I’m someone who always has to stay busy, which makes me a championship-level fidgeter. Thankfully, I’m not alone. Scientists think fidgeting helps prep our thoughts for speech or free up mental space for complex thinking1. Other studies suggest that handling objects can reduce stress2, which inspired Matthew and Mark McLachlan of Antsy Labs to create the fidget cube in 20163. Last year, I reviewed both of mine -an official model and a cheap knockoff- and ranked their faces. After 365 more days of fidgeting, my preferences have changed! Here’s my updated review and ranking.
Fidget cubes are compact devices. About an inch in size, each of their six sides offer something different to play with like buttons, switches, and joysticks. They’re perfect for someone like me who leans heavily into desktop drumming during the workday! I picked up my first -the legitimate Antsy Labs version- in 2017 at Toys R’ Us. I played with it constantly until I lost it. A month later, I found a competitor’s cube at the mall and bought it for a fraction of the price I spent on the original.
Both eventually showed up in an old backpack so I took them to the office. They were a hit! My coworkers and I noticed some substantial differences between the real and the phony fidget cubes, right up until the moment someone dropped the knockoff and it quickly disassembled itself.
I had a feeling that might happen. Fortunately, the original gray Antsy Labs fidget cube still rolls, clicks, glides, flips, breathes, and spins just like the day I purchased it. That’s the order I ranked its faces about a year ago, but here’s my update.
6. Breathe (2023 Ranking: 2)
“Breathe” was my favorite part of the fidget cube for years. It features a fingerprint-sized indentation that works like a worry stone. To use it, I hold the cube and gently rub my thumb back and forth over the groove. Whether or not it has legitimate physiological benefits, the calming sensation is real! Still, I’ve been focusing on other faces more recently.
5. Roll (2023 Ranking: 6)
“Roll” is the most complex side of the fidget cube. In addition to a metal roller ball, it features scrolling plastic gears. On the original version, the ball also clicks down when pressed. Roll has plenty to offer, but it’s too busy for me! I click the ball down more than I massage the cube’s Breathe face, but I almost never play with the gears. They’re too small for my fat fingers to do much of anything with.
4. Glide (2023 Ranking: 4)
The fidget cube’s “Glide” side resembles a joystick, and it features prominently in hero shots. On the phony cube, the stick felt like one on a Playstation controller. It even pressed down! Glide on the original Fidget Cube is a lot different, though. For better or worse, its more like the Circle Pad on a Nintendo 3DS since its axis doesn’t tilt. I’d like Glide if there was some compromise between the two models, but sliding the tiny pad around with my thumb is a little awkward.
3: Spin (2023 Ranking: 1)
The “Spin” side of the fidget cube took the top spot last year after I finally figured out to work it properly. I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but I struggled with the simple dial with a nub for your finger. It felt weird in my hand, and I couldn’t keep my thumb steady. The knockoff design stuttered instead of spinning smoothly, but the official cube ratcheted as I turned it. Another year in, though, and I barely use it. It’s still sumptuous when I do, but we’ll see where it ranks in 2025.
2: Click (2023 Ranking: 5)
At first glance, the “Click” face of the fidget cube might seem underwhelming. After all, it’s just five buttons, like clicking a pen. Fidgeting with the original Antsy Labs cube, though, reveals its thoughtful design. Three buttons give varying levels of crisp, satisfying clicks, while the other two are silent, spongy, and soft. I was surprised that Click rose so high in my rankings from last year, but it’s supremely satisfying to play with.
1: Flip (2023 Ranking: 3)
“Flip” wins the title of my favorite fidget face in 2024. The knockoff cube’s Flip face felt like a crisp light switch, but the action always felt a little grainy. The official cube’s flip function is more versatile: it can mimic that loud, crispy click if flicked hard, or it can move quietly with a gentle touch. It’s perfect for any setting, and I’ve quickly clicked it back and forth more times than I can count over the past year! Flip feels great in my hand regardless of the situation!
I’m excited to see what changes over the next year! It’s been seven since the world started fidgeting with cubes, and now the market is crowded with products boasting more gimmicks. I’m not interested in a fidget dodecahedron, but knockoffs go for about eight bucks on Amazon, while the official Antsy Labs Fidget Cubes cost around $13.
For the discerning fidgeter, the Antsy Labs version is worth the extra cost. It’s built to last and packed with thoughtful features. When it first launched, the fidget cube was praised for providing a discreet, calming outlet for restless hands- mine included. I’m happy to say it still delivers, even if my preferences have changed.
Sources Cited
1 Melnick, M. (2013, October 30). Why Do We Fidget? HuffPost [New York]. Web. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
2 Cohen, E.J., Bravi, R. & Minciacchi, D. The effect of fidget spinners on fine motor control. Sci Rep 8, 3144 (2018).
3. McLachlan & MCLachlan (2016, August 30). Fidget Cube: A Vinyl Desk Toy. Kickstarter. Web. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
