Keyboard Test
Full key response, rollover / NKRO, chatter, input latency and typing speed — tested live on a virtual keyboard.
Due to OS-level limits, some keys or combos may not register — this is neither a bug nor a fault of your keyboard. Learn why
On Mac (and some Windows laptops) the F1–F12 keys need a modifier key (e.g. Fn) to work — keep this in mind while testing.
Keyboard tests
Why choose My PC Tester?
Realistic key layout
A 1:1 virtual keyboard that mirrors your physical layout — keys light up and respond just like the real thing, so you can spot a problem key at a glance.
Millisecond precision
High-resolution timers capture every single keystroke and support high-polling-rate devices, so esports players can chase down millisecond-level keyboard input lag.
Complete test coverage
Covers rollover (NKRO), input latency, polling rate and chatter, on everything from 60% compact boards to full-size keyboards.
Test instantly, online
No client to download or install — tests run through your browser’s native interfaces. Open the page, test, and leave without adding any burden to your PC.
How to start testing
- 01 · Key function test
First click the virtual keyboard to grab focus, then press every physical key one by one and watch whether the matching on-screen key lights up — quickly pointing you to keys that are dead, sticking or making poor contact.
- 02 · Rollover check
Press several common combos at once (e.g. WASD + Space). If some keys fail to light up, your keyboard has an inherent key conflict (ghosting) and cannot register true simultaneous multi-key input.
- 03 · Performance test
Use the chatter test to check switches for double-firing, sticking or slow rebound, and the latency test to quantify keyboard input latency from key press to signal output. Together these reveal your keyboard’s real performance and give solid data for tuning your game settings.
Test principle: why some keys never light up
A key travels from your finger to the screen through two gates — whatever stops it may be the system, the browser or a driver, not necessarily a "broken key".
Gate A — the system / driver layer: Fn Lock, third-party software hooks, driver remapping — it decides whether the browser can receive this key. A key stopped here is completely silent in the page (not even a single keydown) — that is not a bug, the key simply never reached the browser.
Gate B — the browser layer: e.g. F5 refresh, Ctrl+W close tab — it decides whether the browser runs its own default action on top of the key. In fullscreen mode on Chromium browsers (Chrome / Edge) a few more keys can register, but still not all — OS-level keys like macOS brightness / volume / media F keys or Cmd+Tab cannot be reached by any web page, fullscreen or not.
Only when every gate lets a key through does it reach the page completely, and the tester can detect that it was pressed. So if some keys do not respond, there is no need to worry — it may not be your keyboard at all. We are also preparing a local desktop app to help you test more thoroughly.
| Layer | Example keys | Browser, not fullscreen | Browser, fullscreen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browser shortcuts | F5, Ctrl+S, Backspace | Can detect | Can detect |
| Browser shortcuts (stubborn) | Ctrl+T, Ctrl+N, F11 (partly) | Cannot detect | Partly detect |
| Operating-system level | Win, Cmd+Tab, brightness/volume/media F keys | Cannot detect | Cannot detect |
Frequently asked questions
What is a mechanical keyboard — and why choose one over membrane?
Every key has its own physical switch. Compared with membrane keyboards, you get clearer tactile feedback, a longer lifespan, full-key rollover, and a feel you can personalize by switch type.
Why does my test show latency?
Browser-level tests include OS scheduling and the browser render loop. A reading of 10–30 ms is normal system latency; above 50 ms it may start to affect gaming.
What do 60%, TKL and 100% mean?
Keyboard sizes. 100% is the standard 104-key layout; TKL (tenkeyless) drops the numpad for 87 keys; 60% also drops the F-row and arrows — a compact layout that frees up mouse space.
Do wireless keyboards lag in games?
Modern high-end 2.4 GHz tech (Logitech Lightspeed, Razer Hyperspeed) is on par with wired — around 1 ms. Bluetooth usually adds more delay and is not recommended for competitive play.
Why do some keys not light up?
The page needs keyboard focus — click once inside the tester first. Some OS-level combos (Cmd, Alt+Tab) are captured by the system and cannot be measured in a browser; that is normal, not a fault.
How can I see which key I am pressing?
That is exactly what this tester does: click once inside the tester to give it focus, then press any key — the matching key on the virtual keyboard lights up and shows its press count. On a Mac, open the Mac page for a Mac-layout view with Command and Option in place.
Is there a keyboard troubleshooter for keys that do not respond?
Work through it in order: try another USB port (or a wired connection if wireless) → rule out Fn Lock and driver remapping software → test in another browser or on another computer. If a key stays dark on every device, its switch is likely dead; if it only fails on this page, the system or browser is holding the key back — see the two-gates test principle above.
Keyboard types
By layout: compactness vs. function keys
- Full-size (100%): includes the numpad — the most complete layout, ideal for finance or heavy numeric input.
- TKL / 80%: drops the numpad to save desk space while keeping function and arrow keys.
- 60% / 65% / 75%: increasingly compact. Better for portability, but you lose some function keys.
By working principle: three main types
- Mechanical: metal contacts trigger on physical press — rich feel, highly customizable, the mainstream pick for enthusiasts.
- Membrane: a membrane circuit triggers the signal — cheap, soft to type on, common in offices.
- Electrostatic capacitive: changes in capacitance trigger without physical contact — no contact wear, quiet, e.g. HHKB / Realforce, usually pricier.
Connection methods & core metrics
Connection methods
- Wired: lowest latency and most stable.
- 2.4G wireless: low latency, good for gaming.
- Bluetooth: convenient multi-device switching, but generally higher latency.
Core metrics
- Polling rate: the higher it is, the faster the keyboard reports key states — lower theoretical latency.
- Latency: total time from press to response; lower feels snappier.
- NKRO (full rollover): no dropped keys when many are pressed at once — crucial for gaming and multi-key combos.
Marketing specs only tell part of the story — measure your board's real polling rate, latency and rollover with the tester here.
Keyboard structure
Inside-out: every part has a job
- PCB — the "brain": reads and transmits every key signal.
- Switch — the "heart": defines how a key feels and sounds.
- Stabilizers / balance bars: keep big keys like Space and Enter smooth and rattle-free.
Mounting & moddability
- Gasket mount: soft-material mounts that float the PCB for a bouncier feel — now the mainstream custom choice.
- Top-mount / Tray-mount: more traditional mounts with a firmer feel.
- Hot-swap: pull switches out and replace them without soldering — an easy way to try different switches.
Freely mixing switches, keycaps, PCB and cases yourself is what "custom keyboards" are all about.
Switches & keycaps
Switches: pick by feel
- Linear (e.g. red): smooth, straight down — great for gaming and quiet setups.
- Tactile (e.g. brown): a clear bump at the actuation point — a balance of typing feedback and gaming.
- Clicky (e.g. blue): a tactile bump plus a crisp "click" — very audible while typing.
Key specs are actuation force, actuation travel and total travel. Testing real switches beats relying on colors or spec sheets. Popular brands: Cherry, Kailh, Gateron, TTC.
Keycaps: materials & printing
- ABS: smooth, but tends to "shine" with long use.
- PBT: matte, durable and fade-resistant — the common choice for custom boards.
- POM / PC / metal: niche materials with their own sound and texture.
Doubleshot printing is the most durable and dyesub offers the most colors; profiles such as Cherry, OEM, SA, DSA and XDA change typing feel and looks.
Switch tester: try switches before you commit
What is a keyboard switch tester?
- A switch tester is a small plate holding several different mechanical switches so you can feel linear, tactile and clicky options side by side before buying a full board.
- Physical kits usually carry 4-9 switches (Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron, TTC...) — a cheap way to find your preferred actuation force and sound.
- What a bare kit can't show is how a switch behaves under real typing — that needs a full board or a test like ours.
Test switches online instead
- Use the chatter test as a practical switch test: press one suspect key 20-50 times and watch for double-fires, sticking or slow rebound — a healthy switch stays at zero.
- Pair it with the dropout test to catch worn contacts, and the latency test to see how fast the whole switch-to-screen chain responds.
- Feel and sound still matter — but hard numbers beat guessing from a spec sheet.
Keyboard care
Use a dust cover
When not in use, put on a dust cover to keep out dust, spills and debris from falling between the keycaps, keeping your keyboard clean and extending its life.
Clean your keyboard
Pull the keycaps with a wire puller and clear the plate with a brush and compressed air to keep the feel fresh.
Water & spill resistance
Most mechanical boards are not waterproof. A spill can short the PCB or gum up the switches — keep liquids away, or pick a spill-resistant model.
Use it properly
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and treat your keyboard with care — don’t take out a bad mood on your keyboard.
Keyboard troubleshooting: quick self-checks
Some keys never light up
Click the tester once to give the page keyboard focus, then re-test. Still dark? Rule out Fn Lock and remapping software, try another USB port, and test in another browser. OS-level keys (Win, Cmd+Tab, media keys) are normal to miss in a browser.
Keys type doubles
One press showing two letters is chatter. Confirm which key with the chatter test, then clean the switch with high-purity alcohol, raise the debounce time in the driver, or swap the switch on a hot-swap board.
Keys drop while held
Hold the key in the dropout test — a non-zero count points to oxidized contacts, a cold solder joint or a loose hot-swap socket. Reseat or replace the switch on hot-swap boards; otherwise go through warranty service.
Whole keyboard unresponsive
Check the cable and another USB port first, then test on another computer. Works elsewhere? The problem is your system — drivers, USB power saving or a stuck software hook — not the keyboard itself.
Buying guide
Use cases
- Office / typing: prioritize comfort and quiet — tactile or silent linear switches with low-profile keycaps.
- Gaming: responsiveness wins — linear switches with a high polling rate and low latency.
- Portable: go compact with reliable 2.4G / Bluetooth dual-mode connectivity.
Layout & build
- Full-size (100%): most complete — handy for finance or programming.
- TKL (80%): drops the numpad — a balance of function and desk space.
- 75% / 65% / 60%: more compact for minimal desks or frequent travel, but you'll use more key combos.
- For a bouncier feel, look for a Gasket mount.
Switches
- Prefer quiet and smooth? Go linear.
- Want typing feedback? Go tactile.
- Love a crisp click? Try clicky (mind the office).
- Not sure? Test different switches' feedback and sound before you decide.
Brands
- International: Logitech, Razer, Corsair, Cherry — long-standing build quality and support.
- Value Chinese brands: VGN, RK, Ajazz, Darui, Keychron — great price/performance.
- Custom-first brands: NuPhy, IQUNIX, MelGeek — design and personalization focus.
- Budget ranges from entry-level to full custom kits with no real ceiling.