I’m not talking about the Ken Kesey variety, but the web standards test that grades web browsers based on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript compatibility. This test is called The Acid3 Test and you can try to pass it if you dare.

From the Acid3 website:

To pass the test, a browser must use its default settings, the animation has to be smooth, the score has to end on 100/100, and the final page has to look exactly, pixel for pixel, like this reference rendering.

I’ve taken the time to test some of the modern, popular web browsers. Some scores may or may not surprise you. If you have any doubt, take the test yourself.

Mac (10.5.7)

Safari (4.0.2): 100/100
FireFox (3.5): 93/100
Camino (1.6.8): 53/100

Windows (XP SP3)

Safari (4): 100/100
Google Chrome (2.0.172.33): 100/100
FireFox (3.5): 93/100
Internet Explorer (8.0): 20/100

Conclusion

I think what we can learn from this test is that you have very capable browsers running on both the Windows and Mac platforms– as long as your browser doesn’t have “Internet Explorer” in the title. Thank goodness Microsoft doesn’t make a Mac version anymore…

It’s funny, the browser newcomers, Apple and Google, with Safari and Chrome, respectively, are at the top of the pack. I would have thought FireFox would be on top having had many years of development under their belts. It goes to show you how serious Apple and Google are taking their technology. I can’t wait for a Chrome version for the Mac. I’ll try it out. Even though I’m a loyal Safari user, I think Chrome does some great things and it’s a powerful browser packed in a small binary footprint.

Which browser do you use? And will you switch based on The Acid3 Test?

Here’s a more in-depth reference.