A repeatable burst
A 1-second test is exciting but noisy. Two seconds halves that noise while keeping you in sprint mode, so your result is a more reliable measure of burst speed. It’s ideal for comparing techniques: one thumb vs. two thumbs, or two keyboards side by side.
Use 2-second runs to compare keyboards
Two seconds is short enough that fatigue doesn’t matter, which makes it a clean way to compare hardware. Do five runs on one keyboard, five on another, and compare the medians. Linear switches with a short travel usually win by one or two presses. A wobbly or scratchy space bar costs presses because the stabilisers slow the key’s return. If one keyboard is clearly slower, try pressing the centre of the bar before blaming the switch.
2 seconds spacebar benchmarks
| Presses | Per second | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 | under 6 | Relaxed |
| 12–16 | 6–8 | Average |
| 16–20 | 8–10 | Fast |
| 20–25 | 10–12.5 | Very fast |
| 25+ | 12.5+ | Excellent |
Tips for this length
- Do five runs and compare your median, not your best.
- Test both techniques (one thumb, then two) to find what’s faster for you.
- Try another keyboard: short-travel switches often add a press or two.
Other lengths
Want a different challenge? The spacebar counter lets you switch between all lengths, from 1 second to 2 minutes, and has a free-count mode for tallying.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 seconds better than 1 second for testing spacebar speed?
It's more consistent. Each press is worth half as much, so one mistake matters less and scores are easier to compare.
Does holding the space bar count?
No. Operating-system key repeat is ignored. Only separate presses count, and on touch screens a tap on the pad counts as a press.
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