KZ (Knowledge Zenith) has become a noteworthy player in the realm of true wireless earbud technology as the industry continues to expand. The brand, which is globally recognized for making affordable but quality in-ear monitors (IEMs), has an even more interesting product in the form of the KZ S1D true wireless earbuds. KZ S1D employs a Dynamic driver design, Bluetooth 5.0, and includes features promoting listening to music for both enthusiasts and everyday listeners. For those wanting to fully appreciate the potential of their earbuds, it is also very important to read the manual.
This review will be exhaustive as it will include a detailed analysis of the KZ S1D manual as well as design, features, operation and performance of the device.
1. Unboxing the KZ S1D and First Impressions
However, before going into the manual itself, it would be necessary to address the unboxing of the KZ S1D first. The box is rather easy on the eyes and pretty much contains everything needed to begin listening right away. When the box is opened, the following are uncovered:
KZ S1D earphones (left and right) charging case
USB charging cable (Micro-USB)
Sets of silicone ear tips (different sizes)
User manual
The earbuds themselves have a trendy look as they come in a semi-transparent outer shell allowing them to showcase their beautiful insides, a design trait KZ is well versed in. The battery cover is of a small size which makes it very handy to use while traveling.
2. Introduction to KZ S1D Instructional Guide
The KZ S1D User Manual is a simple but effective writing that guides the users on the correct use of the earbuds and provides an answer for any questions that might arise in the process. The manual is in English and Chinese which helps to reach the targeted users. It covers the following important aspects:
How to Pair
Essential functions (On/Off, play/pause, etc.)
How to Connect the Wires
Specifications
Case Treatment
Though the manual is short in length, it serves well in listing the major points required to appropriately use the ear buds.
3. How to Connect the KZ S1D
Pairing process is of utmost importance when using any true wireless earbud and the KZ S1D is not left behind. The manual explains that attaching the device to the earbud unit is simple and straightforward.
Remove the earbuds from the charging case. They will switch on by themselves and go into pairing mode.
Now turn on your device’s Bluetooth and scan for Bluetooth devices.
Once you find KZ S1D on the connected devices, click on it to connect the device. There is an audio confirmation from the earbuds once the connection is successful.
The manual also says that the last connected device will be automatically connected every time the buds are removed from the case which is helpful for the users as they do not have to waste time in pairing the devices every time.
4. CONTROL OF BASIC FUNCTIONS
The KZ S1D employs touch sensitive controls for basic activities such as playback, adjusting the volume, and answering and making calls, thereby eliminating the need to handle the device. The manual explains the touch controls in maelstrom of detail, which are quite easy and simple to recall:
Play/Pause: Press the touchpad on any earbud once.
Next Track: Double tap the right earbud.
Previous Track: Double tap on the left earbud.
Volume Increase: Triple tap on the right earbud.
Volume Decrease: Triple tap on the left earbud.
Accept/End Call: Touch either earbud once to pick a call, touch again to hang up.
Reject Call: Press and hold either earbud for 2 seconds.
So long as the controls are effective and easy to use, some users may still experience a learning curve in dealing with the touchsensitivity of the touchpad especially when one wants to adjust the volume or skip tracks in a hurry.
5. How to charge KZ S1D
The KZ S1D manual provides information on how to charge the earbuds and the charging case. The charging case recharges its battery using a Micro-USB cable which is provided in the box. When charging the earbud:
Insert the earbud into the charging case where it will get charged automatically
The case has an LED light that indicates charging status (red when charging and blue when complete).
The manual does not give the specific time range for charging the earbuds, however from users, it is said that to fully charge the earbuds, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The case charging time is around 2 hours from 0 to 100%.
One number to note in relation to capacity which the manual suggests, is the usage period of the earbuds. The KZ S1D is able to offer about 3-4 hours of playback on a single charge of the battery and the charging case offers a couple of more charges, providing a battery life of approximately 12-15 hours.
6. KZ S1D Specification
KZ S1D’s manual feature a specifications sheet which denotes the technical features of the earbuds in detail. Some of the interesting specifications include:
Driver Type: Dynamic drivers measuring 10mm in diameter.
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 103dB
Battery capacity (earbud): 40mAh for each earbud
Battery Capacity (charging case): 300mAh
Playback Time: 3-4 hours (earbuds) + additional battery extension through case
Charging Time: 1.5 to 2 hours for earbuds and 2 hours for the case
The KZ S1D exceeds industry standards when it comes to audio performance and most importantly, everyday usability, equipped with battery save features.
7 Operating and Maintenance Problems
In this article, I came across the user guide of the device and found a section dealing with Several common problems experienced by users, as well as their solutions. Here are some of them.
Problem: Inoperative earphone.
Explanation: Check if the second earbud is charged properly and whether it is connected to its pair. After this step, if the earbud has not worked, insert it in the case, take it out, and try again.
Problem: Occasional cutting out of sounds or loss of clarity of sound.
Explanatory action: Confirm that the Bluetooth is functional and that the user is within range without any objects obstructing the earbuds and the set device. If the problem persists, go to the device.
Problem: Earbuds cannot be connected to another person’s device.
Explanatory action: Ensure that the earbuds are not connected to another device. If they are, please ‘unpair’ them from the current device and then attempt to pair with the new device.
The troubleshooting segment of the instruction book is useful, though it is also quite limited. For further troubleshooting, users may search for the answer on the network or contact KZ customer service.
8. KZ S1D Sound Quality and Performance
Although the manual has not explored the sound quality of KZ S1D thoroughly, it is worth considering this aspect for the sake of a general review. KZ S1D’s 10mm dynamic drivers reproduce sounds that can be described as good enough considering the price range. So users can expect
Bass: The bass is punchy and clear, with a satisfying amount of depth for bass-centric music including hip-hop and EDM. However, it might miss out on the sub-bass rumbles found in some higher-end models.
Mids: The midrange is articulate and forward enough to make vocals and instruments engaging without being distracting. There is a slight emphasized lower mid-bass that helps round out the sound.
Treble: The treble is clean but quite forgiving so as not to be sharp or sibilant. It has enough clarity to bring out details such as cymbals and strings, but without being aggressive, making it appropriate even during protracted listening sessions.
In general, the listening quality of the KZ S1D surpasses the expectations of an entry-level IEM, managing to deliver a pleasant sound across most of the genres.
9. KZ S1D Design and Comfort
The KZ S1D is a sexy and stylish earphones with an external shell that is slightly tinted making it attractive yet fashionable. The contour of the earphones is designed to enhance stability and prevents them from falling off even when the user is engaged in vigorous activities. In the user manual, it is recommended that the user test the range of silicone ear tips in the box, to ensure the best fit for comfort and sound isolation.
Lightweight design of the earbuds improves the general comfort while a small charging case helps the user to carry them in a bag or pockets with ease. Yet, some users might feel that the earbuds protrude slightly from the ears making them unsuitable for persons who seek low-key designs.
10. Conclusion
To sum up, the KZ S1D is ideal for users who seek cheap true wireless earbuds with decent sound quality and practical uses. The manual gives a quick and simple guide regarding the usage of the earphones such as how to pair with other devices, controls, charging and other issues like troubleshooting. The manual is rather short yet it does its work, enabling the users to fully enjoy the KZ S1D.
On the other hand, the KZ S1D is ideal for performance seekers looking for affordable buds with a promise of elegant design and value for money. The sound quality, comfort, and ease of use make the KZ S1D an interesting competitor in the true wireless audio world.