Kaishi Link20: Detachable Magnetic Microphone That Cured My ‘Street Phone Anxiety’

To be honest, before encountering the Kaishi Link20, I was completely unfamiliar with this brand, just like many others. I was simply looking for a headset that offered clear call quality, and upon seeing its unique magnetic microphone design, I skeptically decided to give it a try. After using it for a while, it has indeed become an essential item for me when going out. Below, I will share my genuine experiences over the past month.

First, let’s talk about the most critical aspect: is this microphone really useful?

This is definitely its most unique feature. The microphones in ordinary headsets are usually hidden at the ear side, far from the mouth, and when there’s noise around, I can’t help but raise my voice. The Kaishi Link20 takes a different approach; it comes with an additional detachable microphone that can be magnetically attached on either side, forming a five-microphone array with the headset’s built-in microphone, achieving -58dB deep noise reduction, which is one more microphone than typical headsets.

It easily snaps on with a quick “click,” making it very convenient.

At first, I thought this might just be a gimmick, but after trying it in several noisy places, the call quality was noticeably improved. One time, while waiting for a bus at night amidst heavy traffic, my friend later commented that my voice was quite clear with little background noise.

The sound quality is better than I expected

I initially had low expectations for sound quality, but I was pleasantly surprised after using it. Although it is an open-back headset, the sound is not “scattered” at all; it has a strong sense of cohesion. Upon reflection, this is likely due to its oval-shaped drivers and near-field sound hole design, as the driver size is larger than usual, resulting in a broader soundstage.

I listened to the live version of “Don’t Be Afraid of My Sadness” by Jeff Chang, and the audience’s cheers and the strumming of the guitar were particularly clear, as if a flashlight beam was directly shining into my ear canal, with a very distinct sense of direction.

It truly feels weightless when worn

After removing the microphone, each earbud weighs only 9 grams, making it feel very light. There were times I wore it for half a day before realizing I hadn’t taken it off. For someone like me who wears glasses, its titanium wire ear hooks are very soft, and I genuinely don’t feel any extra pressure or friction. Whether commuting on the subway or occasionally running to catch a bus, it stays securely in my ears; I even tried hanging half a bottle of water from it, and it held steady.

In addition to being secure, the accompanying app offers several sound effect modes, which is a nice bonus. When I listen to podcasts during my commute, I switch to the “vocal mode” to make the host’s voice clearer; when running at night, I use the “exercise mode” for a stronger rhythm.

Of course, what reassures me the most is its IPX7 waterproof rating. Last week, I encountered an unexpected downpour after work, getting soaked from head to toe, but the headset still worked perfectly afterward, which is quite reassuring.

Solid battery life, a true efficiency booster

Honestly, the biggest impression this headset has left on me is its reliability. The official stated battery life is 52 hours, and my experience confirms this. I usually alternate between using one earbud and, with the charging case, it easily lasts through an entire workday.

However, what I rely on the most is its ability to connect to both my phone and computer simultaneously. For someone like me who juggles multiple tasks, this feature is truly lifesaving! During a meeting, if a personal call comes in, it seamlessly switches over without interrupting either side.

As for the AI note-taking feature, I use it occasionally; it’s a nice addition. There’s also a simultaneous translation feature supporting 115 languages, which I played with a few times when I first bought it. The translation speed is quite fast, but after the novelty wore off, I rarely think to use it. Still, having the feature is better than not having it at all.

While writing this article, I discovered that its parent company, Zhaosheng Acoustic, has been in the audio industry for over a decade, and the OpenRock Link 20 even won the MUSE Design Award in 2025. This is an extra pleasant surprise, as it indicates that it has received professional recognition.