so they can trigger dictation like a mouse button.
Does a mouse button change where my audio goes?
No. The button only starts and stops dictation. With VoicePrivate, speech is still recognized on your computer and the text is pasted at the cursor.
Bottom line
Any button that can send a keyboard shortcut can start and stop dictation. On Windows, VoicePrivate accepts its shortcut from mouse buttons, macro keys and accessibility tools, and recognizes your speech on the computer. VoicePrivate General is $9.99 a month or $84 a year, with a 30-day money-back guarantee on individual plans.