WitEden 30 degrees Mixup 3x3x3

WitEden 30 degrees Mixup 3x3x3

At first glance it looks like an ordinary 3x3 cube with deep cuts. But the WitEden 30 degrees Mixup 3x3x3 is a puzzle from the Mixup series by the Chinese manufacturer WitEden. Its thin middle layer also turns by 30 degrees, not just by a full 90. After such a move, pieces end up in places they can't reach on a classic cube, and the cube itself loses its cubic shape. That's why you'll find it in the shape-shifting puzzles section of our shop.

How the 30-degree Mixup works

Mixups are puzzles whose middle layers can be turned by part of a full move, which opens up new ways to scramble them. Until you use a 30-degree turn, the puzzle works like a standard 3x3. The deep cuts make the edge pieces clearly visible. On a classic Mixup 3x3 they are hidden so the cube keeps the proportions of a regular cube. A scrambled 30-degree Mixup has many more possible configurations than a standard cube. To solve it, it helps to know a 3x3 method and do a bit of your own figuring out in unusual positions.

How it turns

This is a collector's puzzle, not a speedcubing cube. Regular 3x3 moves work, but according to user reviews, 30-degree moves can be stiff and tend to catch. Fast, aggressive turning is not a good idea, as the small pieces of the middle layer can pop out. It's best to turn calmly and align the layers carefully before the next move. The cube may rattle slightly when shaken.

Who is it for?

For people who can already solve a 3x3 cube and are looking for a new challenge. It will also appeal to collectors of unusual twisty puzzles, especially those who already own other models from the Mixup series. For a child's first cube, a classic 3x3 is a better choice - come back to this puzzle once the basics are mastered.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: WitEden
• Type: shape-shifting puzzle, Mixup series (based on 3x3x3)
• Mechanism: thin middle layer with 30-degree turning
• Size: 66 mm
• Weight: approx. 153 g
• Body colour: black (Black)