my tech diary -- tzumi soundmates

after my skullcandy earbuds broke on me I started looking for replacements, which, turns out, IS REALLY HARD. STUPIDLY COMPLICATED. to make things easier for myself (and hopefully others with the same problems (being uneducated in tech but really picky)) I'll be writing down my reviews for some tech I've used here. honestly this might not have any practical use but I need something to occupy myself and writing down my gripes with headphones et al might give me a sense of catharsis that could do me some good.

without further ado-- the tzumi soundmates bluetooth earbuds!! given to me by one of my friends a few years ago (at least 2021, could be ever further back, which should tell you something about the lifespan of these things), they apparently set him back around $20 CAD. I checked online for the model number (#5761HDC), they go for ~$26 nowadays. putting that out there first, since price is a deal breaker for a lot of people. 

LOOK: honestly not bad! I have several issues with modern-day matte plastic finishes and they are nowhere to be seen on these glossy little guys. overall they look like airpod knock-offs, which means they don't have any soft tips for the inner ear. but they have BUTTONS. AUUGH WHAT A RELIEF IN THIS TOUCH-CONTROL LANDSCAPE. can't say much about what the buttons actually do since I lost the instructions a while ago, but they at least pause and skip tracks! hooray. the case is easy to open, it has a grip and no sharp edges, the top opens over 90° backwards.

COMFORT: I tend to go for deep-fit earbuds with really strong ANC (active noise cancelling) and the tzumi soundmates are really. not that. but they're not repulsive! the plastic on the actual buds can scratch you if you're not careful, and I found them easier to wear upside-down, but they seriously aren't bad! kind of a break for my ears, honestly. they do start to get uncomfortable for a while, but it could just be my ears.

AUDIO: I will be honest here guys I'm not even remotely close to being an expert here. but I AM really particular about sound and also probably neurodivergent so you'll have to trust me based on those details only. first, the bass is near-nonexistent on these. if you turn up the volume really really high you can HEAR it, but you can't FEEL it, if that makes sense. it's overshadowed by the wonderful vocals and instrumentals because holy shittt they are Audible with these guys. you can hear every bongo and guitarist, after coming out of a fresh listening session with the tzumis I discovered whole new instruments I've never heard before /j. lots of music genres still sound good in these, even metal, which surprised me. podcasts sound pretty clear, too. the audio does sound generally washed-out and flat, though, which has a lot to do with my next point. but keep in mind that my standards are a little higher than those of people who use budget earbuds more than me.

NOISE CANCELLING: there is none. if these are your only protection in a noisy bus or plane or mall you have better chances with finding a corner and plugging your ears with your fingers. good luck, soldier. the tzumis let in lots of audio, but in a quiet room or even one with an open window (I live next to a busy arterial road, FYI) they're pretty tolerable. 

I can't talk about the charging and battery life because I really don't know much about that sort of thing. 

and that wraps up my review! if I had to give the tzumi soundmates a rating out of 5, it would be a 3. very standard earbuds, and pretty good for the price if you happen to see them at your local hardware or clothing store. although, if you can help it, I'd reccommend getting ones with soft tips. better for noise cancelling and audio in general IMO.