The Kiwi Ears Division headphones offer a fresh take on portable audio, combining a sleek design with studio-inspired performance. Designed to cater to a range of users, from music enthusiasts to gamers and DJs, these headphones aim to deliver an immersive listening experience. With a 40mm dynamic driver and a closed-back construction, they focus on clarity while maintaining a fun and engaging sound profile.
One of the standout aspects of the Division is its adaptability, making it suitable for both professional and casual use. Unlike traditional studio headphones, which can be bulky and cumbersome, this model prioritises portability without sacrificing comfort. The foldable design allows for easy storage, while the lightweight build ensures they remain convenient for long listening sessions.
Beyond their practicality, these headphones strike a balance between accuracy and enjoyment. While they may not offer a perfectly neutral sound signature, they provide a dynamic listening experience with a well-defined bass response. Whether for studio work, casual listening, or gaming, they offer a compelling option for those seeking a versatile and affordable over-ear headphone.
Design and Functionality
The Kiwi Ears Division headphones blend professional studio aesthetics with a modern, portable design. Unlike traditional studio headphones, which often feature a rigid and bulky structure, these are designed to be more compact and lightweight. The foldable earcups make them easy to store in a bag or carry case, catering to users who need both quality and convenience.
Despite their smaller footprint, the Division maintains a true over-ear fit, ensuring a comfortable experience even during extended listening sessions. The earcups are padded with plush vegan leather, which provides a soft cushion against the ears while also assisting in passive noise isolation. This combination of comfort and isolation makes them ideal for both personal and professional use.
The headband is designed to be flexible yet sturdy, adapting to different head sizes without creating excessive clamping force. The aluminium construction of the earcups keeps the weight down while adding durability, ensuring they can withstand regular use. This lightweight build also prevents discomfort, making them a practical choice for long listening sessions.
In the box, Kiwi Ears includes two detachable cables to enhance the headphones’ versatility. One cable features a coiled section, making it ideal for studio and desktop use, while the other is shorter and comes with an inline microphone and remote. The inclusion of both options allows users to seamlessly transition between different use cases without needing additional accessories.
The Division also comes with a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, making it compatible with a range of audio equipment. Whether plugged into a professional audio interface or a standard smartphone, the headphones maintain a consistent performance. This level of adaptability makes them a reliable choice for musicians, gamers, and everyday listeners alike.
The design prioritises both function and aesthetics, offering a refined look without unnecessary embellishments. The balance between portability, durability, and comfort makes them stand out as a well-thought-out alternative to traditional studio headphones.
Key Features
The Kiwi Ears Division headphones are built around a 40mm dynamic driver, which delivers a well-rounded sound signature. This driver is tuned to provide clarity across various frequencies while maintaining an engaging listening experience. The closed-back design enhances sound isolation, preventing audio leakage and allowing users to focus on their music without external distractions.
A key feature of the Division is its balance between portability and professional-grade performance. Unlike larger studio headphones, this model incorporates a foldable structure that reduces its footprint. This makes them highly convenient for users who need quality audio on the go without carrying bulky equipment.
Comfort is another priority, with plush vegan leather earpads that provide a soft and cushioned fit. The material not only enhances comfort but also helps with passive noise isolation, allowing for an immersive experience. The headband is adjustable, ensuring a secure yet pressure-free fit for different head shapes and sizes.
To accommodate different usage scenarios, Kiwi Ears includes two detachable cables with the Division. The first is a long coiled cable suited for professional use, offering flexibility for studio setups. The second is a shorter cable with an inline microphone and remote, making it ideal for mobile use and communication.
Compatibility is another strength, as the Division comes with a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter. This allows users to connect seamlessly to a variety of audio devices, including amplifiers, mixing consoles, and everyday consumer electronics. The ability to switch between different devices enhances the headphones’ versatility.
Despite its compact size, the Division does not compromise on durability, with aluminium earcups that provide both strength and a premium feel. The lightweight construction ensures they remain comfortable for extended listening sessions without causing strain. This combination of durability and comfort makes them a reliable choice for frequent use.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
The Kiwi Ears Division headphones offer an enjoyable listening experience that balances clarity and warmth. The 40mm dynamic drivers provide a natural and smooth sound signature, making them suitable for various audio applications. While they lean towards a neutral tuning, the boosted sub-bass adds depth, creating a lively yet controlled presentation.
One of the first things noticeable when using the Division is its comfortable fit. The over-ear design fully encloses the ears, providing a secure yet lightweight feel. The plush vegan leather earpads contribute to both comfort and passive noise isolation, allowing for immersive listening sessions even in moderately noisy environments.
The closed-back construction helps reduce ambient noise, making them a great option for home use, commuting, or casual studio monitoring. While they don’t offer active noise cancellation, the natural isolation is sufficient for blocking out minor distractions. This ensures a focused listening experience without the need to raise the volume excessively.
Detail retrieval is impressive for a headphone in this category, offering a clear and articulate sound across different genres. Vocals and instruments remain distinct, while the bass response stays controlled without overwhelming the mids. The high frequencies are well-balanced, avoiding harshness while retaining clarity.
Despite the relatively compact earcup size, the soundstage provides a decent sense of width and depth. It offers enough space for instrument separation, making it possible to distinguish layers in more complex recordings. While not as expansive as open-back headphones, the Division performs well for a closed-back model.
Gaming performance is solid, with clear positional audio that enhances immersion. The ability to pick up subtle environmental sounds makes them a suitable choice for competitive gaming. The included inline microphone on the mobile cable also allows for communication, adding to their versatility.
For casual listening, the Division provides a dynamic and engaging experience. The slight emphasis on sub-bass makes electronic and bass-heavy genres sound more exciting without overshadowing other elements. This tuning choice makes them appealing to those who prefer a fun yet balanced sound.
In a studio setting, they serve as a capable budget-friendly monitoring option. While they may not match high-end reference monitors, they offer enough accuracy for casual mixing and production tasks. The coiled cable is particularly useful for studio setups, providing flexibility and ease of movement.
Switching between the included cables is seamless, making it easy to adapt to different listening scenarios. The detachable design also adds longevity, as users can replace cables if needed. The 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter further enhances compatibility, allowing connection to professional audio equipment.
The Kiwi Ears Division delivers a well-rounded performance that suits a variety of use cases. Whether for music, gaming, or studio work, they provide a reliable and enjoyable audio experience.
Conclusion
The Kiwi Ears Division headphones present a well-balanced mix of portability, comfort, and engaging sound. With their foldable design and lightweight build, they offer a practical solution for users who need high-quality audio on the go. The over-ear fit, paired with plush earpads, ensures a comfortable listening experience for extended periods.
Their sound signature strikes a good balance between neutrality and enjoyment, with a noticeable but controlled sub-bass boost. This tuning makes them versatile enough for a range of applications, from casual listening to gaming and light studio work. While they may not be the most precise reference monitors, they provide a satisfying and dynamic audio experience.
The inclusion of two detachable cables adds to their flexibility, allowing users to switch between professional and everyday use seamlessly. Combined with the 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, the Division ensures compatibility with a variety of devices, from standard mobile phones to professional audio interfaces.
For those looking for an affordable yet capable closed-back headphone, the Kiwi Ears Division is a strong contender. With its comfortable design, solid sound performance, and thoughtful features, it stands out as a reliable option for both casual and professional users alike.
