A Japanese Audio Brand’s New Affordable Headphones Are ’80s-Era Cool

km5 is a Japanese audio company best known for its CP1, a gorgeous portable CD player with a minimalist design and modern features, such as built-in Bluetooth and USB-C charging.

Now, the brand has released its first-ever wireless headphones, built with the same ethos. They blend modern functionality with a design that looks straight out of the ’80s.

km5

Lightweight and retro cool

The km5 Lightwear Headphones Hp1 are on-ear wireless headphones that look like the perfect partner for a modern Walkman. They pack 40mm drivers, support Bluetooth 5.4 and, interestingly, support active noise-cancellation and transparency modes.

The headphones have a lightweight design, weighing just 103 grams, that features a polished stainless steel band and a minimalist housing that, according to the brand, “combines circles and squares [to] create an elegant presence.”

km5

Swappable ear cushions

The ear cushions are made of a “soft fabric material,” according to the brand. They’re also magnetic and thus can easily be changed or replaced.

Each headphone comes with two different ear cushions, which you can freely swap between as you see fit. The white model comes with light gray and turquoise ear cushions, while the black model comes with black and carmine options.

km5

Wireless and wired playback

The Hp1 can function as wireless or wired headphones. If you use the included USB-C cable, the headphones can support audio up to 24-bit/96kHz.

The headphones have a dual microphone array that promises to allow them to work well for phone calls. They also have up to 24 hours of battery life. However, it’s unclear whether that is with ANC on or not.

And despite looking part, the earcup housings don’t support tap or swipe controls — there are buttons on the bottom for playback controls, which furthers the analog feel of the headphones.

km5

Price and availability

The km5 Lightwear Headphones Hp1 are available now from the company’s online store. They cost $189 and come in two colors, black or white.

km5

km5 Lightwear Headphones Hp1

• $189 at km5

Related Topics