Guide to Keyboard Testing

AUTHOR:Onie T.
Published:

Choosing the perfect keyboard might be overwhelming because there are so many options available. From mechanical and membrane to wireless and ergonomic designs, each keyboard comes with unique features that may or may not suit your needs. This blog post will delve into each section of our keyboard testing methodology that we employ to evaluate keyboards, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Our tests cover the unboxing experience to technical assessments, providing a thorough understanding of each keyboard's capabilities and performance.

In the Box

When you first unbox a keyboard, it's essential to know what accessories and extras come with it. Although not a formal test, our unboxing inspection reveals important details about what the manufacturer includes.

Accessories: We look for items such as keycap and switch pullers, extra keycaps, switches, stickers, and cables. These accessories can significantly enhance the usability and customization potential of your keyboard.

Initial Impressions: Assessing the quality and presentation of the packaging gives insight into the manufacturer's attention to detail and commitment to user experience.

Ergonomics and Dimensions

Ergonomics and dimensions are crucial factors that influence long-term comfort and usability. Our evaluation includes the following:

Board Size: Identifying the keyboard's size category, whether it's full-size, compact, tenkeyless (TKL), 65% or 60%, etc.. This helps users choose a keyboard that fits their desk space and usage needs.

Board Type: Determining if the keyboard is straight, ergonomic, or ergonomic split. This affects how natural the typing posture feels.

Key Alignment: We check if the keys are in a classic staggered layout or an ortholinear grid. Ortholinear layouts can reduce finger travel and increase typing efficiency for some users.

Keycap Width and Board Thickness: Precise measurements are taken to ensure comfortable key spacing, and the overall thickness of the keyboard can impact wrist posture.

Board Angle: We measure the tilt of the keyboard to ensure it aligns with ergonomic best practices. We compare these measurements with the manufacturer's specifications to verify accuracy.

To achieve optimal comfort, we recommend adjusting the keyboard's leg stand and considering the use of a wrist rest to maintain a neutral wrist posture, though this is very dependent on the user's personal preference.

Key Rollover (NKRO) and Ghosting

Key rollover and ghosting tests are essential for understanding a keyboard's performance, especially during fast typing or gaming.

Key Rollover: This test assesses how many keys can be pressed simultaneously without missing any inputs. We test from 2-key rollover (2-KRO) to n-key rollover (NKRO). High rollover is crucial for gamers and fast typists who press multiple keys at once.

Ghosting: Using the Microsoft Anti-Ghosting Demo, we check for ghosting, where unpressed keys register on the screen. We focus on key combinations around the WASD cluster, which are commonly used in gaming.

These tests ensure that the keyboard can accurately handle multiple inputs without errors, providing a smooth and reliable user experience.

Keystroke/Force Actuation

The feel of a keyboard is largely determined by its switches. Our keystroke and force actuation tests provide detailed information about each switch's characteristics.

Switch Data: We collect data on the manufacturer name, switch type (linear, tactile, clicky), tactility, pin configuration, whether the switches are factory-lubed, hot-swappable, and more.

Pre-Travel: This is the distance a key travels before it actuates. Shorter pre-travel can make the keyboard feel more responsive.

Operating Force: This is the amount of force required to actuate a key. Lighter keys are easier to press, but heavier keys can reduce accidental presses.

Bottoming Force: This is the amount of force needed to fully depress a key. This impacts typing fatigue over long periods.

We use the Flexiv Robot for precise and consistent measurements, creating a detailed profile of each switch. This helps users understand the typing experience and choose the switch type that best suits their preferences.

Latency

Latency is critical for ensuring that key presses are registered quickly and accurately, especially in fast-paced gaming.

Labs uses the Beagle USB480/480 Power Protocol Analyzers to automate various testing scenarios. For more information on the Beagle please refer to the comprehensive case study from Total Phase. The results that we provide are not to be used in isolation but rather as a comparison with other keyboards tested by Labs.

Testing Method: Using a Chronos High-Speed Camera, we record the latency of each key press while playing Counter-Strike 2. This provides a visual representation of the delay between pressing a key and the action appearing on the screen. We ensure that we set the keyboard to the highest polling rate and lowest debounce time available.

Polling Rate: This is how often the keyboard reports its status to the connected device. A higher polling rate means more frequent updates and lower latency.

Debounce Time: The time interval required for a key to be pressed again after the initial press. Shorter debounce times are better for rapid key presses.

The data is visualized in various graph formats, showing the mean, minimum, and maximum latency values. We test each connectivity option - Bluetooth, Receiver, and Wired - ensuring the results are comprehensive and comparable across different keyboards.

Connectivity

A keyboard's connectivity options determine its versatility and ease of use across different devices.

Compatibility: We test the keyboard's ability to connect to a range of devices, including Windows PCs, iMacs, Android phones and tablets, and iOS devices.

Cable Length: If the keyboard includes a cable, we measure its length to ensure it meets practical usage needs.

This ensures that users can feasibly connect their keyboard to their preferred devices without any issues.

Construction and Keycaps

The build quality and keycap materials significantly impact a keyboard's durability and typing experience.

Base Plate and Chassis Materials: Assess the materials used in the keyboard's construction, as they affect sound, feel, and overall quality.

Keycaps: We verify the accuracy of marketing claims about keycap materials and production methods, such as dye-sublimation, double-shot, laser engraved, and PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) vs. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). We also examine keycap profiles, which vary in height and shape, affecting typing comfort and aesthetics.

PBT is significantly more durable than ABS, which means it wears down more slowly and evenly, keeping keycaps both functional and attractive for a longer period. PBT also has a higher resistance to finger oils, therefore preventing keycaps from shining over time.

These evaluations help users understand the durability and maintenance requirements of the keyboard.

The image is as credited: [1] gtderEvan. “Keycap Profiles - I compiled a direct comparison, thought I’d share in cases it’s useful to anyone.” Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/j484j5/keycap_profiles_i_compiled_a_direct_comparison/ (accessed June 21, 2024).

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Sound Check

The sound a keyboard makes influence the overall typing experience and suitability for different environments.

Recording Method: We provide audio samples recorded with a Zoom H1n Microphone to capture the keyboard's acoustics accurately.

Factors Influencing Sound: Various elements can contribute to the sound, including chassis material, switches, stabilizers, keycaps, and any sound dampening materials.

These sound checks help users gauge how loud or quiet a keyboard is, which can be crucial in shared or quiet environments, or for personal preference.

Backlighting and Software

Backlighting and software features enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a keyboard.

Backlighting: We assess whether the keyboard has backlighting, supports RGB, and allows for programmability. We also evaluate the quality of color mixing.

Software Usability: We test ease of downloading, installing, and using the keyboard's software. Good software should be user-friendly, and provide robust customization options.

Macro Programming and Customization: We evaluate the ability to assign complex actions to specific keys through macro programming, and the compatibility with QMK and VIA configurators. Customization options can significantly enhance productivity and gaming performance.

On some keyboards you can customize them further by downloading JSON files to import into QMK and VIA keyboard configurators. VIA is the user-friendly interface for QMK firmware. It is no-to-low code, allowing for easy customization. If the keyboard manufacturer is nice, they will sometimes provide you with these JSON files, otherwise the mechanical keyboard community usually are pretty friendly as well.

Through this section, users can appreciate the depth of customization and functionality offered by different keyboards, ensuring they select one that meets their specific needs.

What's your type?

Our testing methodology provides a detailed understanding of each keyboard's capabilities and performance. By examining factors like ergonomics, key rollover, force actuation, latency, connectivity, construction, sound, and software, we aim to equip you with all the information necessary to choose the perfect keyboard for your needs. Remember that keyboard preferences are dependent on the user and what is comfortable can vary. Whether you're a gamer, typist, or casual user, our tests ensure you can make an informed decision, optimizing your typing experience and productivity.

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