Picube MGC SQ1 Edge Magnet+Equator Magnet UV

Picube MGC SQ1 Edge Magnet + Equator Magnet UV

Picube MGC SQ1 Edge Magnet + Equator Magnet UV is an upgraded version of the well-known Square-1 from YJ, developed by Picube in cooperation with YJ. The standard MGC Square-1 is magnetic, but it has no magnets in the edges. In this version the edges get magnets too, and extra magnets have been added in the equator area (next to the middle layer). The surface has a UV coating, so the puzzle is glossy and offers better grip than the matte versions.

What the extra magnets do

The stock MGC SQ-1 is light, fast and rather dry straight out of the box. However, some users complained that the layers don't settle into place well enough because there are no magnets in the edges. The edge magnets help the top and bottom layers line up more precisely, and turning has a clearer, more tactile feel. The equator magnets additionally stabilize the puzzle during slices. Users of the equator-magnet version report that slices and transitions between the top and bottom layers are faster for them. There are also fewer accidental lockups when the layers aren't perfectly aligned.

Before you buy, keep in mind that the MGC SQ-1 series can be fairly loud and "clacky" out of the box, and reviewers often recommend lubing them. By its nature, the Square-1 is also more prone to popping than a 3x3 cube, so if you turn very aggressively, it's worth making sure it's set up well.

Which Picube MGC SQ1 version?

Picube offers several magnet configurations: standard, with edge magnets, with edge and equator magnets, and with edge and equator magnets plus MagLev. This version is the third one, with a UV finish and without MagLev. If you want stability during slices and don't need MagLev, it's a sensible choice. If you're just learning the Square-1, you'll be perfectly fine with a cheaper version with fewer magnets.

Colour variants

The puzzle is stickerless and comes in two variants: Yellow is the classic scheme with a white and a yellow side, while Black has a black side instead of the yellow one.

Who is it for?

For cubers who solve the Square-1 regularly, want to improve their times and are looking for a more stable version of the MGC that lines up better than the stock model.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic Square-1, stickerless
• Manufacturer: Picube (in cooperation with YJ), based on the YJ MGC Square-1
• Magnets: magnets in the pieces, edge magnets, equator magnets
• MagLev: no
• Finish: UV
• Size: 54.5 mm
• Dimensions: 5.43 x 5.43 x 5.62 cm
• Weight: 94 g
• Variants: Yellow, Black