Morse Code Keyboard & Key Simulator
Type and practice Morse code with an interactive keyboard and virtual key simulator. Use your keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen to send dots and dashes, hear tones, and decode Morse in real time.
How to Use the Morse Code Keyboard
- Click or tap the letters and numbers on the virtual keyboard to type them out.
- Alternatively, use your physical computer keyboard to type directly.
- Listen to the Morse code tones as you type (turn Sound On/Off as needed).
- Use the Copy options to copy your text or Morse code output to the clipboard.
How to Use the Morse Code Key Simulator
- Switch to the "Key Simulator" tab.
- Press the Spacebar or use your mouse/touchscreen to hold down the virtual telegraph key.
- A short press produces a dot, while a longer hold produces a dash.
- Pause slightly between characters to let the tool decode your input into letters.
- Adjust the WPM setting to match your preferred speed—the timing automatically scales.
How Morse Code Timing Works
Timing is essential in Morse code. The fundamental unit of time is the duration of a single dot. Everything else is measured relative to this unit:
- Dot: 1 unit long
- Dash: 3 units long
- Gap inside a character: 1 unit long
- Gap between letters: 3 units long
- Gap between words: 7 units long
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Morse code keyboard?
A Morse code keyboard is an interactive tool that visually maps standard alphabet letters and numbers to their Morse code equivalents. As you interact with it, it translates your input in real-time, helping you learn and practice.
How does the Morse key simulator work?
The simulator acts like a traditional telegraph key. It measures how long you hold the key down (or press your Spacebar) and uses the current WPM setting to determine whether you intended to send a dot or a dash.
Can I use my Spacebar as a Morse key?
Yes! When you are in the Key Simulator mode, pressing and holding your computer's Spacebar functions exactly like an active telegraph key.
What is the difference between a dot and a dash?
A dot (or "dit") is the shortest pulse of sound in Morse code. A dash (or "dah") is a longer pulse, standardly equal to the duration of three dots.
What WPM should beginners use?
Beginners often start between 5 to 10 WPM (Words Per Minute) to focus on accuracy rather than speed. Once comfortable, you can gradually increase the speed.
Looking for more ways to practice and decode Morse code? Check out our Morse Code Translator, try the Morse Code Trainer to improve your listening skills, or use the Audio Morse Decoder to analyze sound files. You can find everything in our All Tools directory.