we’ve already Roaring, ranting and reminiscing in an age where tech looks cool and not industrial. It is colorful, unique, and in its best form, it’s clean. In the process, some thought we were no longer worth having, and now we have boring-looking phones and headphones to listen to true crime podcasts. We’re so thirsty for individuality that some people have started converting retro MacBooks into iPad cases…for just $1,000. Would I sell a kidney for a thick, transparent iPhone? Yes (someone forwarded this to Tim Cook). Will I pay a fortune for a case? Do not.
When an email from Skullcandy came through my inbox touting earplugs made to raise awareness about environmental impact, and Those earbuds were “nostalgic clear” and my eyes were glazed. Could it mark the return of good, cool tech?
Answer: somewhat. The dazzling bright green of the Jib True 2 Transparency collection buds is lovely. I want to chew them. When I’m not arguing about putting them in my mouth, I’m happy to have them in my ears. Other than the sub-par mic and the fact that I’d like more visual clarity in its inner workings, these are solid earbuds.
in clear
Photo: Skull Candy
As much as I love the look of the Jib True 2 Transparency, it does feel a little wobbly compared to other clear plastic products I like. It feels like Skullcandy can lower the opacity by a few hundred notches and even add colored wires like the best landlines in the world. This limited-edition collection (the standard True 2 earbuds are long-lasting), also includes the Hesh Evo over-ear headphones, which are just as cute but more opaque.
While I think they could be more physically transparent, I do appreciate idea Behind this limited route: companies are more transparent about their impact on the environment. As long as people want mobile phones, computers and even headphones made of rare earth materials and plastics, it creates waste and has an impact on an already struggling environment.
Skullcandy says it is continuing to reduce its carbon footprint, having recycled nearly 650,000 headphones to date (saving about 544,000 pounds of landfill waste). If you return your old Skullcandy buds to the company, you’ll get 30% off new buds. All of the brand’s packaging is 100% recyclable and Jib True 2 has a carbon footprint equivalent to 5.70kg. Skullcandy purchases carbon offset credits to offset this. In addition, a portion of Jib True 2’s profits will go to Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting climate change.
Is this about healing the world? No, of course not. But now is the time for big brands to acknowledge and make some sort of promise. You won’t see anything similar from any other major headphone brand.
Audio test
Photo: Skull Candy
Aside from the looks and environmental effort, the Jib True 2 headphones sound good. I used to be someone who never used headphones that weren’t in the box on my phone. Then last year I bought myself a pair of Beats Solo Pros (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and realized I was missing a point.
