Zain_A24
Veteran
YJ Pocket Timer Review
Feel free to use the quick summary below:Summary (for those on a busy schedule)
I have decided to create a summary section for those that prefer information condensed into a shorter read. Since this timer doesn’t require “setup”, this section will be pretty small.
Service
I have decided to create a summary section for those that prefer information condensed into a shorter read. Since this timer doesn’t require “setup”, this section will be pretty small.
Service
- Cubezz - International Shipping
- Shipped same day and arrived a few weeks later using the slower/free method
- Also got the GAN 354M V2, which I handed over to Mo_A2244, his review can be found HERE
- Lightweight, portable and simple to use
- Had initial troubles with starting and stopping
- Removed beep by holding second button for several seconds
- Touchless – Infrared Sensors
- Red 7 Segment LED display (suitable brightness despite what some YouCubers claim)
- Stores average of 5 and average of 12
- Simple controls with two primary buttons on front
- Concave buttons to avoid accidental press
- Had varying levels of success
- Reliability higher than expected
- Fun to use
- Probably won’t use it for events with a longer timer
- Very good for price
- Great for travels
- Reliability of 92%
- May not replace phone / tablet since not feature heavy
I see you are wanting to read the long version. Well, enjoy!
Overview
The YJ Pocket timer is a recent release from YJ, deviating from their traditional releases of speedcubes. YJ are promoting its touchless nature as well as its portability, which will be areas I will be investigating throughout this review, and they are marketing it as an alternative to the traditional stackmat design. They have also released their “YJ Big Timer” for those who prefer the traditional stackmat, so it will be interesting to see whether or not cubers will use this as a stackmat alternative.
Store
Name – Cubezz
Link – Cubezz.com
Once again, a great service from Cubezz. The products arrived in great condition and they have shown exceptional consistency in the way the provide their service throughout the last 11 months of my experience with them, which was when I started cubing. The outside of the box was slightly indented in transit, but fortunately the products inside were unaffected.
The Timer
Name – YJ Pocket / Touchless TimerLink - https://cubezz.com/Buy-6213-YongJun+Pocket+Portable+infrared+Sensor+Timer+Grey.html
Price - $9.25
Weight – 78g
Availability – Grey, Blue and Yellow (Links to Cubezz - Not affilate)
How it works
The timer works by having two infrared sensors on either side, which detects when your hands are put in front, triggering the timer. The timer works effectively as a stackmat would, where you place your hands on either side to both start and stop the timer. This avoids early timer stops compared to using a phone, tablet or PC since you must let go of the cube in order to trigger the stopping of the timer.
What makes this timer different:
Contactless
The contactless nature of this timer increases the effective area in which the timer can be started and stopped, all whilst reducing the space it takes up. The timer uses infrared technology to detect whether the timer has been started or stopped. Reliability will certainly be an initial concern with this device since contact areas are not as defined as on a stackmat, for which hand areas are marked on the timer for use when starting and stopping the timer. I will have to see in testing whether the timer is affected by where and how the timer is stopped.
Compact
One of the main selling points of this product is how compact the timer is. Timers being too large is not a problem I have typically heard about from other cubers, but YJ have certainly gone the step further with making this timer more compact and portable than usual. This timer is small, which is how it gives itself the term “pocket”. The timer comes with an additional hand strap which I personally won’t be using but is there for whoever may want it.
Price
At only $9.25 at Cubezz, this timer is amongst the cheapest timers available, which I am sure will appeal a wide audience. In comparison to many of the products that are available in the market currently, this one is known to not break the bank. YJ are known for creating excellent economy cubes and products whilst still maintaining the high quality seen in more expensive products.
Appearance
The timer features a plastic exterior, which despite seeming weak has a good durability even if dropped a few times. The LED display brightness is just right, and it is expected for YouCubers to complain on this aspect given their overly bright, video-oriented surroundings. In normal lighting conditions, the timer LED is perfectly bright and visual.
The buttons are concave, which helps in reducing accidental button presses, and pressing the buttons result in a strong tactile feel giving you instant feedback. The timer features two buttons on the front as well as a power switch on the side.
The timer I have is grey, although YJ also offer a Blue and Yellow version if you wish to choose those.
Should you buy this timer? Yes and No
The timer has certain underlying flaws which makes me recommend it with less confidence.
Reliability
One of the essential features of any timer is reliability. The timer needs to be able to start and stop exactly when you want it to, and inputs need to be responsive to avoid ruining what could have been a personal best. The contactless nature results in reduced reliability when starting and stopping the timer, and sometimes can result in the timer behaving unpredictably.
I conducted a quick test to see how reliable this timer really is.
As you can see, errors were found, but that is expected in any stackmat timer just to a less significant level. There were certain types of errors in timing – early stops and incorrect or late timer stops, some of these errors occur on any stackmat timer but with varying levels of consistency. The timer got a reliability score of 92%, which I will be soon comparing to a standard stackmat timer.
Final Thoughts
Overall, another product from YJ with a great value for money. If you have the dollars to spare, there is no harm in giving it a try. The product probably won’t replace your phone using csTimer, and despite the timer not being as feature-heavy as others, it is marketed as a low-cost, portable and compact alternative which I certainly will be using on my travels once our global situation settles.
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