Exploring Different Types of Magnetic Cubes

Exploring Different Types of Magnetic Cubes
6 min read
11 months ago

Educing your children using magnetic puzzle cubes that develop perseverance and problem-solving skills will be fun for both of them - they will love arranging all sorts of vehicle themed images!

Magnetic cube has become an invaluable tool in speedcubing. Many experts agree that their use can make an immense difference to performance when solving two-handed.

The 3x3

If you're in search of an incredible magnetic 3x3 speed cube, look no further than the MFJS Meilong 3M. One of the fastest 3x3s on the market, its smooth turns, excellent corner cutting capabilities, and customizable features have earned many cubers praise; yet some find its volume alarming compared to other speed cubes.

Gan's current flagship features magnets arranged from core-to-corner piece that assist with stability and lower the "turning startup resistance". It is fast and reliable cube with excellent customizable features - including multiple magnet settings - though some cubers find its magnets somewhat weak; an aftermarket upgrade fixes this easily for only a few dollars more. A maglev version is also available; these cubers prefer its faster turning speed without spring noise.

3x3 basketball brings the thrill of basketball into an urban culture setting, drawing players and organizers from diverse backgrounds, while taking it to iconic global locations. FIBA has made 3x3 basketball an annual feature at Youth Olympics; world championships in both open and junior categories take place regularly worldwide.

The 2x2

The 2x2 is one of the most beloved cubes for beginners. Its small dimensions, easy handling, smooth corners, and excellent corner cutting make it an excellent choice. Furthermore, intermediate and pro solvers alike often choose this cube as a go-to cube!

There are various algorithms for solving the 2x2. Some methods are more efficient than others. One popular Speedcubing technique for solving 2x2s is CLL method which requires 12 algorithms in total to complete.

Ortega method is another effective technique. This approach involves building a face (even though it might be permuted incorrectly), then orienting and solving its last two layers; finally, solving its remaining layers, this approach requires 16 algorithms in total.

There is an increasing variety of magnetic 2x2s available today, each designed for optimal performance. One such twox2, known as GAN 251 M, features excellent corner cutting and strong magnetic force; making it the ideal cube for beginners looking to reduce personal best solve times. Meanwhile, QiYi X-Man Flare features adjustable magnets, creating a unique feel. Many intermediate and pro cubers love both of these magnetic twox2s!

The Pyraminx

Uwe Meffert was responsible for creating this puzzle based on a regular tetrahedron; its construction features four axial pieces, six edge pieces, two face centre pieces, which can be rotated to permute their colours; each corner piece can also rotate one of its face centres to swap positions - making this very hard to solve and often misnamed as Rubik's Pyraminx after its immense popularity - although Meffert actually invented it after seeing how successful 3x3 Rubik's Cube had become!

Pyraminxes that provide smooth and accurate operation feature precision injection-molded parts and spring-loaded bearings that deliver smooth operation, such as those from QiYi, WeiLong and X-Man Design brands. Solving a Pyraminx regularly can improve hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills and memory while simultaneously helping reduce stress and improve memory retention. Start by looking at the front face of the cube and looking for any yellow edge pieces that don't match - usually either to either side of its top center location.

The Skewb

The Skewb is a twisty puzzle designed by Tony Durham of England and produced commercially by Uwe Meffert of Germany. While not as complex as a Pyraminx, this puzzle still presents a worthy challenge to both newcomers and seasoned cubers alike.

Step one in solving the Skewb is ensuring that its white face remains on the upper layer, then step two is fixing its centers by holding the cube so one tetrad of corners points left, right, up or down (i.e. LRUD), then following this algorithm:

Repeat this process on each remaining face until all centers have been placed correctly, giving you a completed cube with solid colors on its 12 sides. There are a number of excellent video tutorials online that offer guidance in solving this challenging puzzle - these may help teach algorithms and techniques for unlocking it successfully! Good luck!

The Megaminx

The Megaminx is a dodecahedron-shaped puzzle consisting of 12 faces and 50 movable pieces that is likened to a 3x3 in that its pieces can turn like those found in the classic Rubik's Cube. There are two primary variations available; one with six colors (such as for official WCA competitions) or twelve; 12-color variant is more popular due to being legal for these events.

Higher-order versions add additional layers and introduce novel centers, edges, and corners; such as Kilominx (and Master Kilominx), Gigaminx Teraminx Zettaminx Examinx Yottaminx are some examples.

Starting off your Megaminx collection can be easy, with plenty of great choices like the ShengShou Mr. M Megaminx offering an excellent quality/cost ratio and performing flawlessly right out of the box. Additionally, QiYi QiHeng Megaminx features light to intermediate magnets as well as a beautiful frosted exterior design that look fantastic while remaining highly effective puzzles.

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Shaharyar 3
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