Attack Shark

KEYBOARD POLLING RATE TESTER
Time Remaining
10.00s
Real-time Rate
0 Hz
After clicking "START TEST", alternate pressing two keys quickly (e.g., A and S).
The test will run for 10 seconds.
0
Max Rate
0
Min Rate (Peak)
0
Average Rate
-
Stability
* Browser Limitation: Web browsers have system-level limits on polling rate measurement. Values around 1000Hz usually indicate 1K+ support.
* Ensure you press keys quickly. Holding a key down does not trigger polling detection.

How to Use

1

Click START TEST to initialize the 10-second timer and polling detector.

2

Immediately begin pressing two keys (e.g., A and S) as rapidly and alternatingly as possible.

3

Maintain the rhythm until the timer hits zero. Do not hold keys down, as this stops polling events.

Understanding the Results

  • Max Rate: The highest report frequency detected. 1000Hz = 1ms delay.
  • Stability: Indicates how consistent the data transmission is. "Good" is ideal for gaming.
  • 125Hz vs 1000Hz: Standard office keyboards are locked at 125Hz. Gaming keyboards range from 1000Hz to 8000Hz.
  • Browser Limits: Some browsers may cap rates. If you see consistent ~1000Hz, your device is performing well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is keyboard polling rate? +
Keyboard polling rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how frequently the keyboard reports keystroke data to the computer. A 1000Hz polling rate means the keyboard sends a signal every 1 millisecond (ms).
Is 1000Hz or 8000Hz better for gaming? +
For competitive gaming, higher is generally better. 1000Hz (1ms) is the standard for esports. 8000Hz (0.125ms) offers the lowest theoretical latency but requires a high-performance CPU and a high-refresh-rate monitor to notice the difference.
How do I accurately test my keyboard polling rate? +
Use an online polling rate tester like this one. Press and release multiple keys (like A and S) as rapidly as possible for at least 10 seconds. The 'Max Rate' displayed represents the peak frequency your keyboard achieved.
Does polling rate affect CPU usage? +
Yes. Standard 1000Hz keyboards have negligible impact. However, setting a keyboard to 4000Hz or 8000Hz generates significantly more interrupts, which can increase CPU usage and potentially lower FPS on older systems.
Why does the test result show less than 1000Hz? +
This can happen due to browser limitations, OS scheduling, or not pressing keys fast enough. Also, standard office keyboards are hardware-locked to 125Hz, so they will never exceed ~125Hz in tests.
What is the scan rate vs polling rate? +
Polling rate is how often data is sent to the PC via USB. Scan rate is how often the keyboard's internal matrix checks for key presses. A true low-latency keyboard needs both a high scan rate and a high polling rate.

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