YJ TianYuan v1

YJ TianYuan V1

The first and simplest puzzle in YJ's TianYuan series, also sold as the TianYuan O2 Cube. From the outside it looks like a regular cube of about 57 mm. Inside, though, there is a spherical part that turns independently of the outer shell. YJ TianYuan V1 is a shape mod. It doesn't surprise you with difficult algorithms. Its trick is that you can't always tell whether it's solved.

How the TianYuan V1 works

The outer part of the cube hides all the edges of the inner sphere. This means the puzzle can be partly scrambled and still look solved from the outside. To check what's going on inside, you have to make a partial turn and look under the shell. You solve the whole TianYuan series by turning the middle part until the centers and edges are back in place.

Of the three versions, V1 is the easiest. Some users say they have even solved it by accident. It's more of a curiosity and a puzzle for relaxed solving than a challenge for an experienced cuber.

Turning

The TianYuan V1 has no magnets and no tension adjustment. Opinions on how it turns are mixed. Some people describe the turning as smooth and stable. Others say the mechanism feels rather stiff at first and takes some getting used to. It isn't a speed cube, so there's no point judging it on TPS or corner cutting.

V1, V2 or V3?

• V1: the shell covers the edges, so the state of the puzzle is hidden. The simplest in the series.
• V2: the outer frame doesn't turn, and you can see the pieces inside while solving. Medium difficulty.
• V3: besides the middle part, you can also turn the outer corners, which are solved separately. The hardest in the series. Knowing how to solve a 3x3 helps.

Who is it for?

For people who enjoy unusual puzzles and collect shape mods. It also makes a good gift for a child who already knows the regular cube and wants to try something different. You don't need to know any algorithms to solve the V1. If you want a bigger challenge, go straight for the V3 or treat the V1 as your first step into the series.

Specifications

• Type: shape mod, TianYuan O2 series
• Manufacturer: YJ (YongJun)
• Version: V1, the easiest in the series
• Size: approx. 57 mm
• Weight: approx. 88 g
• Magnets: none
• Finish: no UV coating, stickerless
• Color scheme: Stickerless Bright