Run a keyboard polling rate test online to measure your keyboard's USB polling rate, response time, and input latency. Compare mechanical vs membrane keyboards from 125Hz to 8000Hz.
Live Test
Click the test zone above to enable keyboard input.
Tap Space or any key repeatedly. Faster = better measurement.
Check average rate and stability to compare keyboards.
Tip: For best results, press and release keys as fast as you can. The test measures the interval between key events.
What is keyboard polling rate?
Keyboard polling rate is how often your keyboard reports key presses to your computer, measured in Hertz (Hz). A 1000Hz polling rate means 1,000 updates per second, resulting in 1ms response time between pressing a key and your computer registering the input.
How to test keyboard polling rate
- Focus the test area: click the test zone above to enable keyboard input detection.
- Press keys rapidly: tap any key repeatedly as fast as you can for 5-10 seconds.
- Check stability: review the stability percentage and jitter to assess consistency.
- Compare results: test different keyboards or polling rate settings to find the best configuration.
Keyboard Polling Rate Guide
Understand what polling rate means for keyboard input latency and gaming performance.
125 Hz
8 ms delayStandard office keyboards. Noticeable delay in fast-paced typing and gaming.
500 Hz
2 ms delayEntry-level gaming keyboards. Adequate for most games and fast typing.
1000 Hz
1 ms delayStandard for gaming keyboards. Optimal balance of speed and stability.
4000-8000 Hz
0.125-0.25 ms delayHigh-end gaming keyboards. Requires compatible hardware and drivers.
How to Change Keyboard Polling Rate
Step-by-step instructions for adjusting polling rate in popular gaming keyboard software.
Razer Synapse
Keyboard → PerformanceOpen Synapse, select your keyboard, go to Performance tab, and adjust the Polling Rate slider (125–8000 Hz depending on model).
Logitech G Hub
Keyboard → SettingsLaunch G Hub, click your keyboard icon, open Settings, and select your preferred Report Rate from the available options.
SteelSeries GG
Engine → KeyboardOpen SteelSeries GG, navigate to Engine, select your keyboard, and change the Polling Rate in device settings.
Corsair iCUE
Device → SettingsOpen iCUE, select your keyboard, go to Device Settings, and adjust the Polling Rate between available options (up to 8000Hz on compatible models).
HyperX NGENUITY
Keyboard → PerformanceLaunch NGENUITY, select your keyboard, navigate to Performance settings, and choose your desired polling rate.
Best Polling Rate for Gaming Keyboards
Recommended polling rates based on your use case and keyboard capabilities.
Office & Typing
125–500 HzLower polling rates are sufficient for everyday typing. Reduces CPU usage and extends battery life on wireless keyboards.
Casual Gaming
500–1000 HzGood balance between responsiveness and stability. Suitable for single-player games, RPGs, and strategy titles.
Competitive Gaming
1000 HzThe proven standard for competitive games. 1ms response time is fast enough for most players and maintains stability.
Pro Esports
1000–8000 HzMaximum responsiveness for professional play. Higher rates require stable USB connections and may offer marginal benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about keyboard polling rate and this test.
What is keyboard polling rate?
Keyboard polling rate is how often your keyboard reports key presses to your computer, measured in Hertz (Hz). A 1000Hz polling rate means the keyboard sends data 1000 times per second, resulting in 1ms response time between key presses and computer registration.
Does keyboard polling rate affect gaming?
Yes, higher polling rates reduce input lag which can matter in competitive gaming. However, the difference between 500Hz and 1000Hz (2ms vs 1ms) is barely perceptible to most users. The benefit is more noticeable when upgrading from 125Hz to 1000Hz.
Does 8000Hz keyboard make a difference?
The jump from 1000Hz to 8000Hz can improve key press registration in fast-paced games, but the difference is minimal for most users. 8000Hz keyboards require stable USB connections and may increase CPU usage. For most gamers, 1000Hz remains the sweet spot.
How accurate is this browser test?
This test measures the time between keyboard events as received by the browser. While it may not match hardware-level polling rate exactly due to OS and browser processing, it provides reliable relative comparisons between keyboards and settings.
Why is my measured rate lower than expected?
The measured rate depends on how fast you press keys. The test measures event intervals, so slower key presses result in lower apparent rates. For accurate results, press keys as rapidly as possible. USB hubs and system load can also affect measurements.
Why is my keyboard polling rate unstable?
Instability can come from USB hub interference, high CPU load, wireless interference (for wireless keyboards), or slow key pressing. Use a direct USB port on your motherboard and press keys rapidly for more accurate results.
How do I interpret the stability score?
The stability score shows how consistent your keyboard's polling intervals are. Scores above 80% indicate stable polling suitable for gaming. Lower scores suggest jitter or inconsistent timing that may affect input responsiveness.
Mechanical vs membrane keyboard polling rate?
Most mechanical gaming keyboards support 1000Hz polling, while budget membrane keyboards often run at 125Hz. However, polling rate is determined by the keyboard's controller, not the switch type. Some high-end membrane keyboards also support 1000Hz.
How do I change my keyboard polling rate?
Polling rate is usually set through the keyboard manufacturer's software (Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub, etc.) or via onboard controls. Some keyboards have a physical switch or key combination. Check your keyboard's manual for specific instructions.
Why does peak rate sometimes exceed the target?
Short bursts of faster event timing can occur due to scheduling variance or burst delivery. Peak rate represents the best-case moment. Compare it with average rate and stability for a realistic assessment of your keyboard's performance.
What is the best polling rate for typing?
For regular typing and office work, 125-500Hz is perfectly sufficient. Higher polling rates (1000Hz+) don't provide noticeable benefits for typing and may slightly increase power consumption on wireless keyboards.
Does manufacturer software affect test accuracy?
The manufacturer software sets the polling rate at the firmware level, which this test then measures. Having the software running doesn't interfere with accuracy. Make sure your desired rate is selected before testing.
Can I test my mouse polling rate too?
Yes! Our mouse polling rate test measures your gaming mouse's USB polling rate, jitter, and tracking stability. It's the perfect companion for testing your complete gaming setup.
Keyboard Polling Rate Test Insights
Research-driven guidance for interpreting results, improving stability, and choosing the right settings.
What a keyboard polling rate test measures
If you searched for a keyboard polling rate test, polling rate tester, or keyboard response test, this tool matches that intent. It listens to keyboard events in the browser and measures the time between key presses. The number you see is the effective polling rate your system delivers after USB transport, OS scheduling, and browser processing. Use this test to verify stability and compare different keyboards or polling rate settings.
Why keyboard polling rate matters for gaming
In competitive games where split-second reactions matter, lower input latency provides an edge. A 1000Hz keyboard delivers key presses to your system every 1ms, while a 125Hz keyboard only updates every 8ms. This 7ms difference can affect rapid key sequences in rhythm games, fighting games, and first-person shooters where precise timing is crucial.
125 Hz to 8000 Hz: what to expect in practice
125 Hz (8 ms) is typical for basic office keyboards. 500 Hz (2 ms) is a comfortable baseline for gaming. 1000 Hz (1 ms) remains the competitive standard because it balances latency and stability. 4000 Hz (0.25 ms) and 8000 Hz (0.125 ms) are available on premium keyboards, but the benefits are marginal for most users and may introduce stability issues on some systems.
Mechanical vs membrane keyboard performance
The polling rate is determined by the keyboard's USB controller, not the switch mechanism. A mechanical keyboard with a budget controller may poll at 125Hz, while a premium membrane keyboard could support 1000Hz. When comparing keyboards, focus on the actual measured polling rate rather than the switch type.
Troubleshooting low readings and instability
- Switch USB ports: use a rear motherboard port, not a front panel hub.
- Press keys faster: slow key presses result in lower apparent rates.
- Check software settings: verify polling rate is set correctly in manufacturer software.
- Reduce system load: close heavy background applications during testing.
Related tests people search for
Many users also search for mouse polling rate test, keyboard latency test, keyboard response test, input lag test, or USB polling rate checker. This keyboard polling rate tester focuses specifically on measuring how fast your keyboard reports key events to your computer.
For a complete input latency assessment, also test your mouse polling rate. Mouse tracking precision is just as important as keyboard response time in competitive gaming.
About the Test & Methodology
Transparent measurement practices, data handling, and limitations to help you trust the results.
Who maintains this tool
MousePollingRateTest Lab maintains this site as an independent, gaming-focused testing utility. We publish updates when browser input APIs or device polling standards shift.
How measurements work
The test captures keyboard events using the browser's standard event API and calculates the time difference between consecutive key presses. Results reflect real-world input timing as experienced by web applications and games.
Privacy and data
All measurements happen locally in your browser. No keyboard data, key presses, or test results are sent to our servers. The test works entirely offline after the page loads.
Support & feedback
For methodology questions or issues, contact contact@mousepollingratetest.com. We review reports and update the test when browser timing or device behavior changes.
Run the keyboard polling rate test now
Measure your gaming keyboard polling rate, jitter, and stability in one page. Share the results and compare your setup.
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