KZ BTE

7.7

SCORE

7.7/10

SEE PRICE

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KZ BTE

? KZ BTE, a dual driver, Bluetooth earphone from KZ Acoustics.

The KZ BTE features an hybrid configuration with 2 drivers per side, aptX, AAC codecs and an IPX6 waterproof rating.

The earpieces of the KZ BTE are made of plastic with a quality inline with most KZ earphones (like the KZ ZST PRO, KZ ES3, KZ ED12, KZ ATE, etc.)

The shape of the housings is a mix in-between a KZ ZS3, KZ ZSR and KZ ED16 with curvy edges and custom-like design.

The dual hybrid drivers inside the earpieces are: an 8mm dynamic driver and a 30095 balanced armature.

The 30095 balanced armature has been used by the brand in models such as:

KZ ZSN – dual driver
KZ BA10 – 5 balanced armature
KZ AS10 – 5 balanced armature
KZ ES4 – dual driver
KZ ZS10 – 5 drivers (4 balanced armatures + 1 dynamic driver)
KZ ZS4 – dual driver

Most might think that this is KZ’s first Bluetooth earphone but it is not, KZ has tried and discontinued their first Bluetooth earphone some years ago with the KZ HDSE, being the KZ BTE their 2nd Bluetooth earphone released to date.

Also, besides the KZ BTE and the KZ HDSE, KZ currently offers 2 Bluetooth cable models: 1st version (extremely affordable), 2nd version (still crazily cheap priced and waterproof)

You can buy the KZ BTE in black color.

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KZ BTE Review

Tests & Scores

Advanced Features

The KZ BTE include advanced features such as:

aptX lossless transmission
AAC audio codecs
IPX6 waterproof rating
Two sound modes: “Shocking Bass” mode and “Normal” mode

Operation & Control

The microphone/control of the KZ BTE allows you to:

Middle Button:

Press and hold: Power On/off, pairing mode
A single press: Play, Pause music or Answer calls

Volume UP Button:

A single press: Volume up by 1 level
A 1 second press and hold: Skip to next song

Volume Down Button:

A single press: Volume down by 1 level
A 1 second press and hold: Previous song

Special “Shocking Bass” mode:

To turn on the “Shocking Bass” mode the + and – button have to be pressed at the same time – to go back to the “normal” sound mode the + and – button have to be pressed. A beep sound will confirm the mode switch.

LED Status Light: The KZ BTE’s right module has a light that indicates the status of the unit like: power on, pairing mode, low battery.

Charging: The KZ BTE gets charged through the port on the right-sided module – the charging port is placed under a rubber gasket that protects it from water.

The KZ BTE offers 8 hours of continuous use and a full charging time of 2 hours – inside there is a 130mAh battery.

Weight

KZ BTE weight in Ounces and KZ BTE weight in grams.

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Accessories & Packaging

The KZ BTE unboxing results in 3 pair of eartips and a charging cable.

The unit comes inside a larger packaging than on any KZ earphone to date (besides the KZ ZS5 local’s packaging)

^7_/10

Bass & Sub Bass

The KZ BTE bass is powerful and punchy with an energetic tuning style. Mid bass might fall into a bouncy style and sub-bass, despite being deep, might not get as profound as on other KZ models.

Nonetheless, their lower frequencies are tuned for a fun and rich bass listening experience where most intense bass track’s requirements will be fulfilled by the KZ BTE.

Applying an EQ, there is a intense enhancement of both mid-bass punch and sub-bass depth.

The difference between the “Normal” mode and the “Shocking Bass” mode is not drastic, it is mainly a very strong increment of volume output and some boosting of it’s bass.

^_7.75_/10

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Mids & Vocals

The KZ BTE mids have very crisp higher mids that can become almost forward. Lower mids and male vocals are somewhat distant and laid back, despite a mid-bass bleed intensity not too invasive.

The upper end of their midrange can get frequently harsh with strong peaks.

With an EQ, their lower vocals can be cleared up and higher mids slightly smoothed. Still, both will conserve their original tuning style.

^_7.25_/10

Highs & Treble

The KZ BTE highs resolve an, unexpectedly, good quantity of detail and offer a fair amount of brightness but there is a slight darkish tint that can be felt over them.

Some piercing peaks and sibilance can arise, tending to become too intense from time to time.

An EQ makes their highs better balanced between brightness and detail but also much more fatiguing.

^7.25_/10

Sound Leak

The sound leaking out of the KZ BTE is mildly less hearable than on many other average earphones. Still, their sound will, certainly, be heard by nearby people once the volume get’s above moderate.

^7.25_/10

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Sound Isolation

The sound isolation provided by the KZ BTE is noticeably above average with an immediate partial isolation, even with no music and a near-absolute level by just dialing up the volume a bit.

^8_/10

Comfort

The KZ BTE has not the typical bullet-like form factor, instead it has a custom-like one that somewhat relates with the KZ ZSR, KZ ZS4, KZ ZS3 and KZ ED16.

This less-standard shape is usually marvelously comfortable to some people and not so much to others – it mainly depends on each user. In general, all of our editors did not find much to complain about the fit and comfort of the KZ BTE.

A clear advantage of the housing’s shape of the KZ BTE is the firm fit that can withhold even the most intense activities without needing any “wings” accessories.

^9_/10

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Response to Equalization

The response to EQ was very noticeable over lower frequencies but not as efficient on mids and highs.

^7.5_/10

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KZ BTE Scores

Accessories - 7/10
7/10
Design - 8/10
8/10
Bass - 7.75/10
7.8/10
Mids - 7.25/10
7.3/10
Highs - 7.25/10
7.3/10
Sound Leak - 7.25/10
7.3/10
Sound Isolation - 8/10
8/10
Comfort - 9/10
9/10
Response to EQ - 7.5/10
7.5/10
Value for Money - 8/10
8/10

Summary

Pros

✅ Good amount of detail resolved on highs

✅ Hybrid dual driver + Bluetooth

✅ IPX6 waterproof

✅ Light weighted

✅ Comfortable

✅ Super secure fit

✅ Crazy affordable for the specs offered

Cons

❌Distant male vocals

❌Harsh, piercing and sibilant peaks

Conclusion

The KZ BTE is a Bluetooth earphone with a crazy amount of tech specs for the price with, also, solidly firm fit and an IPX6 waterproof rating for sports activities.

Buy Now

7.7/10

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KZ BTE Frequency Response Curve

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KZ BTE Technical Specifications

Specifications

Type	Dual
Driver Unit	8mm + 1xBA
Sensitivity	101dB/mW
Bluetooth	4.1
Impedance	14 ohms
Frequency Response	7-40,000Hz
Battery	130mAh; 8 hours
Charging time	2hs
Cord	round cord
Cord Length	0.83m
Plug	Stereo mini plug
Weight	Approx. 19g
Supplied Accessories	3x Earphone tips; charging cable

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Photos

KZ BTE Photos

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DISCLAIMER

We highly discourage anyone from trying to apply our testings to your own earphones, the risk of damaging or permanently breaking your iems is absolutely probable to happen. With our standardized equalization and amplification tests we push the limits of the earphones to the extreme. If anyway you decide to do so, we cannot be held responsible of the damage done to your equipment. Do it at your own risk.