Collaborations between tech brands and automotive companies aren’t exactly new. In the past, we’ve seen McLaren team up with OnePlus to launch limited edition phones, while Huawei, Porsche, Oppo, and Lamborghini have worked together on specially-themed products. And now, we’re set to see the arrival of yet another McLaren limited edition tech product: the Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport McLaren edition headphones.
Currently, Klipsch is the official headphone partner of the McLaren F1 team, with the T5 II headphones taking cues from McLaren’s design ethos and audio expertise from Klipsch. With that in mind, Klipsch says that the T5 II headphones are “made for the fast lane”—including a charging case that is rated at IP67 for water resistance, along with wireless charging support (or USB-C).
Other key features include four microphones to help with voice calls, along with an anodised metal signal-boost antenna to ensure a stable connection. Battery life is pretty impressive as well: 32 hours of battery including the charging pad, and 8 hours from a single charge on the headphones.
This comfortably outstrips the AirPods Pro, which has 24 hours of battery life in total (4.5 hours on the AirPods themselves)—although it must be noted that the Klipsch T5 II headphones do not support Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). However, there is a transparency mode, where you can hear the noise in the surrounding environment by pressing a physical button on the headphones.
What you do get are six pairs of Klipsch’s patented ear tips, one pair of memory foam tips, as well as three sizes of ear wings that are “no-budge”—which means that you’ll be able to get a fit that’s just right for your ears. What Hifi reports that a secure fit can cancel up to 30dB of noise, although a lack of ANC is rather disappointing for a premium pair of TWS earbuds in 2020.
Regardless, they certainly look sexy. If you’re a fan of the McLaren F1 team, you’ll enjoy the design of the headphones—the iconic Papaya Orange and carbon fibre accents are reminiscent of McLaren’s actual race cars, and you’ll even get a special edition brand book and a serialised metal card of authenticity.
If you’re interested, the Klipsch T5II True Wireless Sport McLaren Edition headphones are now available for pre-orders on TC Acoustic at RM1,199, with shipping to begin from August 2020. When/if you do pick a pair up, remember to download the Klipsch Connect App on your Android or iOS device to set up your headphones, and to tweak settings such as EQ.
