With a decidedly unique and renewed design, with exceptional comfort and unparalleled sound in their category, the OWS Kiwi Ears Spark earphones stand out on the market by addressing those users always on the move who combine an active lifestyle with pure relaxation, remaining aware of the surrounding environment. Let's discover them together in this review.
Kiwi Ears Spark Sport OWS Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Stereo Earphones with Sports-Oriented Design and Efficient Battery Life
The new Spark earphones already give off a premium and special feeling from their appearance. The sales package is well-finished, also offering some key specifications of the product. Inside they offer the charging case with the earphones housed, manuals (no Italian language) and in a separate box is inserted the charging cable and a pouch for transport. Before discovering them up close I will illustrate the general specifications:
- Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3040
- Bluetooth version: 5.2
- Bluetooth profiles: a2dp 1.3.2, avctp 1.4, avdtp 1.3, avrcp 1.6.2, hfp 1.8, spp 1.2, hid 1.1.1
- Supported audio codecs: SBC, AAC, APTX
- Transmission range: 12m
- Music playback time: about 7 hours (at 70% volume)
- Talk time: about 5 hours (at maximum volume)
- Standby time (earphones): about 240 hours
- Earphone battery capacity: 60mAh
- Charging case battery capacity: 1000mAh
- Microphone type: 2718 silicon microphone
- Directivity: omnidirectional
- Sensitivity (0 dB = 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz): -38 ± 1 dB
- T.HD (94 dB SPL at 1 kHz, VDD = 2,2 V): ≤0,15%
- Frequency range: 100Hz – 10kHz
- Operating voltage: 1,6 – 3,6 V
- Current consumption: ≤100 µA
- Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N): 62 dB
The Kiwi Ears Spark combine performance, convenience and battery life, making it the perfect companion for those looking for a reliable audio solution on the go. Voice control with Siri, Google and Alexa is supported, allowing for hands-free use, so you can make appointments, set an alarm, check the weather or remember appointments without having to take out your smartphone. The charging case offers a small 3-color LED on the front that certifies the charge level of the integrated battery through color, while the IP45 protection rating offers resistance to dust, humidity and sweat for use in all conditions.
I admit that the IP45 certification clashes with the design of the charging case, which as a lid adopts an unusual shape and materials. In fact, the lid is made of metal bearing the brand's logo, but above all there are holes that although they make the lid resemble a Texan belt buckle, in reality they let dust and liquids pass through, so it becomes essential to use the supplied pouch for transport or for prolonged non-use of the earphones. Furthermore, the metal contributes negatively to the overall weight which is therefore not very comfortable to keep in a trouser pocket (the weight of the case is 85 grams with dimensions of 82,58 × 65,49 × 26,3 mm).
On the back of the case there is the Type-C input for charging, which only happens via cable, so there is no wireless charging, a feature appreciated and sought after by many. Charging takes about 1,5 hours for both the case and the earphones, offering a battery life of about 7 hours on a single charge, while the case allows about 2,5 charges. But Kiwi Ears has focused on the earphones, making them particularly pleasant to look at and touch.
Completely covered with soft skin-friendly silicone, they are designed with OWS design, leaving the ear free and allowing the skin to breathe. Stability, when worn, is excellent even during the most intense activities. They have a touch surface, recognizable by the fact that it is identified by the brand logo and the metal material. We can manage the volume, skip audio tracks, play/pause, call the voice assistant or enable game mode to reduce the already excellent basic latency, or manage calls with answer, hang up or reject, simply using single, double, triple tap or long press.
Yes, we can manage calls even in crowded places or while we are cycling with a clear and clean quality, thanks to the adoption of single microphone ENC technology. Background noise is reduced and our voice is highlighted, which is not so obvious if you want to stay connected while you are on the move. This function makes it easier to answer important calls without having to interrupt your workout or physical activity.
Kiwi Ears Spark earphones are designed specifically for those who lead an active lifestyle. The open, wearable design provides a secure and comfortable fit, making them ideal for workouts, runs, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're hitting the gym or hiking, these earphones stay put, allowing you to focus on your activity without distractions.
In terms of audio quality, the Kiwi Ears Spark do not disappoint with a perfect balance of sound with not too powerful but sufficiently high-quality bass without neglecting the medium/high tones. Whether you are listening to your favorite workout playlist or listening to a podcast during your daily run, the immersive audio experience enriches every moment. Unfortunately, there is no companion app that would have allowed the sound to be equalized, but personally I did not feel the need to "level" the audio frequencies, as the timbre offered by the factory is practically suitable for any musical genre. There is no hiss, even when there is no music playing. You can perceive every detail and also everything around you, thanks to the open design that practically rests the Spark on your ears without inserting them into the canal. The comfort is supreme ... you will literally forget you are wearing them.
Kiwi Ears Spark Sport OWS Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Stereo Earphones with Sports-Oriented Design and Efficient Battery Life
Combining performance, convenience, and durability, the Kiwi Ears Spark are the perfect companion for those looking for a reliable audio solution on the go. They are also one of the few, if not the only, open-back earbuds that support the aptX-HD Bluetooth codec. With their sporty design, immersive audio, crystal-clear calls, and rugged build, they are perfect for workouts, commutes, and everything in between.
