Tanchjim Zero Ultima VS KZ Gale

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Tanchjim Zero Ultima follows Origin almost one-to-one, right down to the single dynamic driver and the easy bullet-style fit with inline mic and fixed cable. The tonal balance skews neutral-bright: sub-bass is modest, the 2–5 kHz region sits a bit high, and upper treble adds extra sheen, which can make notes feel lighter in weight and vocals a touch lean.

The upside is a competent driver that takes EQ gracefully. Pulling the 2–5 kHz down a few dB (below a Harman-like target), trimming the upper treble ~1–2 dB, and adding a small sub-bass lift steers the presentation toward the more natural, Oxygen-style balance with fuller vocal body and cleaner timbre. Stock tuning is a bit bright, but with that simple tweak Zero Ultima becomes a very pleasant, well-behaved daily set.

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Tanchjim Zero Ultima comes in dirt-cheap and unapologetically simple: an attached 3.5 mm cable with inline mic, featherweight shells (~2.3 g), and hilariously oversized nozzles for such tiny housings. Build cues scream budget—y-split quirks and all—but the box stuffs in a plush pouch, a stack of tips, and a manual with more pages than dollars. Under the hood sits a 10 mm double-chamber DD (DMT4), and it can want a bit of juice, yet nothing a normal source can’t handle.

Sonically, this is shock therapy for the price bracket: huge, cinematic soundstage that projects like a mini “screen” in front, with a surprisingly balanced tuning—not a bass cannon, not a treble sabre. Kick drums land with a clean thump, strings float way out without turning sharp, and the overall presentation stays cohesive instead of “fake-detail” crispy. It’s the kind of set that makes $20–$25 feel like a typo, happily chewing through AC/DC, Barry White, Pink Floyd, and Deadmau5 without crying mercy.

Value play is off the charts: call it a $40 performer sold for pocket change, perfect as a daily beater or keychain set. If a detachable cable is a must, the Bunny sibling stands by, but Zero Ultima’s stage and easygoing balance are the party trick here. Bottom line: audiophile nonsense in the best way—ridiculous width, no harshness tax, and an infectious fun factor that embarrasses pricier toys.

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The KZ Gale is a budget single dynamic IEM aimed at gaming, pairing a flashy, almost RGB-style shell with a lightweight, comfortable fit that’s mostly easy to wear. The faceplate glistens nicely and gives a unique, gamey vibe, but some listeners may notice small edges and a circular ridge on the inner shell that can catch on skin or ear hairs and cause slight irritation. Accessories are very basic—standard KZ tips and a typical KZ cable with in-line mic and mute switch—nothing premium, but functional and appropriate for the price.

Tonally, the Gale leans slightly warm in the bass with a noticeable lift in the mid-treble/presence region, giving it a brighter, glassier character that chases detail more than thick, boomy impact. Bass is adequate but not especially deep or rich, while the upper mids and lower treble can come forward enough to bother those sensitive in that area, even though it doesn’t turn truly sibilant. For the asking price around $10–20, the overall sonic quality is quite respectable: open enough, reasonably dynamic, and engaging, especially for listeners who enjoy a bit of extra clarity over warmth.

Compared with other budget sets like the KZ EDC Pro, KZ Dwanic, Kiwi Ears Cadenza or options from Moondrop and others, the Gale trades thicker bass and safer tuning for a brighter, more forward top end and flashy styling. Alternatives may offer more bass weight, warmth, or features (like the Dwanic’s dip switches), and can be better suited to those who dislike upper-mid energy. Still, as a cheap gaming-focused IEM that can also handle music and general use, the KZ Gale comes across as a solid, enjoyable set with a few quirks in fit and tuning that buyers should be aware of rather than outright dealbreakers.