KZ Z1
| True Wireless | 10mm Dynamic Driver |
? KZ Z1, the newest budget-friendly KZ true wireless earphone.
The KZ Z1 features a single dynamic driver configuration with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
The driver inside each earpiece has a diameter of 10mm and is defined by the company as a “XUN” driver using their “Turbocharger technology” – KZ, though, does not give a deep explanation of what is involved in these technological features.
The construction quality of the KZ Z1 is similar to many other KZ earphones, using a mainly plastic build with exemption of the nozzles – the case/battery pack is also fully made of plastic.
The KZ Z1 is joining the catalog of KZ TWS models, as an entry-level/affordable option and, due to it’s price tag and specs, could be positioned more inline with the KZ S1 and KZ S1D than the KZ E10.
As of now, users can buy the KZ Z1 in 2 colors: black or green.
FIND ALL: Headphones Scores Compared
MORE: Headphones Reviews
MORE: Best Headphones & Earphones Charts
SEE ALSO: Amazon Coupons & Deals
RECOMMENDED: Aliexpress Coupons
KZ Z1 Review
Tests & Scores
A
Accessories & Packaging
The KZ Z1 comes with a new packaging that starts to look better than on older KZ true wireless earphones.
The new packaging has a shiny logo and a textured cardboard; the thickness of the cardboard is quite generous resulting in a sturdy protection combined with the inner foam cutouts.
Regarding accessories, the KZ Z1 includes 3 pair of eartips, the charging case and a micro USB cable.
8/10
W
Weight
KZ Z1 weight in Ounces and KZ Z1 weight in grams.
MORE: Headphones Weight Comparison
SEE ALSO: Earphones Size Comparison
AF
Advanced Features
The KZ Z1 offers advanced features such as:
- Game Mode: low latency mode / high performance mode
- Touch sensitive controls
- AAC compatibility
FOR YOU: True Wireless Earbuds Coupons
MORE: True Wireless Earbuds Reviews
OC
Operation & Control
The KZ Z1 can be fully controlled through the back plates of each earpieces, which are touch sensitive.
The main functions of the KZ Z1 touch controls are:
- Press and hold: Power On and set to pairing mode
- A single press: Play, Pause music
- Three taps: Enter Gaming Mode
Left earpiece:
- 2 taps: Previous song
Right earpiece:
- 2 taps: Next song
LED Status Light:
Each earpiece holds a single led light that indicates the status of the unit, such as: mode, low battery, etc. Additionally, the case has a centered light that informs the battery status of the battery pack/case.
Different to the case of many older models, the Z1 offers a very stable magnetic attaching system that makes the earpieces sit firmly when placed inside the case.
Charging:
Inside the earbuds, the KZ Z1 carries a 30mA (one per side) while the case has a 400mA internal battery that will charge the earpieces on-the-go. Unfortunately, the Z1 is not a record-beating model regarding battery life, as the earpieces reach 120 minutes of playback time on each full charge.
The charging port is placed on the bottom right of the case with a micro USB connector and a recommended charging input of 5V 1A.
Note: the adhesive tap that you see in some of our photos is a protective piece that comes placed from the factory.
B
Bass & Sub Bass
Bass on the KZ Z1 is energetic and fun to listen to. Their lower frequencies have a balance that is inclined more to mid-bass than to sub-bass, which consequently shows a very punchy sound that can cover any music genre and good depth.
Sub-bass on the Z1 will not be as deep as ranking-leading basshead earphones but this will also allow them to have much lower risk of drowning their sound signature. Additionally, the bass response on the KZ Z1 does not give general sensation of “bloatness”.
Despite this, their lower end is far from sounding rolled-off or bass-anemic while reaching the right amount of depth as to fulfill the needs of nearly any tracks.
A very noticeable intensification of it’s sub-bass can be obtained with a custom EQ that covers sub-bass and lower bass ranges.
7.75/10
MORE: Earphones & Headphones Amplification Power Comparison
SEE ALSO: Best Fun Sounding Earphones Chart
M
Mids & Vocals
The KZ Z1 has a warm midrange that extending this tint from the lower to the upper end of the mids frequencies.
Their lower mids and male vocals gain a cozy flavor while showing, also, a relaxed and bit busy lower end over their midrange and low-pitched vocals. Despite this, there is not an excessive feel of muddiness.
Higher mids can provide sufficient crispness, remaining mostly free of harshness and offering a coherent tuning with it’s relaxed lower midrange.
Their tuning could be defined as a gentle but not overly congested with a good sound personality for longer listening sessions.
A well-crafted custom EQ can radically retune the midrange on the KZ Z1, revealing a much cleaner and less “busy” sound while keeping harshness under control.
7.75/10
H
Highs & Treble
Pleasantly distributed highs that do not fall into a dark mess but neither sound unbearably sharp.
Strong peaks that translate into sibilance and piercing spikes are rarely present on the KZ Z1 and whenever perceived they tended to be tolerable.
Listeners preferring a gentler but not necessarily muddy sound will find themselves at home with the KZ Z1 and even more when comparing it directly to other modern KZ earphones.
Overall, all the team fully agreed that the KZ Z1 was fun and non-disturbing to listen to and offered a worry-free relaxing time.
An EQ can squeeze out of the KZ Z1 highs a way more detailed and much brighter sound but if overdone sibilance and piercing peaks will risk to get hotter.
8/10
SL
Sound Leak
The sound leaking out of the KZ Z1 is more or less inline with many average earphones. This means, that this are not the most silent earphones on the market but will neither be as hearable as an open-back headphone.
It worth noting that you should expect their leakage to increase exponentially when dialing up the volume.
7/10
MORE: Best Headphones for Libraries Chart
SEE ALSO: Best Earphones for Bed
SI
Sound Isolation
The particular shapes on the KZ Z1 embrace and adapt to their ears in a way that grants a way stronger isolation than most normal earphones.
Users looking for a stronger isolation from the surrounding noises will have a very good performer with the KZ Z1.
9/10
RELATED TO THIS: Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Reviews
C
Comfort
The KZ Z1 has inherited a housing’s form factor similar to the KZ ZS3, KZ ZS3E, KZ ZS4 and more or less like the KZ ZSR and KZ BTE– we have always found this design to be excellently crafted.
This earpiece’s shape is less typical than what is used on many recent in-ears but has a great advantage over most of them on the “solid and secure fit” department.
The protruding sections of the earpieces grant a more stable placement in the ears and a very tight fit that allows them to safely withstand any normal activities without problems.
On the other hand, this form factor will make it a bit bigger than other TWS, and less rounded – which might be a positive or a negative aspect according to each user’s preferences.
9.5/10
RELATED: Best Earphones for Daily Commute
MORE: Most Comfortable In-Ear Headphones
EQ
Response to Equalization
The Z1 showed impressive response to EQ over mids, vocals, and highs but the results were not as remarkable over bass.
8.75/10
MORE: Editor’s Picks Earphones Chart
MORE: Best Bang for the Buck Earphones
Follow us:
Get the latest reviews on your favorite social network
KZ Z1 Frequency Response Curve
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: Headphones Frequency Response Curves
SEE ALSO: KZ Headphones Frequency Response Curves
KZ Z1 Technical Specifications
| Type | Dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver Unit | 10mm |
| Battery | 400mA |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Frequency Response | 20-20,000Hz |
| Bluetooth range | 20m |
| Magnet | Double |
| Weight | 5.1g per piece |
MORE: Amazon Coupons & Deals
SEE ALSO: Aliexpress Coupons – Discounts – Deals – Promo Codes – Sales Deals
ScoresKZ Z1 Scores
- Accessories - 8/108/10
- Design - 8/108/10
- Bass - 7.75/107.8/10
- Mids - 7.75/107.8/10
- Highs - 8/108/10
- Sound Leak - 7/107/10
- Sound Isolation - 9/109/10
- Comfort - 9.5/109.5/10
- Response to EQ - 8.75/108.8/10
- Value for Money - 10/1010/10
Summary
✅ Fun bass
✅ Relaxed sound over mids and highs
✅ Very high volume output
✅ Secure in-case fit
✅ Lightweight earpieces
✅ Touch controls
✅ Stable in the ears
✅ Very affordable
❌ Charging light status can only be seen by opening the case
❌ Nearly-all plastic build
❌ Battery life
❌ Older micro USB connection
The KZ Z1 is a very good true wireless earphone that will match quite-well listeners that enjoy a gentle and pleasant sound right out of the box.
ThePhonograph COUPONS
Buy it from:
SEE ALSO: Coupons – Discounts – Deals – Promo Codes – Sales Deals
SEE ALSO: Headphones Technical Specifications
FIND ALL OUR: Earphones Reviews / Headphones Reviews
MORE: Best Earphones Charts
SELECTED FOR YOU: Aliexpress 11.11 Shopping Festival Coupons
RELATED TO THIS PAGE: Aliexpress Anniversary Sale Coupons and Deals
SEE ALSO: Black Friday Coupons and Deals – Black Friday Aliexpress
MORE: Cyber Monday Coupons and Discounts
CHECK OUT: VERSUS Comparisons
ALSO: Headphones Comparisons
MORE: Music Players / DAP / DAC / Amplificators Reviews
KZ Z1
