Truthear x Crinacle Zero: RED vs KZ ZS10 Pro X
Two in-ear monitors under 75 dollars for gaming by ear: a dual dynamic tuned by Crinacle against a five-driver hybrid.
Truthear x Crinacle Zero: RED
Dual dynamic driver IEM tuned with Crinacle: audio, not a headset
KZ ZS10 Pro X
Hybrid 1DD + 4BA IEM for under 60 dollars, with no microphone
Spec by spec
The best value in each row is highlighted in green, per that spec's criterion.
| Truthear x Crinacle Zero: RED | KZ ZS10 Pro X | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver diameter | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Driver type | Dual dynamic driver (10 mm + 7.8 mm) | Hybrid: one 10 mm dynamic + four balanced armatures |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40.5 kHz | 20 Hz - 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 17.5 Ω | 29 Ω |
| Connectivity | Cable with a 3.5 mm jack | Cable with a 3.5 mm jack |
| Microphone | No microphone included | No microphone included (mic-less version) |
| Earpads | Interchangeable silicone tips | Interchangeable silicone tips |
| Chassis | DLP 3D-printed cavity | Alloy faceplate |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
What really separates these two
Drivers: 2 dynamic against 1 dynamic and 4 armatures
The Zero: RED uses two dynamic drivers (10 mm and 7.8 mm); the KZ, one 10 mm dynamic and four balanced armatures. More drivers don't mean better sound on their own: tuning is what counts. The Zero was tuned with Crinacle for a neutral, reference-style curve; KZ's hybrids tend to have a brighter, more attention-grabbing treble.
For gaming: footsteps and positioning
In-ears isolate very well from room noise, which already helps you hear footsteps. A neutral tuning like the Zero's places sounds more naturally; a stronger treble like the KZ's brings out details such as reloads and steps, but tires you sooner in long sessions. In our scores, the Zero gets a 9 for precision and the KZ an 8.
No microphone on either
Neither has a microphone: if you talk on voice chat, you'll need a separate one. Both use a 3.5 mm jack and are easy to drive (17.5 and 29 ohms), so they work well plugged into a phone or controller without an amplifier.
If you want the most balanced, natural sound, the Truthear Zero: RED. If you like a brighter sound with more treble detail, the KZ ZS10 Pro X. With either one, plan on buying a separate microphone.
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