How to use the keyboard test
- Pick your layout: Choose the layout that matches your keyboard from the 'Select Keyboard' box. You can type to search.
- Press every key: A key turns blue while you hold it and green once it has been tested, so you can see at a glance which keys you haven't tried yet.
- Check rollover: Hold several keys down together. Each one should stay blue. If some don't light up, your keyboard has hit its rollover limit (see below).
- Custom layouts: If your keyboard has an unusual layout, build your own in the Keyboard Layout Editor, then test it there.
The test reads which physical key you pressed, not the character it types, so keys light up by position even if you use a non-US language layout.
Diagnosing keyboard problems
- Unresponsive keys: A key that never lights up may be physically damaged (debris underneath or a worn switch), or there may be a fault on that part of the keyboard's circuit board.
- Sticky or repeating keys: A key that stays blue after you let go, or feels stuck, is usually a mechanical problem with that key.
- Wrong key lights up: If pressing one key lights a different one, check your language and layout settings and drivers first. Less often it's a fault in the keyboard controller.
- Rollover and ghosting: Many keyboards can only register a few keys at once. If holding several keys makes one stop registering (or an extra one appear), that's the keyboard's rollover limit, not a broken key. Gaming keyboards usually handle more keys at once.
- Whole sections dead: If an entire row or block of keys doesn't respond, a loose internal connector or a more serious hardware fault is likely.
- Working device: Every key lights up immediately when pressed and turns green when released, with no wrong keys and no keys stuck on.
- Malfunctioning device: Some keys don't register, keys stick or repeat, the wrong keys light up, or entire sections are dead.
Common Keyboard Issues & Fixes
Some keys not working
- Debris: Dirt or crumbs under a keycap can block contact. Clean the keyboard with compressed air, or carefully remove keycaps if the keyboard is designed for it.
- Driver issues: Keyboard drivers can become corrupted. Reinstall or update them via Device Manager.
- Hardware failure: The key switch itself might be broken. That may need a repair or a new keyboard.
- Connection (wireless or USB): For USB keyboards, try a different port. For wireless keyboards, check the batteries and the receiver or Bluetooth connection.
- Reserved keys: Some keys never reach the browser because your operating system handles them first, such as the Windows key, Fn, media keys, and sometimes Print Screen. A key like this not lighting up doesn't mean it's broken.
Sticky keys (hardware)
- Spills: Residue from sugary drinks is a common cause. Unplug or turn off the keyboard, then clean carefully around and under the affected keys with isopropyl alcohol.
What is Sticky Keys (the Windows feature)?
- What it is: A Windows accessibility feature that keeps modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Windows) active after you press them, so you don't need to hold several keys at once.
- Why it pops up: Windows shows the Sticky Keys prompt when you press Shift five times in a row, which happens easily while gaming or typing fast.
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Turning it off: To stop the prompt for good:
- Open Windows Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.
- Find 'Sticky keys'.
- Turn off the keyboard shortcut for Sticky keys.
- You can also click 'Go to Settings' on the prompt itself.
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Who it helps: It's valuable for people who:
- Have difficulty pressing multiple keys at the same time
- Experience hand fatigue or limited mobility
- Type with one hand
- Have a temporary injury affecting keyboard use
Keys typing the wrong characters
- Language settings: Check your operating system's input language. You might have switched to a different keyboard layout by accident (on Windows, Win + Space or Alt + Shift switch layouts).
- Num Lock and Fn keys: Make sure Num Lock is set the way you expect if number pad keys misbehave. Some laptops need the Fn key held for certain functions or characters.
Keyboard not detected
- Connection: Re-plug a USB keyboard or re-pair a wireless one.
- Drivers: Check Device Manager for driver issues.
- BIOS settings: In rare cases, USB keyboard support is disabled in the computer's BIOS/UEFI.
Use this keyboard tester to pinpoint problems and get your typing experience back to normal.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't a key light up?
The key may be faulty, or your operating system may be handling it before the browser sees it. The Windows key, Fn, and media keys often behave this way.
Will pressing keys mess up the page?
No. The test stops the arrow keys, Space, and F-keys from scrolling or triggering browser shortcuts while you test.
My keyboard layout isn't listed. What can I do?
Pick the closest layout, or create your own in the Keyboard Layout Editor, where you can add, move, resize, and test keys and download the layout.