The QiYi QiYuan S3, also called the QiYuan S V3, is the third version of QiYi’s budget non-magnetic 4x4. Compared with the QiYuan S2 it is slightly smaller and lighter, with a more compact and robust mechanism that aims to reduce rough turning.

• BrandQiYi
• Type4x4
• Size59 mm
• MagnetsNo
• FinishStickerless
• WeightAbout 102 g

How it works

It has no magnets, so the layers do not settle back into place on their own at the end of each turn. That makes it less stable at high speed than a magnetic 4x4, but it also lets you turn slowly and watch how the pieces move, which is useful when learning. The tension (how tightly the layers are held) is adjusted with an ordinary Phillips screwdriver. User reviews mention smooth turning, with the occasional lock-up and limited corner cutting (the ability to turn with the layers slightly misaligned).

Design

It is stickerless (no stickers: the colour is in the plastic itself). It measures 59 mm, slightly smaller than the usual 60 mm for a 4x4, and weighs about 102 g. There is also a translucent (jelly) version of the same cube.

What level it suits

It works well as a first 4x4 for learning the reduction method: first the centres, then edge pairing and finally solving it as a 3x3, with the parity cases specific to the format. Once you have mastered it, the usual next step is a magnetic 4x4.