Mouse Latency & Polling Rate Tester
Welcome to the Mouse Latency & Polling Rate Tester!
Accurate mouse input is essential for gamers, developers, and anyone who values precision and responsiveness. Even small delays or inconsistencies in mouse performance can impact your competitive edge, productivity, or user experience. This tool provides a comprehensive, real-time analysis of your mouse's latency and polling rate directly in your browser—no installation or plugins required.
Polling Rate Test
The Polling Rate Test measures how frequently your mouse reports its position to your computer. Move your mouse in the area below to see real-time stats: Lower and more consistent values indicate better performance and smoother tracking. Spikes or red lines may signal dropped events or unstable polling.
Click Latency Test
Measures the delay between clicking your mouse and seeing a response. Press and hold the test area—color changes instantly. For precise measurement, use a high-speed camera.
Perceived Latency Test
Estimates the time from mouse press to on-screen update. Lower numbers mean better responsiveness. Try different browsers or devices for comparison.
How to Use This Tool
- Polling Rate Test: Move your mouse in the highlighted area. The stats panel shows the robust average interval and polling rate (Hz), number of valid intervals, drops (intervals >2× median), and stability (% of intervals within 2× median). High spikes or red lines indicate possible missed events or instability.
- Click Latency Test: Click and hold the test area. The color changes instantly on mouse down. Lower values indicate faster system and browser response. For true end-to-end latency, use a high-speed camera.
- Perceived Latency Test: Measures the time from mouse press to browser visual update, with no extra hardware. Lower numbers mean better responsiveness; compare across browsers or devices for best results.
- Tips: For the most accurate results, close other apps and tabs. Try different USB ports, polling rates, or browsers. Results may vary by operating system, hardware, and browser.
- Interpreting Results: Green indicates stable performance (high stability score), red highlights outliers or drops. Aim for a high Avg Hz and stability, with low drops.
Understanding the Results
Polling Rate
Polling rate is how often your mouse reports its position to your computer, measured in Hz (reports per second). A higher polling rate (e.g., 500 Hz or 1000 Hz) means more frequent updates and smoother cursor movement. Lower or inconsistent polling rates can lead to lag or jitter.
- Good: 500 Hz or higher, with consistent intervals (low jitter).
- Needs Improvement: Below 250 Hz, or large spikes/drops in the graph.
Click Latency
Click latency is the delay between pressing your mouse button and seeing a response on screen. Lower latency is better for gaming and fast reactions.
- Good: 5–20 ms (milliseconds).
- Average: 20–40 ms.
- Poor: Above 50 ms.
Perceived Latency
Perceived latency measures the time from a mouse press to a visible update in your browser. This includes system, browser, and display delays. Lower numbers mean a more responsive experience.
What Affects Your Results?
- Mouse hardware and sensor quality
- USB port and polling rate settings
- Computer performance and background apps
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
How to Improve
- Use a high-quality mouse with a high polling rate setting
- Try different USB ports (preferably USB 2.0/3.0)
- Close unnecessary background programs/tabs
- Update your browser and drivers
- Test on another computer or operating system for comparison
Why Does It Matter?
Lower latency and higher polling rates improve accuracy and responsiveness, which is especially important for gamers, designers, and anyone who values precision. Consistent results mean fewer missed clicks or cursor jumps.