Solving the cube requires and improves your reflexes and brain-eye-hand coordination. This will extend to physical skills such as typing or playing an instrument and mental abilities like reading faster.
Cubes designed for speed have very little friction between layers which allows ultra fast algorithm execution. The Gan 356 XS and MoYu GTS3 are examples of great speed cubes.
1. Speed
Speed cubers use sequences of moves to solve the Cube faster than ever, and they train their hands to make the turns as fast as possible. This helps them achieve amazing completion times.
A speed cube is optimized for speed by having less friction between layers, so turning it feels light and requires minimal effort. These cubes often have a distinct sound and dry feeling when they turn, which can be difficult for beginners to control.
Some brands, like Gans (formerly known as GANCube), sell flagship products with state-of-the-art advancements in hardware. Their newest design adds stability and acts as a positioning system to help the corner pieces align for easier movement and better control. The Gan 11 M Pro, for example, has 48 magnets inside its corners that provide added power and feel.
2. Control
Cube data sources provide powerful aggregations and hierarchies that you can use in your analyses. But because the cube’s aggregations and hierarchies are pre-built, they are less flexible than relational data sources.
A good quality speedcube will be able to turn quickly without its layers locking onto each other. They often have a lubrication applied inside to reduce friction even further.
This allows you to perform algorithms without the layers sticking to each other, improving your performance. This is a key feature that many competitive cubers look for in their cubes.
It also has a magnetized system to help with stability and a magnetic click sound which many people like. This makes it a great choice for beginners who want to improve their cubing performance.
3. Flexibility
The 3×3 speed cube is a popular puzzle toy that can improve cognitive abilities, including spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. Solving the cube requires patience and practice, but mastering it can lead to hours of entertainment and mental stimulation.
Cubes optimized for speed have minimal friction between layers, allowing them to turn quickly and easily. They also feature good corner cutting, executed effortlessly. This allows for ultra-fast algorithm execution and makes them ideal for speedcubers who want to reach world-record levels.
Cubes are also designed to avoid lockups, when pieces get stuck and cannot realign themselves. This is a common problem in older Rubik’s cubes but is rare on modern ones. To prevent this, the best cubes are very stable and have adjustable tensions. Some even use Maglev technology to reduce the friction between the centers’ internal magnets and the outside layers.
4. Coordination
When you’re trying to solve a cube at record speed, it’s important that your cube moves as smoothly and precisely as possible. This is especially true when it comes to the corners of your puzzle, which often require extra manipulation in order to align properly.
To avoid overshooting while performing algorithms, most modern speed cubes allow for corner cutting — a feature that allows the pieces to realign when they’re turned 45 degrees. This feature can be a game changer when you’re competing in cubing competitions.
Using a cube lube can also help you achieve faster turns on your speed cube by reducing friction between the individual pieces. When choosing a cube lube, choose one that is designed for competitions. The best options are formulated from natural ingredients such as WD-40 or vegetable oil to ensure optimal performance.
5. Flexibility
A cube that frequently catches can be distracting and slow down your solving. This usually happens with older Rubik’s cubes and has been largely eliminated with modern 3×3 speedcubes, thanks to the design of their inner mechanisms.
Speed cubes are designed to turn faster and more smoothly than the regular puzzle, and are used in a competition called speedcubing. Speedcubers compete to solve the cube fastest, testing their hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and cognitive skills.
Cubers can improve the performance of their cube by using different types of lubes. There are heavy lubes that reduce friction and allow the cube to turn faster, and light lubes that provide more control. Some cubers prefer one type of lube over another, depending on what they need to achieve.