How to use the Mouse Tester
- Move the pointer into the test area and click left, right, middle (press the wheel) and both side buttons.
- Single-click the left button 30+ times and watch for possible double-click faults: two presses closer than the threshold are flagged.
- Scroll up and down to confirm direction and counts, then draw fast circles in the area to read the polling rate estimate.
- Adjust the threshold if needed and copy the result.
What a double-click fault is
When the micro switch under a button wears or oxidises, one press bounces into several contacts and the computer sees a double click. Human clicking rarely goes below 80 ms between presses, so the tool flags two presses closer than the threshold (80 ms by default) as a possible fault. If it happens often, replace the switch or claim the warranty.
Polling rate
Polling rate is how many times per second a mouse reports its position, typically 125, 500 or 1000 Hz and up to 4000–8000 Hz on high-end models. In browsers that support getCoalescedEvents, the tool counts raw movement events per second. Browser, OS and display refresh all influence the reading, so treat it as an estimate and trust the driver setting.
Side buttons and wheel
Side buttons are browser button numbers 3 and 4 (back and forward). The tool blocks their default action so the page does not navigate away during the test. The wheel test separates direction and delta mode (pixel, line, page); a wheel that occasionally jumps the wrong way usually has a worn encoder.
Frequently asked questions
Will right-clicking open a menu?
No. The context menu is blocked inside the test area so right clicks can be counted; it works normally elsewhere on the page.
What threshold should I use?
The default 80 ms suits most people. Fast-clicking gamers can lower it to 50–60 ms. Your system double-click speed does not affect this test.
Why does polling rate show only 60 or 120?
Some browsers do not support coalesced events, so the reading approaches the display refresh rate. Use the latest Chrome or Edge and move the mouse quickly inside the area.
Can I test a touchpad?
Yes, for clicks and scrolling. Tap-to-click is interpreted by the OS and may appear as a different button event.
Are my side buttons broken if nothing happens?
Some mice need the vendor software to map side buttons, or the software reassigned them. Restore defaults in the software and test again.