YJ MGC 4x4 UV

YJ MGC 4x4 UV

The MGC 4x4 is the first 4x4 cube in YJ's (YongJun) MGC series. It quickly became one of the most frequently recommended budget-friendly magnetic 4x4s. The YJ MGC 4x4 UV has the same mechanism as the standard version. The only difference is the finish: the plastic has a glossy UV coating that gives more grip than a matte surface. The cube is 60 mm, stickerless, in a bright colour scheme.

How it turns

The magnets are medium strength. They help the layers snap into place without slowing down your turns. The mechanism is fairly flexible and often comes quite loose out of the box, which suits fast turning. The outer edges are widened to improve stability. The magnets also help keep the inner layers aligned, which comes in handy during parity and slice turns.

Opinions on the feel are mixed. Some people describe it as smooth, others as more tactile. Some also say the standard version feels a bit heavy and sluggish. If that matters a lot to you, check out the Speed Micro-Bearing version. Some users also notice that popping becomes more frequent after extended use.

What the UV coating does

The UV coating is glossy and grips your fingers noticeably better than matte plastic. It helps especially if you have dry hands or a lighter grip and the cube starts slipping. The coating does not affect the mechanism, so choosing between the UV and standard version comes down to which surface you prefer in your hands. According to the manufacturer, the pieces have thin walls, which makes the cube lighter.

MGC 4x4 versions

• Standard: matte plastic with medium grip.
• UV: the same mechanism, glossy coating and stronger grip.
• Speed Micro-Bearing: has additional ball-bearing washers at the centers that speed up turning.
• Elite: a later, redesigned version with a matte surface.

Who is it for?

It's a good cube if you're moving from 3x3 to 4x4 or want an affordable but solid magnetic 4x4 for regular practice. It also makes a great gift for a child who can already solve the 3x3. The magnets make it easier to keep the layers aligned, so learning center and edge reduction goes more smoothly. Advanced speedcubers who expect extensive tension adjustment should compare the MGC with more expensive flagship cubes.

Specifications

• Type: magnetic 4x4 cube, stickerless
• Manufacturer: YJ (YongJun)
• Manufacturer code: YJ8108
• Size: 60 mm
• Weight: approx. 115 g
• Finish: UV coating (glossy)
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright