Introduction
Kiwi Ears is a relatively new name in the world of audio, but they've quickly earned respect among audiophiles by offering great value for money. Their latest release, the KE4 IEM, has been buzzing with excitement. The KE4 features a JM1-DF tuning (new meta), paired with 2 dynamic drivers in an isobaric setup for a subwoofer-like bass experience and 2 balanced armatures to handle the midrange and treble.
Priced at ₹18,990 in India, I’ve been living with the KE4 for a month, putting it through its paces. Here's my honest take on whether it lives up to the hype.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, the KE4 is clean and elegant. Its shell is made from medical-grade resin, with a jet-black inner body and silver faceplates that have a metallic texture. The Kiwi Ears logo is subtly etched on both faceplates, giving it a refined look.
- Cable: The stock cable is soft and flexible but nothing extraordinary. It comes with a fixed 3.5mm audio jack and lacks modular options for a 4.4mm balanced jack, which could disappoint users with balanced setups.
- Case: The EVA carrying case does its job well, keeping the KE4 secure and portable.
Overall, the shell has a classic, understated look, but the cable quality feels like a missed opportunity for improvement.
Comfort and Fit
The KE4 is designed for comfort. Its medium-sized shell fits snugly, thanks to the carefully shaped curves on the inner side, reminiscent of a semi-custom IEM design. The metal nozzle extends deep enough for a secure fit and solid isolation.
I used the Kiwi Ears Flex Silicone Eartips throughout my testing, and I’m happy to report that the KE4 fits like a glove. Whether I was listening for hours or just popping them in for a quick session, they remained comfortable without any discomfort. Isolation was also excellent, making it easy to focus solely on the music.
Sound Quality
I paired the KE4 with an Apple Lightning Dongle and the HiBy R8 II DAP using the stock cable and eartips. The KE4 is easy to drive, sounding good even with a basic dongle, but when paired with quality gear, it truly shines.
Its sound signature is sub-bass-focused, with warm and natural mids and smooth treble. It walks a fine line between being warm and bright, sitting perfectly in the middle. For me, this tonality is addictive—it’s comfortable for long sessions and doesn’t cause fatigue.
Bass
Let’s talk bass—one of the highlights of the KE4. With dual dynamic drivers in an isobaric setup, the bass feels refined and controlled. It’s rumbly and immersive without going overboard, making it ideal for long listening sessions.
If you’re someone who loves powerful, punchy bass that takes over the track, this might not be for you. However, if you appreciate a balanced, nuanced bass with great texture, the KE4 delivers beautifully. Personally, I find it just right—engaging enough to enjoy but polite enough to avoid fatigue. It's the kind of bass you can live with daily.
Midrange
The midrange is where the KE4 truly shines for me. It’s slightly forward without being overbearing, and the warm tonality adds weight and richness to vocals. Both male and female vocals sound natural, full-bodied, and emotional—never thin or recessed. The detailing is above average but doesn’t stray into being overly technical. Instead, it leans towards a musical and engaging presentation that makes you want to keep listening.
Treble
The treble is clean, smooth, and inoffensive. It’s not the most detailed or energetic treble out there, but it has enough sparkle to keep things interesting. Importantly, it never feels harsh or sibilant, which is a big plus for me. If you’re a treble head looking for an aggressive or analytical sound, the KE4 might fall short. However, if you’re like me and prefer a moderate, laid-back treble for fatigue-free listening, you’ll appreciate its tuning.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage has decent width but feels slightly limited in height, which might make it feel less expansive. Imaging, however, is above average, with instruments and vocals well-placed within the soundstage. While it doesn’t deliver a holographic experience, it’s precise enough for most genres.
Value and Competition
At ₹18,990, the KE4 offers great value. While some competitors in this price range may focus on more exaggerated bass or treble, the KE4’s balanced, versatile tuning makes it stand out as an IEM that’s perfect for daily use. It’s a reliable companion that doesn’t try too hard to impress but grows on you with time.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Refined, textured sub-bass | Non-modular cable design |
| Warm, natural, and engaging mids | Stock cable build quality could be improved |
| Smooth, fatigue-free treble | Soundstage height feels limited |
| Comfortable fit for long sessions | Flex Eartips may not suit all users; more options needed |
| Easy to drive | |
| Addictive tonality |
Conclusion
When I first listened to the KE4, it didn’t immediately wow me. It felt like a “jack of all trades, master of none.” But as I spent more time with it, I began to appreciate its balance, versatility, and addictively smooth tonality. In many ways, it reminds me of the HiSenior Mega5EST. While it lacks the technical prowess and soundstage of the Mega5EST, the tonality is strikingly similar. I’d even call the KE4 a “Mini Mega5EST”.
For those looking for an all-rounder IEM that’s well-tuned and comfortable for daily use, the KE4 is an excellent choice. Even if you’re used to high-end IEMs, the KE4’s new meta tuning and affordability make it worth adding to your collection. That said, Kiwi Ears could improve the cable quality and offer more eartip options to cater to different users.
If you’d like to try the KE4 in person, visit The Audio Store, where we have a demo unit ready for you. Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! If you enjoy reading our reviews, follow us on our WhatsApp Channel and check out our frequency graph database (link). Thanks for reading—see you in the next one!
