If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably heard the term “polling rate” thrown around. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter?
In short, the polling rate is how often your keyboard sends input data to your computer. It’s measured in hertz (Hz), and a higher polling rate means that your keyboard is sending data more frequently.
For most gamers, a polling rate of 1000Hz is ideal. This means that your keyboard is sending data 1000 times per second, which is incredibly fast. This can help to reduce input lag, which is the delay between when you press a key and when it registers on the screen.
Some gaming keyboards offer even higher polling rates, such as 2000Hz, 4000Hz, or even 8000Hz. However, the benefits of these higher polling rates are diminishing. For most gamers, the difference between 1000Hz and 2000Hz is not noticeable. And beyond 2000Hz, the benefits are even smaller.
In fact, using too high of a polling rate can actually have negative consequences. For example, it can increase CPU usage and battery drain. It can also cause compatibility issues with some games and software.
So, what’s a good polling rate for a gaming keyboard?
Stick to 1000Hz. It’s the perfect balance between performance and resource usage.
Polling rate test
The polling rate test your keyboard uses can be tested online if you aren’t sure what it is. One popular tool is called Keyboard Inspector.
To use Keyboard Inspector, simply visit the website and click the “Start Recording” button. Then, type or spam a key on your keyboard for a few seconds. Once you’re finished, click the “Stop Recording” button.
Keyboard Inspector will then analyze the data and display your keyboard’s polling rate.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your keyboard’s polling rate:
- Use a wired connection instead of a wireless connection. Wired keyboards have lower latency and more consistent polling rates.
- Make sure that your keyboard drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause performance issues.
- Close any unnecessary programs before gaming. This will free up system resources and improve your overall performance.
- Experiment with different polling rates to see what works best for you. Some gamers prefer a higher polling rate, while others prefer a lower polling rate.
Conclusion
A good polling rate for a gaming keyboard is 1000Hz. This provides the best balance between performance and resource usage. If you’re using a wireless keyboard, make sure to use its USB receiver instead of its Bluetooth connection for the lowest latency and most consistent polling rate.
