Keebox: the mind-bending puzzle box from Switzerland
26.6.2025
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Three friends from Bern have come up with puzzle boxes that are truly addictive. I fought my way through all three. One of them broke me.
Puzzle boxes are more than just a fad. They combine mechanics, great look and feel and that unbeatable feeling you get when you finally figure out that decisive step. It’s precisely that experience that Keebox from Bern has captured. I tried out three models ranging from pretty chill to incredibly difficult. Never before has a 3D print looked so harmless and been so challenging.
Source: Ramon Schneider
Who are Keebox?
Keebox is a small brand from Bern founded by three friends who’ve combined their passion for tinkering with 3D printing. All boxes are made of PLA plastic, produced locally and assembled by hand. The designs are simple, the mechanics well thought out. The aim is to crack open the box by fiddling about with it. There are no instructions, just your logic, patience and hands. And if you or the box get stuck, the team will help you out with spare parts or tips.
Source: Keebox
Blue: Easy Peasy
The blue box is your gateway into the Keebox world. It may look simple and compact, but has many a clever trick in store. It took me around 30 minutes to solve without really hitting a wall but feeling challenged enough at the same time. The design is straightforward and the mechanics work smoothly. If you’ve only seen puzzle boxes from afar or are looking for a solidly good gift, this one’s for you. The blue box gives you a taste of what Keebox is capable of without being overly difficult.
Orange: A Real Challenge
Orange means things are about to get serious. The mechanics interlock elegantly and you have to earn every step forward. What particularly stands out is how some elements come into play again at a later stage. That helps to understand the inner workings. This box requires your full focus. I found it the toughest one I tested. I spent over an hour trying to figure out the final step and gave up in the end. But if you enjoy fiddling about with something and can handle frustration, this is what you need. It broke me. :)
Yellow: My Brain Hurts
The name is no exaggeration. I worked on this box for 90 minutes at full focus. Not because there’s anything wrong with it, but because the box has such a consistent design that a single mistake will make you lose track. The steps are complex but straightforward. If you keep at it, you’ll crack it. I did it, but am still humbled by the experience. This box is a must-have for puzzle pros. For everyone else, it’s a nice lesson in humility.
In a nutshell
Small, locally made, challenging
Keebox stands for puzzle boxes with charm – locally produced, cleverly designed, precisely implemented. The blue box is great to get started. The orange hits the sweet spot between challenging and fun. And the yellow will push even the most experienced puzzlers to their limits. Believe me, I speak from experience.
If you like puzzle boxes, you should try Keebox. And if you’ve never had a go at one, this could be your chance. Provided your ego doesn’t go into a huff.
Pro
- Sophisticated puzzle design without any cheap tricks
- Made in Switzerland
- A great gift idea for puzzle sessions
- Spare parts and support provided by the Keebox team
Contra
- Resetting the cube can be tricky (depending on the model)
Header image: Ramon Schneider
I get paid to play with toys all day.
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