Well the curved design is now on shapeways and the straight version will be beside it soon. Instead of making new threads I thought it would be nice to let the community have a say in even more aspects of this puzzle. I'll update this new post everytime new imput is needed.

1. Curved or Straight, or both?

2. Names?

Please post two names and explain which is shallow and which is curved. If you want, give a reason. Right now they are Shallow Mixup Cube I and II.

I used to prefer straight cuts over curved because it was more traditional, but now I prefer curved for aesthetic reasons.

Do the curved cuts block turns? I don't understand the movement, I suppose not, but it looks like they might.
Cheers,
Burgo.

For this puzzle, definitely straight, it looks sharper in my opinion.

That is why I prefer the curved cut version, it does a much better job of saying "here is the puzzle, go for it" instead of "try to solve this weird 5x5x5, o wait what".

Both versions are the exact same puzzle and function the same, just look different.

The curvy one is initially more intimidating. If intimidation is your goal, then go for it. I would personally go for the straight one because it more closely resembles a normal 5x5x5. The curves are a little abstract for my taste and I personally would go for the straight one if I was in your position.

I don't think this is supposed to be a 5x5 though. For anyone who isn't really a puzzle enthusiast, the curved one might look more intimidating. But for the target audience, the straight cuts could lead to misinterpretation.

I think the straight version is much more clear, than the curved one.

You can post a picture of the straight one and many TP members will understand without a label. But your curvy one asks for some explanation. The reason why resemblance to the 5x5x5 makes a difference is because it looks just like the original mixup woth layer proportionality, so your target audience looks at thiat one for a clearer understaneing of the challenge.

Not trying to argue, just clarify. If you as the designer prefer the curvy one then by all means go for it.

Hmmm... Could you post some scrambled pictures of both of these? Your previous "Shallow Mixup Cube" was discussed here and looked a fair bit different (see pictures in that link). At the moment I'm having a hard time seeing how you got from there to this. I'd be tempted to say I liked the curved more but I have yet to convince myself that either of these will actually work like the puzzle in the other thread.

Carl

I made a HUGE mistake with the straight cut version. Its cuts should be like the one carl linked to, just without all the extra pieces. The edges are the only thing that is different. No 5x5x5 look alike

The basic difference between these and the one you posted to is these jumble while that one has so many pieces it doesn't (yes, it is fudged). I'll work on a scrambled pic but not really sure how to do it in solidworks.

Also since there is such a high demand for the straight cuts yet still a fair amount for curved, I'll offer both if I can.

The curved one is up on shapeways.

Next order: give me some names people. The member who gives the winning name will get a prize

I like the V-Cubes theme of a = straight and b = pillowed. I know the difference between pillowed and curved, but this style is pretty neat and it'd be nice if it was used more consistently throughout the puzzle community. I know if no, when, I ever design a puzzle with both possible appearances, I'd follow that scheme.

I think for the straight cut one, Shallow Mixup Cube works fine.
And maybe Crescent Mixup for the curved one?

That sounds cool. I like the idea of having two different names, not just two sub names.

@Rentlix
But that's for cubic and pillowed, what if I made a pillowed straight one?

Shallow Mixup C.