Polling Rate Test: Estimates press cadence (browser-safe)
Note: browsers can’t read true USB polling from key events. This page measures timing between your key presses (press cadence). Use vendor utilities or WebHID diagnostics for exact device polling rates.
Press Rate Meter (Hz)
Press any key to measure the press rate
Press keys to measure your press cadence. For true device polling, use hardware-level tools.
Polling rate describes how often your keyboard reports its state to the computer. A stable 1000 Hz rate means the system receives updates every millisecond, while a lower or inconsistent rate can add input lag and jitter. This test captures every report, calculates the current, average, and maximum Hz values, and shows a live trend so you can verify whether your board delivers what the spec sheet promises.
Start the test and press or hold keys the same way you would in a game or during heavy typing. Watch how the current rate moves and whether the average locks in around your target. If it drifts or drops when you press multiple keys, that could indicate USB power limits, firmware throttling, or hub interference. Try plugging directly into the motherboard, then into a hub, to see how different paths affect consistency.
The tool runs locally, so you can safely test wired and wireless modes without extra software. Switch dark mode on for late-night sessions, and use the pause button to capture a stable frame for screenshots. For boards that let you change polling inside software or with a hardware shortcut, toggle between 125 Hz, 500 Hz, and 1000 Hz while watching the live readout to confirm the change actually applies at the USB level.
If you see large spikes or dips, consider cable quality, extension length, and nearby devices that might add noise. Laptop users can run on battery and while charging to see if power plans impact the USB controller. After firmware updates or BIOS changes, rerun the test to confirm your preferred rate stuck. Keep notes alongside the results so you can trace back to the exact configuration that delivered the smoothest performance.
What is polling rate? The polling rate of a keyboard is how frequently it reports its state to your computer, measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, a 1000Hz polling rate means the keyboard sends updates 1000 times per second, or once every millisecond.
Why does it matter? Higher polling rates reduce input latency, making your keyboard feel more responsive. This is particularly important for gaming, where milliseconds can make a difference in competitive scenarios.
Basic keyboards. 8ms response. Decent for office work but may feel sluggish for gaming.
Entry-level gaming keyboards. 4ms response. Acceptable for casual gaming.
Mid-range gaming keyboards. 2ms response. Good performance for most gamers.
High-end gaming keyboards. 1ms or lower response. Competitive-level performance.