Moondrop Chu IEMs | Review
After a necessary upgrade in the audio department, here I am after 4 months, and I still couldn't put this thing to the test.
My previous IEMs, the QKZ AK6, the one that I reviewed here, that thing is still working fine. So I really didn't have to upgrade to this new one, but I decided to make the upgrade because of an upcoming tournament back in Warzone 1. Sadly, after almost 5 months now, there's absolutely no sign of that tournament being hosted. And I don't think it's happening anytime soon, or ever; Warzone 1 is dead and Warzone 2 is on the verge expiration.
Yet, I managed to test these things casually, in many different online, FPS and single players games. I don't listen to much music on these, but they do perform well with my favorite genres, because the tuning is fairly balanced .
The packaging is all quite uwu and waifu-ish, surely not my cup of tea, but the IEMS are built like absolute tanks and the finishing coating combo of black and gold is just my thing. Other than that, performance is numero uno for me, the looks and build quality come after. But all I really need is pinpoint accuracy when it comes to the opponent's footsteps, that's it, everything else can just suck, I couldn't care less.
All in all, it's one hell of a product. For a product with a price tag of just $20, you actually get more than what you're looking for. I think right now this is the perfect set of entry level IEMs for anyone looking to get into competitive or casual gaming for cheap.
BEST FEATURES
- Mic:
This one was a surprise. Taking the other IEMs of the same price range into consideration, most of those don't even have a mic. So, to have a mic this good and well built on a entry level device, you're actually getting a whole solid setup in one. Usually IEM users have to get a mic separately, which would usually cost you $20 to $50 more for a decent mic.
Hence, this is a lifesaver, I'd say; because I really can't get a mic separately, I don't wanna invest the money, nor do I have the space on my table. And the quality here really might surprise you too, even without any filters or equalization this thing sounds crystal clear. So, I say this thing's potential with filters and proper EQ settings would be absolutely phenomenal.
- Sound Quality:
In competitive games audio imaging and soundstage is key; getting to know your opponent's location and exact direction helps you astronomically.
Yes, not everyone relies on these audio indications of competitive gaming, but I do; when I receive audio queues with proper precision, I then turn into a completely different player. Sadly, these days the audio queues are buggy and do not register on time; thanks to these unfinished games, not our hardware. But most of the time we end up blaming our hardware, but that's quite rare these days.
The gaming hardware/peripheral quality has significantly improved, whereas it's the opposite for competitive online games and their optimization.
Competitive games these days suck in terms of audio optimization and latency, which means they usually require an enhancement, meaning another software to boost the audio. There are multiple audio software like Dolby Atmos, Steel Series Sonar; such apps which do help, but when the root of the problem is in the game, then an external app can't really do much.
- Build Quality:
The build quality is something most of the users will love; 8 out of 10 options is this price range are usually made out of cheap plastic, so they absolutely suck in the long run. And if you ask me, plastic vs alloy for the casing? Then it will be alloy, EVERY SINGLE TIME.
The wire is of good quality too; if fairly maintained, then it will not tangle up like sticky noodles. Don't you just hate it when your headphone wires gets all tangled up? I surely do. Sadly, wireless tech for gaming audio isn't that advanced, so we'll probably have to rely on the wired options for 4 to 5 years more.
That is why some good wires can help with your product's longevity.
If you plan on using such IEMs on your PC then you will also need a headphone splitter, so make sure you get a good one, it helps.
And if you're tired of using overpriced and heavy headphones, just like I was, then you can check these things out. Starting from the range of $5 to $50, you'll find some really great options. Brands like QKZ, KZ, Moondrop, Truthear, have made some of my favorite IEMs, and I've had the chance to test many of them myself.
Many pro players are already shifting to IEMs, and I say why not. People are finally realizing that it's not necessary to spend a ton of money on bulky headphones, and I'm all for it.
That's about it for this review I guess. Once again, it's just me sharing my thoughts about a certain product. I'm no professional reviewer, but I do have a fair share of knowledge about these things.
Be signing off from here, till next time. 💣
Cheers 🥃☮️
I have that AK6 and I must admit that QKZ has given some of the best wires on their earphones, loved those cables. I do also prefer braided cables. Are they providing the same cable as QKZ? These are not braided that I can see.