Audio-Technica launches Star Wars-themed earbuds

Back at CES 2025, Audio-Technica announced a pair of the earbuds dubbed the ATH-CKS50TW2. Originally available in Black and Beige, Audio-Technica has now announced four new color options with a Star Wars theme.

The colors are based on R2-D2, Grogu, The Mandalorian, and Darth Vader, and it is not just the design of the earbuds and the retail box that reflects the theme, but how the earbuds actually function. All four earbuds have special sound effects inspired by their characters.

For instance, the Darth Vader edition has sound effects that mimic the sound of Vader's breathing when the earbuds are connected or the sound of his lightsaber cutting through or an object when the battery level is high. There are also sound effects for when the battery is low, when the earbuds are disconnected, or when noise cancelling or transparency mode is activated.

Each Star Wars edition of the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds is priced at $179, $30 more than the standard variants. Pre-orders will begin on April 21 ahead of their release on May 4th, 2025 which is Star Wars Day. They will also be available to buy at Star Wars Celebration Japan which is scheduled to hold between April 18 through to April 20, 2025.

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 (available on Amazon for $149.00) are in-ear earbuds with silicone tips for a closed fit. They feature 9mm drivers, have hybrid noise cancellation, and are rated IP55 for dust and water resistance. They have support for Bluetooth multipoint and Bluetooth LE, and work with a companion app that allows users to customize features such as ANC, EQ, and low-latency.

Among the features that set it apart from rival earbuds is the proprietary Magnetic Switch technology that allows users to turn the earbuds off when they are not with the charging case. This is quite unique as most earbuds need to be put in their charging case to be deactivated.

The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds also boast an impressive battery life that bests many of its rivals. On a single charge, the earbuds will provide up to 25 hours of usage (15 hours with ANC on); and it goes up to an additional 40 hours (or 25 hours with ANC on) with the charging case for a total of 65 hours (or 40 hours). There's also support for fast charge as a 5-minute quick charge will provide up to 90 minutes of use. The charging case supports both USB-C wired charging and Qi wireless charging.