Want your cube to feel faster without completely changing its character? DNM-37 may be exactly what you are looking for.
DNM-37 has been one of the most talked-about speedcube lubricants for years. From beginner cubers trying their first proper lube to experienced competitors fine-tuning a flagship 3x3, DNM-37 continues to appear in cube setups around the world.
But what does it actually do? How many drops should you use? Can you use it in a MagLev cube? And is it better by itself or combined with another lubricant?
We researched official information, hundreds of customer reviews, community discussions and cubing videos to put together this CubeArena Ultimate Guide to DNM-37.
Quick Verdict
| Category | CubeArena Rating |
|---|---|
| Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 |
| Smoothness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 9/10 |
| Control | ⭐⭐⭐½ 7/10 |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 9/10 |
| Longevity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10 |
| Overall | 9/10 |
Best for: Cubers who want more speed, lighter turning and an easy way to refresh a slow-feeling cube.
Not ideal for: Someone whose cube is already too fast or uncontrollable.
What Is DNM-37?
DNM-37 is a water-based piece lubricant developed by Cubicle Labs.
Unlike thick silicone lubricants designed to slow down or stabilize a puzzle, DNM-37 is designed primarily to increase speed and reduce the feeling of drag between pieces.
TheCubicle says its formulation is designed to absorb and retain moisture from the surrounding air, helping it remain effective longer than many traditional water-based speed lubes. It is officially recommended for puzzles of different sizes, including 3x3s, big cubes, minxes and Square-1.
In simple terms:
DNM-37 = very thin lubricant + very little drag + lots of speed.
What Does DNM-37 Feel Like?
The biggest change is immediately noticeable:
The cube becomes easier to turn.
DNM-37 has extremely low viscosity, so instead of adding a thick or gummy layer between the pieces, it creates a light and slippery feeling.
Many cubers describe the result as:
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Faster
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Lighter
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More effortless
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Smoother
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Less dry
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Less gummy
A community review on Reddit even described a single drop as already being extremely fast, while other users regularly recommend DNM-37 when someone specifically asks for maximum speed.
That is also why you shouldn't automatically assume that more lube = better cube.
With DNM-37, less is usually better.
How Fast Is It?
Very fast.
DNM-37 is not really a neutral maintenance lubricant. Its main purpose is to add speed.
Independent retailer Cuboss rates its speed effect at 9.2/10 in its lubricant characteristics, with users repeatedly describing it as one of the fastest lubricants they own.
Current community discussions tell the same story. When cubers ask specifically for a lubricant for “pure speed,” DNM-37 is frequently one of the first recommendations.
This makes it especially useful when:
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A cube feels sluggish.
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Factory lubricant has started wearing out.
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A heavier lubricant made your cube too gummy.
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A big cube requires too much effort to turn.
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You like extremely light, quick turning.
Does DNM-37 Make a Cube Smoother?
Usually, yes—but there is an important distinction.
DNM-37 mainly reduces friction and increases speed. It does not create the same deep, plush feeling you might get from something such as Cubicle Labs Silk.
Silk is specifically marketed for a softer, plush and controllable feel, while DNM-37 is focused much more heavily on speed.
Think about it this way:
| Lube | Main Effect |
|---|---|
| DNM-37 | ⚡ Speed |
| Cubicle Labs Silk | 🧈 Smoothness + control |
| Heavy silicone lube | 🛑 Stability + control |
| Angstrom Dignitas/Gravitas | ✨ Smoothness + control + distinctive feel |
| FZ-Rush | ⚡ Fast, comfortable turning |
There isn't one “best” lubricant.
The best lube depends on the feeling you want.
What Do Cubers Actually Think About DNM-37?
DNM-37 has unusually strong long-term community recognition.
At the time of our research, TheCubicle's product page listed around 495 customer reviews, with approximately 81% giving it five stars.
Current Shop reviews also continue to praise the lubricant for speeding up cubes and helping balance slower Angstrom-based setups.
Reddit discussions from both newer and experienced cubers repeatedly recommend DNM-37 when the goal is speed. Some users combine it with heavier or smoother lubricants, while others use DNM-37 alone.
An older but well-known video review also praised DNM-37 for maintaining its effect longer than some traditional water-based speed lubricants.
The community consensus?
DNM-37 is extremely good at what it is designed to do: make puzzles fast.
How to Use DNM-37 Correctly
The official instructions are surprisingly simple:
Add two drops and break the lubricant in.
However, for modern flagship cubes that are already extremely fast, CubeArena recommends a more conservative approach.
Method 1 — For an Already-Fast 3x3
Step 1
Turn one layer approximately 45 degrees.
Step 2
Place one small drop on the plastic contact area between the pieces.
Step 3
Turn all layers repeatedly to distribute the lubricant.
Step 4
Do several solves.
Step 5
Only add another drop if you still want more speed.
This avoids accidentally making an already-fast cube uncontrollable.
Method 2 — For a Dry or Slower Cube
If your puzzle feels dry, sluggish or has previously been slowed by heavier lubricant:
Start with 1–2 drops.
Break it in thoroughly before deciding whether it needs more.
Community reports repeatedly emphasize that only a very small amount is required.
Golden Rule
You can always add another drop.
Removing too much lubricant requires cleaning the cube.
How Much DNM-37 Should You Use?
Here's our simple CubeArena starting guide:
| Puzzle | Starting Amount |
|---|---|
| Very fast flagship 3x3 | 1 drop |
| Normal 3x3 | 1–2 drops |
| Slow/dry 3x3 | 2 drops |
| 4x4 / 5x5 | 2 drops, then test |
| Larger big cubes | 2 drops, then gradually adjust |
| Megaminx | Start small, distribute thoroughly |
| Square-1 | 1–2 drops on piece contact areas |
These are starting points rather than strict rules.
Cube setup, previous lubricant and personal turning style all affect the final result.
DNM-37 on Modern Flagship Cubes
Modern cubes such as flagship GAN, MoYu, X-Man Design and DaYan puzzles can already be extremely fast.
That changes how DNM-37 should be used.
For example, community reviews mention successful use on modern puzzles including GAN V100-series cubes, GAN 16, GuHong Pro and MoYu WeiLong models.
But adding too much DNM-37 to an already-fast MagLev flagship can create a cube that feels difficult to control.
For these puzzles:
Start with ONE drop.
Then test it.
Is DNM-37 Good for Big Cubes?
Yes—and this may actually be one of its best uses.
TheCubicle specifically lists DNM-37 as suitable for puzzles of different sizes, including big cubes.
Why does this matter?
On a 5x5, 6x6 or 7x7, even a small amount of additional friction across multiple layers can make turning tiring.
A very light lubricant can make those inner and outer layers require less effort.
Community reviews also specifically mention DNM-37 being effective in larger puzzles.
Can You Use DNM-37 in a MagLev Cube?
Yes.
You can use DNM-37 on the plastic pieces of a MagLev cube.
But there is one important rule:
⚠️ Do not intentionally apply DNM-37 to metal hardware.
DNM-37 contains water.
The manufacturer specifically warns users not to apply it directly to metal parts.
That includes hardware such as:
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Screws
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Springs
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Metal shafts
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Other exposed metal components
MagLev cubes replace traditional springs with magnetic repulsion systems, but they can still contain other metal hardware.
So remember:
Pieces = Yes.
Metal hardware = No.
Why You Shouldn't Put DNM-37 on Screws or Springs
Water and unprotected metal are not a good combination.
There have been individual customer reports of corrosion after water-based lubricants reached metal components over extended periods. The official manufacturer warning specifically tells users not to apply DNM-37 directly to metal hardware.
That doesn't mean your cube will automatically rust simply because you use DNM-37 correctly.
It means you should use the product for what it was designed for:
DNM-37 is a piece lubricant, not a core lubricant.
For core hardware, use a lubricant designed specifically for that purpose.
The Best DNM-37 Combinations
This is where cube setup becomes interesting.
DNM-37 works extremely well by itself, but experienced cubers also combine lubricants to create a customized feel.
Setup 1 — Maximum Speed
DNM-37 only
Good for:
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Slow cubes
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Big cubes
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Cubers who like extremely light turning
Result:
⚡ Very fast and very light
Setup 2 — Smooth + Fast
Silk + DNM-37
Silk creates a more plush and controllable feeling, while DNM-37 can restore speed that is lost from the heavier lubricant.
Users on TheCubicle specifically report enjoying Silk together with DNM-37.
Result:
🧈 Smooth + controlled + fast
This is a great combination for many modern 3x3s.
Setup 3 — Advanced Competition Setup
Angstrom Dignitas/Gravitas + DNM-37
This is another combination frequently mentioned by experienced cubers.
Dignitas and Gravitas can create a smoother and more controlled setup, while a small amount of DNM-37 brings speed back into the puzzle.
Result:
🏁 Stable + smooth + fast
This setup requires more experimentation than simply adding DNM-37 by itself.
DNM-37 vs FZ-Rush
Both are designed for speed, but they are not identical.
FZ-Rush uses a hydroxy-compound base and is designed to provide a fast, comfortable feel while leaving relatively little residue during cleanup. Like DNM-37, it contains water and should not be deliberately applied to metal parts.
DNM-37
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Extremely light
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Extremely fast
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Very easy to apply
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Long-established reputation
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Great as a speed booster
FZ-Rush
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Fast
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Comfortable turning feel
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Easy cleanup
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Newer formulation
Both are excellent choices if speed is your priority.
If you're experimenting with both, we recommend testing them individually first so you understand what each one changes.
Can DNM-37 Fix an Overlubed Cube?
Sometimes.
If a heavier lubricant has made your cube slightly gummy, a small amount of DNM-37 can help bring speed back.
This is one of the most common ways experienced cubers use it.
Current user feedback specifically describes adding DNM-37 to heavier Angstrom setups to recover speed while retaining some of their control.
However:
DNM-37 cannot magically fix a cube filled with too much old lubricant.
If your puzzle is extremely sticky, dirty or full of residue, cleaning it properly is usually better than continually adding more lubricant.
When Should You Reapply DNM-37?
There is no fixed number of solves.
Reapply when you notice:
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Turning feels noticeably drier.
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The cube has lost its light feeling.
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Friction has increased.
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Your previous speed boost has disappeared.
How quickly this happens depends on:
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How much you cube.
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The puzzle.
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Climate and humidity.
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Other lubricants in the cube.
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How much DNM-37 you originally used.
The product was specifically engineered to retain moisture longer than many traditional water-based speed lubes, but it still won't last forever.
Common DNM-37 Mistakes
❌ Mistake #1: Adding 5–10 drops immediately
Don't.
Start small.
❌ Mistake #2: Putting it on springs or screws
DNM-37 contains water and is designed for puzzle pieces.
❌ Mistake #3: Assuming faster always means better
A cube that is too fast can cause overshooting and inaccurate turning.
Control matters too.
❌ Mistake #4: Adding more lube to a dirty cube forever
Eventually, cleaning and resetting the cube will produce a better result.
❌ Mistake #5: Expecting lubricant to automatically improve your times
Lubricant changes how the cube feels.
It cannot replace:
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Better finger tricks
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Better lookahead
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Better algorithms
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Better turning accuracy
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Practice
A good setup helps you perform comfortably—it doesn't solve the cube for you.
Who Should Buy DNM-37?
✅ Highly recommended if:
You want your cube faster.
You dislike heavy or gummy turning.
Your cube feels dry.
You solve big cubes.
You want a simple first speed lubricant.
You already use heavier lubricants and need something to restore speed.
You enjoy experimenting with competition setups.
⚠️ Consider something more controllable if:
Your cube is already difficult to control.
You frequently overshoot turns.
You prefer slow, plush or gummy cubes.
In those cases, something like Silk or another control-focused lubricant may suit you better.
Is DNM-37 Good for Beginners?
Yes—but beginners should use it carefully.
The application couldn't be much easier.
One or two drops can immediately demonstrate how much lubricant can change the feel of a speedcube.
However, beginners sometimes think a faster cube automatically means faster solves.
It doesn't.
If your turning is still inaccurate, making an extremely fast cube even faster can actually make it harder to control.
For beginners:
Start with one drop.
Learn how your cube changes.
Then adjust from there.
Is DNM-37 Still Worth Buying in 2026?
Yes.
Despite many newer lubricants entering the market, DNM-37 continues to be one of the most frequently discussed and recommended speed-focused cube lubricants.
Its advantages are simple:
⚡ Very fast
💧 Extremely light
🧊 Easy to apply
🧩 Works across many puzzle types
🔧 Excellent for fine-tuning setups
🏁 Popular among competitive cubers
The fact that it remains heavily reviewed and recommended years after release says a lot about how useful the formula continues to be.
CubeArena Verdict
⭐ 9/10 — One of the easiest ways to make a speedcube faster.
DNM-37 isn't a magic liquid that instantly gives you a new personal best.
What it does extremely well is much simpler:
It removes some of the resistance between your cube's pieces and makes turning feel lighter and faster.
For a slow or dry puzzle, the difference can be dramatic.
For a modern flagship cube, even one drop may be enough.
And for advanced cubers, DNM-37 becomes even more useful as a finishing lubricant—something you can use to fine-tune the balance between speed, smoothness and control.
CubeArena Recommendation
Start with one drop → break it in → test → add another only if necessary.
That's the safest way to discover why DNM-37 has remained a favorite in the speedcubing community for so many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DNM-37 silicone based?
No. DNM-37 is a water-based piece lubricant.
How many drops of DNM-37 should I use?
The official recommendation is two drops, but one drop is a good starting point for very fast modern cubes.
Can DNM-37 be used in GAN cubes?
Yes, on the puzzle's plastic piece contact surfaces.
Can DNM-37 be used in MoYu cubes?
Yes.
Can I use DNM-37 in MagLev cubes?
Yes, on the plastic pieces. Avoid intentionally applying it directly to metal hardware.
Does DNM-37 make cubes faster?
Yes. Increasing puzzle speed is its primary purpose.
Does DNM-37 work on big cubes?
Yes. The manufacturer specifically recommends it for puzzles of different sizes, including big cubes.
Can I combine DNM-37 with another lube?
Yes. Popular combinations include DNM-37 with Silk or DNM-37 with Angstrom lubricants.
Should beginners use DNM-37?
Yes, but start with a small amount.
Final Tip
A speedcube setup is personal.
Two cubers can use exactly the same cube and prefer completely different lubrication.
Experiment gradually.
One drop can change everything.