Keyboard Latency Test

Use the keyboard latency test tool on the keyboardtester website to determine your keyboard's current condition if you wish to test its rate of responsiveness.

What is Keyboard Latency?

Let's first talk what what keyboard latency is. The amount of time before a data transfer really starts is known as latency. In terms of the keyboard, latency is the amount of time it takes for a keystroke to actually register.

The majority of regular users seldom bring up keyboard latency. After all, the majority of keyboards made for consumers are responsive enough for routine work. However, keyboard latency becomes a significant issue in professional gaming.

Many gamers that compete think that reducing any potential equipment lag would make them more dependable. Because of this, manufacturers work tirelessly to innovate and push the envelope in order to produce the most efficient keyboards and mouse. Marketing "low latency keyboards" has become the standard despite the lack of defined industry criteria and evidence to back these claims.

Why is There Latency in Keyboards?

Why does keyboard lag persist in this modern age if invention and progress occur so quickly? Wouldn't it be preferable if there were 0% latency on all input devices?

Even while a world without latency would be ideal, it is just not feasible with the state of technology. It is challenging to eliminate keyboard delay due to a variety of variables, including the design of keyboards.

According to various experiments, the characteristics of a keystroke are sufficient to result in noticeable delays. The key travel time on an Apple Magic keyboard (USB) can add 10ms of delay in Dan Luu's test. Of course, depending on the switch mechanism utilised in the keyboard, this number may differ.

The debounce algorithm of a keyboard is another element. This feature is used to precisely block any accidental signals that may affect more than one input register. The keyboard will undoubtedly experience a delay due to the debounce algorithm.

Last but not least, wireless keyboards will inevitably have delay. The reaction time of these keyboards won't be as quick as that of wired keyboards since signals will be travelling across a wireless connection. Later, we'll discuss more about this subject.

In conclusion, due to the existing design of keyboards, latency cannot be avoided. Modern keyboards are still dependable, and the majority of manufacturers have discovered the sweet spot where a keyboard's latency does not significantly influence a keyboard's performance.