Audiocular x KZ Castor Pro X vs. KZ Castor Pro: What's New??
If you’re up to speed with the latest Type-C IEMs, you might be familiar with the Audiocular x KZ Castor Pro X that dropped in August, 2025. It’s the brand new collab between Audiocular and KZ and bring a fresh take on the previous KZ Castor Pro, but how? Both models are strong performers in the budget category, but the Pro X brings several fresh features to help it stand out for audio fans. Let’s break down what’s actually new, whether you love convenience, crave comfort, or want cutting-edge tuning in your daily sound.
Audiocular Tuning and Branding: Fun, Bass, and Flexibility
The Pro X is a result of Audiocular’s collaboration with KZ, and it shows in the sound. Its tuning leans toward a Harman-inspired curve with extra bass, making tracks feel more energetic and engaging right from the first listen. The Pro X is also highly customizable, retaining KZ’s innovative four-switch system so users can adjust tuning for various genres and listening moods. The standard Castor Pro, while still flexible thanks to the same switch system, sticks to classic KZ tuning that is more neutral by default—ideal for those who prefer clarity and balance over a fun-boosted sound.
Type-C Plug: Plug-and-Play for Modern Devices
Gone are the days of scrambling for adapters every time you want to listen to wired earphones with your latest smartphone or laptop. The Pro X features an integrated Type-C plug—not just a connector, but one that houses a high-quality KT0211L DAC chip inside. This means immediate compatibility with most of today’s digital devices. Plug it in and get clear sound straight away, without worrying about extra dongles or sub-par onboard headphone jacks. In contrast, the regular Castor Pro uses a traditional 3.5mm plug, which works great with older or high-end analog sources, but requires an additional Type-C dongle for digital-only devices.
KT Chip: Consistent High-Fidelity Sound
Incorporated into the Pro X’s Type-C cable, the KT0211L chip delivers hi-res digital processing and amplification. No matter what device you use as a source, you can expect low distortion and detail-rich audio every time. For users who hop between their laptop, phone, and tablet—or want a simple, always-great listening experience—this is a meaningful upgrade. The original Castor Pro, on the other hand, depends on the quality of whatever built-in DAC your source device has, which can be hit or miss if you’re an audio enthusiast.
Atmos Eartips: A Step Up in Comfort and Sound
Comfortable ear tips are crucial for long listening sessions, and the Pro X raises the bar with its soft, ergonomic Audiocular Atmos liquid silicone eartips. These tips aren’t just about a comfy fit—they promote better noise isolation and a more immersive listening experience, keeping your music front and center, even in noisy environments. The standard Castor Pro ships with basic silicone tips, which may not provide quite the same plush comfort or secure seal for everyone.
Which Should You Pick?
Priced at Rs. 1990, the Audiocular x KZ Castor Pro X is tailor-made for listeners who want the newest conveniences—easy plug-and-play digital sound, upgraded eartips for real comfort, flexible tuning, and consistently clear audio in every scenario. It’s an IEM designed for today’s busy, mobile lifestyle. The original KZ Castor Pro, at Rs. 1849, remains a go-to for analog fans and those who appreciate the classic KZ styling and tuning flexibility at an affordable price.
Where you listen most and what you value in sound will help make the final choice clear. Either way, both models offer excellent value, but the Pro X is simply built for the future.
