Sometimes you just need to blow off a little steam, and Keyboard Smash is an incredibly simple Facebook app that makes a game out of it. The goal is to see how fast can you mash your computer keyboard while the clock is ticking.
Sometimes you just need to blow off a little steam, and Keyboard Smash is an incredibly simple Facebook app that makes a game out of it. The goal is to see how fast can you mash your computer keyboard while the clock is ticking.
The plays screen is laid out like your average office desk, with a virtual keyboard and three sets of numbers along the top: your score, the timer, and the target number that you have to reach to earn a time bonus. The timer starts running down as soon as you hit the first key, and you receive points for every keystroke. If you’re fast enough you can keep adding time to the clock to extend your session. The game ends when you run out of time, after which you can boast about your score on your Facebook wall and compare it with other players on an online leaderboard.
That’s literally all there is to the game. It’s undoubtedly unique, and is quite effective as a stress buster or time waster – although I’d suggest playing it at the office or on someone else’s computer to avoid wear and tear on your own valuable keyboard! The same goes for your hands and fingers: this is definitely a game best played in short, cathartic bursts rather than extended sessions.
Be careful, too, to stay within the standard QWERTY part of the keyboard (the letters and numbers along the top.) If you get a bit wild like I did, you’re liable to press other shortcut keys and end up with windows and applications opening and closing at random.
Keyboard Smash is almost too simple as to be a gimmick, but the developers are clearly on to something. At the time of writing, the game enjoys more than 52 million monthly active users on Facebook, more than 20,000 fans, and an active message board with players bragging about their high scores and trading advice on how to smash keys faster. Tip: try a wireless keyboard, or use your head!
