Picube MGC SQ1 Edge Magnet UV

Picube MGC SQ-1 Edge Magnet UV

This is a version of the popular YJ MGC Square-1, developed by Picube together with YJ. The mechanism and piece shapes come from the MGC, but the Picube MGC SQ-1 Edge Magnet UV also has magnets in the edges (edge magnets) and a glossy UV coating. In the original MGC Square-1 the edges have no magnets, and that is exactly what Picube decided to change.

What do edge magnets give you?

On a Square-1, the top and bottom layers are made up of corners and edges, and their arrangement changes all the time. When only some of the pieces have magnets, the magnetic pull during U/D turns depends on which pieces happen to be next to each other. Some users of the standard MGC describe this as an uneven feel, especially outside cube shape. Edge magnets are meant to make the layers snap into place more predictably and make it easier to hit the slice without lockups.

This version has no magnets in the middle layer (equator magnets) and no MagLev system. It runs on classic springs. The Picube MGC SQ-1 series also includes variants with these features. The Edge Magnet version sits in the middle of the range: it gives you more than the standard MGC, but not the full package.

Feel and finish

The MGC Square-1 is known as a fast puzzle with good corner cutting. Straight out of the box, however, it can be fairly dry and noisy. Lube and a short break-in period usually help with that. The UV coating gives a glossy surface that offers better grip than matte plastic and adds character to the puzzle.

Colours: Black or Yellow?

The puzzle comes in two variants: Black and Yellow. Choose the one you like right away. Unlike the regular MGC Square-1, the set does not include spare caps for changing the colour of the U/D faces.

Who is it for?

For those who solve Square-1 regularly and want the proven MGC platform with edge magnets. It also works well as an upgrade from the standard MGC. For your first steps with Square-1, the basic magnetic version is perfectly enough, and if you want all the features at once, you can go for the variant with equator magnets and MagLev.

Specifications

• Type: Square-1, magnetic, stickerless
• Manufacturer: Picube (in cooperation with YJ)
• Based on: YJ MGC Square-1
• Magnets: magnets in pieces + edge magnets (no equator magnets)
• Turning system: springs (no MagLev)
• Finish: UV coating
• Size: 54 mm (height approx. 56 mm)
• Weight: approx. 94 g
• Variants: Black, Yellow