EPOS' mantra is "the power of audio" and each release from the brand continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence in sound engineering. In the case of the GTW 270 we have a pair of Bluetooth earbuds along with a USB-C adapter (and different USB cables, just in case) that plugs into your Nintendo Switch, or Sony PlayStation, or other phone or console to beam sound to the earbuds via a low-latency codec.
Make no mistake, you can use the GTW 270 as Bluetooth earbuds without the use of this adapter - or “dongle” if you prefer, and it will readily pair to any Bluetooth capable device you have. In fact, you can pair up to eight devices so it’s ready for whatever you want to use.
However, the adapter delivers a special aptX low-latency connection and removes the small delay otherwise found in wireless technologies. If you’re listening to music or an audiobook or podcast, any delay between your device emitting the noise and your earbuds receiving it is inconsequential because you’re listening only.
It's a big difference when you're watching a screen and relying on what’s happening in front of your eyes, and inside your ears, to be in sync, giving feedback about where the bad guys are. The aptX USB-C adapter, along with included USB cables for different types of connections, will reduce the delay to levels you won’t notice. This makes a huge difference and makes the GTW 270 a serious choice for gamers who want wireless freedom.
Of course, the standard Bluetooth connection can still be used on its own for voice chat. The earbuds feature a dual microphone for excellent voice pickup and reduce background noise. The USB-C adapter is not bidirectional, meaning it brings sound to you only. The microphone is supported by the adapter, but this was a design decision to ensure minimum possible latency on inbound audio.
The earbuds are IPX 5 water-resistant, come with varying-sized ear-tips to help you find the best fit for your ear, and were designed based on statistical research into the dimensions of the typical human ear.
For Microsoft Windows users, you can download the free EPOS Gaming Suite application which provides digital sound processing to customise the sound, digitally reduce noise for clearer in-game chat, and provide 7.1 virtual surround sound at 16bit, 48kHz audio. EPOS Gaming Studio also contains preset audio profiles for popular games and provides firmware updates. There is no macOS or Linux version of the software.
Ultimately, with the GTW 270 Hybrid, the EPOS engineering team has impressively brought audio excellence, microphone performance, and comfort all into a miniaturised in-ear solution, along with low latency for gaming.
If you want to play Fortnite on your daily commute, or Cyberpunk 2077 at night without waking family members, or simply game in a variety of situations, on a variety of devices, the GTW 270 is a terrific choice for you.
Of course, as you would expect, the earbuds come with a charging case which not only makes them safe to carry but which charges the earbuds on-the-go. The case takes a USB-C plug and has a solid feel about it, almost like an in-game loot chest itself. The batteries run for five hours, with an additional 15 hours provided by the case.
The earbuds are available from EPOS' website or from JB Hi-Fi for $349.
You can see them in action below.
