5 second CPS test.

At 5s, technique becomes the deciding factor. Single-finger players usually score 6–8; butterfly and jitter players hold 9–13; drag clickers can pass 20. The window rewards a locked rhythm over a fast start — most 5s scores improve more from metronome consistency work than from raw speed training.

The tester also scores technique metrics at this length (interval CV for Kohi, alternation for butterfly), because five seconds produces a big enough click sample to trust. Run it a few times: your best 5s score is the number to put in your signature.

Why 5 seconds is the standard

The 5s test became the default for a practical reason: it distinguishes players. At 1 second, everyone with decent hand speed scores similar; at 60 seconds, everyone is exhausted and scores similar. Five seconds spreads the field — raw speed shows, but so does rhythm, and rhythm is trainable.

It is also the duration where technique metrics become trustworthy. Interval consistency (the Kohi metric) needs ten-plus clicks to mean anything; five seconds of 8+ CPS provides that. For players learning a new technique, the 5s score with the technique metric attached is the honest progress number.

Training with the 5s test

Make 5s your weekly benchmark. Test the same input, same time of day, three runs, take the best. Chart it on the Personal Best page and watch the trend line — a climbing 5s average is the single best indicator that your training is working. When it plateaus for two weeks, change the stimulus: longer durations, technique work, or a rest week.