How to test in 3 steps
- 1
Click "Start test"
The page blocks browser shortcuts so you can press anything safely, including F5, Tab and Space.
- 2
Press each key in turn
Working keys turn green and stay green. Go row by row from left to right so you skip nothing.
- 3
Look for gray keys
A key that stays gray after pressing is dead. Red keys are stuck or registering twice.
What counts as a fault?
- A key never lights up: dead key. One rarely used key such as Scroll Lock can be ignored, but a dead letter, number, Space or Enter justifies a big discount or walking away. Replacing a laptop keyboard is a costly repair on many models.
- A key flagged red as "stuck": the key is sticking, usually from liquid or dirt. It may free up after a few presses, but it is a sign of a past spill.
- A key flagged red as "double": one press types two characters. Cannot be fixed in software.
- Several neighbouring keys dead at once (for example the whole number row): a broken keyboard matrix or ribbon cable, which normally means a whole new keyboard.
- A key types a different character: check the keyboard language in your OS first, the key itself is probably fine.
Tips for testing a used laptop keyboard
- Test in a quiet place and listen as you press. A key that sounds different from the rest has usually been replaced or has a broken clip.
- Turn on the keyboard backlight (usually Fn + an F-key with a light icon) and look for darker zones.
- Look at the keycaps at an angle: shiny, worn caps mean heavy use, whatever the seller says.
- Once the keyboard is done, move on to the dead pixel test and the speaker test to cover the rest of the machine.
Frequently asked questions
The Fn key does not light up. Is it broken?+
No. Fn is handled inside the keyboard itself, so browsers never see it. Try Fn + an F-key to change brightness or volume: if the laptop reacts, Fn works.
Pressing the Windows key opens the Start menu+
Browsers cannot block the Windows key. As long as the key turns green it is fine. Close the Start menu and continue.
A key works but needs a hard press+
That key is on its way out, or there is dust or liquid under it. On used laptops the usual suspects are Space, Enter, the arrow keys and common letters such as E, A and N.
One press types two characters+
This is called double typing or key chatter and comes from worn contacts. The tool flags it in red when two presses arrive less than 60 ms apart. The only fix is replacing the keyboard.
Can I test on a phone?+
This page needs a physical keyboard. Open it on the laptop you want to test, or connect an external keyboard to your phone over USB or Bluetooth.
Does the tool record what I type?+
No. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is sent to any server. You can disconnect from the internet and keep testing.