Easily one of the fastest cubes out there. It’s lightweight, fast and has a great turning/controllability. It was used by Max Park for his 3×3 Ao5 WR tie.
It comes with a dual adjustment system that makes it very customizable. It also feels premium as always from Gan. It is quieter than most cubes though.
1. Speed
One of the main characteristics that most cubers look for in a speed cube is its turning. The best 3×3 speed cubes have a smooth, fluid feel that provides precision and control during algorithm execution.
A popular example is the QiYi flagship, the X-Man V2. It is known for its smooth, quiet turning and excellent customization options. Lubing your cube can further improve its performance by reducing friction and improving glide. However, be careful not to get lube on the stickers as this may cause them to lose adhesiveness.
Another great option is the GAN 11 M Pro. It uses a new inner mechanism designed by Gan that is engineered for both speed and control. It includes dual adjustment for compression and elasticity and allows you to adjust each magnet’s strength independently. This makes it an extremely versatile and fast cube that has quickly become a favourite of many top cubers. It is also very affordable.
2. Stability
In speed cubing, stability is very important. It defines how flexibly the cube turns and how well it stays in place during solves. Cubes that flex a lot and deform a lot aren’t stable, and they tend to pop or warp a lot. This type of instability can ruin your algorithm execution and is a big reason why many speedcubers prefer stable cubes.
Another factor in stability is how often the cube catches. This can disrupt your turn and distract you from solving. While catching isn’t common in modern 3x3s, older cubes can still have problems with this. Some catches are caused by bad corner cutting and others are just random lockups. The most common way to avoid these problems is by properly cleaning and lubing your cube. This will prevent it from catching on sharp edges and making them pop or twist out of place. The MoYu Weilong GTS model 3 is one of the best-known and most popular examples of a high-quality speedcube with perfect corner cutting. It also has great stability and can be easily adjusted with its dual adjustment system.
3. Noise
The 3×3 speed cube is the mainstay of the speed cubing scene. Its fastest competitors memorize sequences—called algorithms—that help them solve the puzzle from any scrambled state in seconds. They also use muscle memory to edge out other contestants by a minuscule fraction of a second.
Many cubers have multiple 3x3s to suit their needs, from a flagship with a premium feel and a wide range of customization options to budget puzzles that provide a good turning experience but with a more “clacky” feel. Some budget models even add feet and corner/core magnets to make them super light and fast.
If your cube has a scratchy sound that comes from the springs under the center pieces, you can fix it with some lube. Use a screwdriver to disassemble the core and apply a small amount of weight 5 lubricant on the screws and springs. This will remove the “spring noise” that causes them to grind against each other when you turn your cube.
4. Customization
With the advent of new innovations and manufacturers bringing in their own versions it has become possible for the average cuber to fine tune their 3×3 speed puzzles to match their specific needs. This is especially true when it comes to tension adjustment as a small change can make a big difference.
Some people prefer smooth turning speed cubes while others like fast ones. The best way to decide is to try out a few and see which one suits you. Remember that a good quality smooth turning speed cube will provide you with control and precision when executing algorithms but it will cost you some speed.
A great choice would be a flagship cube such as the Gan 11 M Pro which is known for its quiet, smooth and consistent turning with top-notch algorithm execution. It is also one of the most adjustable speed cubes with its dual adjustment system for compression and tension and a state-of-the-art omnidirectional core.
