What is NKRO (N-Key Rollover)?

NKRO stands for N-Key Rollover — the maximum number of keys your keyboard can register simultaneously. Most USB keyboards are limited to 6KRO (6 keys + modifiers). Gaming and mechanical keyboards often support full NKRO.

How many keys can I press at once?

Standard non-gaming keyboards usually max out at 2 to 6 simultaneous keys (2KRO to 6KRO). If you press more, 'ghosting' or dropped inputs occur. Mechanical gaming keyboards often support full N-Key Rollover (NKRO), meaning you can press every key at once.

What is key chatter (bouncing) and how do I fix it?

Key chatter occurs when a mechanical switch registers multiple inputs from a single press due to worn, dusty, or oxidizing contacts. You can fix it temporarily by cleaning the switch with isopropyl alcohol, or permanently by replacing the switch (if hot-swappable).

What polling rate is best for gaming?

For competitive gaming, a polling rate of 1000Hz (1ms delay) is the industry standard and highly recommended. Higher rates like 4000Hz or 8000Hz exist but offer diminishing returns and consume more CPU power. 125Hz (8ms) is typical for office keyboards.

Is this keyboard tester free?

Yes, Cytific KB Tester is 100% free. It runs entirely in your browser — no downloads, no sign-ups, no data sent to any server. Your keystrokes stay private.

Does this work with any keyboard?

Yes. It works with any keyboard connected to your computer — mechanical, membrane, laptop, wireless, or Bluetooth. As long as the browser can detect key events, it works.

What is the difference between membrane and mechanical keyboards?

Membrane keyboards use a rubber dome over a circuit board, offering a softer, quieter feel but shorter lifespan and limited key rollover. Mechanical keyboards use individual physical switches for each key, providing faster actuation, tactile feedback, superior durability, and full NKRO for gaming.

How do I improve my typing speed?

To improve typing speed (WPM) and accuracy, focus on touch typing without looking at the keys. Maintain proper posture, keep your fingers on the home row (ASDF JKL;), and practice regularly. Accuracy is more important than speed — fast typing with mistakes actually lowers your true WPM.

How accurate is the polling rate measurement?

Browser-based polling rate measurements are estimates, not lab-grade metrics. They are accurate enough to compare keyboards on the same system but should not be treated as absolute values. Hardware polling rate testers provide more precise results.

What is APM (Actions Per Minute) and CPS (Clicks Per Second)?

APM measures how many input actions (keystrokes + clicks) you perform per minute — a key metric in competitive gaming (StarCraft, League of Legends). CPS measures how many inputs you register per second, useful for testing switch responsiveness and burst speed. Our tool tracks both in real-time with a rolling 60-second window.

Cytific KB Tester

The elite online keyboard testing utility. Diagnose NKRO, key chatter, polling rate, and input latency. Free, private, and browser-based.

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DIAGNOSTIC_PATH: CHATTER

Our detection algorithm monitors millisecond-level deltas between keystrokes. Chatter occurs when an aging mechanical switch vibrates after actuation, registering multiple inputs. We flag intervals under 25ms as probable hardware failure.

DIAGNOSTIC_PATH: NKRO

N-Key Rollover is the hardware's ability to scan the entire circuit matrix without 'ghosting' phantoms. Using this tool, you can verify if your diodes are isolating signals correctly under heavy load.

DIAGNOSTIC_PATH: LATENCY

Interaction latency is measured using performance.now(). We analyze the USB polling rate and browser event-loop jitter to estimate your raw input delay, optimized for competitive performance metrics.

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