Introduction

Lypertek has graced the TechPowerUp audience on a few different occasions now thanks to re-branding in 2021, not only renaming its TWS products but releasing a renewed marketing campaign to go alongside it. We first saw the PurePlay Z3, previously named the TEVI, which was soon replaced by the PurePlay Z3 2.0 and then the even newer PurePlay Z5 that added hybrid ANC support too. One model that somehow got lost in our coverage was the PurePlay Z7 which, per logical naming, would be higher up the product stack than the PurePlay Z5.


As it turns out, the PurePlay Z7 recently got a big price cut to where it's now costing less than the PurePlay Z5 simply because it is older and missing out on ANC features. Rather, this is arguably the set to go for those who care more about the actual sound experience owing to the use of a hybrid driver configuration—one dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers—along with all the neat connectivity and charging features we saw on the newer PurePlay Z5 to where it's a compelling TWS solution today. I opted to do a quick look article mostly because it's an older product and I have so much here to test, but this is certainly a product that most users will want to know more about. Thanks to Lypertek, via KS Distributions in the UK, for providing a review sample to TechPowerUp!

Packaging and Accessories

As with the PurePlay Z5, Lypertek only seems to offer the PurePlay Z7 in a single black color option and the product box follows that trend. On the front is the Lypertek logo with a render of the TWS earphones below and the product name at the bottom. Salient features are listed, along with a sticker reminding you to use the companion app to make the most of the product. More of this continues on the back and sides with marketing features and technical specifications and we see two magnets hold the box clasped shut to where it opens up sideways revealing the contents. These include a thank-you note for purchasing the PurePlay Z7 while also listing the types of ear tips provided with the PurePlay Z7 and what they are intended for—this will go a long way in identifying them for the average end user. There is also a quick start guide (online copy here) which is worth going over to make the most of the TWS earphones. Lypertek includes the expected short Type-C to Type-C charging cable as well as replacement filters to go on the end of the earphones nozzle in a move I've not seen before for TWS sets.


Knowing the TWS earphones come with a set of ear tips pre-installed, I removed them for a group photo of the many ear tips you get with the PurePlay Z7. This collection of three sizes (S/M/L) of thicker silicone "PurePower" tips and five sizes (SS/S/M/L/XL) of thinner silicone "PureSpace" ear tips and two sets (S/M) of high-density foam "PureComfort" tips puts even some more expensive wired IEMs to shame, let alone the average TWS set that is usually very spartan in this regard. Kudos to Lypertek for going beyond expectations here, and the various included options will help achieve that proper seal and fit which is crucial with IEMs.

Closer Look

The case is instrumental to true wireless earphones, providing storage and charging capability, and the Lypertek version is in the familiar shape of a rounded pill that opens in the middle. The case reminds me of what we saw on the PurePlay Z3 2.0, as well as what the likes of Sennheiser use with its Momentum TWS series, in the form of a black + blue color scheme with a fabric lining over the plastic interior making up the case. There is a tiny Lypertek logo on the top and an indicator LED in the middle along the side that goes from red to white to green to show the current case battery level during charging/discharge cycles. The expected Type-C is on the back as part of a flush-mount with a soft cover for added longevity to the hinge. The earbuds fit in nicely with a magnetic connection for charging, and the integrated LED lights up to indicate the charging status of the buds from the case. "Lypertek" is written on the base between the two housings and we see more specifications on the top including the 700 mAh battery inside. The case is rated to provide an additional seven charge cycles to the PurePlay Z7 and it takes ~2 hours to charge the case fully (closer to 3.5 hours with wireless charging).


The Lypertek PurePlay Z7 are in-ear monitors with the bud-shaped section inserted into the ear concha and the ear tips themselves going inside the ear canal. The design itself looks visually quite similar to the vast majority of other TWS products on the market but that's not a surprise given this is a successful formula that Lypertek itself has also adopted before. The PurePlay Z7 shells gets a mix of satin and matte finish to the black color scheme going on. There is a chrome ring around the tactile button on each bud for accentuation. We see the Lypertek logo and product name as well, and these are small and light enough to where you won't experience fatigue over even longer listening sessions if they fit well. There are indicator LEDs on the front, and a vent to access the integrated microphone on each bud. L/R markings are seen on the inner side to help indicate the left and right channels, respectively. They come with the medium-sized silicone tips pre-installed—these are a safe default, but I recommend trying the others to be sure. Removing the ear tips reveals a separate steel nozzle that is relatively stubby and has a retaining lip to help secure the ear tips in place. There is a replaceable filter placed at the end to prevent contaminants from entering the acoustic chamber. The shells are also IPX5 rated, so they are fine to use during a workout or while caught in the rain.