How to increase keyboard key repeat speed in macOS

Increasing the keyboard key repeat speed can significantly boost productivity by enabling faster text navigation and editing. In macOS, the default key repeat speed may not be optimal for all users, especially those accustomed to rapid typing or programming activities.

Whether you're a seasoned developer, a writer, or a general user aiming for more efficiency in everyday tasks, adjusting the keyboard settings in macOS to increase the key repeat speed can be beneficial. Thankfully, the process is straightforward and doesn't require any third-party tools, as the built-in System Preferences panel offers the necessary customization options.

1. Click on the Apple menu located at the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Click on the Keyboard icon.
4. Move the Key Repeat slider to the right (towards “Fast”) to increase the speed at which a key repeats when held down.
5. Adjust the Delay Until Repeat slider to the left (towards “Short”) to decrease the time it takes for key repeat to initiate once a key is pressed and held.

   This will make the character appear more quickly when a key is held down.

6. Close the Keyboard preferences window.
7. Test the new settings by opening any text editor or input field and holding down a key to see the repeat rate in action.