What is keyboard ghosting?
Ghosting happens when you press several keys at once and some of them don't register. Cheaper keyboards share wiring between keys to save cost, so certain combinations get blocked. For gamers this can mean you can't run, jump and reload at the same time.
What is N-key rollover (NKRO)?
Key rollover is how many keys a keyboard can register at the same time. 6KRO means 6 keys plus modifiers, which is common on USB keyboards. NKRO means every key can be pressed together, which is usual on gaming and mechanical keyboards.
How to test for ghosting
- Hold down a few keys you use together in games, such as W + A + Shift + Space.
- Add more keys one by one and watch the Keys held now counter.
- If you press a key and it doesn't light up, that combination ghosts.
Most laptop keyboards register only 2–4 keys in some combinations. That's normal and not a fault. Also note that Windows may react to Shift pressed five times (Sticky Keys).
Frequently asked questions
How many keys should a gaming keyboard register at once?
At least 6 keys (6KRO) is fine for most games. NKRO keyboards register every key you press, which helps in fast-paced games and rhythm games.
Is ghosting a fault?
Not usually. Ghosting is a design limit of the keyboard matrix. Laptop and budget keyboards often ghost on some three- or four-key combinations.
Can I fix keyboard ghosting?
Ghosting is in the hardware, so it can't be fixed with software. A keyboard advertised as anti-ghosting or NKRO is the solution.