They are either using different materials or have changed the way they are made. its really good quality mic and moreover, its detachable as well as it as a noise cancellation cover for it too! But Taotronics have been good to me on multiple earbud purchases, so its better than a unknown brand. Yes, you read that right, you can program this to support sidetone (mic monitoring) on the PS4. I bought this same bike rack YEARS ago. Sturdy, and they fit and secure inside without any issues. The new ones could not be easier to install they just snap in place basically. I had a feeling these ran small. I?ve suffered from lower back pains since 2000. After only a couple of days with my new crocs, I could already tell a difference.