The 10 Best Mechanical Puzzles
Special Honors
NKD Puzzle This highly respected manufacturer has several lines of premium-quality toys, focused on movement, brain teasers, and just simple decoration. Their most renowned products are probably their puzzle boxes, which range from the relatively simple and moderately priced, to the ultra-high-end models that cost in the thousands and made with truly next-level craftsmanship of top-of-the-line hardwoods. nkd-puzzle.com
Crux Puzzles Based in the UK, this manufacturer focuses heavily on mechanically and geometrically oriented brain teasers made from premium materials like steel and well-finished hardwood. In addition to offering stimulating entertainment, everything from Crux is designed to look good on a shelf, and their wide selection includes some suited for kids, as well as some that even savvy adults will have trouble figuring out. cruxpuzzles.co.uk
Editor's Notes
February 24, 2021:
Moving 3D puzzles are fun to build and also look good on a shelf, especially some of the more intricate models. While we did have to remove a couple recommendations because they're no longer available, there are still plenty to choose from.
We added the Rokr Waterwheel Coaster because its track is relatively long, and its stair lift and long downhill make it fun to watch the marbles' progression. The Robotime STEM is similar, although not quite as rigid, and the circuit isn't quite as long. Both the Robotime Locomotive and UGears Research Vessel move under their own power using rubber bands, although the Locomotive is significantly easier to get working than the Research Vessel - in fact, the Research Vessel might be one the hardest options around.
Another interesting variety of mechanical puzzle is the puzzle box. These are a combination of brain teaser and mechanical construct, and in the case of the UGears Treasure Box and NKD Puzzle Scriptum Kit, their DIY assembly means they offer double the fun. In particular, the NKD Scriptum is especially well made and offers a fun challenge to open.
January 19, 2019:
Enthusiasts who take to this type of puzzle will likely want to try all of them, so the difference here, beyond the level of quality in the components, has to do with difficulty level and how much they can be played with after they're constructed. While simpler versions are nice for beginners, they don't do much, so they won't be that enjoyable to have on your desk or for the kids to play with. The more complex of these can take days to finish, and once they're done, they hold up even after hours of little ones racing them around.