QiYi Tiled Mirror Cube

QiYi Tiled Mirror Cube 3x3

QiYi Tiled Mirror Cube is a mirror cube built on a 3x3 mechanism. Instead of six colors, all sides are the same color and the pieces differ in thickness. When solved, you have an ordinary cube shape, but once scrambled, the puzzle turns into an irregular solid. This version has colored plastic tiles instead of stickers and no magnets.

How do you solve it?

You solve it with the same algorithms as a classic 3x3, so knowing the LBL or CFOP method is all you need. Recognizing the pieces is the hard part, though. Without colors, you have to judge the shape and height of each piece, and with differences of just a few millimeters it's easy to mix up pieces or think a corner is solved when it's actually twisted. That's why a mirror cube is great for training focus and spatial thinking. If you're only just learning to solve, start with a regular 3x3 first.

Tiles instead of stickers

Many cheap mirror cubes have metallic stickers that wear off and peel over time. Here, the surface is made of plastic tiles that hold up much better in normal use. QiYi designed the mechanism like a speedcube, so it turns more smoothly than older, stiff mirror cubes. Because of the unusual layer shapes, though, don't expect it to perform like a modern speedcube.

Non-magnetic or M version?

This model is the standard version without magnets. QiYi also makes a magnetic variant, in which the layers snap into place more clearly and the cube is slightly heavier. If you see the mirror cube as a puzzle to solve now and then, the standard version is all you need. Magnets are more useful if you want to solve the mirror cube regularly and against the clock.

Who is it for?

For cubers who already know the 3x3 and want to try something different without learning new algorithms. It's also a great first shape mod for your collection and a nice gift for anyone who can solve a regular cube.

Specifications

• Type: mirror cube (3x3 shape mod)
• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: approx. 89.4 g
• Surface: plastic tiles (stickerless)
• Magnets: none (standard version)
• Available colors: Black, Blue, Green