QiYi QiYuan S3 4x4x4

QiYi QiYuan S3 4x4x4

A budget 4x4 cube from QiYi for anyone who has already solved the 3x3 and wants to try the next event without spending much. QiYi QiYuan S3 4x4x4 is the third generation of the QiYuan S series. It is a non-magnetic, stickerless cube, about 59 mm in size and weighing about 102 g. That makes it smaller and noticeably lighter than the first QiYuan 4x4, which measured 62 mm.

How it turns

Straight out of the box, the cube turns lightly and fairly smoothly, so you can start solving right away. QiYi used a smaller, stiffer mechanism than in the older QiYuans to make the turning less scratchy. The feel is soft, and the cube leans more towards speed than strong control.

To be honest, it has its weaker points too. Corner cutting is average, lockups can happen with imprecise turns, and the inner layers can sometimes catch. The cube has no magnets, so the layers do not snap into place on their own and you have to align them more carefully by hand.

Adjustment and setup

Tension is adjusted with screws. Some users loosen the cube right after buying it, as the factory setup can be quite tight. Looser tension clearly improves corner cutting, and lube can make the turning even smoother.

Bright or Jelly?

The mechanism is the same in both versions; only the plastic differs. The Bright version has vivid, opaque colors. The Jelly version is made of translucent plastic and is slightly heavier (about 104-106 g). The choice is a matter of taste.

Who is it for?

A good first 4x4 cube for learning to solve the centers, pair the edges and handle parity. It also works well as a gift for a child who has already mastered the 3x3, or as a spare cube. If you plan to practice regularly for time, it is better to move on to a magnetic 4x4 eventually. It will give you noticeably more control than the QiYuan S3.

Specifications

• Type: 4x4x4 cube, stickerless, non-magnetic
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Size: approx. 59 mm
• Weight: approx. 102 g (Jelly version approx. 104-106 g)
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Allowed in official competitions: yes