swift vs csTimer
Short version: csTimer is the speedcubing app most serious cubers use, and for good reason. swift is a much narrower tool that exists to do one thing csTimer doesn't: use your webcam as the timing input. Neither replaces the other.
Quick comparison
| swift | csTimer | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware needed | Webcam | Stackmat, keyboard, gamepad, smart cube, or touch screen |
| Install | None — open the URL | None — open the URL (also available as a PWA) |
| Price | Free | Free, open source |
| Puzzles supported | 3x3 only | Every WCA puzzle and many non-WCA ones |
| Scramble generators | WCA-style random-move 3x3 | Random-state for all WCA puzzles, FMC, sub-puzzles, custom filters |
| Algorithm trainer | — | OLL, PLL, F2L, CMLL, Roux algs, custom subsets |
| Stats | Best, ao5, ao12, session mean, rolling per-solve averages | All of the above plus ao50, ao100, session graphs, exports |
| WCA-style inspection | 15s countdown with +2 / DNF auto-applied | Configurable inspection with the same rules |
| Shareable result images | Built-in PNG card for any ao5 / ao12 | Manual screenshot |
| Mobile | Not yet | Yes |
When to use csTimer
- You own a stackmat, smart cube, or just want keyboard timing.
- You practice multiple puzzles, not only 3x3.
- You want algorithm trainers, scramble filters, or detailed graphs.
- You time on your phone.
csTimer is the right default for most serious cubers and the timer you'll see at meetups and competitions. It's the most complete timer in the ecosystem — that's not a knock against swift, it's just true.
When to use swift
- You don't own a stackmat and don't want to buy one.
- You don't want keyboard timing — your hands are on the cube.
- You only practice 3x3 (for now).
- You want WCA inspection rules and basic stats without a setup ceremony.
- You like that nothing leaves your device.
swift is intentionally focused. It's the timer for "I just want to time a solve, I have a laptop and a webcam, I don't want to configure anything."
Can I use both?
Sure. They store sessions in different places (csTimer in its own
storage, swift in localStorage under swift.session.v1)
and don't interact. Many cubers use swift on their laptop and
csTimer on their phone, or use csTimer for algorithm practice and
swift for casual timing.
If you're new
Try swift first because there's literally nothing to set up — open the page, grant camera access, place your palms down, and you're inspecting. If you outgrow it, csTimer will be there.