Lanlan Skewb Diamond

LanLan Skewb Diamond

LanLan Skewb Diamond is an octahedron-shaped puzzle. Its triangular faces look like a pyraminx, but the mechanism comes from the skewb: each turn moves half of the puzzle, and the cuts run along 4 axes. In practice, it is a skewb with a different shape and a different colour scheme. It has 8 faces in 8 colours and a black body.

Structure and solving

The Skewb Diamond has 14 moving pieces: 6 corners and 8 triangular centres. Geometrically, it is the dual of the skewb. The diamond's corners correspond to the skewb's centres, and its triangular centres correspond to the skewb's corners. If you can already solve a skewb, you will quickly find your way around. Because of the different shape, though, you will need to learn to recognise cases again. The puzzle has 138,240 possible combinations, far fewer than a regular skewb. It is a good first puzzle beyond the 3x3 cube that won't overwhelm you with difficulty.

How it turns

The mechanism is similar to other LanLan skewbs. Turning is stable without major lockups, and the layers snap into place with a noticeable click, so it is easy to complete each full turn. Users praise its resistance to popping and its decent corner cutting. Straight out of the box, turning can feel a bit dry. A drop of lube, the same kind you would use for skewbs, helps. The puzzle has no magnets or UV coating, because it is meant for solving for fun, not for setting records.

Who is it for?

It is for you if you already know the skewb and want to try the same mechanism in a different shape. Puzzle collectors who collect shape mods will also enjoy it. It also makes a great next puzzle for a child who has mastered the basic cube. The Skewb Diamond is not a WCA event, so it won't help you train for competitions.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: LanLan
• Type: Skewb Diamond (octahedron), skewb mechanism, 4 axes of rotation
• Pieces: 6 corners, 8 triangular centres
• Size: approx. 69 mm
• Weight: approx. 139 g
• Body colour: black
• Magnets: none
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Release year: 2018
• Official WCA event: no
• In the box: puzzle