Thinksound OV21 review: Precise, plush, eco-friendly sound
Design
The OV21 have been designed with sustainability in mind. That goes for the headphones themselves, which use Eastman’s Treva, a bioplastic derived from wood pulp, as well as their packaging. It’s 100% recyclable paper and cardboard, and even the protective material that keeps the product safe during shipping is made from natural wood fibers. You won’t find a hint of actual plastic anywhere. Even the two included 4.5-foot, tangle-free braided cables (a straight 3.5mm version and one with an iOS-compatible inline mic and remote) have been secured using a set of woven cotton cords.
The headphones are a study in sturdiness combined with simple elegance.
For some, this commitment to environmental friendliness may go a bit overboard: There’s no real carry case to speak of — just a lightweight cotton carry bag, which acts as a thin barrier when placing the OV21 in a backpack, but doesn’t offer any serious protection. Speaking of carrying, there are no hinges or folding mechanisms to facilitate packing, so expect to make some room in your bag if you want to take them with you.
The headphones are a study in sturdiness combined with simple elegance. The headband is wrapped on both sides with a protein leather-like material and deeply padded with memory foam. One-piece metal slider/earcup forks move in and out of the headband with a satisfying set of clicks for each size index, and the ear cushions — which get the same material and padding as the headband — are magnetically latched to the earcups for easy cleaning or replacement. The construction is top-notch and you get the sense that these cans will last for many years if you care for them adequately.
Thinksound says you’ll have no trouble wearing these cans for hours on end, and I’m inclined to agree.
I’m not a huge fan of the exposed, braided cables that feed from the headband to the earcups — I always worry they’ll get damaged — but integrating them would have presumably increased both cost and complexity.
The real standout element, however, is the walnut wood used for the outer covers of the earcups. The natural grain and color adds warmth and a hint of luxury, and the fact that each cover has its own grain pattern only adds to their beauty. Thinksound claims the natural walnut material helps in the sound department, which may indeed be true, but even if it’s purely cosmetic, I wouldn’t change it — they look great.
The inclusion of a mic cable means you can easily use them for phone calls or video meetings, and the closed back design will keep sound from traveling in or out, making them more versatile for non-home use.
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