Calvins Puzzle Evgeniy Button Cube (2-Holes, 1/2)

Calvins Puzzle Evgeniy Button Cube (2-Holes, 1/2)

The Evgeniy Button Cube is a shape mod designed by Evgeniy Grigoriev and produced by Calvin's Puzzle. It is based on a 3x3 mechanism with a widened middle layer. Each face has two holes on opposite sides holding rotating "buttons" that stick out above the surface of the cube. In the 1/2 version, each button is made of two halves. The cube has a black body.

How the Button Cube works

The buttons are not just decoration. They add an extra layer to the puzzle. When a button forms a full circle, you can turn it by hand. When the halves get separated after turning the layers, the button is no longer complete and blocks some moves. So before you turn a face, you first need to set the buttons in the right position. As a result, familiar 3x3 methods are not enough, and you have to plan the order of your moves as you go.

1/2 or 1/4 version?

The same model is also available with buttons split into four parts. The difference matters:

• 1/2 (this version): the button halves can cause bandaging, meaning some moves are temporarily blocked. This restricts your freedom more and gives you more to think about.
• 1/4: you can turn the cube regardless of the button positions, and the button quarters get scrambled as you solve.

The Calvin's series also includes Tim's Button Cubes with one hole per face. Evgeniy's version has two holes on each face.

Things to keep in mind

This is a cube for relaxed solving, not for speedcubing. It's a good idea to align the buttons before each turn, because their small parts can pop out if you force a turn. Some users also report button caps coming off. Usually, gluing them back on is enough.

Who is it for?

For people who can comfortably solve a 3x3 and collect unusual puzzles, especially designs by Evgeniy Grigoriev. It is not suitable as a first cube. If you are just starting out with shape mods, you may want to try the 1/4 version first, which does not block moves.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3-based shape mod with rotating buttons
• Manufacturer: Calvin's Puzzle
• Designer: Evgeniy Grigoriev
• Buttons: 2 on each face, split into halves (1/2)
• Size: approx. 65.5 mm (6.3 x 6.16 x 6.1 cm)
• Weight: approx. 140 g
• Body colour: black