GAN SQ1 Black Top UV (Square-1)

Square-1 has been badly served by hardware for years. The puzzle changes shape as you solve it, so clean layer alignment matters more than it does on a 3×3. Nobody had put flagship engineering behind the event until now.

The GAN SQ1 Black Top UV is GAN’s first Square-1. Thirty-six magnets are arranged as a cross-axial matrix, 32 between the pieces and 4 in the core. That gives 180 degree slash positioning and a 30 degree auto-alignment snap. You feel a distinct click at every turning position, not only at the quarter turns.

The alignment itself is the quiet achievement. On most Square-1 hardware the magnets settle the layers a fraction out of true, so every turn is forced to corner cut slightly whether you like it or not. The GAN SQ1 lines up square. Over a long solve that removes friction you had stopped noticing.

MagLev tensioning replaces the springs, which takes the centre friction out and does away with the break-in period. Tuning uses GAN’s numerical GES system across 36 symmetrical settings, adjusted with the supplied tool rather than a screwdriver. The internal faces carry the honeycomb pattern that holds lubricant in place.

At 80g it is a good deal lighter than most Square-1 hardware, and it arrives very fast. Expect to spend a little time on tension and lube to slow it down, and expect it to punish untidy turning until you do.

The black top replaces the usual yellow face, which sharpens the contrast against the white bottom while you are tracking layers.

Cubes dry out with use and start to feel scratchy. A few drops of GAN No.1 Lube Maintenance 10ml keeps the turning smooth and slows the wear.