What Is A Keystroke?

Date First Published: 29th November 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Software

Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Easy

Difficulty Level: 2/10

CONTENTS

Uses
Keystroke Logging

Learn about what a keystroke is in this article.

A keystroke is an instance of pressing a key on a keyboard. This includes both physical and on-screen keyboards. Every keystroke sends a signal to the computer on which key was pressed, how long it was held down, and whether it was pressed by itself or with another key. This is used for programming purposes so that the computer knows how to respond to a user pressing a specific key. The command can be directly sent to the operating system or passed to the application that currently has focus.

Depending on the key pressed, the keystroke may or may not generate a character. The keyboard inputs could be letters, numbers, symbols, or specific commands, like the Enter or Spacebar buttons. Keystrokes are essential for basic input tasks, like typing letters, numbers, and symbols, and more complex processes, such as running keyboard shortcuts.

Uses

The term "keystroke" is often used when measuring efficiency or detecting patterns of computer usage. For example, keystrokes per minute (KSPM) is a measurement of typing speed in addition to the words per minute (WPM). KSPM could be used as a metric to evaluate typing skills and the speed the individual is typing. By minimising the number of keystrokes, a task can be completed faster and more accurately.

Keystroke Logging

Certain types of software, known as keyloggers, log keystrokes. Keyloggers can be used for legitimate purposes, such as IT departments troubleshooting technical problems on computers. They can also be used for parental controls to allow parents to see what their children are doing and by businesses and schools to track what employees and students are doing and verify no inappropriate content. However, businesses and schools should always get permission for this type of keylogging as it can be considered a form of data theft if done without permission.

Keyloggers can also be used for malicious purposes. Malicious keyloggers log all keystrokes the user makes and send that data to a third party, meaning that everything that users type on the computer is recorded. Keyloggers can record sensitive information, like usernames, passwords and bank details, which can be used for unauthorised access, data theft, and identity theft.