Focus the test area
Click the keyboard test area before pressing a key. The page shows the key name, its physical code and a press count. Try a known working key first to confirm the area has focus. Then press the suspect key several times. A count that increases for the good key but never for the suspect key suggests the browser is not receiving that press.
Understand the two labels
The Key value reflects the current keyboard layout and modifiers. The Code value identifies the physical key position more consistently. For example, changing a language layout can change the character shown for a position without changing its hardware code. If the key triggers the wrong character, check the selected Windows input language before assuming the switch is broken.
Check the easy hardware causes
For an external keyboard, reconnect it or use another port; for wireless models, check the battery and receiver connection. Clean around a stuck key using the manufacturer’s safe cleaning guidance. Do not pull a laptop keycap without instructions for that model. Try another keyboard on the same computer, or this keyboard on another computer, to identify which side the problem follows.
Remember the browser limit
Windows, the browser and extensions can intercept some shortcuts before this page sees them. Media and special function keys may not produce a normal keyboard event. If ordinary letters work here but not in one game, examine that game’s bindings. This test reports events delivered to a web page and cannot measure switch actuation force or electrical reliability.
Use the key list to find dead keys
Our keyboard test keeps a list of every key it has seen. Work across each row in order and compare the list with your keyboard. Any key missing from the list after you pressed it is not reaching the browser. Hold several keys together to see whether your keyboard reports them all at once. Some keyboards only register a few keys at the same time in certain combinations.
On a Mac
Check System Settings → Keyboard → Text Input for the selected input source, since a different layout changes the characters your keys produce. Accessibility features such as Slow Keys under System Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard make keys need a longer press, which can feel like a dead key.
Further reference: Official device or browser documentation ↗
Accessibility settings that ignore key presses
Windows has accessibility features that deliberately ignore short or repeated presses. When they are switched on by accident, a working keyboard can seem broken:
- Filter keys ignores brief or repeated keystrokes. Holding the right Shift key for eight seconds can switch it on. Check Windows 11 Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard → Filter keys.
- Sticky keys makes Shift, Ctrl, Alt and the Windows key stay pressed after you let go. Pressing Shift five times can switch it on.
- On a Mac, check System Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard for Slow Keys and Sticky Keys.
Keys that are meant to behave differently
Some keys are handled before a web page sees them, so the keyboard test cannot show them even when they work. Examples include the Fn key on laptops, media keys handled by the system, and shortcuts such as Ctrl+Alt+Delete. A blank result for those keys is normal. Laptop function keys may also send brightness or volume commands unless Fn is held, depending on the Fn lock setting.
Common questions
Only one key fails. Is the keyboard broken?
Not always. Remove the keycap if the keyboard allows it, clean under it, and test again. On mechanical keyboards, a single switch can often be replaced.
All keys stopped working at once.
That points to the connection rather than the keys. Try another USB port, check batteries or charge on a wireless keyboard, and re-pair it if it uses Bluetooth.
Reviewed October 2026 · How we write our guides · Suggest a correction