QiYi MS Magnetic 5x5x5

QiYi MS Magnetic 5x5x5

The MS series is QiYi's more affordable line of magnetic cubes. The QiYi MS Magnetic 5x5x5 is the largest puzzle in the series, and since its release in 2020 it has often been the choice of people buying their first magnetic 5x5 cube. As soon as you take it out of the box, you can feel the thicker, slippery plastic. This kind of plastic used to be found mainly in more expensive cubes. The pieces fit together well, and there is little friction between them.

How it turns
Turning is smooth and fairly soft. What matters on a 5x5 is that all layers turn in a similar way, so the outer and inner slices don't differ noticeably in resistance. The magnets are moderate in strength. They help the layers settle into place and reduce lockups and overshooting, but they don't turn the cube into a heavy, "clicky" model. Corner cutting is decent for this price range. With very inaccurate turns, some catching may occur.

Out of the box, the cube is set up fairly loose and is one of the looser 5x5 cubes. The trade-off is slightly lower stability. If that bothers you, you can change the tension with the adjustment screws. Tightening them slightly usually improves stability, while overtightening slows the turning down. If you like a loose, fluid feel similar to the DaYan TengYun V1, you may like the factory setup right away.

Who is it for?
For anyone learning to solve the 5x5 or switching from a non-magnetic cube who wants a solid mechanism at a reasonable price. It also works well as an inexpensive backup or practice cube. Keep in mind, however, that at 162 g it is one of the heavier 5x5 cubes. Newer, more expensive designs (e.g. with magnets in the core or more advanced tension adjustment) are lighter and give you more control at high TPS. For an advanced speedcuber, the MS 5x5 will be more of a cube for home use than a competition main, although it is allowed in competitions.

Specifications
Type: magnetic 5x5x5 cube
Manufacturer: QiYi (MS series)
Size: 63 mm
Weight: approx. 162 g
Adjustment: adjustment screws
Colour versions: Black, Stickerless Bright
Release year: 2020

The set includes:

1. the puzzle
2. solving instructions