How to choose a speedcube: magnets, tension, corner cutting and lubrication

TUREFF• •0

Any cube can be solved, but the stiff, catchy cube you found in a drawer makes learning harder than it has to be. A modern speedcube turns smoothly, forgives small misalignments and rarely pops. This guide explains what the features actually do so you can choose without relying on marketing.

What makes a speedcube different

Smooth turning: the pieces are shaped to slide past each other with little friction.
Corner cutting: the ability to start a turn when the layer next to it is not perfectly aligned. A good cube lets you turn a face even when another face is a bit off.
Stability: pieces stay together. Older cubes could pop (pieces flying out) or twist corners mid-solve.

Almost any purpose-designed speedcube, even an inexpensive one, does all three far better than an old toy cube.

Magnets

Most speedcubes now have small magnets in the pieces. They gently pull layers into alignment at each quarter turn, so the cube settles where it should and overshooting is less common.

Stronger magnets feel more stable and "snappy", but need slightly more force.
Weaker magnets feel lighter and faster but less controlled.
Some cubes let you adjust magnet strength. A beginner rarely needs to; the default setting is usually a sensible middle.

For learning and everyday solving, a magnetic cube is the usual recommendation. Non-magnetic cubes still exist and some people prefer their feel, but the stability helps most people.

Tension and compression

Inside the cube, each centre is held to the core by a screw and spring, or a similar adjustable system.

Tension is how tightly layers are pressed together. Tighter feels more controlled and less likely to pop; looser turns more freely and cuts corners more readily.
Compression (on cubes that have it) changes how far the spring can travel, which affects how stiff or springy the cube feels.
Many cubes have a dial or numbered setting, so all six faces can be set evenly. If one face feels different from the others, uneven tension is the usual cause.

Start with the factory setting. Change one thing at a time, in small steps, and do several solves before deciding.

Lubrication

Most cubes arrive already lubricated. Over weeks of use they may feel dry, scratchy or sluggish, and that is when lube helps.

Use lubricants made for cubes. They are typically silicone-based and come in thinner (faster) and thicker (smoother, slower) types.
Avoid household sprays and oils, especially solvent-based ones, which can damage or soften plastic.
Less is more. A drop or two on the core or the pieces is enough. Turn the cube for a while afterwards to spread it, and give it time to settle.

If a cube feels slower right after lubing, that is often just excess lube, and it usually improves with use.

Size, weight and feel

Size: most 3x3 speedcubes are close to the classic cube's size, but some are a few millimetres smaller or larger. Smaller hands sometimes prefer a slightly smaller cube.
Weight: lighter cubes feel quick; heavier ones feel more solid.
Stickerless vs stickered: stickerless cubes, coloured plastic, do not peel and are common now. Stickers come in different shades, which matters if you have trouble telling red from orange.

What not to worry about yet

Expensive flagship models. Their advantage is small at beginner speeds, and a budget magnetic cube is fine until you are averaging well under a minute.
Smart cubes with Bluetooth, which can be fun but are not needed to improve.
Every new release. Cubes change quickly; your turning and look-ahead matter far more.

Looking after a cube

Keep it away from heat, such as a car dashboard in summer.
Clean it with a dry cloth; never soak it.
If you take it apart, do it slowly and remember where any adjustable parts sit.

What setup works for you, and what do you wish you had known before your first speedcube? Share it in the comments.