What is "Rapid Trigger" for Ultra-Fast Keyboard Keystrokes? – Advantages and Disadvantages

What is Rapid Trigger?

How Rapid Trigger Works

Rapid Trigger is a technology that accelerates the input responsiveness of keyboards.

Keyboards have an "actuation point," which determines how far a key must be pressed for the switch to turn on. For example, if the actuation point is 1mm, pressing the key by just 1mm will register as an input.

Some of the latest mechanical keyboards allow you to set the actuation point using dedicated software.

While lowering the actuation point can address the "on" response of a key, detecting the "off" state is more challenging. Naturally, the point at which a key turns off must be higher than the point it turns on, in order to judge that the key has returned. For example, if the key turns on at 1mm, it is necessary to set the off point at a fraction of a millimeter above that.

If input is always registered at around 1mm, it is not a big problem, but for example, if you bottom out the key when typing, the distance to turn on is 1mm, but the distance to return from the bottom to 1mm is not considered "off" (the key is still considered pressed), which can actually cause a delay in responsiveness.

On the other hand, keyboards that support Rapid Trigger use a special sensor-equipped key switch where "on" is detected while the key is being pressed, and "off" is detected as soon as it senses the key is returning. This means the key input can be turned off even if the key has not fully returned.

With this mechanism, when repeatedly pressing a key, you no longer need to let the key return to the very top, making it possible to "rapid-fire while holding down the key." It also reduces the phenomenon where the response is delayed even though the user has already released the key.

Advantages of Keyboards Supporting Rapid Trigger

Keyboards that support Rapid Trigger have the following advantages.

1. Improved speed of repeated keystrokes
2. Improved input accuracy
3. Reduced strain on fingers

The most obvious benefit is the improvement in repeated keystroke speed. Since you can repeatedly press keys even without letting them return, the travel distance of the keys is shorter, resulting in faster repeated keystrokes.

A more subtle but significant benefit is the improvement in input accuracy and the reduction of finger strain. Even though key switches are precision mechanisms, human finger movements are unstable, so the input response may not always match what you intend. This leads to decreased input accuracy and increased finger strain.

By using a keyboard that supports Rapid Trigger, you can improve input accuracy, increase typing speed, and reduce the strain on your fingers.

Points to Note When Using Keyboards Supporting Rapid Trigger

When using a keyboard that supports Rapid Trigger, keep the following points in mind.

1. If you set the actuation point too low, it may cause accidental inputs
2. Pressing keys too hard may damage the key switches or keycaps

These are obvious considerations given that delicate sensors are used, but since keyboards supporting Rapid Trigger are relatively expensive, you should be aware of these risks before purchasing.

Keyboards Supporting Rapid Trigger

As of 2025, keyboards supporting Rapid Trigger are available from the following manufacturers.

1. Razer
2. Logitech
3. Corsair
4. Ducky
5. SteelSeries
6. ELECOM

Most of these are manufacturers of gaming keyboards, but it is likely that the range will expand in the future.

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless

 Amazon

 eBay

Logicool G PRO X TKL

 Amazon

 eBay

How to Use Rapid Trigger

Rapid Trigger is configured using the utility software provided by each manufacturer. In addition, some keyboards have a built-in feature to turn Rapid Trigger on or off.

The method of configuration varies depending on the manufacturer and product, so be sure to check the manual for each manufacturer.