KBEAR KW1 - Sturdy and Bassy

We are set to review KBEAR's newest bullet earphones, which boast a strikingly sleek design featuring a single-DD driver and shell made from Rosewood. 

DISCLAIMER:

• I have no affiliation with KBEAR and have not received any monetary compensation during or after writing this review.  Keephifi provided this unit to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
• As a non-professional reviewer, I aim to use simple terms that can be understood by both beginners and experts in the hobby.
• Please keep in mind that the opinions expressed in this review are subjective and based on my personal experience with the unit. I encourage you to try the product yourself to form your own opinion.

PACKAGING

The packaging is very straightforward. Inside the box, you get a case where everything is already included.  Here's what we have inside the box:

• KBEAR KW1
• 6 pair of eartips
• Case

BUILD QUALITY

Wooden shells are a rarity in budget earphones, but KBEAR KW1 has achieved this distinction. Typically, earphone shells are crafted from resin, metal, alloy, or a hybrid of these materials. Witnessing something distinct like wood is undeniably refreshing. The KBEAR KW1 offers two versions: the 3.5mm variant, which I received from Keephifi, and the DSP variant. It's important to highlight that the KBEAR KW1 features a non-removable cable, and at a price point of $35, this aspect might be a deal-breaker to some. It has a microphone at least! 

SOUND : DARK

The KBEAR KW-1 stands as a bass-heavy earphone, boasting a satisfying punch that accompanies a dark tonality.

BASS

This is the star of the KBEAR KW-1: its bass is both impactful and punchy, characterized by swift attack and brief decay. Despite its bass-heavy nature, it maintains clarity and control, avoiding any muddiness as much as possible in its sound profile.

MIDS

There is a noticeable midbass bleed present, which leads to a somewhat obscured midrange. Vocals lack the engaging and euphonic quality one might hope for. Instruments like guitars come across as somewhat lacking to me. My initial expectation of a vibrant and natural quality is unmet, resulting in a rather unremarkable sound.

TREBLE

The treble lacks resolution and airiness. Given the earphone's bass-heavy nature, I expected a compromise in the treble performance. It lacks a distinct bite and energy and somewhat projects a subdued quality. Essentially, when the track isn't rich in bass, the overall sound tends to lack a certain depth of flavor. No traces of sibilance or harshness are observed when listening to these earphones.

TECHNICALITIES

This is a no brainer, and typically, bullet earphones tend to fall short in terms of technical capabilities. The soundstage, in this case, is fairly average, presenting itself in a rather two-dimensional manner. It lacks notable depth and immersive qualities, ranking as average at best. The imaging capability is also middling, although it does succeed in establishing a sense of placement for both vocals and instruments. 

TEST TRACKS

CONCLUSION

Pros:

• Passable as a bass-focused earphone.
•  The rosewood material looks sleek and sturdy.
• Inoffensive sound with less piercing details.
• Can be immersive if bass is present.

Cons:

• Treble almost sounds muted.
• Veiled mids.
• Dark sounding profile might not appeal to everyone.
• For $35, cheap consumers might want to ask for a removable cable (me included).
• Not the best in terms of technicalities.

The KB EAR KW-1 exhibits a dark sounding profile which offers elevated engaging lower frequencies but suffers from retrieving finer details. Dark sounding earphones tend to be more extreme for some and tends to be less popular than U-shaped sound profiles. If you prefer an extremely warm sound with not a care for those fine details, then the KB EAR KW-1 might be suitable for you. Then again, the fixed cable can be a deal breaker for some.