Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs Sennheiser IE 60 WEST: 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
Sennheiser IE 60 WEST
42Weak
$210
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- Kiwi Ears KE4
- Sennheiser IE 60 WEST
HearWiki score
84
42
Sound
8.6
6.2
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$200
$210
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 12 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. For 12 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- KE4202412 yr newer
- IE 60 WEST2012
Specifications
KE4IE 60 WEST
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $210
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 42
- Released
- 2024
- 2012
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 18 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 115 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- -
- 4 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 3.5 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
Sennheiser IE 60 WEST
The Sennheiser IE 60 WEST is a wired in-ear monitor with a dynamic driver that delivers a balanced, natural sound with a strong midrange and bass response, even at lower volumes. It offers high sensitivity and a comfortable, ergonomic over-ear fit, though its sound can occasionally become muddled and it lacks modern conveniences like an inline remote.
- Pro:Strong midrange and bass performance
- Pro:Comfortable, ergonomic over-ear fit
- Pro:High sensitivity with good low-volume output
- Con:Sound can become muddled at times
- Con:Lacks presence and impact
- Con:Fit can be fussy for some users
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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