key_buffer usage drops but so does slow_queries?

[Erin ONeill]

Hey all,
I've been running mysqlreport regularly now and I haven't changed any server variables lately. I've been working on security since my slow_queries are now down to two queries in a 3rd party software that I can't change. Ok, I added an index and that cut them down to approx. 1500-1800 in 24 hrs (and they only take 3.21s which is really not bad).

But I've noticed that my key_buffer usage is low?? It used to get to about 95+% within 24-48 hours. Today I'm at 6 days and it's only at 50%. BUT slow_queries counts are at the low end of their range. Any thoughts on why I'm suddenly only using 50% of my key_buffer?

Any thoughts on where should I begin looking?

thanks

erin