Current testing methodology is v1.2
The QKZ SK7 is another model in the SK series by the brand QKZ.
Since the brand offers a lot of in-ear monitors to choose from, the simple fact that I’ll give you is that it won’t be difficult for you to decide on whether to specifically get the SK7 or not just based on this review.
So let’s get to it!
QKZ SK7
Warm and fun-sounding IEMs for less than $5.
TL:DR;
The QKZ SK7 is a 10 mm diameter single dynamic driver IEM. It has a fun sound signature with a big bass presence, good midrange performance, and sparkly treble.
It does have some small caveats, like the treble veil from the slight bass bleed, but in terms of the whole package, sound, fit, and ergonomics, I’d still recommend this set.
Now, if you’re susceptible to listening fatigue on bass-heavy sets, then I’d suggest you look elsewhere. Otherwise I can wholeheartedly vouch for the QKZ SK7 as a fun and robust auditory experience that doesn’t require you to shell out too much.
The Specs
- Driver: 10mm Single Dynamic Driver
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20000kHz
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Sensitivity: 108 dB/mw
What’s in the Box?
- QKZ SK7 earphones
- Silicone ear hooks
- Ear clip
- 3 x stock tips
Stuff I like
- Tonality and timbre
- Fun bass
- Midrange presence
- Shape and ergonomics
- Inoffensive treble
Stuff I like less
- Bass bleed affects the transient response
- Detail retrieval is bottle-necked
Where to get it
Comparable products to consider
The KZ EDX is a budget IEM offering with elevated lows and highs that work best with fast-paced and lively-sounding genres.
First Impressions
The QKZ SK7 comes in the brand’s standard black packaging. Just like the rest of QKZ products, there’s nothing special with the unboxing experience of these IEMs.
I do like the fact that they come in a variety of colors in vibrant shades. There’s also an option for black, white, or gray if you’re more into neutrals.
Trying these IEMs along with other sets that were relatively mid-centric and vocally present was probably a good idea. Not having done that would’ve probably made testing lengthier than it was.
Listening to the QKZ SK7 for the first time, I immediately noticed that it has a good midrange. This is something I always check first, as the music listening experience will heavily rely on the midrange section.
The second thing I picked up was the very apparent bass quantity on this set. It had a big presence, but it didn’t bleed through the mids. At this point, I was unable to gauge the treble because this section of the tuning requires me to engage in critical listening for quite a while.
With the first two frequencies, was it enough to prematurely mark it as a recommendation? Well, yes. I quite liked this set, and I liked it more after the initial testing.
Build Quality
The build on all QKZ products is almost the same. Having said this, the SK7 still has, as you already guessed, a plastic shell.
It’s not the type of plastic that’s fragile or brittle by any means, but if you like metal or resin shells, you’d be disappointed with this or any other QKZ IEMs for that matter.
It can withstand some accidental drops and since the plastic is durable, it won’t crack or split open – unless, of course, you intentionally swing it with the full intent of breaking it.
The cable is a pretty standard QKZ cable that’ll always make me point out its similarity to a speaker wire. It has an L-shaped 3.5mm termination plug, and phone users will surely be happy.
Overall the build quality of the QKZ SK7 is good for the price, especially if you factor in the fact that you’re getting a good sound out of it.
Fit and Comfort
The QKZ SK7 has a nice shape profile.
The shells look big at a glance but are shaped ergonomically to fit the ears well. It has a hook that latches on to the helix of the ear and does not present any kind of wear irritation.
It was rather a pleasant experience wearing them.
The included silicone tips didn’t need any swapping out and they gave me a nice seal. I think the shape contributes to the seal and you’d like that it’s just sitting inside your ears rather than lodging itself.
The SK7 points for this department.
Sound Quality
The QKZ SK7 has a warm sound signature with a U-shaped tuning. It has more of an emphasis on the sub-bass but mid-bass performance remains to be good.
The midrange is fairly present and does not sound recessed. One thing to note about the midrange is its good tonality and timbre. Stringed instruments sound nice on the SK7’s midrange and provide a very articulate and life-like sound.
The treble details are there and are splashy but are somehow bottlenecked by the bass quantity on busier tracks. I’d say that this is a preference kind of thing and not all people will like the size of the bass.
Personally, I like this kind of signature, since my first in-ear monitors had a V-shape tuning. The midrange on a U-shape type of tuning is less recessed than that of a V-shape so I’d naturally gravitate toward this sound too.
Overall, it’s a fun sound signature that presents itself nicely in terms of cohesiveness but possesses minor problems in its treble region because of the signature itself.
It doesn’t take away from the fact that the SK7 is a good earphone, but people who like reliability in being able to hear their transients and more upper midrange clarity will be left with much to desire.
Bass
The bass on the QKZ SK7 is big.
Quantity isn’t everything though and it’s a relief that quality-wise, the bass passes on texture but much less on the definition.
The rumble produced by the sub-bass is really deep and has a lot of texture that goes with it. It isn’t formless gray blobs of sound but rather a low and slow undulating wave of ferrofluid. Of course, this is all just visualization, but it lets you picture the sound more.
The mid-bass has good slam and decent punch but suffers from being sluggish. The driver is fairly quick but relatively slow compared to other sets above it. It’s a little unfair to compare it with higher-priced sets in terms of driver speed but I almost want it to compete.
Personally, I think it’s got a good hefty bass region that needs a little more refinement and speed but all in all I like its bass.
Midrange
The midrange has a nice presence and despite the set having elevated bass and treble, it doesn’t hide the midrange.
The lower midrange energy sounds a little bit relaxed to me but still has a decent amount of energy to make it engaging. The upper midrange does not sound shouty and doesn’t get sibilant in any of the music I’ve listened to and my library stretches from rock to J-pop to alternative indie.
A lot of songs from specific genres can get sharp due to the way they were mixed. Some songs use equalization and boost the upper midrange for more energy and clarity and on some IEMs that can sound harsh and grainy.
The overall midrange performance of the QKZ SK7 is enjoyable because it’s neither stale nor overpowering.
It has a nice presence and good energy. Again, a little bit of the clarity is compromised because of the size of the bass. It doesn’t veil the lower midrange, but kind of affects the upper midrange and higher frequencies more.
Treble
The treble performance of the QKZ SK7 is okay. It isn’t phenomenal but it was otherwise good- until the bass veil.
The transient response and micro details are somehow hazy due to the bass and when there isn’t much midrange bleed, that means there’s one on the treble.
Cymbal hits and snare hits are still crispy but sound cloaked. On some tracks where I’m waiting to hear the echoes on the transients, they come across as muffled and cut short. I’m sure the treble is decently extended but with the bass interfering with the execution, I’m afraid that the treble takes a huge hit.
For fans of clarity and sparkly treble, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.
It’s worth noting though that these findings were done under critical listening and A/B comparisons. Listening to the overall sound doesn’t lead you directly to this conclusion. As such, for perceptive people, this much you’ll agree with.
Conclusion
The QKZ SK7 performs quite well at its price range and it’s a good option for people who like to enjoy their music rather than analyze it.
There has been a lot of information dissecting the sound of the SK7 but listening to it personally, the gripes and the small caveats in the sound aren’t noticeable when you’re too focused on enjoying the music.
The amount of bass on these IEMs guarantees this much fun but leaves experienced and more critical listeners wanting more refinement and a little roll-off.
Overall, these IEMs sound warm, musical, and most importantly, fun.
If you like your bass and want a present midrange with good tonality and lots of energy, the quirks are the least of your concerns. I’d give the QKZ SK7 a full recommendation.
Gavin is a college student who has a lot going on. From collecting IEMs and modding mechanical keyboards, to different hobbies like digital drawing, music mastering and cooking. It is safe to say he is a complete multi-faceted geek (and he's kinda cool too)
This post was last updated on 2025-02-05 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.