QiYi Skewb Diamond M

QiYi Skewb Diamond M

QiYi Skewb Diamond M is the magnetic version of the Skewb Diamond, an octahedron-shaped (diamond-shaped) Skewb. You will often see it called the 2x2 FTO. The puzzle turns around four axes, and every cut goes through its centre, just like on a regular Skewb. Only the geometry is different: where the Skewb has corners, the diamond has triangular faces. The letter M in the name stands for factory-installed magnets. The colours are plastic tiles, not stickers, so they won't peel off or wear away.

How it turns

This puzzle is considered beginner-friendly. Buyers say the turning is pleasant and stable, and you can work out a solution intuitively without memorising lots of algorithms. According to the manufacturer, the mechanism protects against popping, and the shape of the pieces helps with turning and spreads lube evenly. The magnets snap the layers into place with a clear "click", so the puzzle stays aligned more easily than the non-magnetic version. This matters with the diamond shape, because half-turned layers are hard to feel with your fingers.

Skewb Diamond vs Skewb and FTO

If you can solve a Skewb, you will quickly find your way around the diamond. The mechanism is the same; only the shape and the colour layout change, so you need to adjust a little. The diamond is no substitute for a full FTO (Face-Turning Octahedron), which has many more pieces and is much harder. The Skewb Diamond works well as a first step towards octahedral puzzles. It is not a WCA event, so this puzzle is mainly for collecting and casual solving.

Who is it for?

For people who have already mastered the 3x3 and the Skewb and want to try a different shape without a big jump in difficulty. It also makes a great gift for a child who loves cubes. The colours won't come off, and the magnets make solving easier. For collectors, it's an inexpensive way to add an octahedron to the collection.

Specifications

• Type: Skewb Diamond (octahedron, 4 axes of rotation), also called 2x2 FTO
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Size: approx. 65.5 mm
• Dimensions: approx. 63 x 61.6 x 61 mm
• Magnets: 24, factory-installed
• Colours: plastic tiles, stickerless
• WCA event: no
• EAN: 6948154231861