QiYi QiCheng A Skewb

QiYi QiCheng A Skewb

QiYi QiCheng A Skewb is an affordable, non-magnetic skewb from QiYi. This manufacturer is also behind the brands The Valk, MoFangGe and X-Man Design. The A version is a refreshed QiCheng released in 2019. It brings small improvements over the first QiCheng and is still one of the cheapest skewbs QiYi makes. That is why many people buy it as their first skewb after mastering the 3x3.

The QiCheng A skewb mechanism

The design is not very different from the first version of the MoFangGe skewb. The mechanism has two layers, and all surfaces that rub against each other are completely flat.

The difference lies in the cut-outs in the fixed corners and the centers. Thanks to them, the stabilizing ball touches the puzzle only in the dimples that hold it in place and does not rub against the rest of the surface. This makes the turning smoother. These dimples also give a clear "click" that helps you align the layers.

How it turns

The QiCheng A turns very smoothly. Resistance is medium, and the click on every move is clearly noticeable. Out of the box the puzzle is fairly stiff, but stable. The "click" helps stop the layer in the right place, so it is easier to avoid overshooting. On the other hand, it does not turn as lightly as more expensive magnetic skewbs. Breaking it in and applying lube usually reduce the stiffness, and you can change the tension with the adjustment screws.

Who is it for?

For anyone starting out with the skewb who wants to learn to solve it without spending much. It is also a good fit for a child who already knows the 3x3 and wants to try a new puzzle. Skewb is a WCA event, and the QiCheng A is allowed in official competitions. People who train regularly for time and want a faster, more flexible magnetic puzzle usually move on to a higher-end model later.

Specifications

1. Type: skewb, non-magnetic
2. Manufacturer: QiYi
3. Size: approx. 56.5 mm
4. Weight: approx. 94 g
5. Adjustment: adjustment screws
6. Release year: 2019
7. Body color: Black or White

The set includes:

1. the puzzle
2. solving instructions