QiYi 3x3 Magnetic Gear V2

QiYi 3x3 Magnetic Gear V2

A gear cube is usually seen as a curiosity for the shelf. The QiYi 3x3 Magnetic Gear V2 is a magnetic 3x3 Gear Cube built like a speed cube, so you can actually solve it fast. It has positioning magnets, a black body, colored plastic tiles instead of stickers and a matte (frosted) finish. According to QiYi distributors, this is the model on which Yichen Leng set the Guinness World Record for solving a gear cube, with a time of 1.241 s.

How a Gear Cube works

The principle is different from a classic 3x3. The edges are shaped like gears. When you turn an outer layer, the middle layer moves along with it, and the gears rotate around their own axes. The cube only returns to its cube shape after a 180° layer turn. Because of this, solving it requires a different way of thinking than a regular cube. The method itself is short, though, and if you can solve a 3x3, you will usually pick it up quickly.

What the magnets do

On regular gear cubes it is easy to overturn a layer or stop it halfway through a turn. In the V2, the magnets help the layers snap into place on their own. Every turn ends with a clear "click", and the cube feels more stable during fast, continuous turning. The manufacturer specifies a setup of 56 magnets. The gear mechanism runs smoothly, and turns are more precise than in the non-magnetic Gear V2.

Tiles instead of stickers

The colored faces are plastic tiles fitted into the pieces, not stickers. They do not peel off or wear down with heavy use, which matters on gear cubes, because the gears are constantly working against the edges of the pieces.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can already solve a 3x3 and wants something new for their collection or for speedsolving. The magnetic version makes sense mainly if you care about fast and precise turns. It also works well as a gift for a child who enjoys puzzles. If you just want to learn how a gear cube works, a simpler version without magnets is enough.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 Gear Cube, magnetic
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Size: 57 mm
• Magnets: positioning magnets (56 magnets according to the manufacturer)
• Colors: full-color tiles, stickerless
• Body color: black
• Finish: matte (frosted)