Frequently Asked Questions

We use browser APIs designed for animation and high-resolution timing:

• Double rAF: We call requestAnimationFrame twice in succession. The first schedules the DOM change, the second captures the exact timestamp when the browser actually painted the green screen.
• Event timestamps: We use the browser's native event timestamp (event.timeStamp) rather than Date.now(), which is more precise.
• No interference: There are no other scripts, ads, or background processes competing for the main thread during your test.

This means we measure from the exact frame the screen changed to the exact moment you clicked - not approximations.

BrainDash™ is built from the ground up for accuracy and performance:

• ✓ Zero advertisements - Nothing competing for CPU time
• ✓ Frame-accurate timing - Measures to ~1ms precision
• ✓ No tracking scripts - Your privacy is protected
• ✓ Lightweight code - Under 50KB total
• ✓ Instant load time - No waiting for scripts
• ✓ Works offline - Full PWA support
• ✓ No cookies required - Data stays on your device
• ✓ 8 brain training games - Comprehensive cognitive testing

We prioritize accuracy over monetization. Your reaction time measurement should reflect your actual reflexes, not be corrupted by background processes.

Ads destroy accuracy. Here's what happens when a website runs ads:

• Ad networks inject 20-100+ JavaScript files that compete for your browser's main thread
• Ads cause "layout shift" - the page jumps around, which can delay your click registration
• Background ad auctions (real-time bidding) cause CPU spikes at random moments
• Tracking pixels fire network requests that can block other operations
• Video ads consume massive bandwidth and CPU even when not visible

We prioritize accuracy over revenue. Your reaction time measurement shouldn't be corrupted by someone's ad for car insurance.

Yes, but we minimize the impact:

• Monitor refresh rate: A 60Hz monitor updates every ~16.7ms. Higher refresh rates (144Hz, 240Hz) give slightly more precise timing.
• Input lag: Your mouse/keyboard has inherent latency (1-10ms typically). This affects all tests equally.
• Browser: Chrome and Edge are fastest. Safari and Firefox are slightly slower but still accurate within 2-3ms.
• Device load: Close other tabs and apps for best results. Background processes can cause timing jitter.

For the most accurate results, use a wired mouse, close other applications, and use Chrome or Edge on a desktop computer.

Here's how reaction times typically break down:

• <150ms: Exceptional - Top 1% (pro gamers, athletes)
• 150-200ms: Excellent - Above average
• 200-250ms: Average - Most people fall here
• 250-300ms: Below average - Room for improvement
• >300ms: Slow - May indicate fatigue or distraction

The average human reaction time to visual stimulus is around 200-250ms. Professional esports players often achieve 130-180ms consistently.

Yes! Reaction time can be improved with practice:

• Regular practice: 5-10 minutes daily of reaction training
• Sleep: Get 7-9 hours - fatigue dramatically slows reactions
• Caffeine: Moderate caffeine can improve reaction time by 5-10%
• Exercise: Regular physical activity improves neural processing
• Reduce distractions: Focus training improves anticipation
• Play fast-paced games: FPS and rhythm games train quick responses

Most people can improve their reaction time by 10-30ms with consistent practice over a few weeks.

Clicking too early (before the screen turns green) happens because your brain is predicting rather than reacting.

Our test uses randomized delays (1-5 seconds) specifically to prevent prediction. If you find yourself clicking early often:

• Try to relax and wait for the visual cue
• Don't try to "time" the delay - it's randomized
• Focus on reacting to the color change, not anticipating it

True reaction time is measured by responding to an unexpected stimulus, not by predicting when it will happen.

No. We take privacy seriously:

• Your scores are stored only in your browser (localStorage)
• We don't use cookies for tracking
• We don't have analytics or tracking scripts
• We don't collect any personal information
• Your data never leaves your device

When you clear your browser data, your scores are gone. We have no backups because we never had your data in the first place.

Yes! Our tests work on mobile devices, but there are some considerations:

• Touch latency: Touchscreens have 20-50ms more input lag than mice
• Screen size: Smaller targets may slow your response
• Refresh rate: Most phones are 60Hz (some newer ones are 120Hz)

For the fairest comparison, test yourself on the same device each time. Mobile times will typically be 20-40ms slower than desktop due to touch latency - this is hardware limitation, not our software.

Measures pure reflexes. Wait for the screen to turn green, then click as fast as you can. Our frame-accurate timing captures your true reaction speed to within 1-2 milliseconds.

Why it may feel faster here: We eliminate all timing interference - no ads, no tracking scripts, no heavy frameworks. The moment you click is measured with browser-native high-resolution timestamps.

Try the Reaction Test →

Tests working memory. Numbers appear on screen - click them in order (1, 2, 3...). After you click the first number, the rest hide! Can you remember where they were?

Research shows chimpanzees can outperform humans at this task. How do you compare?

Try the Chimpanzee Test →

Tests visual-spatial memory. A pattern of tiles lights up briefly. Your job is to remember and click the exact same tiles. The grid gets larger as you progress!

Great for training the visual memory centers of your brain.

Try Memory Matrix →

Tests digit span memory. A number appears on screen briefly. Type it back correctly! Each level adds another digit. How long can your number memory hold?

The average person can remember 7±2 digits. Phone numbers are designed around this limit!

Try Number Recall →

Tests pattern memory. Watch tiles light up in sequence, then repeat the pattern by clicking them in the same order. Each round adds one more step!

This tests a different type of memory than Number Recall - spatial sequences vs abstract numbers.

Try Sequence Recall →

Tests decision speed. Cards appear one after another. Is the current card the same as the previous one? Press MATCH or NO MATCH as fast as you can!

Combines visual processing speed with quick decision making - a key cognitive skill.

Try Speed Match →

Tests hand-eye coordination. Targets appear randomly on screen. Click them as fast as you can! You have 30 seconds - how many can you hit?

Great for improving mouse accuracy and training your visual tracking abilities.

Try Target Practice →

Tests sustained attention. Targets appear and start fading. Tap them before they disappear! Miss too many and it's game over.

Perfect for mobile devices - tests your ability to maintain focus over time.

Try Quick Tap →