If you know, you know.
Speedcubing isn’t just a hobby, it's a collection of highs, lows, “WHY did I just do that?!”, “Seriously… what was that?” moments. Whether you’re a beginner or deep in the grind for your next PB, there are certain things only true speedcubers really get.
So let’s talk about it, the little things that make us cubers smile, cringe, and laugh... and why we keep coming back for more.
1. That First Buttery Turn on a New Cube
There’s something special about the first turn on a brand-new cube. You break the seal, do that first flick, and immediately start judging everything: the glide, the snap, the sound. You know within seconds if it has main potential. If you’re chasing that fresh feel and possibly a new main, we recommend the Tornado V4 Pioneer, its one of the smoothest and most satisfying right out of the box.
X-Man Tornado 3x3 V4 Pioneer (Magnetic, MagLev, Core Magnets, UV Coated)

$69.95
The X-Man Tornado 3x3 V4 Pioneer (Magnetic, MagLev, Core Magnets, UV Coated) is the next-generation 3x3 speed cube from QiYi. Building on the success of the record-breaking Tornado V3 used by Team SpeedCubeShop member Max Park to set a former… read more
2. The Instant Rage of a Mid-Solve Pop
You’re vibing, everything's flowing. And then… POP! A piece goes flying, and your PB is gone. It's the cubing version of tripping at the finish line. If pops happen often, it might be time to check your tensions or upgrade to something more stable, like the MoYu YS3 M 3x3, known for its stability.
MoYu YS3 M 3x3 (Magnetic, MagLev, Ball-Core, UV Coated)

$30.99
$51.95
MoYu YS3 M 3x3 (Magnetic, MagLev, Ball-Core, UV Coated) is a collaboration between the 3.47-second world record holder, YuSheng Du, and MoYu. Version comparison Standard MagLev Ball-Core 20-Magnet Ball-Core MagLev - Yes Yes Yes Magnetic core - - Yes Yes… read more
3. The Never-Ending Lube Experiment
Getting the right feel takes trial, error, and a whole lot of lube. One week, your cube feels fast and perfect, and the next it’s gummy or dry, so you start mixing, layering, or cleaning and starting all over. If you're ready to take your setups seriously, grab our Ultimate Lube Bundle and find your perfect combo.
Ultimate Lube Bundle

$42.95
Mix and match our premium speed lube lubricants to create a completely custom turning feel! Our easy to apply lubricants each offer its own unique properties so whether you are looking to experiment or simply get a great deal, our… read more
4. That Weird Feeling When You Switch Cubes
Ever switch to a different 3x3 and suddenly your fingers don’t know what they’re doing? It’s like your muscle memory hit a wall. The magnet strength, surface texture, and corner cutting all throw you off, even if the cube’s objectively “better.” Sometimes your hands just bond with a certain way a cube feels.
5. Solving in Public Like It's a Performance
You whip out a cube at the airport or coffee shop, and suddenly you're the main event. It doesn’t matter how casually you’re solving; once the cube starts turning, people start watching like you're doing something magical. Someone always stares, someone always asks, “Can you do it blindfolded?”
6. Being Overprotective of Your Main
You hand your cube to a friend and immediately regret it. They drop it, turn it like a caveman, or use it as a fidget toy. Your heart skips a beat. Let’s be real, every cuber has that one cube they baby like it’s made of glass. Keep yours safe with a cubing storage or display case.
7. Telling Yourself You Don’t Need Another Cube... Then Buying One Anyway
You close the tab. You don’t need another cube..…Then the new release drops. It’s got adjustable magnets, better corner cutting, a different core… fine, just one more. Check out our New Arrivals if you're currently pretending you’re not about to do exactly this.
8. Lockup vs. Pop, You Know the Difference Instantly
Non-cubers think it’s all the same, but experienced cubers know there’s a world of difference. Sure, most people can tell when a cube explodes in their hands, but recognizing the subtle feel of a lockup versus a pop mid-solve? That split-second awareness comes from hours of solving. A lockup might slow you down, but a pop? That’s a scramble reset.
9. When Your Fingers Just Feel “Off”
Some days, you pick up your cube and everything just clicks. Other days, your fingers feel clumsy, like they forgot how to do OLL, and your hands are lagging behind your brain. No cube can fix that completely, but a good warm-up with a smooth, slightly faster cube can make a big difference. We usually recommend warming up with a cube that’s either identical to your main but with a slightly faster setup, or one that demands a bit more precision, so when you switch back to your main, it feels even more stable. A solid budget option would be something like the Maglev MoYu RS3M V5, while a modern GAN flagship is great if you're looking to splurge.
MoYu RS3 M 3x3 V5 (Magnetic, MagLev) + Robot Box

$15.99
$21.95
MoYu RS3 M 3x3 V5 (Magnetic, MagLev) + Robot Box is the successor to the legendary RS3 M 2020 that took the cubing community by storm! Version comparison Standard Dual-Adjustment MagLev Ball-Core Auto-alignment - - - 2.0 Magnetic core -… read more
10. Getting Excited Over Hardware Drops
Non-cubers don’t get it. “It’s just a cube, its all the same” But when you hear a new GAN or MoYu drop is coming, you're checking specs, magnet options, and tensions before it's even released. It's not just hardware, it's new potential!
11. solving a 3x3 after a big cube session
You grind through a big cube, 6x6, 7x7, maybe even a 5x5, and then pick up your 3x3. Suddenly, it feels tiny, weightless, effortless, and you're flying. It's like the cubing version of running with ankle weights and then taking them off.
12. The PB That No One Saw
You finally do it. Your solve was clean, smooth, and faster than anything you’ve ever done. You’re pumped. And of course… no one’s there to witness it. At least if you’re using a GAN Bluetooth Smart Timer, you’ve got the stats to prove it.
13. Getting the Perfect Scramble… and Messing Up The Cross
You read the scramble and instantly see the cross. You start solving and think, “This is it.” Then… fumble. You miss a piece or turn the wrong face. It haunts you the rest of the session.
14. When Someone Drops “I Could Solve Five Sides”
We’ve all heard it. Someone sees you solving and says, “I used to get five sides but could never figure out the last one.” It’s always five. Why is it always five? Funny thing is, you can’t actually solve five sides without solving the sixth. But hey, we just smile and nod.
15. Making Sure Every Cube on Your Shelf is Solved
It’s 10 p.m. You’re about to go to bed. Then you notice a scrambled 4x4 on your shelf, and suddenly you're standing there solving “just one more” before you can sleep. You don’t even compete in 4x4, it just has to be solved.
Final Thoughts
Cubing is full of moments like these: funny, frustrating, and super specific. These are the things that make us cubers. The little habits, the excitement over magnets and tensions, the obsession with beating our own times.
If even a few of these hit home, you’re one of us, and that’s what makes this whole thing so fun.
Ready to upgrade your setup, try something new, or finally buy the cube you’ve been eyeing all week? We’ve got you covered at SpeedCubeShop!