QiYi Fidget Cube

QiYi Fidget Cube 1x3x3

QiYi Fidget Cube is two things in one: a fully fledged 1x3x3 puzzle (floppy cube) and a fidget spinner. It looks like a single layer of a 3x3 cube. You turn the side faces just like on a regular floppy cube, and the centre spins like a spinner. So you can solve it, or simply spin it in your fingers when you don't feel like solving anything. The model is made by QiYi (QiYi MoFangGe) and has no magnets.

How to solve it

The 1x3x3 floppy cube is one of the simplest twisty puzzles. Every side-layer move is a 180-degree turn, so there are only a few possible positions, and even someone who has never solved a cube will quickly understand how it works. That makes the Fidget Cube a good first step before a 3x3 cube or a fun curiosity for your collection. A speedcuber won't find a challenge here, but can treat it as a gadget to spin between solves.

This is a cheap, simple mechanism and should be treated as such. User reviews of similar QiYi 1x3x3 spinners mention that turning can be less smooth than on speedcubing cubes and that minor lockups can occur. A piece may also pop out if you yank it hard. For relaxed solving and spinning in your hand, it's more than enough.

A spinner in the centre

The centre piece rotates independently of the rest of the puzzle. You hold the cube by its edges and set the centre spinning with your finger. It's flat and light, so it fits in a pocket or pencil case and works well on a desk as something to keep your hands busy.

Who is it for?

It's a small gift for a child or teenager, for people who like to have something in their hands while studying or working, and for collectors of unusual cuboids. If you want to learn to solve the classic cube, you'll still need a 3x3 model. The Fidget Cube makes a great addition to it.

Specifications

• Type: 1x3x3 puzzle (floppy cube) with a fidget spinner function
• Manufacturer: QiYi (QiYi MoFangGe)
• Size: approx. 60 mm
• Weight: approx. 35 g (puzzle only)
• Magnets: none
• Difficulty level: easy
• Available colours: Blue, Pink, Transparent Blue