QiYi 3x3 Mirror S

QiYi 3x3 Mirror S

QiYi 3x3 Mirror S is a mirror cube, a shape mod of the classic 3x3 cube. There are no colors here: all faces are covered with stickers in a single color, and the pieces differ in thickness. Once scrambled, the cube loses its cube shape, and when solved it returns to it. The Mirror S is a simpler, non-magnetic version of the QiYi Mirror with stickers. It has black plastic and shiny stickers with a brushed pattern in one of three colors: blue, gold or silver.

How do you solve a mirror cube?

The mechanism and moves are the same as on a regular 3x3. Anyone who knows the layer-by-layer method or CFOP can use the same algorithms. The only thing that changes is how you recognize the pieces: you look at their height and thickness, not at colors. At first this noticeably slows down your solves. You have to develop a different way of looking at the cube, and along the way you get to know the structure of a regular 3x3 better.

Mechanism and turning

In the S version, QiYi used a modified mechanism that offers better protection against popping. According to customer reviews, the Mirror S turns smoothly right out of the box for its price range. Occasional lockups can happen, though. The pieces are different sizes and the cube is irregular when scrambled, so it is better to turn a bit more calmly and align the layers carefully. The cube has no magnets, so the layers do not settle into place on their own like in the magnetic Mirror versions.

Mirror S vs. other Mirror versions

QiYi also offers versions with colored tiles instead of stickers, with magnets, and a glow-in-the-dark variant. Tiles are more durable than stickers, and magnets give more confident layer alignment. The Mirror S is the basic version, which is enough to get to know mirror cubes. With intensive use, scratches may appear on the shiny stickers over time.

Who is it for?

For someone who can already solve a 3x3 and wants to try something different without spending a lot of money. It is also a good first shape mod for your collection and an interesting gift for a child who already knows the regular cube. If you plan to solve the mirror cube a lot and for time, you may want to consider a magnetic version.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 mirror cube (Mirror, shape mod)
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Size: 57 mm
• Weight: approx. 77 g
• Magnets: none
• Plastic: black, with stickers
• Sticker colors: Blue, Golden, Silver