YuXin Black Kylin Pyraminx

YuXin Black Kylin Pyraminx

Black Kylin is YuXin's budget line, and the YuXin Black Kylin Pyraminx has been part of it since 2018. It costs very little, yet it is a fully fledged speedcubing puzzle: it has a layer positioning mechanism and screw tension adjustment, and it is allowed in official WCA competitions. It comes in a stickerless bright version with frosted (matte) plastic in bright colors.

How it turns

According to reviews, the Black Kylin turns smoothly, with a slightly sandy feel typical of frosted plastic. It is not a very fast Pyraminx. Some users even find it fairly slow, but it is easy to control. When you are just learning, that is actually an advantage, because the puzzle doesn't overshoot when your moves are still uncertain. Corner cutting is decent, while reverse corner cutting is weaker.

Reviewers also often mention two things: the tips can be tight out of the box, and the springs are audible when turning. Usually a bit of lube and some breaking in is all it takes.

Mechanism and adjustment

• Ball-and-slot positioning mechanism: the layers noticeably "click" into place, which makes it easier to hit the right position when turning fast.
• Guide tracks on the centers, which make the layers turn more evenly.
• Adjustment screws that let you change the tension and set the Pyraminx looser (for speed) or tighter (for control).

Who is it for?

It is a good first Pyraminx for anyone who wants to learn this puzzle without spending a lot. It also works well as a cheap backup puzzle or one to carry in your backpack. A parent buying a gift for a child gets a real speedcubing puzzle, not a toy. If you solve the Pyraminx against the clock and want fast, fluid turning and better reverse corner cutting, sooner or later you will move on to a more expensive magnetic model. To get started, the Black Kylin is all you need.

Specifications

• Type: Pyraminx, stickerless
• Manufacturer: YuXin (Black Kylin series)
• Size: 81 mm
• Weight: approx. 66 g
• Color scheme: stickerless bright, frosted (matte) plastic
• Mechanism: ball-and-slot layer positioning, guide tracks on the centers
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Release year: 2018
• Allowed in official WCA competitions: yes