DianSheng Magnetic Squished 3x3

DianSheng Magnetic Squished 3x3: a flattened magnetic shape mod cube

DianSheng Magnetic Squished 3x3 works just like a regular 3x3 cube, but it has a different shape: it is lower than it is wide. According to the distributor, the sides measure 64 mm and the height is 56 mm. Because of this shape, the layers are not identical, and after just a few moves the cube loses its regular form. When solving it, you need to match the colors and restore the cube's flattened shape at the same time.

How to solve it

The moves, notation and algorithms are the same as on a standard 3x3, so all you need is to know how to solve a regular cube. The challenge is that you have to track colors and shape at once. There are no identical square pieces here, so at certain points you'll notice that a section solved by color still doesn't have the right form. The centers on the side faces are not square, so their orientation matters too. On a regular 3x3 you don't need to pay attention to it. If you know the LBL or CFOP method, this is a good first step towards shape mod puzzles. It's harder than a regular cube, but you don't have to learn a completely new method right away.

Magnets and mechanism

This is the magnetic version. The magnets work between the corners and the edges, so the layers pull themselves into their aligned position, making it easier to do a clean move without adjusting by hand. In a shape mod cube this matters more than usual, because with irregular layers it's harder to judge by eye whether a turn has finished. Inside, there are concave grooves that reduce friction and specially shaped piece surfaces designed to limit lockups and make turning smoother. There is also a non-magnetic version. It's fine for casual solving, but it turns less precisely.

Who is it for?

The Squished 3x3 is a great choice for anyone who has already mastered the regular cube and is looking for something different, as well as for collectors of unusually shaped puzzles. It's not a cube for breaking time records or for high TPS. What counts here is the shape and the extra challenge when solving. The stickerless version in bright colors (Stickerless Bright) has no stickers that could wear off or peel.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DianSheng
• Type: 3x3 shape mod
• Dimensions: 64 x 64 mm, height 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 86 g
• Magnets: yes, corner-edge
• Finish: stickerless, Stickerless Bright color