Peak Cube S3R 3x3x3

Peak Cube S3R 3x3x3

Peak Cube S3R 3x3x3 is the debut cube from the Peak Cube brand, released in 2021. It is a 56 mm magnetic 3x3 cube weighing approx. 68 g, and it is legal for official competitions. It sparked plenty of discussion from the start, because the manufacturer gave it customization options that no other speedcube had offered before.

Swappable plates for a different feel

The most distinctive feature of the S3R is its swappable contact plates on the inner parts of the corners and edges. By swapping the plates, you change the surface where the pieces rub against each other, and with it the feel of the turns. The set includes two kits: white (factory-installed) and black, both with raised bumps. To be honest, though, swapping them is not convenient. You pry the plates off with a screwdriver, and it is easy to start worrying about breaking the pieces. Some users also feel that it takes quite a lot of time to notice the difference in feel.

Adjustment: springs and spacers

Unlike most cubes, there is not just one spring under each center. Under each spacer there are two sets of double springs. Tension and spring stiffness are adjusted separately:

• spacers: orange 1.0 mm, yellow 0.9 mm (factory-installed) and white 0.8 mm,
• springs: silver (soft, factory-installed) and gold (hard).

This gives you several setup combinations without turning any screws.

How it turns

The cube has moderately strong magnets and smooth turning. Reviewers describe it as fast, yet still controllable. Opinions on the S3R are mixed, however: there have been reports of quality control issues, and some people don't see a big advantage over popular GAN or MoYu models. In our opinion, the turning is very good for this price range.

Who is it for?

The S3R is best suited to cubers who like experimenting with their setup and want to see how the contact surface between pieces affects the feel. For a first cube, it is better to choose a model that is easier to maintain.

In the box

1. Peak Cube S3R cube,
2. distinctive cube packaging,
3. two kits of swappable plates with raised bumps: white (factory-installed) and black, 24 pieces each (corner plates, small edge plates and large edge plates),
4. three sets of spacers: orange 1.0 mm, yellow 0.9 mm (factory-installed), white 0.8 mm,
5. two sets of springs: soft silver (factory-installed) and hard gold,
6. small screwdriver,
7. certificate of authenticity with the cube's serial number,
8. cube pouch,
9. cloth with the Peak Cube logo,
10. maintenance manual,
11. solving guide.