The newest in mass-produced speed cube hardware, manufacturers MoYu and GAN are now including "MagLev" in their 2021 flagships, and even some of their budget puzzles. What is MagLev, how does it work and what are its benefits? Read on to find out.
What is MagLev? How does it work?
MagLev replaces the 6 springs present in a traditional 3x3 underneath the screw in each center piece, with two magnets of opposing polarity. Springs are used in 3x3s
This concept is relatively simple, and is not actually all too new, dating back to 2017 with preliminary versions demoed by Chris Tran. However, manufacturers have been slow to adopt this tech with MoYu and GAN only implementing them in their 2021 flagships, making them the latest advancement for mass-produced speed cubes.
Why MagLev?
MagLev boasts the reduction of friction in the core that would be present with springs, making turning faster and completely removing any form of spring noise - something that without lubricant can be distracting and annoying to some cubers.
Normally, such technologies when first introduced are relatively expensive, for instance, GAN's first mass-produced implementation of corner+center magnets was only available on their flagship GAN 11 M Pro until they introduced more budget-oriented options. However, MoYu has also released a budget version that includes their new Mag Lev tech in their RS3 M 2021, at a more accessible price of $13.95 USD.
We are still yet to see this technology implemented by other manufacturers on a mass-produced level. It will also be interesting to see if and when manufacturers will implement Mag Lev into other puzzles, as bigger cubes may benefit from any reduction in friction in turning as they are typically slower in comparison to many 3x3s.
GAN and MoYu have also managed to implement their "dual adjustment systems" into their MagLev puzzles. Read more here to find out about spring elasticity and dual adjustment systems.
Cubes with MagLev
As of early October 2021
$ 29.95 MoYu WeiLong WR M 2021 3x3 (MagLev) offers new updates over the 2020 version, for less! MagLev Core springs are replaced with two magnets on each side This increases turning speed Layers "glide" more easily Key features Purple internals MagLev… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<MoYu WeiLong WR M 2021 3x3 (MagLev)
$ 13.95 MoYu RS3 M 2021 3x3 is an update of our best-selling 3x3 -- the RS3 M 2020. Tip: Improve stability and magnetic feel with our easy-to-install Magnet Upgrade Kit ($1.49)! MagLev Core springs are replaced with two magnets on each… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<MoYu RS3 M 2021 3x3 (MagLev)
$ 66.95 GAN 12 M 3x3 is here to refine the way that you speed solve. With two different versions to choose from (Leap or MagLev), the GAN 12 includes lots of new features. MAGLEV key features Magnetic repulsion technology UV coated exterior… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<GAN 12 M 3x3
