A Cable That Fits Every Headphone: Triple-Connector KEYSION S35-31, Explained
The S35-31 is the pinnacle of KEYSION headphone upgrade cables: the conductor uses 6N oxygen-free copper—the only one in the series—and the plugs come in three types: 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 2.5mm balanced, with the other end splitting to dual 3.5mm inputs. Priced at CNY 238 (USD 36), it is compatible with mainstream planar and dynamic headphones from HifiMan, Focal, Audeze, and others.
| Parameter | S35-31 Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor | 6N Oxygen-Free Copper | Highest purity in the series, strictest impurity control |
| Plug | 3.5 / 4.4 / 2.5mm interchangeable | No need to change cable when upgrading player |
| Termination | Dual 3.5mm | Standard for mainstream over-ear headphones |
| Length | 1.2m | Suitable for both desktop and portable use |
| Price | 238 CNY | Top-tier headphone cable, 139 CNY more expensive than S35 |
Regarding whether to spend more on 6N: The honest consensus in the industry is that the audible difference brought by purity is extremely small (from 4N to 6N, the conductivity change is less than one-thousandth). It is more a symbol of "material grade." The actual selling point of this cable is the specification combination - the only 6N plus the only three-way plug, covering both ends.
Confirm that the headphones have dual 3.5mm inputs (most HifiMan HE series, Focal's circular dual 3.5, some Audeze models). If the source has a 4.4mm balanced output, prioritize using the balanced plug; drive power and channel separation are usually better. For older Chinese DAPs, use 2.5mm; for portable phone dongles, use 3.5mm.
- For: those who use one headphone with multiple sources and various interfaces; those who want the highest spec headphone cable in the series.
- Not for: those who only use a single 3.5mm source (the S35 is cheaper at CNY 139 (USD 21) and more practical); special headphone models with XLR / 2.5mm input (check the connector before ordering).
FAQ
What's the difference between S35-31 and S35?
Two points: conductor purity (6N vs 4N) and plug (S35 is fixed cable with Kevlar reinforcement, S35-31 is three detachable plugs). Price difference is CNY 139 (USD 21), choose according to interface needs.
Can my headphones be used directly?
Compatible with over-ear headphones with dual 3.5mm input. Before ordering, check the 'Plug/Interface' item in the headphone specifications, or see if the original cable's earcup-end plug is a 3.5mm male connector.
Is the sound quality improvement from 6N purity obvious?
To be honest, the audible difference from purity alone is hard to reproduce in blind tests. Choosing it is more about the spec combination and material grade; if only considering cost-performance, the S35 is sufficient.
Is the plug-swapping logic the same as the 3-in-1?
It's the same snap-on replaceable plug design. When inserting or removing, pinch the base of the plug. The three plugs share one cable, and switching takes just a few seconds.
