Frequently Asked Questions

MouseTester is a professional online platform that provides comprehensive mouse and keyboard testing tools. Our services include mouse performance testing (polling rate, click latency, DPI accuracy), keyboard functionality testing (key responsiveness, typing speed), hardware diagnostic tools, and performance analysis. All tests run directly in your web browser without requiring downloads or installations.

Yes, MouseTester is completely free to use. All our mouse testing tools, keyboard testing features, and diagnostic capabilities are available at no cost. We support the platform through ethical advertising and optional donations from satisfied users who find value in our professional-grade testing tools.

No installation required! MouseTester runs entirely in your web browser using modern JavaScript and HTML5 technologies. Simply visit our website and start testing immediately. This approach ensures compatibility across all operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and provides instant access to our testing tools.

MouseTester works with all modern web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera. For best performance and accuracy, we recommend using the latest version of your preferred browser. Some advanced features may work better in Chrome or Firefox due to their superior JavaScript performance.

MouseTester uses advanced timing algorithms to measure polling rates with microsecond precision. Our mouse tester supports polling rates from 125Hz to 8000Hz and provides detailed stability analysis over time. The accuracy depends on your system's performance, but typically provides results within 1-2% of actual values. For best accuracy, close other applications and ensure your system isn't under heavy load during testing.

Inconsistent polling rate results can be caused by several factors: high system load from background applications, USB port issues, outdated mouse drivers, power management settings, or hardware problems. Try closing unnecessary programs, using a different USB port, updating mouse drivers, disabling USB power saving, or testing on a different computer to isolate the issue.

Yes, our click latency test includes double-click detection capabilities. The mouse test analyzes click patterns and timing to identify problematic switches that may register multiple clicks from a single physical press. This is particularly useful for diagnosing aging mouse switches that are beginning to fail. The test provides detailed statistics on click timing and consistency.

The DPI accuracy test measures your mouse's actual sensitivity against its advertised specifications. Results show the measured DPI value and percentage deviation from expected values. Small variations (±5%) are normal due to manufacturing tolerances and measurement limitations. Larger deviations (>10%) may indicate calibration issues, incorrect driver settings, or inaccurate manufacturer specifications.

For competitive gaming, 1000Hz (1ms response time) is typically considered the standard minimum. Many modern gaming mice support higher rates like 2000Hz or 4000Hz, which can provide marginally better responsiveness. However, the practical difference is minimal for most users, and higher polling rates increase CPU usage. The most important factor is consistency - a stable 1000Hz is better than an unstable higher rate.

Our keyboard tester uses JavaScript event listeners to detect key presses and releases in real-time. When you press a key, it highlights on the virtual keyboard layout and records timing data including response time and key statistics. The test works with all keyboard types including mechanical, membrane, and wireless keyboards across all major layouts.

Yes, MouseTester's keyboard test supports all standard keys including function keys, modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt), arrow keys, number pad, and special keys. The virtual keyboard layout highlights pressed keys in real-time, making it easy to identify non-responsive or sticky keys. Some browser-reserved key combinations may not be detected due to security restrictions.

Average typing speeds vary by experience: beginners typically type 20-30 WPM, average computer users achieve 40-50 WPM, proficient typists reach 60-70 WPM, and professional typists can exceed 80+ WPM. For competitive typing or professional data entry, speeds above 100 WPM are considered exceptional. Accuracy is equally important - maintaining high accuracy while increasing speed is key to effective typing.

Keyboard response time can be improved by: using a wired connection instead of wireless, updating keyboard drivers, disabling Windows Filter Keys, using gaming mode if available, cleaning contacts for mechanical keyboards, reducing system background processes, and using a keyboard with faster switches (linear switches typically respond faster than tactile or clicky switches).

If MouseTester isn't detecting your mouse properly, try these steps: ensure your browser has the latest updates, check that JavaScript is enabled, try a different browser, disconnect and reconnect your mouse, restart your computer, disable browser extensions that might interfere, or try using a different USB port. If issues persist, contact our support team with details about your mouse model and operating system.

To improve test accuracy: close unnecessary applications to reduce system load, use a direct USB connection instead of USB hubs, ensure your mouse drivers are up to date, test on a consistent surface for DPI testing, perform multiple test runs and average the results, restart your browser before testing, and ensure your computer isn't running background processes during testing.

Wireless mice may show reduced performance due to: low battery levels affecting response time, interference from other wireless devices, distance from the receiver, outdated wireless drivers, power management settings reducing performance, or the mouse entering sleep mode between tests. Try using fresh batteries, moving the receiver closer, updating drivers, and disabling power saving features.

If some keys aren't registering in the keyboard test: check for physical debris under keys, ensure the keyboard is properly connected, try a different USB port, update keyboard drivers, disable sticky keys and filter keys in Windows accessibility settings, test with a different keyboard to isolate hardware vs. software issues, or restart your browser and try again.

MouseTester uses high-resolution timing APIs including performance.now() for microsecond-precision timestamps, requestAnimationFrame for smooth frame-rate measurement, mouse event timestamps for input timing, statistical analysis to filter noise and calculate averages, and multiple measurement techniques to cross-validate results. The precision depends on browser implementation and system performance.

Yes, MouseTester is fully compatible with high-DPI displays (4K, 5K, etc.) and handles display scaling automatically. Our DPI measurement algorithms account for display scaling factors and browser zoom levels to provide accurate results. For best accuracy on high-DPI displays, use your monitor's native resolution and 100% browser zoom during testing.

Yes, MouseTester supports testing mice with polling rates up to 8000Hz and beyond. However, the accuracy of measurements at extremely high polling rates depends on your system's capabilities and browser performance. Modern computers with fast CPUs and sufficient RAM generally handle high-frequency testing well, but results may vary on older or resource-constrained systems.

Browser performance significantly impacts test accuracy. Factors include: JavaScript engine speed affecting timing precision, frame rate consistency for smooth testing, memory usage impacting system stability, background processes causing timing variations, and browser-specific API implementations. Chrome and Firefox typically provide the most consistent results due to their optimized JavaScript engines and high-resolution timing APIs.

No, all mouse testing data (polling rate, click latency, DPI measurements) is processed locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your performance data is not transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly choose to share it with our support team for troubleshooting purposes. We respect your privacy and only collect anonymous usage statistics to improve our service.