Budget audio gear rarely generates genuine excitement. Then CMF, the sub-brand under Nothing, goes and announces the Clip Pro: its first open-back earbuds, priced at $99, launching August 15. For Switch 2 owners who have been hunting for affordable wireless audio that doesn't compromise on quality, this announcement lands at exactly the right time.
Here's the thing about open-back earbuds at this price point: they almost never include a dedicated low-latency gaming mode. The Clip Pro does. That single feature changes the conversation from "interesting music accessory" to “legitimate Switch 2 companion.”
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What the Clip Pro actually brings to the table
The design is the first thing that stands out. Rather than pressing into your ear canal, the Clip Pro hooks onto the side of your ear, sitting millimetres from your eardrum without sealing it. Think helix ear piercing geometry. The open-back form factor lets audio from the 10.8mm dual-magnet drivers breathe naturally, which tends to produce a wider, more spacious soundstage than closed earbuds can manage.
On paper, the specs punch above the $99 price bracket:
- Frequency range: 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz
- Bluetooth version: 5.4
- Codec support: LDAC (transmits up to 3x more audio data than standard Bluetooth)
- Spatial audio: Static implementation built in
- Hi-Res audio certified: Yes
- Battery life: 10 hours playback, plus 22.5 hours from the charging case
- Low-latency gaming mode: Included
- Colorways: Dark Grey, Light Grey, Coral
The LDAC inclusion is the spec worth pausing on. That codec, developed by Sony, pushes significantly more audio data through a Bluetooth connection than standard codecs allow. Pairing that with Hi-Res audio certification on a $99 product is not something the market sees often.
The Switch 2 angle and what open-back earbuds actually feel like in handheld mode
Open-back earbuds have a specific appeal for handheld gaming that closed alternatives can't replicate. Because they don't seal your ear canal, you stay aware of your surroundings while still getting full game audio. That matters on a commute or in a shared space, where blocking out the world entirely isn't always practical or safe.
For Switch 2 players grinding through sessions on the go, the Clip Pro's design could solve a real problem. Closed earbuds in handheld mode can feel isolating in a way that creates anxiety about missing an announcement or a stop. The Clip Pro sidesteps that entirely.
The low-latency gaming mode is the other piece of this. Standard Bluetooth introduces audio delay that becomes noticeable in fast-paced games, where sound effects need to sync tightly with on-screen action. A dedicated gaming mode compresses that delay, and at $99, having it available at all is worth noting. If you're putting together your Switch 2 setup and want to see what games make the most of that audio, the Star Fox Switch 2 multiplayer guide covers the audio-intensive co-op and battle modes in detail.
How it stacks up against pricier open-back competition
The comparison point here is the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless, which retails at $229.99. That's more than double the Clip Pro's price. The Cetra Open earned criticism for bass quality that felt thin and airy, which is a significant drawback for gaming audio where low-end impact matters for explosions, footsteps, and environmental sound design.
CMF specifically highlights Ultra Bass Technology in the Clip Pro's feature set, positioning it as a direct answer to the bass weakness that has plagued other open-back earbuds. Whether that translates into real-world performance remains to be seen until hands-on testing happens, but the intent is clear.
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds sit at $199.99 and offer dedicated gaming features with Switch 2, PS5, and PC compatibility. They're a more established gaming-first product, but they cost twice as much as the Clip Pro. For players who want open-back specifically, the Clip Pro is currently the only budget option with a gaming mode in the mix.
Switch 2 has a growing library worth investing in proper audio for. If you're figuring out which games to prioritize, the Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Switch 1 vs Switch 2 guide breaks down exactly what Switch 2 owners get that Switch 1 players don't.
What to watch for when reviews land
The Clip Pro launches August 15. The questions that matter most won't be answered until reviewers spend real time with them: Does the Ultra Bass Technology actually deliver, or is it marketing copy covering up the same thin low-end that open-back earbuds often struggle with? How does the low-latency gaming mode perform in practice on Switch 2 and PS5? And does the ear-clip design stay secure during longer handheld sessions?
At $99, the risk is low enough that it's worth watching closely. Pro tip: if you want to stay across Switch 2 accessory and game coverage as it drops, the gaming guides hub has you covered with ongoing Switch 2 content as the library keeps expanding.
