Reaction time test: how to get a faster score (and what the numbers mean)
A reaction time test measures how long it takes you to respond to a signal, usually in milliseconds. It is a fun way to compare yourself with your own earlier scores and with friends. It is a game, not a medical test, and phones add a small delay of their own.
How the test in Reaction Rush works
In Reaction Rush you wait for green, then tap. A set is five rounds, and your average sets your rank, from Snail to Lightning. Our rank thresholds are our own choice for fun: an average of 300 ms or less earns the top rank. Rounds add fake-outs you must not tap, a target shape among decoys, and double taps on a beat, so it stays interesting after the first go.
Why scores differ between devices
- Touch screens, screen refresh rate and the browser all add a few milliseconds.
- A score on a laptop with a mouse is not directly comparable with a score on a phone.
- Compare yourself on the same device for the fairest picture.
Habits for a faster average
- Hover, do not rest. Keep your thumb just above the screen.
- Never guess. An early tap counts as a slow round, so waiting is better than gambling.
- Relax your grip. A tense hand is slower.
- Play when alert. Scores are usually worse when tired.
- Do a few warm-up rounds before you take your score seriously.
More reflex games
Try Tap Tempo, Fast Hands or Beat Tap, or read about the reaction time test online. Race friends by hosting a room, where everyone gets the same rounds.
