Nothing's first over-ear headphones blend distinctive transparent design with premium audio quality, launching July 12th with KEF collaboration
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 11 July 2025 – Nothing just dropped something pretty exciting for audio enthusiasts in Malaysia – their first-ever over-ear headphones, aptly named the Headphone (1). And honestly? They're making quite the statement in the crowded headphone market.
A Fresh Take on Premium Audio
The London-born tech company announced the Headphone (1) launch in Kuala Lumpur on July 11th, marking their bold entry into the over-ear audio space. What makes these headphones stand out isn't just their signature transparent design language – it's the serious audio engineering backing them up.
Nothing partnered with KEF, a legendary audio company with over 60 years in the high-fidelity game, to create something that doesn't just look different but actually sounds different too. Adam Bates, Nothing's Head of Design, puts it perfectly: "We set out to create something that doesn't just sound great, it feels different the moment you pick it up."
Design That Actually Makes Sense
Let's talk about what sets these apart visually. The Headphone (1) rocks Nothing's iconic transparent elements combined with premium materials like formed aluminum, precision CNC components, and PU memory foam. The lightweight ear cups blend aluminum with durable plastics, while telescopic arms provide smooth adjustment for different head sizes.
The real game-changer? Nothing ditched touch controls entirely. Instead, they've built physical tactile controls directly into the design – a Roller, Paddle, and Button that let you adjust volume, navigate media, and switch ANC modes without the usual touch interface frustrations. It's refreshingly practical.
KEF Partnership Delivers Serious Audio Chops
Here's where things get interesting from an audio perspective. The custom-built 40mm dynamic drivers, tuned with KEF's advanced acoustic engineering and proprietary tools, deliver what Nothing calls "rich, natural audio with deep bass, detailed mids, and crisp treble" across all modes.
The headphones support Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, USB-C lossless playback, and include a 3.5mm jack for wired listening. Plus, there's on-device spatialization with built-in head tracking that transforms stereo sources into a 360-degree soundstage that adapts to your movement in real-time.
Smart Features That Actually Work
The ANC system uses dual feedforward and feedback microphones for real-time environmental adaptation, while Transparency Mode keeps you aware of your surroundings. For calls, a 4-mic ENC system powered by AI (trained on over 28 million noise scenarios) ensures clear voice capture even in busy environments.
Battery life hits 35 hours with ANC on, and a quick 5-minute charge gives you 2.4 hours of playback. With Bluetooth 5.3, dual device connection, and Fast Pair support, switching between devices is genuinely seamless.
The Nothing X App Experience
The customizable Button in the Nothing X app enables Channel Hop – a quick-switch feature that cycles between recent audio apps and favorite functions without menu diving. You can also configure it for voice commands, News Reporter, or Essential Space (Nothing's voice note and reminder system).
For audio tweaking, an 8-band Advanced EQ lets you fine-tune your sound profile way beyond basic bass and treble adjustments.
Pricing and Where to Get Them
The Headphone (1) launches in Black and White for RM1,099. Pre-orders kick off July 12th at nothing.tech and select partners, including a free protective cover. Open sales start August 1st.
You can grab them online through Nothing.tech, Lazada Nothing Flagship Store, Shopee Nothing Official Store, and Nothing Malaysia TikTok Shop. Physical retailers include DirectD, TMT, URBAN REPUBLIC, Vivid Concepts, TAC Mobile, SS Solution, and Nothing Image Store at Plaza Low Yat.
Nothing's betting big on this audio debut, and with KEF's engineering expertise backing their distinctive design approach, the Headphone (1) might just shake up Malaysia's premium headphone market.
- PakChaq Riq
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