website of the product: https://kz-audio.com/kz-zst-x.html
the package, pen for scale.
let's start with the price tag. I bought them for the price equivalent to about $13.
the KZ ZST X are a pair of earphones made by the company KZ, which is known for making IEMs (In-Ear Monitors). but cheaper compared to other brands selling IEMs.
while earbuds normally rest on the outer ear, IEMs are fitted on the ear canal.
as the KZ ZST X are IEMs, they are basically ear plugs, they are great at noise cancellation. when I wore this and we tested if I can hear my friend talking, the answer is No. I was not able to hear him or hear any noise from the surrounding when listening to music. DO NOT USE THIS WHILE DRIVING.
Additional Photos of the Package.
Note: this is a no-mic version.
As you might have noticed. the earphones are not connected to the cable.
and the reason is because they can be upgraded with a wireless module.
or a different cable, WHICH IS GREAT.
Images taken from LAZADA, an online shopping app.
Assembly Guide and how to wear them.
The manual also includes instructions on how to use the button on the cable with the mic.
(which I don't have.)
Now, I have been using these for about a month so that I can properly make a verdict.
while I am no audiophile, I do crave for high quality audio playback.
this is an a4tech MK-510. an old earphone of mine. the cable is frayed from old age.
and yes, they do have double sided output.
This is the Thermaltake Isurus. my last pair of earbuds.
my Review of the KZ ZST X.
- Sound Reproduction: They sound really great. you can hear things you won't normally hear from lower quality earbuds. and when used in gaming, like playing CS:GO, you can pinpoint where the footsteps are coming from.
- Noise Cancellation: as they are technically earplugs. very good.
- Comfortability: because of how they go up and over the ear, they won't weigh as much and the chances of losing them are pretty low. and also, I fell asleep while having these on multiple times already.
- Durability: they are very solid, I dropped them a few times. the cable is very thick.
Personal Opinions:
When I rate things, I always use a three-point system.
1 for Bad
2 for Okay
3 for Great
I must point out that I have very low standards and is easily impressed.
so it's very hard for me to give a score of 1,
and very easy for me to give a score of 3.
3/3. It's great buy, what else would you want me to say.
initially this is not the pair I was targeting to buy.
the pair that I was shooting for is the KZ AST. (+/- $110 USD)
https://kz-audio.com/kz-ast.html
Image taken from LAZADA, an online shopping app.
but because I have discomfort in using earphones. I decided to buy KZ ZST X to check if it would be comfortable first.
I would probably buy the KZ AST later this year.
there's this one issue though. due to the material used in the cable, it reacts with the touchscreen on my phone when they touch.
I would also buy the wireless module in the near future.
additional pictures.
Here is a picture of me wearing it.
because of it's 'hook' design. you can easily put them on the collar.
and that is pretty much it. my review of the KZ ZST X.
cheers!. 🍻