Aukey's first foray into premium audio includes a new pair of wireless earbuds

Aukey is an accessory-maker already known for making, uh, cost-effective earphones. Now, its new Key series steps this area up for the company in terms of design and form-factor. It claims that the resulting products can compete with those from higher-end names in this space. These earphones are all finished in a matte dark gray, although some variants also have light gray or red options.

The Key Series, then, is Aukey's inaugural swipe at being taken seriously as a maker of more premium earphones. To this end, it is starting off well by including a pair of true-wireless earbuds. The EP-T10s are an IPX5-rated pair of buds with a graphene diaphragm, as also seen in the Creative Outlier Airs.

They are presented in a case that charges via USB type C and is compatible with wireless charging. However, this case also exhibits one possible drawback for this set - especially at a price of US$109.99. It is not enclosed, as with some other similar products. On the other hand, it is possible that the EP-T10s will stay in there due to magnetic connections.

The $79.99 EP-B33 neckbuds have 10mm graphene dynamic drivers with IPX6 water-resistance and fast USB-C charging. Their "shape-metal" alloy neckband may support comfort for longer wearing. The EP-B80 wireless earphones are the same price, and are of the form-factor in which the cable loops up over the ear. The more sports-focused, $59.99 EP-B60s are also IPX6 and offer 8 hours' worth of audio on a single charge.

Therefore, this Key Series by Aukey may appeal to those looking for up-to-date personal audio at a decent price. The only real shame here is that none of these compelling-looking earphones has a traditional 3.5mm-jack variant.