⌨️ JS Event Keycode Tester
Professional JavaScript keycode tester for developers debugging keyboard events. Press any key to instantly see keycode values, key names, event codes, and modifier key combinations. Perfect for web development, game programming, and accessibility testing with multiple display formats.
Key Event Details:
Space Key Pressed → Keycode 32
Real-time keyboard event analysis
Press Any Key Here
Click here first, then press any key to see details
KeyCode
Legacy numeric code
Key Name
Human-readable name
Event Code
Physical key code
🎛️ Modifier Keys Status
🔍 Event Properties (Debug Mode)
💡 Common Use Cases
Map keys to game actions
Test keyboard navigation
Debug keyboard handlers
Create keyboard shortcuts
How to Use This JS Event Keycode Tester
How to Use the JS Keycode Tester:
- Focus the Key Area: Click on the key press detection area to give it focus for capturing keyboard events
- Choose Display Format: Select basic, detailed, or debug mode based on how much information you need to see
- Enable Modifier Tracking: Check the box to see Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and Meta key status when pressed
- Press Any Key: Once focused, press any key on your keyboard to see instant results
- Test Combinations: Try pressing keys with modifiers (Ctrl+A, Alt+Tab) to see combination details
- Copy Results: Use the copy button to grab keycode values for your JavaScript code
- Download Report: Save complete key event details for documentation or reference
Pro Tips: The tester captures real-time keyboard events without page refresh. Perfect for debugging event handlers, testing accessibility features, or learning JavaScript key event properties. Works with all modern browsers and captures both standard and special keys including function keys, arrows, and media keys.
How It Works
Advanced Keyboard Event Detection Technology:
Our keycode tester uses sophisticated JavaScript event handling to capture and analyze keyboard input in real-time:
- Event Listener System: Attaches keydown event listeners to capture all keyboard input with proper event handling and cross-browser compatibility
- Multi-Property Analysis: Extracts key, code, keyCode, which, and location properties from KeyboardEvent objects for comprehensive key identification
- Modifier Key Detection: Tracks ctrlKey, altKey, shiftKey, and metaKey properties to show pressed modifier combinations accurately
- Real-Time Display Updates: Updates the interface instantly without page refresh using DOM manipulation and event-driven updates
- Cross-Browser Normalization: Handles browser differences in key event properties and provides consistent results across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
- Format Processing: Converts raw event data into three display formats - basic for quick reference, detailed for development, and debug for troubleshooting
- Focus Management: Maintains proper keyboard focus and prevents unwanted page behaviors while capturing key events
The system handles all standard keys, function keys, numpad keys, and special character inputs while providing accurate keycode information essential for web application development and debugging.
When You Might Need This
- • Game Development - Map keyboard controls for web games, test WASD movement, arrow key navigation, and space bar actions with precise keycode identification
- • Accessibility Testing - Verify keyboard navigation compliance, test tab order, screen reader compatibility, and ensure all functionality is keyboard accessible
- • Event Handler Debugging - Debug JavaScript keydown/keyup event handlers, troubleshoot key binding issues, and validate event propagation in web applications
- • Keyboard Shortcut Creation - Implement custom keyboard shortcuts for productivity apps, text editors, and web-based tools with reliable key detection
- • Form Input Validation - Test special key handling in forms, validate input restrictions, and ensure proper handling of Enter, Tab, and Escape keys
- • Text Editor Development - Build rich text editors with keyboard shortcuts, test cursor movement keys, and implement text formatting key combinations
- • Educational Programming Tools - Teach students about keyboard events, demonstrate event properties, and create interactive coding tutorials
- • Browser Extension Development - Test extension hotkeys, validate global keyboard shortcuts, and debug key event conflicts with page content
- • Mobile/Touch Device Testing - Verify virtual keyboard compatibility, test external keyboard connections, and ensure consistent behavior across devices
- • Legacy Code Modernization - Convert deprecated keyCode usage to modern key/code properties and update old keyboard event handling systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between keyCode, key, and code properties?
keyCode is the legacy numeric identifier (deprecated), 'key' represents the actual character or key name pressed, and 'code' represents the physical key location regardless of keyboard layout. Modern code should use 'key' and 'code' instead of keyCode for better internationalization support.
Why do some keys show different values in different browsers?
Browser implementations of keyboard events vary slightly, especially for special keys like function keys or media keys. Our tester shows all available properties to help you choose the most reliable detection method for your specific use case and target browsers.
How do I detect key combinations like Ctrl+C or Alt+Tab?
Check the modifier properties (ctrlKey, altKey, shiftKey, metaKey) along with the main key. For Ctrl+C, you'd check if ctrlKey is true and key equals 'c'. Enable modifier tracking in our tool to see exactly which modifiers are active during key presses.
Can this tool detect all keyboard keys including function keys and media keys?
Yes, our tester captures virtually all keyboard input including F1-F12 function keys, arrow keys, numpad keys, media keys (play, pause, volume), and special keys like Print Screen. Some system-level keys may be intercepted by the operating system before reaching the browser.
Is the keyCode property still safe to use in modern web development?
keyCode is deprecated and should be avoided in new development. Use the 'key' property for character identification and 'code' for physical key location. Our debug mode shows both old and new properties to help you modernize legacy code and understand the differences.