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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality for music is a priority, the Moondrop Nekocake would be a better choice due to its higher music score, but if you need a better microphone for calls and gaming, the Steelseries TUSQ excels with a superior mic quality score and gaming performance. The Nekocake offers wireless convenience and is recommended for air travel as well as being slightly better for use during exercise. On the contrary, if you require a wired connection, possibly for a consistent signal without worrying about battery life, the TUSQ, being wired, would be more suitable. The TUSQ also boasts better soundstage and imaging, which may enhance certain audio experiences. Both are similarly priced and well-rated for comfort and build quality, so your decision should be based on your specific needs regarding wireless vs. wired, sound quality, mic quality, and intended use. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Moondrop Nekocake
- Very good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Steelseries TUSQ
- Good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.7
7.6
The Steelseries TUSQ is good for music, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Gaming
4.6
8.5
The Steelseries TUSQ is very good for gaming, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Phone Calls
6.1
5.2
The Moondrop Nekocake is only fair for phone calls, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
4.7
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
TV and Video
5.0
7.3
The Steelseries TUSQ is good for TV and video, while the Moondrop Nekocake is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
6.0
The Moondrop Nekocake is good for noise reduction, while the Steelseries TUSQ is only fair.
Battery
3.0 Hours
N/A
The Moondrop Nekocake has 3 hours of battery life. The Steelseries TUSQ does not have a battery.
Cost
$39
$30
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Moondrop Nekocake has a price of $39 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $30.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Moondrop Nekocake and Steelseries TUSQ both have very good build quality.
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How the Moondrop Nekocake and the Steelseries TUSQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Moondrop Nekocake | Steelseries TUSQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$39 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Moondrop | Steelseries | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.7/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.7/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.6/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 12 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Moondrop Nekocake
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonics
Jarvin | January 2022
"What sets the Nekocake apart from its competition at this price point is the Moondrop Link app that allows the user to change the tonal balance of the Nekocake. This makes sure that it’s versatile enough to suit different sonic preferences while allowing some customization of controls."
Steelseries TUSQ
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Dig into reviews and images
Can Buy or Not
Aloysius Low | March 2021
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."
Get a great deal on the Moondrop Nekocake or the Steelseries TUSQ
About Moondrop
Moondrop is a Chinese brand of smart audio equipment, portable audio players, earbuds and headphones started in 2015. During the last few years they have become one of the major players in what is lovingly referred to as the Chi-fi market, the bulk of Chinese companies that have managed to actually compete with the western manufacturers in both prices and superior quality. Products such as the Blessing II, Chu and Kato are among the most popular offerings of the brand, more popular among those users that wish for good quality audio that won't break the bank. Besides audio, the brand also works in what they call the ACGN field (Animation, Comics, Games and Short Novels).
About Steelseries
Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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