Hold one key to observe the wait before repeat starts and the rhythm after it starts. A practical companion to your Mac’s keyboard repeat settings.
Focus the test area. Hold Space or an arrow key for 2–3 seconds, then release. Compare your last six holds.
Key down → first repeat
Excludes first delay · needs 3 intervals
1000 ÷ median interval
Hold one key at a time. Tab leaves the test area; Escape pauses.
This observes OS auto-repeat events, not USB/Bluetooth polling or hardware latency. macOS repeat settings, the letter accent menu, Slow Keys and browser scheduling affect results. Use Space or an arrow key. Adjust Key repeat rate and Delay until repeat in System Settings → Keyboard, then test again.
Focus the test area and hold a key that repeats in your current setup. The first keydown begins the observation; the first keydown marked repeat gives the initial delay. Keep holding to collect repeat intervals, then release before starting another sample.
In System Settings, open Keyboard and review Key repeat rate and Delay until repeat. Change one setting at a time, return to the tester and run another hold. macOS versions and keyboard behavior differ; the browser can observe the delivered timing but cannot change those system settings for you.
Holding certain letters can open an accent menu, while modifiers may not repeat. Try a key that repeats in a text editor and check the relevant macOS settings. No repeat sample can mean a setting or input-method behavior, rather than a broken key.
Repeat events are generated automatically while a key is held. They are different from deliberate taps in a CPS test and separate presses checked for chatter. Repeats per second describe this OS/browser stream, not USB polling Hz or physical switch latency. Use the hold-gap tool when your question is irregular interruptions.
Read the original documentation behind the browser properties and Mac settings.
About the test, your keyboard, and that one key that won’t light up.
More answersIt is the observed time from the initial keydown to the first browser keydown marked repeat for the same held key. It includes OS/browser behavior and is not the time it takes the keyboard hardware to respond.
No. The page measures received events. Change the system controls yourself, then repeat the test under similar conditions.
This tool summarizes the normal start delay and ongoing repeat speed. The key drop/hold tool learns an interval baseline and flags unusually long gaps. Neither can independently confirm a physical switch failure.
From missed keys to double taps. Find the right Mac keyboard test for the job.
Keep a key held and explore gaps in its repeat event stream.
One press, two letters? Look for unexpected double-typing events.
How fast can you tap? Give your spacebar a little workout.
Explore event intervals and the rhythm of your keyboard input.
Tested in your browser. No accounts, no keystroke uploads, no fuss.
