You saw the title

I have been using a Rubik's brand cube for a couple years now, wondering what's so great about the higher priced cubes.

The Valk is smoother, faster, and just all around better. I can focus more on learning the moves now without all the creaking, binding, and snagging. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to progress beyond just solving the cube and into solving it faster and more efficiently.

Only 2 problems, One, it is loud, and it has a strange feel. If you use the cube often, then you should be fine. I would recommend this for anyone

I used the cubicle strong kit and it is my main over the gan x

Not a review, but a friendly help guide. If you heard many things about TheValk and want it in 2023, even though it's very dead, I'm here to help y'all out.

Similar Cubes:
YiSheng 3x3 M. Your best option for the replacement. It has the feel, the look, even the sound. It's overall just a great option.
MFJS Meilong 3x3 M. Has that hallmark crunchy feel as well as a good price tag.
Moyu RS3M 2020/RS3M Super. Clacky, a bit smoother, and overall a good performer.

Awesome cube! A must have main cube. I hope to soon own this cube with Cubicle custom full face stickers. This cube as well as the 'mini' have an uncanny feel to them that no other cube can match.

The Valk is very light, but quick turning and smooth. magnets would be really great in this cube, but it makes a fantastic budget speed cube!

I'd been using the MF3RS for around 2 years of on and off cubing. It was locky and I felt like I should upgrade. After thorough thinking, I purchased the Valk 3 for its supposed stability, excellent corner cutting, crunchy feel, and size (my hands are relatively small.)

The unboxing experience was very pleasant. The black box looks like what my phone came in, and the cube is in plastic wrap to protect from dust. When I opened the wrapping, the cube had a lot of lubricant on the outside, so have a towel with you to clean that up. The factory lubricant makes the puzzle very quick, almost uncontrollable for some. I found the speed out of the box to be quite nice for my gentle turning style.

Corner cutting is great, as expected of any flagship cube. Well over 45 degrees normal without much force, and reverse cuts are around a piece. Even without magnets, this cube is incredibly stable, at least compared to my MF3RS. I experienced minor lockups but that could be due to the fact that my cube is incredibly fast. Wiping down the pieces and lubricating to your liking may fix this. It's only been a couple of days, and the factory lubricant is still in the puzzle, but once it wears out I'll clean the pieces and use speedy.

In conclusion, the Valk 3 provides a stable, fast, and crunchy feeling. The packaging is great and the 55.5 mm size is just right for me. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a good cube.

ootb it was too fast but after tightening it and putting a little bit of dnm 37...it has been amazing. (Note this is my first speedcube from using a rubiks brand for 5 months)
(After putting in dnm 37 and tightening it)
-Smooth
-fast
-controllable for beginners

P.S it is a bit lubey on the outside so wipe it off good with a towel (Note wiping it off with a towel wont make the cube slow but I still recommend buying this cube with dnm 37!!!

I expected a lot more for $20. But it's still a good cube. Maybe it's just my style of turning and stuff idk. Good cube, though.