Acaia Pyxis Black — Competition Scale

Acaia Pyxis Black — Competition Scale with 0.001 g Resolution, Limited Edition

You put the tamper down beside the machine. The scale is there — square, black, 6.5 by 6.5 centimetres, barely bigger than a matchbox. You tare it and set the cup on top. Three drops of espresso fall, the OLED display shows 1.247 g. Not 1.2. Not 1.25. 1.247. You see the evaporation in real time, you see the flow rate as a small curve next to the weight reading. This is the Pyxis Black. A competition scale that makes visible the variables other scales don't even capture.

The Pyxis Black is Acaia's answer to the question of how far precision in the cup can go. It was developed together with competition baristas — Yasuo Ishii used it at the Japan Brewers Cup and achieved the highest score in the Open Service Round. This isn't a home tool for everyone. This is the platform for someone who wants to understand the last 0.005 g between a good cup and a brilliant one.

At Coffee Coaching Club, we import the Acaia Pyxis Black into Switzerland — as a Limited Edition, it is available exclusively in our showroom and online shop, in limited quantities per drop.

What 0.001 g Resolution Means — and What It Doesn't

Let's be honest: 0.001 g is a milligram. In a normal home espresso workflow, reproducibility at this level isn't a given. Air currents, table vibrations, even evaporation loss during the shot create fluctuations that become visible at this resolution. That's simultaneously the argument for the Pyxis Black and against it — depending on what you're looking for.

The added value shows up in three scenarios:

If you don't need that, you're very well served by the Acaia Lunar or the Pearl 2021. 0.1 g resolution is enough for 95% of applications. The Pyxis Black is explicitly for the other 5%.

Magic Relay — The Invisible Extension

One of the innovations of the Pyxis-Black generation is Magic Relay. In concrete terms: the Pyxis Black can pair wirelessly with an Acaia Umbra (or Umbra Duo). The Umbra's data is shown on the Pyxis Black's OLED display. Tap on one of the paired scales, and the display switches automatically — no app, no button press, in real time.

Practical use: a professional setup with two Acaia scales — one for bean dosing, one for espresso output — and you see both values on one display. For professional shots, test setups or competitive routines, that's a noticeable simplification compared with two separate Bluetooth connections.

Customisable Modes and Brew History

The Pyxis Black has three programmable presets. For each preset, you choose what's displayed:

• Timer on or off
• Auto-Tare when the cup is placed
• Auto-Start on the first drop
• Flow rate indicator as a small curve next to the weight reading

Each mode is tailored to a workflow — espresso shot, pour-over, cupping, or your own hybrid. The Brew History function runs in the background: Total Brews, Total Coffee Consumption and average flow rate are stored locally. After every shot, you decide whether the session is saved to the history or discarded. Completely cloud-free, no account required.

At a Glance

Where the Pyxis Black Stands Next to the Acaia Lunar

The Pyxis Black doesn't replace the Lunar — it complements it. Anyone with both uses the Lunar for daily espresso shots (on the drip tray, heat-resistant) and the Pyxis Black for profile comparisons, cupping sessions or competitive preparation. Anyone who wants just one scale and whose main use is espresso is better served by the Lunar — the Pyxis Black isn't designed for drip tray heat.

Who Buys the Pyxis Black?

We see three profiles in the showroom:

Competition baristas and Q-Graders. Anyone producing data on stage or in the cupping lab that decides between winning and losing has, with the Pyxis Black, a tool that works at that level. Yasuo Ishii's Brewers Cup routine is the proof: 0.001 g makes a difference in the score.

Research and lab applications. Roasteries that document profiles. Cafés that evaluate their shots scientifically. University coffee science programmes. Here, reproducibility is the goal, and the Pyxis Black delivers the precision it takes.

Specialty collectors and home baristas with high standards. Anyone who already knows Acaia, owns a Lunar and is looking for the next level. The Limited Edition character also makes the Pyxis Black a collector's item — we recommend placing orders early, since drops ship in limited quantities.

Ordering, Delivery and Advice

The Acaia Pyxis Black can be ordered online at Coffee Coaching Club or collected from the showroom in Zurich Oerlikon or Bern. Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2–4 working days, depending on drop availability.

Since the Pyxis Black is a Limited Edition with periodic drops, there can be waiting times. We notify our customers by email newsletter as soon as new stock arrives. For questions about availability or ordering: [email protected].

Maintenance and Care

Clean with a soft cloth and warm water — no cleaning agents, no chemicals, since the anodised aluminium coating can be damaged. Splashes are fine (e.g. espresso drips), submerging it is not. The Acaia Updater app delivers firmware updates whenever Acaia releases them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Pyxis and the Pyxis Black?

The original Pyxis has 0.01 g resolution. The Pyxis Black is the new generation with 0.001 g resolution, USB-C instead of Micro-USB, an OLED display, Magic Relay connectivity to the Umbra series and a Brew History function. It's designed as a Limited Edition, while the original Pyxis is a standard product.

Do I really need 0.001 g resolution?

For everyday home espresso, probably not — 0.1 g (Lunar) is enough. The Pyxis Black is made for competition, research, professional cafés and specialty home baristas who genuinely work at the next decimal place. Honestly: if you don't need that, there's no advantage in it for you.

What is Magic Relay?

A wireless display extension. The Pyxis Black pairs with an Acaia Umbra (or Umbra Duo). The Umbra's data is shown on the Pyxis Black's display — tap, view, no app needed. Practical for professional setups with two scales, for example bean dosing and espresso output.

Can I use the Pyxis Black on my espresso machine's drip tray?

Possible, but not recommended. The Pyxis Black isn't heat-resistant like the Lunar — hot water or a continuously warm drip tray can damage it. For daily espresso shots on the drip tray, we recommend the Acaia Lunar. The Pyxis Black is made for off-machine shots, cupping and competition setups.

How long does the battery last?

7 to 8 hours of continuous use. Charging via USB-C takes under 2 hours. In standby, the scale lasts several days.

What's the delivery situation for the Pyxis Black?

Limited Edition with periodic drops. Acaia produces in limited batches that sell out quickly. We ship as soon as a batch arrives. If you're interested, we recommend placing your order early — if sold out, we add you to a waiting list and notify you automatically.

Does the Pyxis Black work with the Acaia app?

Yes, via Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4. With the Acaia Coffee app, you can visualise profiles, shots and data on your smartphone. Standalone, though, the scale works completely without an app — all important functions are accessible directly on the OLED display.

Which beans do you recommend for Pyxis Black sessions?

In cupping and profile comparison sessions, it's about perceiving differences. Light single origins show finer distinctions than dark blends. To practise with the Pyxis Black: Wild Peach for fruity clarity, Cozy Chocolate as a comparison baseline for dense espresso profiles.

Do you offer Swiss warranty and support?

Yes. Coffee Coaching Club is an importer of Acaia in Switzerland, including on-site Swiss service. For questions, configuration, service or warranty: [email protected].