Whether you're working with laser graphics, programming stage lighting, or designing a high-end outdoor laser show, understanding KPPS can help you make smarter decisions and avoid disappointing results. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what KPPS means, how it works, and why it should be on your radar before purchasing your next professional laser light projector.
What Does KPPS Actually Stand For?
KPPS stands for Kilo Points Per Second, which is a unit that measures the scan speed of a laser’s galvanometer (galvo) system. Simply put, it's the number of thousand laser points per second that the laser projector can draw.
So:
- 30 KPPS = 30,000 laser points per second
- 40 KPPS = 40,000 laser points per second
These points form the images, patterns, animations, and text you see in a laser light show. The higher the KPPS rating, the smoother, clearer, and more detailed those laser graphics will appear—especially when working with high-resolution visuals or fast movement.
Why Is KPPS So Important?
When you’re designing a laser beam graphics show—especially one that involves logos, text, or 3D animations—you want crisp, flicker-free results. A laser with a low KPPS rating may struggle to draw complex patterns, resulting in flickering, jagged lines, or distorted visuals.
Here’s why higher KPPS is important:
- Smooth laser animation
- Sharper images and curves
- Reduced flicker or ghosting
- Cleaner display of logos and branding
For professional applications like concert laser lights, theme park installations, or event laser lights, scan speed is just as important as brightness or beam quality.
What Does KPPS @ 8° ILDA Mean?
You’ll often see scan speed described as “KPPS @ 8° ILDA.” This is a standardized way of measuring laser scan speed.
- KPPS = scan speed
- @ 8° ILDA = measured at an 8-degree scan angle
This standard helps users fairly compare scan speeds across different graphics laser projectors. At wider scan angles, the laser has to move faster to cover the same area, which reduces effective KPPS. So if two projectors both say “40 KPPS @ 8° ILDA,” you know they offer similar scanning performance at that angle.
Why 8 degrees? It’s a reference angle that represents a typical balance between image size and sharpness in laser shows.
How KPPS Affects Different Laser Show Applications
Not every laser setup needs high KPPS. The right scan speed depends on how you plan to use your laser light projector.
- Beam Shows
For shows that project straight beams, tunnels, or fan effects into the air (common in club laser light or disco laser lights), a 20–30 KPPS scan speed is often sufficient.
- Graphics Shows
If you're projecting laser graphics—like text, logos, or brand animations—a minimum of 30 KPPS is recommended for clear, sharp results. The better your scan speed, the more professional your show graphics will appear.
- Animation Shows
For high-frame-rate content or 3D animation laser projector shows, go with 40 KPPS or higher. This ensures clean rendering of motion and detail across all frames.
Recommended Laser: MIYA SF6 40W with 40KPPS High-Speed Scanning
If you're looking for a professional outdoor laser light projector that can deliver smooth, high-resolution laser beam graphics, we highly recommend the MIYA SF6.
This powerhouse is built for high-end graphics and animation shows, large outdoor projections, and landmark events. With a true 40W RGB analog laser, the SF6 offers deep, vivid colors and precise laser modulation for unmatched clarity.
Why SF6 Stands Out:
- 40 KPPS high-speed scanning at 8° ILDA for ultra-smooth animations
- Analog modulation for full color range and gradient effects
- ≤1.3 mrad beam divergence for razor-sharp outdoor projections
- Less than 7×7mm beam size for clean, professional results
- Multiple control modes including ILDA, DMX512, Master-Slave, and auto-run
- Waterproof IP65 housing, ideal for permanent outdoor installations
- Red wavelength at 636nm for improved visibility and color accuracy
- Full safety suite including beam masking and no-signal shut-off
Whether you’re illuminating a landmark building, designing a theme park laser experience, projecting onto a mountain, or lighting up a New Year’s Eve countdown, the MIYA SF6 delivers uncompromising performance and reliability.
Choosing the Right KPPS for Your Setup
Here's a quick reference table to help you choose the appropriate KPPS based on your use case:
|
Application |
Recommended KPPS |
|
Basic beam shows |
20–25 KPPS |
|
Logo projection or text |
30 KPPS+ |
|
HD laser graphics and animation |
35–40 KPPS |
|
Outdoor large-scale mapping |
40 KPPS+ |
Also consider beam divergence, modulation type (analog vs. TTL), and control flexibility when making your choice.
Final Thoughts on KPPS
Understanding what KPPS stands for and how it affects your laser light show projector outdoor or indoor setup is crucial. It's one of the most important specs that separates basic entry-level gear from professional systems.
When you're building a show with laser graphics, stage lighting, or concert laser lights, having a laser that can keep up with your creativity matters. Whether you're projecting logos at a corporate event, running dynamic visuals at a club, or managing a festival laser setup, KPPS is the heartbeat of your visual clarity.
Go with high KPPS for:
- Sharper visuals
- Better animations
- Professional-grade performance
And if you're serious about results, the MIYA SF6 is the laser to beat.