I noted that the Ear(Stick) Channel was a bit lacking! Thought I’d type up my thoughts and see what people think.
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The design-focused ethos surrounding Ear(Stick) is evident at first glance. The sleek design stands out on a desk, the first touch of twisting the cylindrical case is a fantastically satisfying experience and a thick response from a delicate movement that pairs so well. While potentially “lacklustre” at first, Ear(Stick) prove they have a place without fighting all other TWS, instead carving a space of its own.
The bud itself fits nicely into the ear and is surprisingly secure, that said, the lack of the tip does feel strange, not bad as such, but certainly something to get used to. While secure, the wearer should not expect to wear these buds while working out or taking part in a high-impact activity, instead, these could be worn while cooking and cleaning. Along with this, the bud is prone to “rotating” within the ear, moving such that the speaker isn’t directly firing into the ear canal. This results in the earbuds sounding quiet until adjusted, which while only a temporary problem, can be frustrating.
Without the “tip” this device has almost no passive noise cancelling. Pair that with a lack of active noise cancelling and this device stands out in the lack of isolation it offers (Though future updates have added noise reduction). Subverting expectations, this significant lack of noise cancelling cements a place for this earbud, blending it into the background for use when being "open to the world” but wanting to consume audio (i.e. in an office/public space where a conversation may occur.)
The press controls and feedback show clear signs of intention and given their implementation in later released Ear(2), this feature appears to have been well received. The simple gesture of pinching with the “tick” feedback noise is well thought-out, being loud enough and responsive enough to Indicate an action has been triggered without being invasive in any way to music or content.
Over time, Ear(Stick) has continued to receive updates, with an element of noise reduction having been added, improved bass and other notable improvements. This long-term support is something that continues to impress, extending the lifespan of such a unique device.
Ear(Stick) is a compliment to any other TWS, suiting spaces in which background media consumption is not the focus of attention, such as podcast listening while on a walk, or audiobooks while cooking. Traditional TWS devices will make for a more suitable device for music consumption in a louder world, or even for more detailed consumption, but this leaves the door open for Ear(Stick) to fit a place where the outside world can bleed through.
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What have been your experiences with Ear(Stick)? Do you agree with my thoughts, or do you believe there is a glaring omission?
