The QiYi Luban Sphere takes the idea of the Kong Ming Lock puzzle to a spherical shape. Instead of a cubic burr puzzle or a flat geometric figure, here the pieces combine to form a sphere of approximately 65 millimetres that holds only by the interaction between its components. It is a striking variant within the series and one of the most recognisable at a glance.

The challenge is the usual one within the series: separate the pieces following the order that the design allows and then find the reverse sequence to form the sphere again. The curvature slightly complicates the visual reading compared to a flat burr puzzle, so anyone who tries it will find an interesting spatial reasoning exercise, especially the first time. With practice, the mechanism becomes internalised and the process becomes much more agile.

It is made of good-resistance ABS plastic, with a crystalline purple finish that gives it the air of a semiprecious stone. The pieces fit without excessive tolerances and the whole has a pleasant presence as a desk or shelf object. Being a sphere, it is also comfortable to hold with one hand while studying, something not usual in the more cubic puzzles of the series.

It sits at an intermediate difficulty level within the series, around 3 out of 6, and is recommended from about 14 years old due to the size of the pieces. It fits both collectors of the Kong Ming Lock line and mechanical puzzle enthusiasts who want something different from the usual formats. Its combination of shape, colour and mechanics makes it stand out from traditional burr puzzles.

As a practical suggestion, the first solve is more enjoyable if approached patiently and without rushing to "achieve" it. It is worth observing the whole from different angles before starting to move pieces and paying attention to how the first ones come out, as they usually give the key to the complete order.

• 3D puzzle from the Kong Ming Lock series
• Spherical shape of 65 x 65 x 73 mm
• Made of resistant ABS plastic
• Crystalline purple finish
• Intermediate difficulty (3/6)
• Recommended age 14+

• QiYi Luban Sphere from the Kong Ming Lock series
• Spherical shape of approximately 65 mm
• Resistant ABS plastic
• Crystalline purple finish
• Intermediate difficulty 3/6
• Recommended age 14+