Keyboard Testing Software for Windows 7?

[vanic]

Hey Guys,

I have a issue with my IBM Model M2 that I would like to see if I could test out.  While playing numerous FPS games if I hold down my Left shift my character only runs for a few seconds and then stops, It seems that my right shift has no issues at all.  Is there a app I can run that shows a map of your real time keystrokes,  so I could for example hold shift and see if its being resisted consistently?   I checked my options for sticky keys and so forth and I don't have any problems when using capitalization when typing.

Any recommendations?.

[ricercar]

Confirming this behavior is a new characteristic introduced in Windows 7, at least considering my statistically insignificant 100% with n=3 (two different model M and one M13).

Since installing Win7 Enterprise, on Steam games I have to press W repeatedly in order to continue moving forward, where previously under Vista/XP pressing and holding W was sufficient to move forward until the key was released. This behavior is limited to my Model M keyboards, occurs with Blue cube as well as other USB-to-PS/2 adapters.

I suspect key repeat rate is handled differently in Windows 7 than previous Windows, but haven't explored this thoroughly.

[vanic]

Well I tested it out after using Aquakeytest,  sure enough I think its the keyboard.  If I just press shift its ok, but I think it's pretty sensitive when bottoming it,  Like I have to keep a firm grip down on the shift to get it to stay on.  if i'm light at holding it down it stops.  I can keep my finger on it and just move it back and forth to cause it to random go off and on.  Maybe I have week fingers lol.

Could cleaning it make it function more correctly or is this baby too old?

Thanks for your sudjestion for Aquakeytest.

[bionicroach]

I suspect key repeat rate is handled differently in Windows 7 than previous Windows, but haven't explored this thoroughly.

I think ricercar might be on to something because I've experienced a similar problem on Win 7 with all of my keyboards.  When I'm holding left shift while arrowing up or down to select blocks of text in any text editor, multiple files in Windows Explorer, etc, the cursor will often stop highlighting as if I let go of shift, but I definitely did not.  I have confirmed that it happens on both USB and when using a PS2 adapter.

At first, I blamed it on the transposition / controller bugs on the old Das III, but I have since had it happen on every single keyboard I own.  So at this point, I figure it must either be my motherboard or some obscure Windows bug.  I think there may be some grounding / static electricity issues in my office, so I suppose it could be that as well.  Maybe I should try putting one of those grounded anti-static PC repair mats on my desk to see if it makes a difference...

[bionicroach]

Thanks!  I had missed that thread somehow.  I have been able to repro the glitch in Aquakeytest before - it definitely appears as if I let go of LSHIFT, even though it's still held down.

Besides the PS2 anomaly, I also don't think I'm ever hitting more than one key in the arrow cluster when it happens, either.  I'm generally just hitting the up or down arrow rapidly, or holding one of them down.

It could very well be my mobo as well, because I did have a defective power supply when I first built the machine which ran for a week or two, then blew up in spectacular fashion.  Everything *seemed* fine after replacing the PSU, but maybe not...