Mini 

Mini cubes and keychain puzzles

This category features mini cubes and puzzles ranging from about 1 to 5 cm in size. Here you'll find keychains for your keys or backpack, pocket cubes and scaled-down versions of well-known puzzles. Almost all models work just like regular puzzles, so once you unclip the chain, you can solve them as usual. Most of the cubes come from QiYi, GAN, MoYu and ShengShou. More unusual shapes are made by FanXin, YJ and YuXin, among others.

Mini 3x3x3 cube: size matters

Most of the puzzles here are mini 3x3x3 cubes between 28 and 35 mm. A difference of just a few millimeters is clearly noticeable in your fingers. A 35 mm cube, such as the MoYu keychain or the Yuxin Super Hero Cube, is more comfortable to solve. The 30 mm and smaller versions are easier to carry on your keyring.

• GAN 330 Keychain (30 mm) has a design similar to a full-size speed cube and features tension adjustment. Of all the keychains, it is the best one for actual solving, but it has no magnets.
• GAN 328 Keychain (28 mm) has colored tiles instead of stickers, so nothing peels off, and comes with a transparent case. It's the same cube GAN uses in its mosaic sets.
• Pillowed versions from QiYi and ShengShou have slightly rounded faces, which makes a small cube easier to grip.
• Cubelab 1cm Mini Cube is a fully working 3x3 cube with 1 cm sides. However, it turns much worse than a regular cube, so it's better treated as a collector's curiosity.

Other puzzles in mini versions

Besides the classic 3x3, you can find miniature versions of other puzzles: QiYi Pyraminx, Ivy Cube, Gear 3x3 and 2x2 Pillowed. There's also the QiYi Mini Magic Snake, a small snake puzzle for building shapes. FanXin offers keychains in the form of a Penrose puzzle and the 4-Colors Ball. The 1x1x1 keychain is a fun gadget for cubers rather than a puzzle. These models make a great small gift for someone who already solves cubes and wants something unusual in their collection.

What to expect from a keychain cube

A mini cube is something to solve while traveling, waiting in line or on a break. For timed practice, a regular cube is a better choice. The pieces are small, and some shapes, such as the Gear, can occasionally lock up, meaning a layer gets briefly blocked. If fast solving is what you're after, choose a normal-sized 3x3x3 model. As an accessory you always have with you, a mini cube is a great pick.