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Keyboard TestingPolling RateReal-Time Measurement
KEYBOARD PERFORMANCE

Keyboard Polling Rate Test

Measure your keyboard's polling rate and response frequency with real-time input sampling.

Polling Rate
READYREADY
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Real-Time Measurement
Current Frequency-- Hz
LIVE TEST

Hold any key to measure repeat rate

[ WAITING FOR INPUT ]
Hold any key for 2–3 seconds for an accurate statistical sample.Local & Private
Hz Over Time
Current HzAverage Hz
Run a test to see your repeat-rate graph.
Statistics
Min / Max--
Jitter--
Consistency--
Samples0
NOTE

This test measures your OS keyboard repeat rate, not your keyboard hardware polling frequency.

Your operating system's keyboard settings and browser event delivery affect the result. To increase repeat rate, adjust your operating system's keyboard repeat settings.

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Keyboard Polling Rate Test Guide

Understand keyboard repeat rate, what affects it, and what this browser test can actually measure.

FUNDAMENTALS

What is Keyboard Repeat Rate?

Keyboard repeat rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), determines how many repeat key events the operating system generates per second when you physically hold down a keycap.

When you hold a key:

  1. Initial Keydown: The switch actuates, firing an immediate keypress.
  2. Repeat Delay: The operating system pauses for a brief delay (typically 250–500ms) to ensure you did not tap the key by accident.
  3. Repeat Stream: If the key remains held, the OS dispatches continuous keydown events at your configured repeat frequency until release.
Key Distinction: This is completely different from keyboard hardware polling rate. Hardware polling rate refers to the USB micro-controller communication scan frequency (1,000Hz to 8,000Hz), while this browser tool measures the rate of key repeat events delivered to applications.
FACTORS

What Affects Repeat Rate?

  • OS Settings: Windows, macOS, and Linux each feature dedicated control panels and registry flags governing repeat speed.
  • Keyboard Firmware: Some enthusiast keyboards and custom QMK/ZMK firmwares have onboard turbo-repeat modes.
  • Browser Event Loop: Browsers process keystroke events alongside UI layout passes, creating natural micro-variations.
  • System Scheduling: High CPU load and power-saving governor states can throttle event dispatch intervals.
CONFIGURATION

Increasing Repeat Rate

Windows: Control Panel → Keyboard → Move "Repeat rate" slider to Fast.
macOS: System Settings → Keyboard → Set "Key repeat rate" slider to Fast.
Linux: Adjust desktop keyboard settings or execute xset r rate 200 30 in terminal.

Certain gaming keyboards (e.g. Ducky, Leopold, Wooting) also provide hardware Fn-key combos to override repeat frequency directly on the PCB.

BENCHMARKS

Observed Rate Benchmarks

30+ HzVERY FAST

Maximum OS repeat rate tier. Typically achieved on Windows/macOS with repeat sliders set to max or registry/terminal tweaks.

25–30 HzFAST

High repeat setting. Provides rapid character repeats in terminal editors, IDEs, and supported gaming applications.

20–25 HzAVERAGE

Standard default repeat range for most out-of-the-box Windows and macOS installations.

15–20 HzBELOW AVERAGE

Slower repeat setting. Character repeats have noticeable latency between consecutive firings.

< 15 HzSLOW

Very slow repeat rate. Common when accessibility key repeat filters (e.g. Filter Keys) are enabled.

TRANSPARENCY

Test Limitations

  • Measures operating system repeat events, not hardware USB packet polling.
  • Browser JavaScript execution timing can introduce minor statistical jitter (± 1–2 Hz).
  • Operating systems intentionally enforce maximum repeat ceilings to preserve UI responsiveness.
  • Dedicated hardware oscilloscopes or USB protocol analyzers are required to verify physical 1,000Hz–8,000Hz USB polling.

Frequently Asked Questions