SengSo Metallic 3x3 Mirror M

SengSo Metallic 3x3 Mirror M

A mirror cube uses the mechanism of a regular 3x3 cube, but all its pieces are the same color and differ in thickness. Once scrambled, the cube loses its cube shape, and you solve it by the height of the pieces, not by colors. The SengSo Metallic 3x3 Mirror M from ShengShou is the magnetic version (the letter M in the name) with a metallic, mirror-like coating in gold (Golden).

How to solve a mirror cube

If you can solve a regular 3x3 cube, you can solve this one too, because the method and algorithms are the same. The hard part is recognizing the pieces. Without colors, you have to look at the thickness of the sides, and with edges it's easy to miss that one of them is misoriented. The mirror surface reflects light, which some people find an extra challenge when looking for the right piece. That's why even an experienced cuber solves a mirror cube noticeably slower than a standard 3x3.

Magnets and mechanism

The magnets snap the layers into position and give a noticeable "click" with every move. In a puzzle with an irregular shape, this matters more than in a regular cube: when scrambling and solving, it's easier to align a layer and lockups happen less often. According to the manufacturer, the mechanism is based on a vertical central axis with double protection, and the contact surfaces of the pieces are textured. The tension is adjustable, so you can set the cube looser or tighter.

M version or non-magnetic?

ShengShou also makes the Metallic Mirror without magnets. The mechanism is similar in both versions; they differ in how they feel in your hands. The non-magnetic version turns more freely, while the M version is more controllable and holds the layers in place better. For regular solving, the magnetic version will usually be more comfortable.

Who is it for?

For someone who can already solve a 3x3 and wants a change from colors. The gold finish makes the cube look great on a shelf too, so it makes a good gift. It's a puzzle for fun and collecting, not a cube for breaking records. The mirror cube is not a WCA event. If you're a complete beginner, it's better to choose a classic 3x3, as it's easier to learn the method itself on it.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 mirror cube (shape mod), magnetic
• Manufacturer: ShengShou (SengSo)
• Size: 56 mm
• Weight: 68.5 g
• Finish: metallic, mirror (electroplated)
• Color: gold (Golden)
• Adjustment: tension