KZ Axas Gaming Earbuds

Disclaimer

The AXAS GE has been sent by KZ Acoustics. I really appreciate their support to bring you content about their products.

All of my opinions are my own; I do not receive any payment to promote any product in an unethical manner. And this case was no exception.

My video review: SLP AXAS GE

You can buy them directly on their AliExpress Official Store:

AXAS GE - Price $15-25 USD

Pros

• Wide soundstage

• Very comfortable compared to Gaming headsets style headphones

• Extremely easy to drive

Cons

• Sounds very similar to the brand's existing models

• The DSP cable doesn't have such a clean sound

Accessories

DSP cable - 120cm 4 different with EQ presets

2 pairs of Ear tips

USB-C to USB-A extensor

Design

The faceplate has this design; it feels high-quality, but it’s very prone to scratches.

The interior is made of plastic—I’m not sure if it’s resin—but it feels lighter and more fragile than other KZ models.

The nozzle features a grille similar to their more recent models, which is more durable and of higher quality than those found on the Duonic and Castor models, for example.

Sound - How I perceive it?

As for the sound of these Axas, they sound very similar to the brand’s previous models; they remind me of the EDX PRO X but with a more refined sound—like an evolution. The bass and treble are slightly more pronounced than on that model, with the mids sitting a bit further back.

Bass

The bass has good punch, the sub-bass is barely present, and these bass frequencies are moderately fast but not quite as clean.

Mids

The mids sound muted in terms of volume; they have some definition and don’t sound nasal, but you can tell the driver is a budget option because they aren’t as detailed.

Treble

Treble seem a bit elevated to me; they aren’t sibilant, but like the mids, they feel slightly lower in quality than the Duonic models, which are priced around $15.

Direct comparison VS Duonic models

These are the Duonic black with switches—not the version with enhanced bass. There are three versions of this model.

The Duonic version I have has more bass, both in the low end and in punch.

The mids are also a bit restrained, but not as much as on the Axas.

The highs are more detailed on the Duonic, smoother, and I don't think they'll tire you out as quickly as on the Axas.

Soundstage

Where I do think the Axas are better than the Duonics is in sound separation and gaming performance.

I notice a wider and more defined soundstage; here, I do believe KZ when they say this model is designed for competitive gaming, especially when used with a 3.5mm cable and even more so with a 4.4mm balanced cables.

With the DSP cable, the treble will be boosted further; I don’t think the equalizers make much of a difference. I have this M2 model, which is practically the same in terms of materials and features.

As far as I know, there are about three versions of this cable; the only thing that changes is the order of the presets for these equalizers. On these two models I have, they sound the same to me—they add a peak in the upper mids that, depending on the model (this Axas and the PRX), I don’t find at all recommendable.

I’d recommend you buy the 3.5mm version; you’ll save some money, and depending on the source, the sound doesn’t change much at all—unless you use a 4.4mm cable, in which case the instrumental separation does improve a bit more.

Power requirement and pairing

They’re quite sensitive, you can use them with any device, and they’ll produce a loud volume.

Plugged directly into your phone, you’ll get great sound; they’re pretty easy to amplify, and for gaming, even when connected directly to the DualSense port, you’ll have a great experience.

Conclusion

If you only use these IEM for music listening purposes...I don't think they offer anything you haven't already heard in the brand's previous models.

For competitive gaming, I do think they’re an improvement over other KZ models, but if you want something more versatile, I can recommend the Duonic with switches or the version with enhanced bass.

And that was my review of the Axas. Thanks again to KZ for sending them to me so I could make this review.