These wireless on-ear headphones revive Sony Walkman nostalgia with modern features

The trend for on-ear headphones is again catching up owing to their compact size as compared to over-ear ones. Chinese brand Fiio just released the SNOWSKY Anytime headphones for the young generation who prefer things bling without any compromise in audio quality. Now, a Japanese audio accessories outfit km5 has finally released their lightweight headphones that bring back nostalgic memories of the Sony Walkman that made music go global. Released four decades ago, the portable music listening experience has changed drastically, as the present norm is wireless.

Km5 Lightwear Headphones Hp1 combines the retro look of the Walkman headphone with the current wireless tech to bring a pair of on-ear headphones that should appeal to every generation who loves music and podcasts. That’s because of the balanced dose of retro-modern design and tech on these pair of cans. Weighing just 103 grams, the wireless headphones bring the best of over-ear and on-ear options in a compact design that’s hard to resist.

Designer: km5 and BEAMS

This pair of headphones, designed in collaboration with bPr BEAMS, is made for audio lovers who don’t prefer the intrusive form factor of those big over-ear headphones for valid reasons. They tend to get hot and uncomfortable, especially in the summertime. The polished stainless steel headband is extended down to the compact earpads that sit very lightly on the ears. That squarish housing on the cans conceals the 120mAh battery on each one of them. That should make them go for 24 hours non-stop before requiring a recharge. If recharging is not an option, the headphones can be used in wired mode with the USB-C connectivity feature.

Km5 has fitted the headphones with a 40mm driver to output decent audio for listeners who are not too sensitive to frequencies. Lightwear Hp1 supports SBC, AAC, or the LE Bluetooth codecs – and doesn’t come with LDAC, just like Fiio’s new flashy on-ears. The open design of the headphones does mean a little less passive noise reduction but that is made up by the active noise cancellation mode. For more spatial awareness in crowded city streets while walking, the ambient sound mode comes in handy. The housing of the cans comes with physical buttons to toggle settings, including power on/off, volume toggle, playback control, or initiating the AI assistants like Siri or Gemini.

Km5 is mindful enough of the wear and tear of the cushions with long-term usage, so they’ve included the magnetic replaceable ear cushions in different color options. This also comes in handy for personalizing the look if desired. The stock package comes with black or white options for the ear cushions, while the other vivid colors can be bought separately. The Lightwear Headphones Hp1 can be bought in the pre-sale for approximately $153 from km5 or the BEAMS official store.

The post These wireless on-ear headphones revive Sony Walkman nostalgia with modern features first appeared on Yanko Design.