## Retro Cool: km5’s Lightwear Headphones Hp1 Offer Wireless ’80s Walkman Vibes
Remember the iconic headphones that came with Sony’s Walkman? The minimalist design, the lightweight feel? km5’s new Lightwear Headphones Hp1 are channeling that nostalgic aesthetic while embracing modern wireless technology. These headphones offer a blast from the past with a contemporary twist.
While headphones existed long before the Walkman’s debut in 1979, the portable cassette player popularized their use by shrinking them down. The Lightwear Headphones Hp1 adopt a similar philosophy, prioritizing a minimal design reminiscent of the original Walkman headphones, but packed with wireless capabilities and other modern features.
Initially launched via Japanese crowdfunding last July, the wider release of the Hp1 experienced delays. However, they are now available for purchase through km5’s online store for $189.
The Hp1 features a thin, flexible polished stainless steel headband paired with compact on-ear earpads. This design choice contributes to their remarkably light weight of just 103 grams, significantly less than Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, which weigh in at 250 grams. Each earpad houses a square unit containing a 120mAh battery, 40-millimeter drivers, and the essential wireless electronics.
The Lightwear Headphones Hp1 weigh 103 grams thanks to their minimal design. | Image: km5Battery life is estimated at up to 24 hours. Although the open design minimizes passive noise reduction, the Hp1 includes active noise cancellation and a transparency mode to enhance ambient sounds and improve awareness of your surroundings.
Without a cable connecting each side of the Hp1 headphones, the battery on each earpad needs to be charged individually, but km5 includes a USB-C charging cable that splits in two on one end. | Image: km5Like the Apple AirPods Max, the Hp1 features easily removable and replaceable magnetic ear cushions. Physical buttons on the housings provide control over power, playback, volume, and Siri or Google Assistant activation. These headphones support SBC, AAC, and LE audio Bluetooth codecs and can also be used in wired mode with a USB-C connection to a smartphone or computer.
The Hp1 are available in a white or black finish. The white version includes gray or turquoise earpads, while the black comes with black or red pads. | Image: km5The Lightwear Headphones Hp1 are available in white with gray or turquoise earpads, or black with black or red earpads. They offer a compelling blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality for those seeking a lightweight and stylish listening experience.
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