The Creative T100 desktop speakers was a great addition to the T-series of speakers. The new Creative T60 is the latest addition to that lineup and it seems to be designed for today’s work-from-home era and to include almost all of the speaker technology Creative from their Sound Blaster. The new Creative T60 retails for S$119.
Unboxing
In the box, you’ll find the following:
- Creative T60 (left and right)
- AC Power Adapter 18V 2A (1.5m / 4.92 ft)
- AC Plugs
- 3.5 mm cable (Cable Length 1.2m / 3.94 ft)
- Headset Extension Cable (30 cm / 0.98 ft)
- USB-C to USB-C Cable (1.2m / 3.94 ft)
- USB-C to USB-A Converter
- Quick start guide and Warranty leaflets
The right speaker unit will have all the buttons and connectivity options, just like on the T100.
Like the T100, the Creative T60 does not require a hefty power brick but instead has a slightly thick charging head. It’s a little surprising that the Singapore based AC plugs is two-pin instead of the UK plug.
Tech specs
| Size | Left Satellite: 147 x 92 x 199 mm / 5.79 x 3.62 x 7.84 inches Right Satellite: 157 x 92 x 199 mm / 6.18 x 3.62 x 7.84 inches |
| Cable length | Satellite: 2.0m / 6.56 ft cable molded to Left Satellite USB-C to USB-C Cable (Cable Length: 1.2m / 3.94 ft), 3.5 mm Stereo to Stereo Cable (Cable Length: 1.2m / 3.94 ft) |
| Weight | 1.9 kg / 4.18 lb |
| Power output | 2 x 15W RMS – Up to 30W RMS Peak Power 60W |
| Drivers | Dual 2.75” Speaker Drivers |
| Frequency response | 50–20,000 Hz |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Supported audio codec | SBC |
| Ports | AUX-in, Mic-in, USB-C, 3.5mm Headphones / Headset Port |
Build quality and design
The Creative T60 looks more like the successor of the T20 than the T100 based on its design. It features exposed drivers like the old T20 did, but instead of bright yellow, Creative has gone with a light gold colour which actually looks rather modern. Also, you have a convenient volume knob on the right speaker which was also a thing on the old T20.
The Creative T60‘s design seems to be a mix between the T20 and T100. The size and shape of the T60 is largely similar to that of the T100. The T60 is slightly smaller than the T100 and has a more inclined angle. Here are some pictures comparing the Creative T60 to the Creative T100:
The T100 has a matte front (due to speaker grille) and a glossy back, while the Creative T60 does the opposite – glossy front and matte back. You also have Creative’s BasXPort which is found at the back of the speakers. Overall, I like the design of the T60, it combines elements of both the old T20 and newer T100 speaker to create something that looks clean and modern.
As for build quality, the Creative T60 feels sturdy and has a good heft to it. No creaking plastic, and buttons are all tactile without being overly hard to press or feeling mushy.
Connectivity
Creative T60 drops the optical-in and USB drive inputs that T100 supported, but introduces a USB-C port for USB audio for your computer/laptop. Alternatively, you still have 3.5mm AUX-in and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless playback.
The Creative T60 is likely designed with work-from-home in mind as it features a 3.5mm mic-in port and a 3.5mm headphones port. The 3.5mm mic-in port is especially useful because you don’t have to use a splitter if you want to connect an external microphone. Essentially, the T60 doubles as a DAC to support external 3.5mm headphones/microphone.
To get the best out of the Creative T60, you should connect the speaker to your computer through USB. Creative is also nice enough to bundle a USB-C to USB-A converter if you don’t have a spare USB-C port. The reason why you should connect via USB is because you can use the Creative App.
Creative App
The Creative App offers extra functionality for the T60 such as customizable EQ, smart sound profiles via its Acoustic Engine, and SmartComms Kit. You can install in either on Windows or macOS.
While the T100 speaker allowed you to tune the sound via bass and treble adjustments, the Creative T60 takes it one step further using the Creative App by allowing you adjust the EQ graph for greater levels of customisation. The software comes with many EQ presets including a variety of game titles. You can make your preset and save it as well.
There is a feature called Acoustic Engine. I found the ‘Crystalizer’ mode to be rather useful at bringing out the midrange of the Creative T60. Again, it is another set of software feature that lets you play and customise the sound to your liking. You also have a SmartComms Kit which automatically mutes your microphone if it senses that you are not speaking.
Sound quality
The sound produced by the Creative T60 speakers is pretty good. Despite being just a desktop speaker, it can produce room-filling audio which sounds full and balanced. Bass is impactful and is able to produce satisfying thumps at the low end. The bass however, can leak into the mids on bass heavy songs. Mids and highs have good clarity and generally remains forward as long as the song does not have too heavy bass presence. Overall, the Creative T60 has a warm sound signature that is able to offer a full rounded sound.
Creative T60 vs Creative T100
When compared to the T100 on default settings, the T60 clearly sounds fuller thanks to its strong bass presence. When compared to the T60, T100 will sound more bright, with mids and especially highs being in the forefront. Bass hits sharper on the T100, while the T60 will produce a deeper thump which can sometimes bleed into the mids. Vocals is more forward on the T100, with highs being more transparent as well.
Bad Guy for example, the T100 had snappier bass hits and the vocals managed stay more prominent, whereas on the T60, bass was boomier with vocals slightly suppressed. For Don’t Know Why, the female vocals on the T100 sounded more transparent, while the T60 offered a more full sounding warm sound with reverbs.
I recorded some audio samples three music tracks – Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, and Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones – with a Zoom H1 microphone. You can listen to them to compare, but do note that the recording quality isn’t the best.
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones
There are times where I prefer the T60 sound because the stronger bass presence gives the audio a fuller sound, but there are also times where I prefer the T100‘s sparkling highs that isn’t clouded by a strong sub-bass. If I had to choose one, I’d go with the T60 just because it is more versatile and supports the Creative App for greater customisation of features and EQ.
Clear Dialog & Surround
Despite being cheaper than the T100, the Creative T60 comes with Sound Blaster audio features such as Surround and Clear Dialog. These features can be accessed rather quickly by their buttons on the right satellite speaker.
Surround mode really does help to open up the soundstage of the audio. I tested it with Dolby Atmos sample videos and there was indeed a difference in the soundstage and imaging. The soundstage is expanded and creates a more immersive experience. I always turn on the Surround mode when I’m watching movies. The Clear Dialog is able to bring out dialogue in shows or podcast, but it does sound a little processed so I guess use it only if you really find the dialogues to be muffled.
Conclusion
The Creative T60 speakers presents an incredible value proposition at S$119. T60 supports USB audio with many audio features that can be customised further with the Creative App. Also, it has extra functionality to support the current work-from-home situation with seamless connection with external headphones and microphones.
Where to buy
You can buy it from the Creative Online Store. But before you click away, here’s how you can save $2 by being a member. First, sign up for a Creative Account. Next, subscribe to their newsletter to get 40 member points. And lastly, redeem those points at checkout for $2 discount.