The Kiwi Design K4 Boost and K4 Duo are two of the best elite style head straps for the Meta Quest 3 and 3s. Though these head straps are quite similar, they do have some key differences that I will highlight in this article and in the video below!
Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | CMQ3 | M3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$70 USD | ~$140 USD |
| Weight | ~350 g | ~450 g |
| Battery | 5300 mAh double charge system | 5300 mAh double charge system |
| Style | Elite | Elite |
| Features | Lightweight Power | Extra Audio |
| Runtime Boost | +1.5–2 hours | +1.5–2 hours |
| Compatibility | Quest 3 / 3s | Quest 3 / 3s |
Design and Comfort
Both the Kiwi Design K4 Boost and K4 Duo are elite style head straps. This means that they have padded top strap, a back pad, and they connect with clip on arms overtop of the side arms of the Quest 3 or 3s.
The pressure rests on the facial interface, top strap, and the back padding. When you adjust the top strap correctly, I find that it does a great job of balancing the weight. It relieves the face of holding all of the pressure. Being an elite style strap means that the fit is going to be tighter and make it better in terms of less movement while playing.
The back padding and top padding are nice and thick. I’ve always been impressed with the padding that Kiwi Design uses. I find that it is more dense and isn’t just fluff like I have felt with other companies.
One of my favourite design features on each of these head straps is how the power cord is implemented. It extends only from the pivot point to the USB-C port. It is only about 2 inches long. This means that there is no long cord protruding from the back all of the way to the front. Such a simple change but awesome.
The difference in design lies solely in where the integrated headphones are on the K4 Duo. These simply come out of the side of the headset and have three different points of adjustability. This makes it possible to fit most head and ear shapes. When not in use, they rotate up so they are out of the way and don’t put pressure on the head.
Battery & Charging
The battery and charging system is the same between the two. They each have an integrated 5300 mAh battery. This will give you roughly two hours of extra game time. They each also include the dual charge system. This means that you can leave the the head strap plugged into the head strap at all times. Then you just need to plug a charging cord into the head strap. Inside the head strap are two charging chips which will allow both the head strap and the head set to charge simultaneously. Within 2.5 hours, you can have both the head set and the head strap fully charged.
The K4 Duo will use a little power for the head phones as well. I haven’t noticed that it takes up that much more battery though. So you might get something more like 1.5-2 hours of extra game time.
Price
This is the major difference between these two head straps.
The K4 Boost is regular $70 and the K4 Duo is regular $140. I have noticed that the K4 Boost will often be on sale on Amazon. So you might even be able to snag it for cheaper. I haven’t noticed the same for the K4 Duo but that might be the case as well.
Let’s just discuss the regular price. This is a $70 difference between the two with the real only difference being the audio attachment. If you are going to be purchasing improved audio accessories like wireless earbuds or a headset, these can range from anywhere from $30 for cheap ones to over $100 for high quality ones. So in terms of justifying the extra price for the audio addition, I would say it is somewhat justified. Still a little pricey in my opinion but this is just a comparison.
Here is the important thing to note though, you could spend $70 (or a little less, or a little more) and get some wireless earbuds or head phones. You could then use these head phones or earbuds with your Meta Quest 3/3s, your cellphone, your laptop, etc. You wouldn’t be forced to only have audio for the Quest.
Is the Audio on the K4 Duo Worth It?
The audio of the K4 Duo head strap is very high quality. It is much better than the Quest 3 or 3s speakers. The one thing that I do really like is the immersive experience that it creates. With the sound coming right into your ears, if helps make you feel like you are right in the game.
Now, this immersive feeling can be achieved with other headphones or earbuds as well. The ease of having the headphones right attached is convenient.
Weight
The weight is definitely a factor in this conversation as well. The K4 Boost comes in at an extremely light 350 grams. One of the lightest battery head straps that I have tested.The K4 Duo comes in at an average 450 grams.
The K4 Boost is actually my favourite head strap for exercise and workout apps. The elite style makes it stay sturdy on my face and head, but it’s also the weight that really is amazing. I found that I sweat less using the K4 Boost than I did with the Bobovr S3 Pro with its integrated fan.
The extra 100 grams will be felt. It isn’t a deal breaker but the weight of the K4 Boost is truly awesome.
Verdict – K4 Boost or K4 Duo
We’ve had a chance to look at them both. In my honest opinion, I think the K4 Boost is the better deal. The price and the weight are what seals the deal for me. I love the light weight as I mentioned before. When it comes to the audio, I think you may as well spend $70 on extra audio that is then not attached to your head strap. This will give you the liberty to use it elsewhere as well.
Where to Buy
If you purchase either from the Kiwi Design Shop, make sure to use my Promo Code “BRIANSLOAN” to get 10% of your purchase.
Kiwi Design K4 Duo
Kiwi Design K4 Boost
These are just two of the head straps that I recommend for the Meta Quest 3 and 3s. Check out my full article and video Best Head Straps for Meta Quest 3 and 3s
Check out all of my Meta Quest 3 Accessory Reviews here!
