TapNoiseFor reading and studying, begin with fewer interruptions and a comfortable audio level. A study setup does not need music, typing sounds and several reminder systems at once.
Remove the obvious interruptions
Open the material you need, close unrelated tabs and use a Focus with deliberate exceptions if notifications keep pulling you away. Set a stopping point for reviewing the material rather than measuring the session by keystrokes.
Keep necessary messages reachable. A rule that is too restrictive can lead to repeatedly opening every app to check whether you missed something.
Compare silence with one audio layer
Try silence first, then a low-level background sound if you prefer it. macOS Background Sounds can provide continuous ambient playback; interactive key feedback follows your typing instead.
For spoken lectures or dense reading, a sound you enjoy during drafting may compete with the content. Change the setup for the task rather than treating one theme as universally productive.
Respect the room
In a library or shared room, headphones avoid broadcasting software audio. Check whether TapNoise’s MacBook speaker override is enabled, since that can still play into the room while you wear a headset.
For the available audio choices, see Background Sounds versus typing feedback. For ordinary notification controls, use the quieter-notification guide.
Sources: Apple’s Focus guide, Background Sounds.