You may have noticed the scan rate on some keyboard product pages. While the polling rate is often heavily emphasized in marketing, the scan rate receives significantly less attention – even though it has a major impact on a keyboard's performance.
But what exactly is the scan rate? How does it affect your keyboard's performance? And how does it differ from the polling rate? Let's take a closer look.
What is the keyboard scan rate?
The scan rate indicates how frequently a keyboard checks whether keys are pressed or released. It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and describes how many scans are performed per second.
For example:
- 125 Hz scan rate = The keyboard checks the key state 125 times per second.
- 1000 Hz scan rate = 1000 checks per second
-
8000 Hz scan rate = 8000 checks per second
The higher the scan rate, the more frequently the keyboard monitors the state of the keys. This allows inputs to be recognized and registered faster and more precisely, which makes a noticeable difference, especially in gaming and with fast typing.
Keyboard scan rate vs. polling rate
The scan rate of a keyboard differs from the polling rate.
- Scan rate = How quickly the keyboard internally recognizes keystrokes
-
Polling rate = How quickly the keyboard transmits these inputs to the computer
Let's look at what happens when you press a button:
- You press a key on the keyboard.
- The switch triggers an electrical signal.
- The keyboard's microcontroller scans and detects the key press ← The scan rate is crucial here
- The microcontroller creates a data packet containing information about button press or release.
- Your PC queries the keyboard via USB and receives the data packet ← The polling rate plays a role here.
Scan rate
During the input process, the scan rate affects step 3, the moment before USB communication. It is entirely controlled by the keyboard's internal logic and is therefore more difficult to measure. With some keyboard designs, different keys or key zones can even operate at different scan rates.
Polling rate
The polling rate refers to step 5, which is part of USB communication. It can be easily checked using software tools. For this reason, the polling rate has become a popular (and measurable) marketing metric for gaming peripherals.
Scan rate vs. polling rate: comparison table
Here is a clear comparison between keyboard scan rate and polling rate:
| aspect | Scan rate | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | How often the keyboard internally checks the state of the keys | How often the PC queries the keyboard for input |
| Where it happens | Within the keyboard (MCU / Firmware) | Via USB between keyboard and PC |
| Influenced step | Key press detection (before USB transfer) | Transferring the data to the PC |
| Unit of measurement | Hertz (Hz) | Hertz (Hz) |
| Typical values | 125 Hz – 32,000 Hz+ | 125 Hz – 8,000 Hz+ |
| steering | Keyboard logic, circuitry, firmware | USB Configuration & Device Description |
| Visibility for users | Largely hidden | Fully visible and verifiable |
| Easy to check | No | Yes |
| Use in marketing | Rarely advertised | Frequently advertised |
| Different values are possible for each key. | Yes (depending on the design) | No |
| Impact on latency | Detection delay | Transmission delay |
| Can the other compensate for that? | Scan rate limits the effectiveness of the polling rate. | A high polling rate cannot compensate for a low scan rate. |
Interaction of scan rate and polling rate
The polling rate doesn't make the keyboard recognize keystrokes faster; it simply transmits already recognized inputs to the PC. If the scan rate is low, the exact moment of a keystroke may be missed, meaning the input won't be registered until the next scan cycle.
This means the delay persists even at a very high polling rate. For optimal performance, the scan rate should be at least as high as, or higher than, the polling rate.
What influence does the scan rate have?
1. Reaction rate
A higher scan rate allows the keyboard to recognize keystrokes more quickly. This minimizes input lag and reduces missed actions.
For example, the MOD 007 V5 HE Magnetic Keyboard has a scan rate of 32,000 Hz. This means it captures keystrokes 32,000 times per second. This significantly reduces the time between key press and actuation, resulting in a particularly responsive and smooth user experience.
2. Precision
A high scan rate improves the overall precision of the keyboard. When typing quickly or performing complex inputs, key positions and pressure changes are recorded more accurately, thus reducing typos and unregistered inputs.
Examples:
- When typing, actions such as selecting the correct character or switching between uppercase and lowercase letters are recognized more reliably.
- In gaming, this precision manifests itself in more accurate ability triggering as well as smoother and better controllable movements.
3. Reliable input recognition
In combination with optimized firmware algorithms, a high scan rate can better distinguish intentional key presses from unintentional touches. Lightly placing a finger on a key or briefly brushing against it does not trigger an input – a signal is only registered when a defined pressure or displacement threshold is reached.
This reduces unintentional input and increases accuracy for both typing and gaming.
4. Signal stability
High-frequency scanning allows the keyboard to compare multiple input signals in a very short time. Short-term signal fluctuations or interference – such as from poor contact – are filtered out and not registered as valid input.
This is particularly important for long-term stable performance, especially in complex electromagnetic environments or during intensive, prolonged use, and ensures consistently reliable performance.
What affects the keyboard scan rate?
1. Microcontroller (MCU) performance
The keyboard scan rate largely depends on the processing power of the internal microcontroller. A higher clock frequency means faster data processing, thus increasing the scan rate.
2. PCB Design
The design of the printed circuit board (PCB) also affects the scan rate. A good PCB design can reduce the length and complexity of signal transmission paths, thereby improving scan speed.
3. Firmware Algorithm
The algorithm in the keyboard firmware is also crucial. Optimized firmware algorithms can effectively improve scanning efficiency, reduce unnecessary signal processing, and thus increase the scan rate.
4. Driver
Drivers also have a significant impact on the scan rate. Stable drivers ensure good compatibility with the operating system and avoid scan delays caused by software conflicts.
5. Usage environment
The keyboard's usage environment also affects the scan rate. In humid or extreme temperature conditions, keyboard performance may degrade, leading to unstable scan rates.
6. Cleaning the keyboard
After prolonged use, dust and dirt accumulated inside the keyboard can reduce the circuit's response speed. Regularly cleaning the keyboard can maintain a good scan rate.
7. Key force and frequency
The user's key pressing force and frequency also affect the scan rate. Excessively heavy or rapid key presses may cause temporary instability in the keyboard circuitry, thus affecting the scan rate.
Akko keyboards with a 32,000 Hz scan rate
MOD 007B HE Black & Silver ISO
A premium 75% Hall-effect magnetic keyboard in an elegant Black & Silver ISO layout that perfectly combines performance and style – ideal for gamers and productive users who appreciate both fast response times and an appealing design.
Features:
- 32,000 Hz scanning rate & 8,000 Hz polling rate
- Full Range RT0.005mm
- ARM Cortex-M4 CPU
- Compatible with common magnetic switches
- Aluminum CNC housing
- ISO layout support
- Gasket Mount
- Multi-mode support
MOD 007 HE Year of Dragon
An exclusive Hall Effect keyboard to celebrate the Year of the Dragon – combining impressive CNC aluminum design with state-of-the-art input technology and reliable performance.
Features:
- Year of the Dragon Collector Edition
- 32,000 Hz scanning rate & 8,000 Hz polling rate
- Full Range 0.01 mm RT
- Compatible with common magnetic switches
- ARM Cortex-M4 CPU
- Support for ISO-DE/FR/UK layouts
- Gasket Mount
MOD 007 V5 HE Magnetic Keyboard
A next-generation Hall-effect keyboard with ultra-high internal precision and customizable features – ideal for performance-oriented gamers and enthusiasts who demand maximum control and flexibility.
Features:
- 32,000 Hz scanning rate & 8,000 Hz polling rate
- Full Range RT0.005 mm
- ARM Cortex-M4 CPU
- Rapid Disassemble Design
- Compatible with common magnetic switches
- Programmable display screen & vertical rotary knob
- Aluminum housing & gasket mount
- Multi-mode support
MonsGeek M1 V5 TMR Magnetic Keyboard
A TMR magnetic keyboard that combines precise key activation with solid build quality and excellent value for money – ideal for users seeking both performance and flexibility.
Features:
- TMR sensor for more precise and stable inputs
- ANSI version: 32,000 Hz scan rate / ISO version: 16,000 Hz scan rate
- Compatible with magnetic and mechanical switches
- Compatible with common magnetic switches
- 8,000 Hz polling rate
- ARM Cortex-M4 CPU
- Rapid Disassemble Design
- Aluminum housing & gasket mount
- Multi-mode support
In addition to the MonsGeek M1 V5 TMR, the newly released MonsGeek M-Series HE magnetic keyboards, including the M1 V5 HE , M2 V5 HE , and M3 V5 HE , also feature a scan rate of 32,000 Hz. This ensures a precise, fast, and stable typing experience.
Conclusion
The scan rate isn't just a number on a spec sheet. It's a key part of the input pipeline that, when combined with good firmware and hardware design, helps turn fast key presses into reliable, accurate actions on screen.
