Reviewed by kvnccx

Disclaimer: Product was provided to me by @KeepHifiStore

but all opinions are my own.

KB EAR is a semi well known budget CHIFI IEM brand and is known to produce some great products in their targetted price range. Today we're checking out their very interesting, new bone conduction IEM which is advertised to be bass heavy, let's check it out.

What's Included?

- 3 variations of tips with 3 sizes for each

- Cable - KB EAR KB02 IEM

- Instruction Manual

Build Quality & Initial Thoughts

The build of the KB02 actually feels quite nice for the price, it's a very light IEM with a hand polished resin shell which looks clean. With the faceplate, they went with purple, blue and a orange blue mix for colour options and they all look pretty clean. When tapping on the shell there's this springy echoey vibrating sound that travels through the shell which I'm assuming is to do with the bone conduction, it's something I've never felt before in an IEM. The cable though, is thin and not that impressive, and the seal of the KB02 is very good.

Comfort

This IEM is surprisingly comfortable, the way the shell feels is quite universal, very lightweight, medium sized shell with not too many weird curvatures, just a shell that fits in your ear very snug and doesn't hurt during long hours of gaming or music listening (I have medium sized ears).

Sound - Music

Here's where the fun happens, the KB02 honestly sounds pretty good for $40, the mids are acceptable but not amazing, upper mid range lacked a bit and almost has a harman ish sound when it gets into the upper range, however when a lower sub bass came during a song there was rumbling but subtle. The bass does surprise me though and is a punchy IEM. Vocals do feel a bit weaker here with these, treble is quite weak and the bass sorta overpowers everything else in a way. Sound is GOOD for the price, I'm just saying these things because I have to note down my testing, but they're all nothing major especially for this level of an IEM.

Sound - Gaming (VALORANT)

For gaming, the imaging is quite clear with gunshot sounds sounding heavy and a tad bloated most likely due to the bass tuning, footsteps can be a little hard to distinguish sometimes but 9/10 times were fine. Imaging and layering is pretty good overall but not super clear or crazy accruate. It was honestly quite good for gaming and I was on these IEMS for a week and I wasn't opposed to using them at all. 

Comparison vs Wraith Sense IEMs

KB02 blows the Wraith Sense IEM out of the water as it sounds just unclear like 1080p vs 480p and very uncomfortable, wanted to take them out after 2 comp games in valorant. It sounds a hell of a lot better overall with clear more detailed sounds.

Comparison vs Truthear Crinacle Zero

I would say it sounds quite similar to the zero but with a more bassy punchy sound, I would say that the clarity and imaging is ever so slightly better with the zero for gaming but for music I prefer the KB02.

Conclusion

These IEMs are worth the $40, and punch above it's price point in my opinion, I honestly don't have a lot of time and experience with low budget IEMs but I don't feel opposed to using these whatsoever and would happily use them. An IEM perfect for those wanting to get a first IEM.

K