Nothing and KEF Collaborate to Launch Headphones
Iconic design meets high-fidelity sound in Nothing’s first over-ear headphones with audio-innovator KEF.
Nothing and KEF have announced the launch of Headphone (1), the first collaborative product between the two British brands. Headphone (1) is Nothing’s first over-ear audio product and the debut device created through its partnership with KEF under the Sound by KEF initiative, bringing together their shared passion for innovation and design.
Acoustically co-engineered with British audio pioneer KEF, Headphone (1) combines high-fidelity acoustics with Nothing’s distinctive design language, intuitive tactile controls, and immersive user experience.
This launch marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Nothing and KEF, uniting KEF’s 60+ years of audio innovation with Nothing’s mission to make technology feel more expressive and human. Headphone (1) sets a new standard in over-ear listening and represents the first product born from this collaboration.
“This collaboration brings together KEF’s decades of acoustic expertise with Nothing’s bold design thinking,” said Jack Oclee-Brown, Vice President of Technology at KEF. “With Headphone (1), we’ve applied our high-fidelity engineering approach to create a headphone that delivers natural, balanced sound with incredible precision. It’s a proud moment for our ‘Sound by KEF’ initiative.”
“With Headphone (1), we set out to create something that doesn’t just sound great, it feels different the moment you pick it up,” said Adam Bates, Head of Design at Nothing. “From the tactile controls to the transparent construction, every detail is intentional. It’s a product that looks different, works differently, and invites people to connect with sound in a more expressive way.”
Immersive sound in collaboration with KEF
The sound of Headphone (1) is acoustically engineered using KEF’s advanced tuning tools and deep acoustic knowledge to reproduce music as the artist intended. Known for precision and natural balance, KEF brings a level of refinement that enhances every listening session. The result is immersive audio that feels detailed, lifelike, and true across every genre. A custom-built 40 mm dynamic driver delivers rich, natural sound with deep bass, detailed mids, and crisp treble across all modes, including ANC, Transparency, and Spatial Audio.
With on-device spatialisation and built-in head tracking, Headphone (1) transforms any stereo source into a 360-degree soundstage that adapts in real time to the listener’s movement. With support for Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, USB-C lossless playback, and a 3.5mm jack, Headphone (1) delivers exceptional sound – wired or wireless. A precision damping system and high-linearity suspension further minimises distortion so every track sounds exactly as the artist intended.
Designed to feel as good as it sounds
Featuring iconic transparent elements and premium materials like formed aluminium and PU memory foam, Headphone (1) is built for comfort and visual impact. The lightweight ear cup combines aluminium and durable plastics for resilience, while the telescopic arms allow smooth adjustment. Oil-resistant ear cushions mould naturally to the listener’s head, reducing ear pressure and providing a secure, comfortable seal for all-day wear across a wide range of head shapes.
Designed to be remembered, its sleek lines mirror the acoustic precision within – where every curve, cut, and cavity is built to unify form and function.
Headphone (1) takes a deliberate step away from touch sensors, opting instead for tactile controls built into the physical design. The Roller, Paddle, and Button provide a more precise and reliable way to adjust volume, navigate media, and toggle ANC – without the guesswork or friction often associated with touch interfaces. By integrating these controls directly into the headphones, Headphone (1) prioritises usability and responsiveness, offering a more intuitive and satisfying listening experience.
Advanced Noise Cancellation and crystal-clear calls
Featuring dual feedforward and feedback microphones, Headphone (1)’s real-time ANC dynamically adapts to changing environments, while Transparency Mode keeps users aware of their surroundings. A best-in-class 4-mic ENC system, powered by AI and trained on more than 28 million noise scenarios, ensures clear voice capture for calls in even the busiest environments.
Power that keeps up
Headphone (1) delivers up to 35 hours of listening time, and a quick 5-minute charge provides 2.4 hours of playback, all with ANC on. With Bluetooth 5.3, dual device connection, Fast Pair support and low-latency performance, switching between devices is fast and seamless.
Smarter listening with AI and personalisation
Headphone (1) integrates ChatGPT for seamless, voice-activated access to information, inspiration, and everyday assistance. By customising the Button actions in the Nothing X app, users can trigger voice assistants, access News Reporter or open Nothing’s Essential Space – a second memory designed to capture voice notes, reminders, and fleeting thoughts.
The Button also enables a personalised listening experience with Channel Hop, allowing users to cycle seamlessly through recent audio apps and favourite functions without scrolling through libraries or switching apps. It’s a time-saving feature built for convenience, particularly during activities like exercising or commuting.
An 8-band Advanced EQ in the Nothing X app lets users fine-tune audio beyond treble and bass for a truly customised sound experience.