Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs LETSHUOER S12 PRO: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Kiwi Ears KE4 - Outstanding overall at around $199.
Wired IEMs
LETSHUOER S12 PRO
75Great
$170
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Kiwi Ears KE4
- LETSHUOER S12 PRO
HearWiki score
84
75
Sound
8.6
8.0
Value
8.6
7.8
Price (USD)
$200
$170
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.
- KE420242 yr newer
- S12 PRO2022
Specifications
KE4S12 PRO
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $170
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 75
- Released
- 2024
- 2022
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 14.8 mm planar magnetic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- planar
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 14.8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- -
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
Kiwi Ears KE4
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a wired hybrid IEM that offers a balanced, relaxing sound with a distinct twist on the popular 'New Meta' tuning, adding extra bass and treble sparkle. It delivers solid midrange clarity and a comfortable fit, making it a versatile choice for many genres, though its smooth presentation may not excite those seeking aggressive or highly dynamic sound.
- Pro:Well-balanced hybrid tuning with rich lower mids and airy treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit and broad genre versatility
- Pro:Good resolution and clarity for its price
- Con:Sub-bass can get overpowering at times
- Con:Limited resolving power and dynamic impact
- Con:Smooth tuning may feel less exciting than V-shaped alternatives
LETSHUOER S12 PRO
The LETSHUOER S12 PRO is a wired planar magnetic IEM that delivers a lively, V-shaped sound with strong detail, clarity, and punchy bass, making it a compelling option under $200. It's easy to drive from most sources, though pairing with a warmer amp can tame its bright treble. The comfortable fit and solid ergonomics support long listening sessions, but the tuning's treble peak may not suit treble-sensitive listeners.
- Pro:Excellent detail and clarity
- Pro:Punchy, well-defined bass
- Pro:Easy to drive, scales with better sources
- Con:Bright treble can be fatiguing
- Con:V-shaped tuning not for everyone
- Con:Sensitive to source quality
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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