The QiYi QiCheng is QiYi’s entry-level Skewb, a non-magnetic model the brand launched to bring this event within reach of beginners. The Skewb is one of the official puzzles of the WCA (World Cube Association), and the QiCheng has been a popular choice as a first Skewb for years.

• BrandQiYi
• TypeSkewb
• MagnetsNo
• FinishStickerless
• WeightBetween 94 and 99 g depending on the measurement

How it works

Although it’s cube-shaped, the Skewb doesn’t turn in layers parallel to the faces: each move rotates half the puzzle around an axis that runs through two opposite corners. As a result, each turn moves corners and centres at the same time. It has eight corners and six square centres, and it’s solved with very few algorithms, so it’s usually learnt before the 3x3, although it calls for a different way of visualising the moves.

Design

It’s stickerless (no stickers: the colour is in the plastic itself), so the colours don’t peel off or wear away with friction. As it has no magnets, the turning feels free and alignment depends on the mechanism and on how it’s handled. Some users mention that, with use, a corner cap may come loose; it can be put back by hand. QiYi also makes a transparent variant of the same model.