Live vs Push-to-Talk (PTT)
TalkWriter offers two dictation modes. Each one controls how you start and stop recording with the Fn key. Choosing the right mode depends on how you dictate.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Push-to-Talk (PTT) | Live Mode |
|---|---|---|
| How to start | Hold Fn | Press Fn once |
| How to stop | Release Fn | Press Fn again |
| Recording while Fn released | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (until toggled off) |
| Best for | Short bursts, commands, quick replies | Long-form writing, notes, essays |
| Accidental recording risk | ⚡ Low (must hold key) | ⚡ Moderate (may forget to toggle off) |
| Hands-free after start | ❌ Must hold Fn | ✅ Fully hands-free |
| Silence handling | Ends when you release | Keeps listening through pauses |
| Accuracy | ⚡ Best (silent streaming) | ✅ Great |
| Default mode | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Push-to-Talk (PTT) Mode
How It Works
- Hold the Fn key.
- The pill overlay appears and TalkWriter starts listening.
- Speak your text.
- Release the Fn key.
- TalkWriter processes and pastes the polished text.
Best For
- Quick emails and messages — Dictate a reply, release Fn, and it pastes instantly.
- Code comments — Hold Fn, say your comment, release, done.
- Voice commands — Short, precise instructions.
- Noisy environments — You control exactly when the mic is active.
Pros
- You have precise control over when recording starts and stops.
- No risk of accidentally leaving the mic on.
- Uses silent real-time streaming for maximum accuracy.
Cons
- You must keep holding the Fn key while speaking.
- Less convenient for dictations longer than 30 seconds.
Live Mode
How It Works
- Press the Fn key once to start.
- The pill overlay appears and TalkWriter starts listening continuously.
- Speak freely. Pause whenever you need to think.
- Press the Fn key again to stop.
- TalkWriter processes and pastes the polished text.
Best For
- Long-form writing — Essays, articles, blog posts, letters.
- Meeting notes — Leave it on and dictate as discussion happens.
- Brainstorming — Speak your ideas with natural pauses in between.
- Accessibility — Hands-free after the initial key press.
Pros
- Completely hands-free after pressing Fn once.
- Natural pauses do not interrupt the recording.
- Ideal for extended dictation sessions.
Cons
- You might forget to toggle off, resulting in unintended recording.
- Background noise during pauses can occasionally be picked up.
When to Use Which Mode
| Situation | Recommended Mode |
|---|---|
| Replying to a Slack message | PTT |
| Writing a blog post | Live |
| Dictating a commit message | PTT |
| Taking meeting notes | Live |
| Composing a quick email | PTT |
| Writing an essay | Live |
| Filling out a form field | PTT |
| Brainstorming ideas in Scratchpad | Live |
| Noisy coffee shop | PTT |
| Quiet home office, long session | Live |
How to Switch Modes
- Open TalkWriter Settings (Cmd + ,).
- Go to the Dictation section.
- Select Push-to-Talk or Live as your default mode.
- Close Settings. The change takes effect immediately.
See Switching Dictation Modes for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch modes quickly without opening Settings? Currently, mode switching is done through the Settings panel.
Does the mode affect accuracy? PTT mode uses silent real-time streaming, which can yield slightly higher accuracy. Both modes produce excellent results.
Can I use Live mode with a headset? Yes. Live mode works with any microphone source, including AirPods and Bluetooth headsets.
Was this helpful? Let us know at support@talkwriter.ai