Kiwi Ears KE4 VS Ziigaat Lush

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Kiwi Ears KE4 is a $200 hybrid (2DD+2BA) that showcases the so-called “new meta” tuning—more body in the lower mids and a calmer lower treble versus the Harman Target. Packaging is simple: a pocketable case and bespoke silicone tips (usable, though even shorter tips can improve comfort). The cable handles well but feels a bit thin/kinky with heat-shrink earhooks, and the shells look plain, prototype-like. Fit is secure and comfy with a semi-custom shape, albeit a touch thick, so they can protrude from the ear.

Sonically, KE4 delivers a warm, low-contrast midrange that makes vocals sound natural and well-placed, with a pleasant mid-treble “frothiness” adding texture. Bass quantity leans on the mid-bass, but quality is the weak spot—soft/bloomy and a bit poofy, lacking density and punch, which can dull drive on bass-heavy tracks. Imaging is decent, treble is safe and balanced (not sharp or dark), and overall technicalities are respectable without chasing wow-factor.

Against peers: Truthear Hexa mirrors the new-meta mids with tighter, better-controlled bass; AFUL Explorer is more engaging with tighter slam and slightly crisper treble; the Harman-leaning Binary Chopin brings the best bass attack. KE4 is a strong choice for vocal-first listening and a clear example of the new meta, but the bass bloom can hold it back across a broad library. Verdict: a very solid 4/5 stars.

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Ziigaat Lush lands at $180 with a hybrid 1DD + 4BA setup and the brand’s familiar accessories: a slim case, silicone tips (S/M/L), and one foam pair. The cable is lightweight but tangly, and the all-plastic shells feel light yet a bit cheap. Fit is stable yet not ideal— the long nozzle can bottom out, tip selection becomes important, and there’s some driver flex. Aesthetics are decent, though the logo and overall build leave room for improvement.

Sonically, this is a “new meta” take: fuller lower mids, relaxed upper mids, and laid-back treble that can read a touch dark. The tonality is warm, smooth, and low-contrast; vocals sit a bit back and busy mixes can feel smoothed over. Treble avoids sharpness but can be inconsistent (sometimes blurred, sometimes a little chunky), and overall incisiveness depends heavily on tip choice. Bass isn’t overblown on the graph, yet comes across stronger in practice because the top end is subdued—impact is fine, definition is average. Imaging isn’t razor-sharp, though the stage can feel surprisingly wide.

Against peers, EPZ P50 sounds more contrasty with tighter bass, crisper treble, better imaging, and much better comfort. Kiwi Ears K4 brings more sparkle and sharper imaging (bass can dominate at times), again with superior fit. A cheaper alt, the AFUL Explorer, offers a similarly laid-back vibe with tighter bass, more consistent/airy treble, and an easier fit. Net: Lush is a pleasant, relaxed alternative for the treble-sensitive, but build and comfort hold it back. Rating: 3/5.

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Build & accessories: understated box, a surprisingly nice cable with a “juicy” feel and flat 2-pin connectors, plus extra filters. The stock tips are the weak link—thin out note weight and feel downright horrific, so a tip swap is recommended. The medium-to-large shell is a highlight: secure fit, comfy nozzle size, and a handsome faceplate that looks premium in ear. Overall ergonomics and finish scream daily-driver friendly.

Sound: impactful, well-judged bass, lively upper mids, and a touch of upper-air jank; for $200 it’s a strong value with a clean, modern JM1-style tuning. Easily the most convincing Kiwi Ears to date: more balanced and natural than Quintet (which pushes upper mids/10 kHz energy), far more sensible than the treble-shouty Forteza, a clear upgrade over budget options like DLS and the tiny, poorly packaged Singolo, and less fatiguing than the bass-and-upper-mid heavy Melody. Against $200 benchmarks, KE4 becomes a new reference—cleaner male vocals and better build than “Chopin,” and a tighter low end plus tidier mids than AFUL Performer 5. Trades blows with Hype 4 at a fraction of the price; those craving a pricier step-up in the same vein can eye HiSenior Mega5EST. Measured verdict: Tier A, 3-star, 8.8 for tone—good imaging, solid soundstage, gamer-friendly, not flawless but genuinely excellent once re-tipped. A handsome, comfortable set that delivers outstanding value for newcomers and gift-givers alike.

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Kiwi Ears KE4 plays a warm-leaning, smooth and relaxing set at mid volume with slightly laid-back vocals and a good sense of space. The real trick is volume scaling: turn it up and the upper-mids/treble step forward with more detail without becoming shouty, while the bass grows thumpier and digs deeper. A 1 kHz scoop plus a tasteful ~3 kHz lift (gentler than Harman) keeps vocals extended yet non-fatiguing; the trade-off is vocal power/weight, which stays a touch mild compared to sets like RS5.

Driven by dual dynamic drivers, the KE4’s low end is among the best under $200 for texture, slam, and note weight, making the tuning feel full and grounded. It’s not as razor-quick in transients or as surgical in imaging as certain planars or techy hybrids, but the payoff is a more natural timbre. Treble sits in a balanced pocket—neither splashy nor dark—with none of the plasticky shimmer or planar/PZT glare.

Against peers: Supermix 4 and Quintet (and even the cheaper “Conta”) push more micro-detail and separation; Orchestra Light is the cleanest/most neutral but softer in bass and more complete in vocals. Versus CKLVX and PULA, KE4 trades their airy, sometimes peaky sparkle for a smoother, more grounded presentation and richer bass grip. Compared with Explorer, KE4 offers a clear step up in technicalities and low-end authority, while Explorer stays more intimate. Net: not the new “benchmark” at $200, but as a crank-it-up, musical all-rounder with standout bass and fatigue-free top end, KE4 is an easy favorite.

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Ziigaat Lush lands as a cleaner, more airy and slightly more technical take on the Explore. The overall tuning is balanced, smooth, and full with a hint of air; vocals sit a touch laid-back in the mix with thicker male timbre, making it an easy, fatigue-free listen. At mid–low volumes it’s a relaxing, non-intrusive “background” set; turn it up and the Lush scales, opening the stage, popping vocals forward, adding extension and low-end impact. Cymbals read clear and lightly airy without sting, though snares can get a bit sharp on certain tracks and ultra-energetic genres won’t be its strong suit.

Technical gains over the Explore are real but modest—this isn’t a technical/value monster at the price. Bass quality is adequate rather than tactile: tighter and less warm than Explore with lower quantity, engaging when loud but bass-light at moderate levels, so not the first pick for sub-bass-centric hip-hop/EDM. Where it shines is at higher volumes with rock, metal, and R&B: natural timbre, good separation, and a smooth, immersive cruise rather than a high-contrast thrill ride.

Against peers, Lush sounds cleaner, more open and better balanced than Letshuoer S08; sets like Supermix 4, Nova, A30, Chopin are more resolving and lively at mid-volumes, while P50 and Cadenza 4 push vocals more forward. Treble-tilted options (Meta, ET142) are sparklier but less natural in timbre. Timeless 2 and Tanchjim Origin share the smooth/neutral vibe yet don’t scale like Lush. Versus its siblings, Odyssey is the more dynamic, V-leaning extrovert; Arcanis is a clear step up in resolution and vocal prowess. At ~$180 the cable/packaging underwhelm and it’s not a slam-dunk value, but as a smooth, immersive, volume-scaling upgrade for Explore/S08 fans, Lush hits its niche; if a chill mid-volume set is all that’s needed, cheaper options like EW300 DSP—or even Explore—make more sense.

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Kiwi Ears KE4 is a 2DD + 2BA hybrid touting an isobaric subwoofer system and “sub-bass impact and slam.” The reality doesn’t match the brochure: the $200 package feels plain—simple box, basic case, few tips, and a generic 3.5 mm cable—while the tuning comes across as safe to a fault. Marketing promises of kick drum thump and bass guitar presence give way to a presentation that’s competent but uninvolving.

On music, the low end skews mushy rather than tight, transients lack bite, and the overall tone reads flat—the kind of “waiting-room” vibe that prompts a double-check of DSP settings. Even with a strong seal from premium tips, energy and excitement refuse to show up; it’s “fine ingredients, bland dish.” Technicals aren’t a disaster (it’s not unclear), but fun factor feels negative, recalling ultra-neutral sets like Softears Studio 4S that impress more than they engage. Verdict: about a 6/10 (maybe 7/10 on a generous day), with better value found in a cheaper Kiwi alternative at roughly half the price—skip the KE4 if musical thrill is the goal.

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$199 hybrid with 2DD+2BA, the Kiwi Ears KE4 pairs a glossy, translucent faceplate with an ergonomic 3D-printed resin shell for all-day comfort. The stock 3.5 mm cable is light and flexible, the new silicone tips seal well, and spare filters are included. Sonically it follows the diffuse-field “new meta” tuning popularized by sets like Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk, Dunu Da Vinci, and Mega5 EST—but arrives as the most affordable in that crowd. Tonality leans a touch warm with a smooth upper-mid/treble that keeps gunshots from sounding harsh; for music, the presentation feels immersive and lively at the price.

For competitive play, performance varies by title. In Valorant: B, horizontal imaging and depth cues are convincing, and footstep “thumps” pop through clearly, aiding reaction time. In Apex Legends: B–, basic imaging and map awareness are fine, but busy fights expose separation/layering limits and a slight haze to light taps and micro-details. In Call of Duty: C+ (borderline B–), clarity and detail retrieval dip during chaotic moments and the game’s occlusion/breathing effects mask cues more than preferred. Overall, a stylish, comfortable DF-tuned IEM that’s great for music and a solid pick for Valorant, but not the first choice for top-tier Apex/CoD grinders—though it still makes the Wallhack Certified list.

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The Ziigaat Arcanis and Lush IEMs offer distinct flavors at their price points, both featuring resin builds with eye-catching faceplates—sparkly green for the Arcanis and silver-black for the Lush. Fit is familiar to other Ziigaat models, and accessories include a basic cable, ear tips, and carrying pouch. Sonically, the Arcanis delivers a holographic, punchy presentation with emphasized sub-bass and upper mids, making footsteps, slides, and distant gunfire pop with urgency. The Lush leans darker and smoother, relaxing upper mids to tame gunfire harshness while maintaining clean bass and excellent separation.

For gaming, performance varies by title. In Valorant and CS2, the Lush shines with precise imaging and a smoother, fatigue-free experience—gunfire feels controlled without sacrificing detail. The Arcanis excels in COD, where its aggressive tuning highlights critical cues like footsteps and slides with greater potency. However, in Apex Legends, the Lush’s relaxed profile struggles with subtle audio cues (e.g., light taps or shield cells), earning a B rating. The Arcanis fares better (B+) with superior depth reads and emphasis on environmental sounds, though complex fights can overwhelm its separation compared to top-tier sets like the Mangird Tea Pro.

Ultimately, the Arcanis is a versatile all-rounder, slightly favored for both music and most gaming scenarios. The Lush carves a niche for smooth, non-fatiguing sessions in Valorant/CS2, filling a unique spot in Ziigaat’s lineup. Both IEMs offer exceptional resolution and layering for their prices, but the choice hinges on preference: the Arcanis for its energetic clarity, or the Lush for its refined, relaxed signature.

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Kiwi Ears KE4 drops at $199 and comes across as the best-tuned Kiwi Ears yet. Unlike the Orchestra Lite with its sub-bass roll-off or the budget Cadenza that skews a bit dark, this set keeps the sub-bass present and tight. Compared to the Dolce (energetic with more mid-bass) and the Quintet (politer bass, lighter upper-mids/late treble), KE4 adds more slam while smartly tucking the mid-bass so vocals stay clean. It’s a tuning that both looks right on the graph and lines up with real-music listening across hip-hop/R&B, rock, and acoustic cuts.

Low-end tests—808 drops and bass-guitar lines—hit clean and natural, and kick-drum transients keep their body instead of drying out. Female vocals get clarity without mid-bass haze, while male vocals avoid thinning—nicely balanced through the mids. The treble is managed with some late-treble roll-off, avoiding glare while preserving harmonic bite for guitars and cymbals over longer sessions. Net result: no qualifiers, no obvious weak spot, and performance that competes hard at $199. Easy recommendation and a frontrunner for the brand’s lineup to date.