Keyboard Polling Rate Test
Press and hold any key for 3+ seconds. The tool measures OS auto-repeat timing, which approximates polling Hz on the same OS.
Browser key events are throttled by OS auto-repeat (often ~30 events/sec on Windows). This is a comparative reading between keyboards on the same system, not true firmware polling.
Hold a key now
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How to use
- Click the dashed focus area so the page receives keyboard input.
- Press and hold any key for several seconds — the tool collects intervals between repeat keydown events.
- Keep holding until samples grows and avg interval / est. rate / min interval stabilize.
- Try another keyboard on the same PC and OS settings for a side-by-side comparison.
- Click Reset to clear samples before another model or after reconnecting USB.
FAQ
Why is Hz only ~30 on my gaming keyboard?
Browsers receive OS keyboard auto-repeat, which is often capped around 30 events per second on Windows. This reads repeat timing, not raw USB polling.
Can I get true 1000 Hz keyboard polling here?
No. This tool estimates from repeat intervals; use vendor software or HID traces for hardware-level polling.
Is data uploaded?
No. Samples stay in your browser tab.
Introduction
Keyboard Polling Rate Test measures milliseconds between OS repeat events while you hold a key, then shows estimated Hz. It reflects auto-repeat scheduling, not certified firmware USB polling — best for same-system comparisons.
Purpose
- See whether two boards behave differently under the same OS repeat settings.
- Understand why browser tests never show true kHz-class keyboard polling.
Key Features
- Samples milliseconds between OS auto-repeat keydowns while you hold a key.
- Surfaces average interval, estimated Hz, minimum interval, and sample count.
- Clear warning that this reflects browser + OS repeat, not USB firmware polling.
Common Use Cases
- Showing beginners why JS never shows kHz keyboard polling directly.
- Comparing two boards on the same OS repeat profile for fairness.
Best Practices
- Hold one key steadily for several seconds until sample count stabilizes.
- Press Reset between keyboards or after changing repeat delay in system settings.
Comparison metrics
| Metric | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Samples | More repeat gaps → more stable average. |
| Avg interval (ms) | Mean time between repeats — 1000 / avg ≈ est. rate. |
| Est. rate (Hz) | Derived repeat frequency visible to JavaScript. |
| Min interval (ms) | Shortest gap in the window — can show burstier repeat delivery. |
Compare keyboards on the same computer only; changing OS repeat delay/rate first invalidates cross-session numbers.