Kick Lifestyle has made its debut in the Nepali market with the launch of the Kick Buds S Pro. This remarkable product promises unparalleled sound quality and impressive performance. With a price tag of just Rs. 2,999 in Nepal, these earbuds are highly competitive. The Buds S Pro is a budget-friendly true wireless stereo (TWS) option that comes with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and is also rated IPX7 for added durability. We will see Kick buds S pro full review, its pros and cons with rating and verdict.
Kick Buds S Pro Full Review
Design
- Body: IPX7 water resistant
The Kick Buds S Pro comes with a unique case shaped like a pebble, which has a flat back that allows it to sit securely on any table. The case’s matte texture, along with its metallic hinge, creates an immediate sense of awe, giving it a premium feel that exceeds its price.
However, it’s important to note that the case can be somewhat slippery and has a single LED at the front. This LED serves to indicate the level of charge, but because there’s only one, it’s not as accurate in showing the remaining charge. This limitation becomes apparent when charging the case, as we’ll discuss in more detail shortly.
When you open the case, you’ll find the earbuds neatly arranged in a simple way. There’s no need for any twisting or complicated maneuvers to access them. Taking out the buds from the case is an easy process, thanks to the wide opening and secure hinge.
Although the earbuds may initially seem lightweight and made of plastic, their construction is surprisingly sturdy. They have the same matte finish as the case, which enhances their overall design coherence.
Connections
- Bluetooth version: BT 5.3
The Kick Buds S Pro utilizes Bluetooth v5.3 for its wireless connectivity, and we experienced no issues with connecting using this version. The process of pairing the earbuds is seamless, and they automatically reconnect to the last device they were paired with, ensuring a hassle-free experience. However, it is worth mentioning that the earbuds do have a noticeable problem with latency.
Even when doing activities like watching YouTube videos, we noticed a significant delay, to the point where the audio and video were not synchronized. This issue became even more apparent when we compared the Kick S Buds Pro to the more budget-friendly Redmi Earbuds 4 Active.
In comparison, the latency was much more pronounced, despite the Kick S Buds Pro being in gaming mode by default. This latency makes them less suitable for gaming, especially in fast-paced shooter games where timing is crucial.
Controls
Both earbuds come with touch controls, making it easy to operate them. With a single tap, you can play or pause the current song, and a double tap allows you to switch to the previous or next track. However, the triple-tap experience was a bit different, with the right bud decreasing the volume and the left bud increasing it.
Moreover, by holding either earbud, you have the option to cycle through three modes: ANC On, ANC Off, and transparency mode. This gives you the flexibility to control your audio experience according to your preferences.
Audio and Mic.
- Driver: 10mm titanium driver
The earbuds come with a 10mm titanium driver, and during our testing, we discovered that they were most comfortable at approximately 60% volume for the majority of songs. We conducted our evaluation in various settings, trying out different modes to observe their effects.
In a relatively quiet office environment, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduced the noise from a fan and even muffled some whispered conversations. However, louder conversations still managed to seep through, although in a subdued manner. We also subjected the earbuds to a test alongside a vacuum cleaner, and the ANC was successful in reducing some of the noise, though it was not able to completely eliminate it.
On the other hand, the transparency mode acted more like a hearing aid, amplifying external sounds. In quiet surroundings, we noticed a constant buzzing sound even when no audio was playing. While it wasn’t excessively bothersome, it did feel unnatural at times.
Now, let’s delve into what truly matters – the quality of the sound. It’s important to keep in mind that musical preferences are highly subjective and can be influenced by factors such as the quality of the audio source and individual ear shapes. Therefore, your experience may differ from ours.
The earbuds effectively captured the essence of old-school rock, with the guitar tones coming through clearly and showcasing the unique character of each guitar thanks to the overdrive and distortion effects. The drum elements were particularly impressive, delivering a crisp and well-defined sound.
However, when it came to the bass frequencies, they had a slightly subdued quality. While the bass didn’t completely disappear, it struggled at times to compete with the prominent guitars. Despite this, the bass performed well during solo bass parts, adding to the overall enjoyment of the listening experience.
The earbuds boast a respectable microphone quality, delivering clear audio with no noticeable mic-related problems. Additionally, they incorporate Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology, which proves effective in reducing background music noise. While it doesn’t completely eliminate ambient audio during conversations, it notably enhances clarity.
Battery and Charging
- Battery backup: Up to 30 hours without ANC
- Charging: USB-C
- Wireless Charging
The battery life of the earbuds proved to be impressive, matching Kick’s claim of delivering up to 30 hours of playback time without ANC. In our various usage scenarios, this estimate held true quite accurately. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that these earbuds offer a unique feature in their price range: the ability to charge wirelessly.
However, it is important to note that the single LED indicator on the case presented difficulty in determining the battery level. While charging, the LED changes to an orange color and eventually turns off, making it challenging to precisely gauge when the battery is fully charged or has reached the desired level, requiring unplugging.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Metal Hinge case gives a good feel | The buds have high latency |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Average Bass |
| Touch Sensors perform well | |
| Good battery life |
Verdict
The Kick Buds S Pro earbuds make a strong impression with their sturdy construction, impressive audio quality, and long-lasting battery. They provide a well-rounded audio experience that is worth noting. Additionally, Kick has gone above and beyond to enhance the unboxing process, something that many companies often overlook, making it a delightful starting point for users.
One standout feature of these earbuds is their ability to actively cancel noise (ANC), along with the added convenience of wireless charging, which is uncommon in this price range. However, it is important to mention that there is a noticeable drawback in the form of relatively high latency, even when the gaming mode is activated by default. This latency becomes particularly apparent during fast-paced gaming sessions, limiting the suitability of the earbuds for such activities.
