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.

Max Rate

Min Rate (Peak)

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

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

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

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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