QiYi Gear Sandwich 3x3

QiYi Gear Sandwich 3x3

QiYi Gear Sandwich 3x3 is a Gear-type puzzle, a 3x3 cube with a geared mechanism. From the outside it looks like a regular 3x3, but it solves in a completely different way. It differs from the classic QiYi Gear Cube in its colour scheme: it has only three colours, hence the name "Sandwich". Fewer colours mean fewer pieces to keep track of, so it's a gentler start for anyone picking up a geared cube for the first time.

How a Gear cube works

The edges are shaped like gears that mesh with the neighbouring pieces. When you turn an outer face, the middle layer moves too and the edges rotate. That's why the algorithms you know from a 3x3 cube don't work here, and you need to learn a new method. The cube doesn't change shape. The whole challenge lies in following the movement of the gears. A solving guide is included, so you don't have to work out a method on your own.

Turning

The cube turns smoothly, and it practically never catches. That matters for a geared puzzle, because cheaper mechanisms of this type often jam. You can change the tension with the adjustment screws. Instead of stickers it has coloured plastic pieces (stickerless), which won't wear off or peel.

Who is it for?

For people who can already solve a 3x3 cube and want to try something different, and for collectors of Gear series puzzles. The Sandwich version also works well as a first geared cube. If you want to take on the full colour scheme straight away, choose the standard Gear Cube. This puzzle is for fun and collecting, not for speedcubing: it is not allowed in official WCA competitions.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 Gear puzzle (geared mechanism)
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Colour scheme: three colours, black body, stickerless version
• Size: approx. 57 mm
• Weight: approx. 106 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Release year: 2020
• WCA competitions: no

In the box

1. puzzle
2. solving guide