Truke recently launched the ResonanceX in India to address the growing demand for Open Ear Wireless (OWS) audio. Unlike traditional in-ear buds that plug your ear canal, these sit just outside the ear. I spent ten days testing the Ash Black variant to see if this design works for daily Indian life, especially considering the aggressive price of ₹1699. Open ear technology usually costs much more, so I wanted to see where Truke made compromises and where they succeeded.
Key Takeaways
- Open-ear design allows for high situational awareness during outdoor runs or office work.
- 16mm Titanium drivers deliver loud audio but face physics-based limitations with sub-bass.
- The 70-hour total battery life is among the best in this price bracket.
- 40ms low latency mode provides a decent experience for casual gaming.
- Built-in 24-bit spatial sound adds width to the audio stage.
- Quad-mic ENC performs well in quiet to moderately noisy indoor settings.
Understanding the Open Ear Wireless Entity
Before getting into the performance, it helps to define what Open Ear Wireless (OWS) actually is. Traditional earbuds use silicone tips to create a seal in your ear. OWS devices like the Truke ResonanceX use air conduction. They have speakers positioned near your ear canal that beam sound inward. This tech aims to solve two problems: ear fatigue from plugs and the danger of being deaf to your surroundings. In India, where traffic is often chaotic, being able to hear a horn while listening to music is a safety feature.
Design and Build Quality
The ResonanceX case is larger than your average TWS case. This is necessary because the earbuds use hooks to stay on your ears. The Ash Black finish has a matte texture that does a good job of resisting fingerprints. I noticed the hinge feels sturdy enough for daily use, though it lacks the premium weight of more expensive competitors.
The earbuds themselves use a flexible hook design. The material is soft against the skin. I wore them for a four-hour train journey and did not feel the usual pressure or heat buildup that in-ear buds cause. Since nothing enters the ear canal, there is no risk of ear infections or wax buildup on the device. The IPX5 rating means you can sweat during a workout without worrying about the internal circuits.
Sound Quality and Spatial Audio
Truke includes 16mm Titanium drivers here. These are significantly larger than the 10mm or 12mm drivers found in standard earbuds. In the world of audio, larger drivers move more air, which helps compensate for the fact that the speaker is not sealed against your ear.
The sound signature is mid-forward. Vocals in Bollywood tracks and podcasts come through with high clarity. When I played tracks with heavy vocal layering, the 24-bit spatial audio feature helped create a sense of distance between instruments. It does not feel like the sound is stuck inside your head. Instead, it feels like small speakers are floating just outside your ears.
However, bass enthusiasts should manage their expectations. Because there is no seal, the “thump” of low-end frequencies escapes into the air. While the titanium drivers try to push the bass, you will not get that vibrating sub-bass found in in-ear models. This is a trade-off inherent to the OWS design rather than a flaw specific to Truke.
Calling Performance and ENC
The quad-mic system uses Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) to filter out background sounds during calls. I tested this in a busy office and while walking near a construction site. Indoors, my voice sounded natural to the person on the other end. The microphones do a great job of isolating the human voice from the hum of a ceiling fan or AC.
Outdoors, the performance is average. Strong wind tends to interfere with the open microphones. If you take many calls while riding a scooter or in very windy areas, the person on the other side might hear some whistling. For standard office calls or indoor meetings, these are very reliable.
Battery Life and Charging
The 70-hour battery claim is the standout feature of the ResonanceX. In my testing, the earbuds lasted about 8 to 9 hours on a single charge at 60 percent volume. The case provides several additional charges. I only had to plug the case into a wall outlet once during my entire week of testing.
The fast charging feature is helpful. If you find the buds dead before a gym session, a 10-minute charge gives you roughly two hours of playback. This is standard for modern Truke products, but having it at the ₹1699 price point adds value.
Gaming and Latency
I tested the 40ms low latency mode by playing Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). Usually, Bluetooth audio has a noticeable delay between seeing a shot and hearing it. When I entered gaming mode on the ResonanceX, the lag became almost imperceptible for a casual player.
While professional gamers might still prefer wired headsets, these are perfectly fine for quick matches. The open design also means your ears stay cool during long gaming sessions, which is a big plus during Indian summers.
Connectivity and Controls
The pairing process is quick thanks to Bluetooth 5.3. I did not experience any random disconnections or signal drops within a 10-meter range. The touch controls sit on the outer part of the hooks. They are responsive, though it took me a day to get used to the exact tapping spot. You can control volume, skip tracks, and trigger voice assistants like Google or Siri without touching your phone.
One minor point is that there is no dedicated app for deeper EQ customization. You are limited to the factory sound tuning. While the default tuning is balanced, some users might miss the ability to create custom sound profiles.
Truke ResonanceX Technical Specifications
- Driver Size: 16mm Titanium-coated drivers
- Audio Technology: 24-bit Spatial Audio support
- Battery Life: Up to 70 hours total playtime with the charging case
- Charging: Fast charging via USB Type-C
- Microphones: Quad-mic setup with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
- Gaming Mode: 40ms Ultra-Low Latency
- Design Type: Open-Ear Wireless (OWS) with ear hooks
- Origin: Made in India
- Water Resistance: IPX5 rating
- Color Availability: Ash Black
Verdict
The Truke ResonanceX is a specialized tool for a specific type of user. If you hate the feeling of silicone tips inside your ears or if you need to stay aware of your environment while working or running, these are an excellent choice. At ₹1699, Truke is bringing OWS technology to a mass-market audience in India.
It does not replace high-fidelity in-ear monitors for critical music listening because the bass is light. However, for podcasts, office calls, and outdoor exercise, it offers a balance of safety and comfort that traditional earbuds cannot match. The build quality is decent for the price, and the 70-hour battery life removes any anxiety about charging. If you understand the limitations of the open-ear design, the ResonanceX is a strong value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do Truke ResonanceX earbuds fall off during running?
A1: The ear hooks are designed to be secure. During my testing involving jogging and basic gym movements, the buds stayed in place. They feel more secure than standard earbuds because the hook wraps around the ear.
Q2: Does everyone around me hear my music?
A2: At moderate volumes (around 50 to 60 percent), people sitting next to you will not hear your audio in a typical room. However, if you crank the volume to 90 or 100 percent in a silent library, there will be some sound leakage.
Q3: Can I use these earbuds with an iPhone?
A3: Yes, they use standard Bluetooth 5.3 and work with both Android and iOS devices. The touch controls for volume and voice assistants function on both platforms.
Q4: Is there any warranty on this product?
A4: Truke usually provides a 1-year domestic warranty on their products. Since these are “Made in India,” getting support through their service network is generally straightforward compared to unknown international brands.
Q5: How does spatial audio work on these budget buds?
A5: The 24-bit spatial audio is a software-based processing layer. It manipulates the timing and frequency of the sound to trick your brain into perceiving a wider 360-degree environment. It is not the same as expensive head-tracking systems, but it does make movies feel more immersive.
