Calvins Puzzle Gear 2x2 Cube (4-color stickers)

Calvins Puzzle Gear 2x2 Cube (4-color stickers)

It looks like an ordinary 2x2 cube, but underneath there is a mechanism with gears. The Gear 2x2 Cube by Calvin's Puzzle was invented by Bram Cohen and designed by Oskar van Deventer, whose designs include the classic Gear Cube. This version has a black body and stickers in four colors instead of the standard six.

How this geared cube works

On two axes, the Gear 2x2 turns just like a regular 2x2 cube. The third axis works like a gear cube: when you turn a layer, the gears rotate along with it. So it is not simply a 2x2x3 cuboid with gears stuck on. Users point out that each gear is a separate piece and does not connect to its neighbor, which changes the way you solve it quite a lot. You have to put both the regular pieces and the gears in place, with the gears in the correct orientation.

According to people who have solved it, knowing the Ortega method for 2x2 (especially the cases where the vertical turns are double turns) and algorithms for 3x3x2 cuboids comes in handy. You can solve it without them, but you will have to figure out more on your own.

Standard or Plus version?

Calvin's Puzzle also makes the Gear 2x2 Cube Plus, which has 8 additional pieces, different gears and exposed sliders. It is the same idea, just in a more elaborate form. Opinions on which version is harder are divided, so the choice mostly depends on whether you want to get to know the concept in its basic form or go straight for the version with more pieces.

Who is it for?

This puzzle is not a speedcubing cube and is not tuned for fast times. It is a good choice for collectors or for cubers who already know the 2x2 and 3x3 and want something they cannot solve with memorized algorithms alone. As a first cube for a child, a regular magnetic 2x2 will work better. The Gear 2x2 is more of a next step once classic cubes stop being a challenge.

Specifications

• Type: gear puzzle based on a 2x2 cube
• Manufacturer: Calvin's Puzzle
• Design: Oskar van Deventer, idea by Bram Cohen
• Mechanism: two axes as in a standard 2x2, third axis with gears
• Body color: black
• Stickers: 4 colors