WitEden Octahedron Mixup II plus Mike Armbrust cube

WitEden Octahedron Mixup II Plus (Mike Armbrust)

WitEden Octahedron Mixup II Plus is the mass-produced version of Mike Armbrust's puzzle, also known as the Mike Armbrust Octahedral Mixup. Despite the word "cube" in its name, it isn't a cube but an octahedron: two pyramids joined at their bases. Armbrust designed the Mixup Octahedron in 2011 and sold it as a 3D print for several years. In 2017, WitEden started producing it in series as part of its line of octahedral mixups.

How a mixup works

This puzzle belongs to the mixup family: 3x3 variants in which pieces can swap places in ways that are impossible on a regular cube. In the classic Mixup Cube, the middle layers turn by 45 degrees, so edges and centers can take each other's places. This creates new kinds of cases, and the familiar 3x3 algorithms are not enough. Armbrust's version brings this idea to an octahedron. The shape is symmetrical and gives no hint about how to orient the puzzle, so it's harder to keep track of than a regular cube.

Difficulty

This is a puzzle for collectors and for people who enjoy figuring out new mechanisms, not a speedsolving puzzle. Before buying, you should already be able to solve a 3x3 and have at least some experience with other unusual puzzles. Without that, it will be very difficult. It usually won't work well as a child's first puzzle. It's better to start with a regular 3x3 cube or a Pyraminx.

Versions in the WitEden series

WitEden makes several octahedral mixups labeled Type I, I Plus, II, III and IV. They differ in construction and in how they turn, so they are not the same puzzle in different colors. Armbrust's model, the II Plus, is a fully octahedral shape made of two pyramids. If you're looking for a specific puzzle, check the exact version name.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: WitEden
• Design: Mike Armbrust
• Other names: Mike Armbrust Octahedral Mixup, Octahedral Mixup II Plus
• Shape: octahedron (two joined pyramids)
• Size: approx. 60 mm
• Weight: approx. 165 g
• Plastic color: black