Sq-1 QiYi QiFa SQ-1 — budget Sq-1 for your first steps with this puzzle

QiYi QiFa SQ-1 is an affordable Sq-1 puzzle from QiYi.
It’s a non-magnetic Sq-1 with smooth turning, good stability and a comfortable grip.
The size is about 55–56 mm across a side, and the weight is around 90–93 g — it feels solid and reliable in the hand, but not like a “brick”.

Who is this cube for

Level:

• beginners who already solve 3×3 and want to try their first non-standard puzzle like Sq-1;
• casual cubers who need an inexpensive “workhorse” Sq-1 for home use and practice;
• more experienced cubers as a backup/practice Sq-1.

Age:

• school-age children and adults; the size of about 55–56 mm is comfortable for medium and larger hands.

Main uses:

• first steps in the world of Sq-1 and learning parities;
• training logic, focus and spatial reasoning;
• everyday solves “for fun” and adding variety to a collection.

Turning feel

QiYi QiFa SQ-1 offers smooth and predictable turning for a budget model:

• the top and bottom layers turn evenly, without strong jerks;
• the slice layer (vertical cut) feels a bit tighter at first, but after a short break-in the turning becomes smoother and easier to understand;
• overall character is closer to “smooth and controlled” than to a super-fast “racer”.

For a beginner this is a comfortable choice: the puzzle is not too sharp or wild, doesn’t fly out of your hands and gives you time to get used to the unusual mechanics and algorithms.

Magnets and adjustment

Magnets:

• QiYi QiFa SQ-1 is a fully non-magnetic Sq-1, with no magnetic layer fixation;
• the feeling of positioning comes only from the internal geometry and the way the tensions are set.

Tension adjustment:

• classic “screw + spring” system under the caps;
• if desired, you can slightly loosen or tighten the tension with a small screwdriver;
• out of the box the puzzle is usually set more towards stability: a bit tighter than high-end competition models, which is convenient for learning.

Stability and layer behaviour (Sq-1)

For Sq-1 it’s important that the puzzle doesn’t fall apart when the shape is “broken”, and QiFa handles this quite well for its class:

• in typical turning angles the cube confidently “forgives” small underturns and doesn’t immediately lock up;
• the slice layer stays reasonably stable, and accidental pops (pieces popping out) are rare with careful turning;
• with a very aggressive style some small catches are possible — this is normal for a budget non-magnetic Sq-1.

Overall, the balance is shifted towards stability and control, not extreme speed — exactly what you need for your first serious Sq-1 practice.

Size, weight, materials

• Size: about 55 × 55 × 57 mm — a compact format that fits most hands.
• Weight: around 90–93 g — it feels like a “real” puzzle but doesn’t overload your wrist.
• Material: durable ABS plastic designed for frequent solving.
• Body: bright stickerless (coloured plastic without stickers) with good colour contrast — it’s easy to orient even when the shape is heavily scrambled.

What’s in the box

Typically, the QiYi QiFa SQ-1 package includes:

• the QiYi QiFa SQ-1 puzzle;
• a branded QiYi box;
• a simple leaflet/short instruction sheet (usually in English/Chinese).

The cube comes pre-assembled and lightly lubed — you can use it straight out of the box.

Key advantages

• Affordable Sq-1 — a great first step into this event after 3×3.
• Smooth, controlled turning — comfortable for learning and practising parities.
• A sufficiently stable mechanism for a shape-shifting puzzle; with careful turning it almost never falls apart.
• Compact size and pleasant weight — comfortable for both kids and adults.
• Simple construction with no complex adjustment systems — easy to maintain and to explain to a beginner.

Who it might not be ideal for / nuances

• For those who immediately want a magnetic Sq-1 with strong auto-alignment and a highly “sporty” character, QiFa SQ-1 will feel basic — it’s a solid budget option, not a flagship.
• With a very aggressive style and large underturns you may get catches and occasional pops — for serious record hunting you will eventually want a more advanced Sq-1 with magnets.
• If the buyer has no experience with shape-shifting puzzles at all, the complexity of Sq-1 may feel high at first — sometimes it makes sense to master 3×3 and one or two simpler mods before moving on to QiYi QiFa SQ-1.