How the spacebar click test works
This is the click speed test with the mouse taken out. Only the Space bar counts. Your first press starts a five second timer, and the display shows the time left, your presses and your live rate. Holding the key down does not help, because auto-repeat is ignored. Each press has to be a real press and release.
When time runs out you see your presses per second to one decimal, a rating, your total and your personal best. The spacebar mode keeps its own history.
Thumb or fingers
Most people type with a thumb on the space bar, so the thumb is the obvious place to start. It is comfortable, but it is not always the quickest choice for a speed test.
- One thumb. Natural, accurate and easy to keep going, but you are limited by one joint moving up and down.
- Index or middle finger. Some people find a fingertip tap quicker, because it is the same motion they use to click a mouse.
- Two fingers taking turns. Like butterfly clicking on a mouse, two fingers can alternate on the bar. It takes practice to keep the rhythm even.
- Two hands. You cannot really alternate hands on one key, because both hands end up fighting for the same spot. If you want to alternate, the keyboard CPS test lets you spread presses across different keys.
Keyboard switches make a difference
The key itself sets a limit. Keyboard switches differ in how far the key travels, how much force it takes to press and how quickly it comes back up. On some keyboards a key registers partway down, while on others you need to press nearly to the bottom. A key that registers early and springs back quickly lets you start the next press sooner.
The space bar is a long key, so where you press it can change the feel. Press near the middle for the most even result, and use the same spot every run.
Make each run count
Rest your thumb or finger lightly on the bar before the first press, keep your wrist relaxed and use the same keyboard each time so your results are comparable. Give each technique a few runs before you judge it, since a new movement always feels clumsy at first. Stop if your hand or wrist aches. Once you have a method you like, track your progress on the spacebar CPS test.