Keyboard Tester - Test Every Key on Your Keyboard

About This Tool

This online keyboard tester helps you verify that all keys on your keyboard are working correctly. It detects key presses and displays detailed information about each key, including its name, key code, and location. This is useful for:

• Testing a new keyboard to ensure all keys register properly
• Diagnosing keyboard issues and identifying stuck or non-responsive keys
• Checking mechanical keyboards after cleaning or maintenance
• Verifying keyboard functionality before important work or gaming sessions
• Learning about key codes and keyboard events for web development

The tool tracks which keys you have tested and shows your progress. Keys that have been pressed remain highlighted in teal, while the currently pressed key shows a brighter highlight with a glow effect.

How to Use the Keyboard Tester

1. Simply press any key on your keyboard
2. The key will highlight on the visual keyboard (on desktop)
3. Key information will display in the info panel, showing the key name, code, and properties
4. Active modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Meta) will light up in the status bar
5. Continue pressing keys to test your entire keyboard
6. The progress counter shows how many unique keys you have tested
7. Click "Reset All" to clear your progress and start over

Understanding Key Properties

When you press a key, the tester displays several properties that describe the keyboard event:

Key

The key property represents the actual value of the key that was pressed. For printable characters, this is the character itself (like "a", "A", "1", "$"). For non-printable keys, it returns a descriptive string like "Enter", "Shift", "ArrowUp", or "Escape".

Code

The code property represents the physical key on the keyboard, regardless of the current keyboard layout or modifier keys. It returns values like "KeyA", "Digit1", "Space", "Enter". This is useful for game controls where you want consistent behavior regardless of keyboard layout.

Key Code

The keyCode is a numeric code representing the key. This property is deprecated but still widely supported. Common values include 13 for Enter, 32 for Space, 65-90 for A-Z. Modern code should prefer key or code instead.

Location

The location property indicates where the key is located on the keyboard, useful for keys that appear in multiple places. Values are: 0 (standard), 1 (left, e.g., left Shift), 2 (right, e.g., right Shift), 3 (numpad).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this keyboard tester work on all devices?

Yes, this keyboard tester works on any device with a physical keyboard, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook computers. It works in all modern web browsers. However, the visual keyboard display is hidden on mobile devices since they typically use on-screen keyboards. The key info panel still works if you connect an external keyboard to a mobile device.

Why do some keys navigate away from the page?

This tool prevents default browser behavior for most keys, but some key combinations (like Alt+F4 or Ctrl+W) are handled by the browser or operating system before the page can capture them. Function keys (F1-F12) may also trigger browser actions depending on your browser and settings.

Can I test all keys including function keys and numpad?

Yes, the keyboard tester detects all standard keyboard keys, including function keys (F1-F12), numpad keys, arrow keys, modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Meta/Windows), and special keys (Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down). The visual keyboard shows the most common keys, but the key info panel will display details for any key you press.

How does the progress counter work?

The progress counter tracks unique keys based on their code property. Each physical key is counted only once, regardless of how many times you press it or what modifiers you use. For example, pressing "a" and "A" (with Shift) both count as testing the same key.

What should I do if a key does not register?

If a key does not register when you press it, this could indicate a hardware problem with your keyboard. Try the key multiple times and test it in other applications to confirm. If the key consistently fails to register, you may need to clean your keyboard, check the connection, or replace the keyboard.

Is my keyboard data sent to any server?

No. This keyboard tester runs entirely in your web browser. No data about your key presses or keyboard is transmitted to any server or stored anywhere. All testing happens locally on your device.

Can I use this for mechanical keyboard testing?

Yes, this tool is excellent for testing mechanical keyboards, especially after building a custom keyboard, replacing switches, or performing maintenance. It helps you verify that all switches are properly soldered and functioning. Test each key systematically to ensure your build is working correctly.

Why does the visual keyboard look different from my physical keyboard?

The visual keyboard displays a simplified standard QWERTY layout for reference. Your physical keyboard may have a different layout (AZERTY, QWERTZ, etc.), additional keys, or a different form factor (like 60%, TKL, or ergonomic layouts). The key info panel will correctly identify any key you press, regardless of layout.

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Keyboard Tester FAQ