The KZ ZS12 Pro X and the KZ ZS10 Pro X are two hybrids from the same family: a 10 mm dynamic driver for the bass and several balanced armatures for the mids and treble. The ZS12 Pro X adds one more armature per side, a zinc alloy shell and a version with tuning switches.
In short
- The ZS10 Pro X has 1 dynamic driver and 4 balanced armatures per side; the ZS12 Pro X, 1 dynamic driver and 5 armatures.
- The ZS12 Pro X has a zinc alloy shell and is also sold with 4 switches. The ZS10 Pro X is resin with an alloy faceplate and a fixed tuning.
- The ZS10 Pro X is more sensitive (112 dB vs 106 dB): it plays louder at the same phone volume.
Comparison table
| KZ ZS10 Pro X | KZ ZS12 Pro X | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers per side | 1 × 10 mm dynamic + 4 balanced armatures | 1 × 10 mm dynamic + 5 balanced armatures |
| Armatures | 4 × 50024s | 2 dual 31736 + 1 × 30019 |
| Impedance | 29 Ω | 25 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 112 ± 3 dB | 106 dB |
| Frequency response | 20–40000 Hz | 20–40000 Hz |
| Shell | Resin with alloy faceplate | Zinc alloy |
| Switches | No | 4 per earpiece (Tuning version) |
| Versions | With or without microphone | Standard or Tuning, with or without microphone |
| Cable | Silver-plated, 120 ± 5 cm | Silver-plated copper, 120 ± 5 cm |
| Connector | 0.75 mm 2-pin (Pin C) | 0.75 mm 2-pin (Pin C) |
Data from the official KZ product pages (kz-audio.com).
One more armature and a different layout
Both leave the bass to a 10 mm dynamic driver. The difference is in the balanced armatures that handle the mids and treble: the ZS10 Pro X uses four 50024s units, and the ZS12 Pro X two dual 31736 units and one 30019. That makes five drivers per side in the first and six in the second.
More drivers do not mean better sound by themselves: what changes is how the frequencies are split between them. If you want to understand what each type does, we explain it in our guide to driver types.
Tuning switches: only on the ZS12 Pro X
The ZS12 Pro X comes in two versions. The standard one has a fixed tuning. The Tuning version adds four switches on each earpiece: three raise the bass in steps and one reduces the treble. You move them with a small tool, and they let you adjust the sound without an equalizer.
The ZS10 Pro X has no switches. If you want that feature within the ZS10 family, you will find it on the KZ ZS10 Pro 2; all three variants are covered in this comparison.
Shell and cable
The ZS12 Pro X shell is die-cast zinc alloy with a protective metal mesh. The ZS10 Pro X shell is resin with a metal alloy faceplate. Both come with a detachable silver-plated cable of about 120 cm and three sizes of silicone ear tips.
Volume from a phone
Neither needs an amplifier. Still, the ZS10 Pro X is rated at 112 dB of sensitivity and the ZS12 Pro X at 106 dB, so at the same volume setting the first one plays louder. With the ZS12 Pro X you will need to turn the volume up a little more. How to read these figures: impedance and sensitivity.
What about the KZ ZS10 Pro 2?
Many people are also torn between the ZS12 Pro X and the KZ ZS10 Pro 2. They share the two dual 31736 armatures; the ZS12 Pro X adds a third armature (30019) and the zinc shell. The ZS10 Pro 2 has the four switches in all versions; on the ZS12 Pro X only the Tuning version has them.
| KZ ZS10 Pro 2 | KZ ZS12 Pro X | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers per side | 1 × 10 mm dynamic + 4 armatures (2 dual 31736) | 1 × 10 mm dynamic + 5 armatures (2 dual 31736 + 1 × 30019) |
| Impedance | 25–28 Ω | 25 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 108 ± 3 dB | 106 dB |
| Shell | Resin with metal faceplate | Zinc alloy |
| Switches | 4 per earpiece, in all versions | 4 per earpiece, Tuning version only |
If you want switches without paying for the metal shell, the ZS10 Pro 2. If you want the extra armature and the metal, the ZS12 Pro X.
What about the KZ ZA12?
If you want more bass out of the box, there is a third model in this price range: the KZ ZA12, with two dynamic drivers (10 mm and 8 mm) and four balanced armatures per side. It also comes in standard and switch versions. It is less sensitive (103 dB and 45 Ω), so it needs a bit more volume.
Prices
Hi-Fi & pro audio IEMs, Hybrids, KZ, Musicians & stage
87,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Hi-Fi & pro audio IEMs, Hybrids, KZ, Musicians & stage
104,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Everyday earphones, Hybrids, KZ, Musicians & stage
95,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Which to choose
KZ ZS10 Pro X
- You want a five-driver hybrid without bothering with adjustments.
- You will mostly use it with a phone and want volume to spare.
KZ ZS12 Pro X
- You want a metal shell and one more armature per side.
- You want to adjust bass and treble with the switches (Tuning version).
Frequently asked questions
Do they need an amplifier?
No. Both work straight from a phone, a laptop or a music player.
Does the same cable fit both?
Yes. Both use a 2-pin 0.75 mm Pin C connector, so they share replacement cables.
Can they be used wirelessly?
Yes, with a 2-pin Bluetooth adapter: KZ AN01, KZ AE01 and KZ AZ09 in the Pin C version.
Does the Tuning version of the ZS12 Pro X sound different with the switches off?
With all of them off it plays with its base tuning. The switches raise the bass or soften the treble from there.
Keep reading
Every KZ Componentes order comes with a 3-year warranty, 30-day returns and support from our team in Spain. Torn between models? Write to us and we will help you choose.
Your next step
Still torn between them?
Each model page has all its comparisons and who it suits. If you want us to make it easy, take the quiz.
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