ShengShou’s Mirror Cube Metallic is a 3x3 mirror-type cube with an electroplated surface (a metal layer deposited on the plastic) in a gold tone. It keeps the classic mirror cube mechanics and does without magnets; it is also available in silver and in a separate magnetic version.

• BrandShengShou
• Type3x3 mirror cube
• Size56 mm
• MagnetsNo
• FinishGold electroplating
• Weight68.5 g

How it works

On a mirror cube all the faces are the same colour, but the pieces have different thicknesses. When you scramble it, the cube loses its shape and becomes an irregular figure; solving it means restoring its cube silhouette, guided by the size and height of each piece rather than by colour. So although anyone who can already solve a 3x3 knows the moves, they have to learn to recognise the pieces by their proportions.

Mechanism

Under each centre there is a screw that lets you adjust the tension (how tightly the layers are held) to find the balance between speed and stability. It allows corner cutting (the ability to turn even when the layers are not aligned) of about 30 degrees, and the corner design helps stop the pieces popping out during fast turns. At 68.5 g it is light for its size.

What level it suits

You need to be able to solve a normal 3x3. It suits anyone who wants a non-magnetic mirror cube with a metallic look, both for solving and for display.