Video Review:
Disclaimer
Unit graciously provided by Keep Hi-Fi for review, but opinions remain fully independent – they see this live with everyone else.
You can grab yours from these links (these are affiliate links, so I earn a small commission if you purchase – it really helps support the channel and keeps the reviews coming!):
Taurus Web Official: https://keephifi.com/products/kz-taurus-horizontal-dual-dynamic-drivers-in-ear-monitor-iem-headphones-hd-dual-microphone-hifi-gaming-earbuds?_pos=1&_psq=tau&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Taurus Aliexpress: https://bit.ly/477bb3g
Pro tip: Use code JOEAUDIOGEAR for 30% off your order!
My gear used for the review
DAC/Dongle: Fosi ZH3, Muse M5 Ultra
Device: iBasso DX320 or with my MacBook Pro
Music: Apple Music lossless
The Package
Unboxing stays barebones: IEMs, basic tips, mic cable. There's no case, no frills, pure budget affair. Shells shine plastic with metal vent accents and stubby nozzles on QKZ pins; white mic cable looks clean but primed to yellow/oxidize long-term. Fit seals snug via stock tips (no chin slider), though aggressive ear hooks scratch ears so a heat gun tweak suggested.
Sound Impressions
Tuning skews gaming-forward: moderate bass entry, scooped lower mids, elevated upper mids/presence/air for FPS cues like footsteps/gunshots over deep slams. Soundstage spans wide left-right but lacks pinpoint depth; imaging muddles in busy mixes.
Bass
Rumble registers for explosions and reggaeton drums, but no real slam or texture – mid-bass bleeds heavily, bloating fundamentals across tracks. Decent for God of War rumbles, weak for bassheads craving punch.
Mids
Lower mids stay okay but bass bleed veils clarity; upper mids push vocals/instruments forward yet females drown under hi-hats/cymbals. Males (Enrique, Zion) pop better in blends; overall forward but recessed in drops.
Treble
Non-peaky and safe – hi-hats/tings sparkle without fatigue, aiding game effects, but lacks air/sharpness for ultimate separation. Gaming highs shine; music feels bundled in complexity.
Soundstage
Width impresses for budget (left-right pans solid in Ragnarok), but depth/precision average – instruments layer okay solo, congest together.
Song Impressions
Strongest (Ina Rolfsson ft. Alan Walker remix)
Bass rhythm okay but bleeds hard; Ina's vocals submerge under hi-hats/cymbals – drop muddles into a bundle, soundstage wide but unpinpointable.
Study Me (Zuto Mayo)
Rock/J-pop guitars/vocals balance decently – rumble present sans punch, slight bloat but head-bobbing fun; treble smooth, no peaks.
Subeme la Radio (Enrique Iglesias ft. others)
Reggaeton sweet spot: male vocals (Enrique/Zion) clear and popping, drums/guitars blend without full mud; rumble extends well despite slam absence.
Final Verdict
KZ Taurus punches as a $20 gamer's entry with comfy lightness, phone-friendly drive, and spatial highs for FPS/Ragnarok immersion – reggaeton/rock niches work too. Bass bleed and vocal recessions tank musicality (2/5), but gaming earns 3.5/5 close to 4. Solid budget pick over Tangzu Wan'er or similar if games > tunes.
Who is this for?
Gamers needing cheap spatial cues, reggaeton/rock casuals okay with bleed, ultra-budget phone users.
Who is this NOT for?
Bassheads chasing slam, female vocal lovers, separation purists, or anyone hating sharp hooks/cable yellowing.