Guides & troubleshooting
TapTest guides
Short, practical guides to help you get the most out of your keyboard and controllers. All of them pair with the free tester.
Why is a key on my keyboard not working?
A key stopped working? Here are the most common causes, from debris and worn switches to Windows Filter Keys, plus step-by-step fixes to get it typing again.
ANSI vs ISO vs JIS: keyboard layouts explained
ANSI, ISO and JIS are the three main physical keyboard layouts. Here is what makes each different, how QWERTY, QWERTZ and AZERTY fit in, and which to choose.
How to test a game controller on PC
Check every button, trigger and thumbstick on your Xbox, PlayStation or PC controller. Three ways to test a gamepad, plus fixes for stick drift and detection problems.
Keyboard ghosting and N-key rollover (NKRO) explained
Why do some keys stop registering when you press several at once? A plain-English guide to keyboard ghosting, rollover, anti-ghosting and NKRO, and how to test yours.
Mechanical keyboard switches explained
Linear, tactile or clicky? A plain-English guide to mechanical keyboard switch types, what the colours mean, and how to choose the right feel for gaming or typing.
Typing speed test: what is a good WPM?
What is a good typing speed? Learn how words per minute (WPM) and accuracy are measured, what counts as fast, and test your own speed free in your browser.
How to clean a mechanical keyboard
A simple, safe step-by-step guide to cleaning a mechanical keyboard: a quick surface clean, a proper deep clean with the keycaps off, and what to do after a spill.
How to fix controller stick drift
Stick drift making your character or camera move on its own? Here's what causes controller stick drift and how to fix it, from a quick clean to replacing the stick.
Wired vs wireless keyboards for gaming
Does wireless still add lag? Is wired always better for gaming? A straight-talking comparison of latency, battery, reliability and price to help you choose.
Membrane vs mechanical keyboards
Mechanical or membrane? A plain-English look at how each keyboard type works, how they feel and sound, what they cost, and which one is right for you.
Average typing speed by age and profession
What's the average typing speed, and how does it change with age and job? A look at the typical numbers, why they vary, and how to measure and beat your own.
What is keyboard polling rate?
Polling rate, measured in Hz, is how often your keyboard reports to your PC. Here's what it means, whether 1000Hz beats 125Hz, and when it's worth caring about.
How to remap keys on Windows and Mac
Want to swap Caps Lock, fix a dead key, or make custom shortcuts? Here's how to remap keyboard keys on Windows and Mac using free, built-in and trusted tools.
Why is my keyboard typing the wrong characters?
Getting the wrong symbols, swapped @ and " marks, or letters that turn into numbers? Here's why your keyboard types wrong characters and how to fix each cause.
The best keyboard layout for programming
ANSI or ISO? QWERTY, Dvorak or Colemak? TKL or 60 percent? A practical look at which keyboard layout suits programming, and why there is no single right answer.
Controller not detected on PC: fixes
PC not seeing your Xbox, PlayStation or generic controller? Work through these fixes for cables, Bluetooth pairing, drivers, Steam and game settings.
How to test a mouse
Test every mouse button, the scroll wheel, double-clicks and tracking in your browser. What a healthy mouse looks like, and how to fix the common faults.
How to fix a mouse that double-clicks
A mouse that registers two clicks from one press is almost always a worn switch. Confirm it, then fix it from a quick clean to replacing the switch.
How to check a monitor for dead pixels
Find dead and stuck pixels with full-screen colours, tell the two apart, and learn what you can do to revive a stuck pixel on a new or old monitor.
How to test a webcam
Check your webcam in seconds: picture, focus and lighting, confirm the right camera is selected, and fix a black screen or a camera that is not detected.
How to test a microphone
Watch a live level meter react to your voice, pick the right input, and fix a mic that is too quiet, too loud, or not detected. All in your browser.