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ROG Kithara: The Gaming Headset Audiophiles Have Been Waiting For

ROG Kithara: The Gaming Headset Audiophiles Have Been Waiting For

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
5 minute read

ROG Kithara: The Gaming Headset Audiophiles Have Been Waiting For

Experience hi-fi soundstage and unmatched comfort with ROG's groundbreaking planar-magnetic gaming headset.

Finally, a Gaming Headset That Speaks Audiophile

If you’ve ever been stuck juggling between a dedicated gaming headset and a pair of hi-fi headphones, you know the struggle. Gaming headsets usually drown you in bass, boast flashy RGBs, and come with mics that are "just good enough" for chat but nowhere near audiophile quality. Meanwhile, those glorious planar-magnetic headphones deliver sound like angels whispering, but they often lack microphones and look oddly out of place alongside your RGB setup.

Enter the ROG Kithara — a real game-changer that blends the best of both worlds for players who crave stellar sound and crystal-clear communication without compromise.

ROG and HIFIMAN Team Up for Sonic Magic

The ROG Kithara is ASUS ROG's first-ever open-back planar-magnetic gaming headset, crafted in collaboration with the legendary HIFIMAN. This partnership brings 100mm planar drivers into a headset that doesn’t just sound good but sounds right for gaming and more. Unlike typical gaming headsets that feel like an afterthought for sound quality, the Kithara treats every click, footstep, and explosion like the cinematic experience it is.

What makes it stand out? It wraps these audiophile-grade drivers in a sleek design with a proper boom mic, in-line controls, and all the necessary plugs to connect seamlessly to PCs, laptops, consoles, and DACs.

ROG Kithara headset side view

ROG Kithara close-up on earcup

Planar Drivers Deliver Pure, Accurate Sound

The heart of the Kithara lies in its planar-magnetic drivers, boasting a jaw-dropping 8Hz to 55kHz frequency response with minimal distortion. What does that mean for you? Deep, tight bass that never overwhelms and sparkling treble that hits every high note crisply—no smearing, no mushiness.

Its open-back design expands the soundstage naturally. Imagine hearing footsteps, reloads, and even distant rustling in their rightful spatial spots instead of all sounds collapsing into one mushy blob inside your head. This isn’t just about immersion; it’s about giving you an edge in competitive games by accurately pinpointing where every sound comes from.

ROG Kithara open-back design

ROG Kithara angled view showing earcup and headband

Tactical Audio Cues Made Crystal Clear

Playing a fast-paced FPS with the Kithara feels like having a sixth sense. You can distinctly tell a teammate reloading behind you from an enemy sneaking two floors up on metal flooring. The swift transient response ensures these subtle cues snap into your brain instantly, while the open-back design prevents booming explosions from drowning out those delicate yet critical sounds.

You’re not guessing anymore; you’re hearing the battlefield exactly as the designers intended. It’s like having a superpower that boosts your reaction time and awareness—all wrapped up in premium sound quality.

ROG Kithara profile with mic extended

ROG Kithara headset with mic and earcup visible

Speak Clearly with a Pro-Level Boom Mic

A gaming headset isn’t just about what you hear; it’s also about what your squad hears from you. The Kithara’s on-cable MEMS boom microphone covers the full audible range from 20Hz to 20kHz and boasts a high signal-to-noise ratio—meaning your voice sounds natural and crisp, not muffled or tinny like typical gaming mics.

Plus, the dual 3.5mm cable design separates audio and microphone signals, eliminating annoying game sound bleed into your chat. Your teammates won’t know what you switched to, but they’ll definitely notice the lack of crosstalk and clearer comms.

ROG Kithara headset with mic close-up

Versatile Connectivity for Every Setup

The Kithara’s balanced cable comes with swappable 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 6.3mm plugs, making it a breeze to switch from your desktop DAC to a laptop or console without having to change headsets. It even includes a USB-C to dual 3.5mm adapter for modern laptops and handheld devices.

Despite delivering audiophile-level sound, its 16-ohm impedance means it’s easy to drive—no bulky amplifier racks needed to blast those late-night gaming sessions.

ROG Kithara connectivity options

Comfort Meets Customization

Audiophile sound is nothing if your headset isn’t comfortable over hours of play. ROG nailed it with a robust metal frame, eight-level headband adjustment, and two sets of ear pads: plush leatherette with mesh for focused sound, and velour for that soft, cozy feel.

The open-back design does leak sound, so it’s best for quieter environments, but if you’re someone who wants one headset to rule all—ranked matches, epic story journeys, and even critical music listening—the Kithara feels like a rare gem that genuinely respects both worlds.

ROG Kithara ear pad options

Final Thoughts: A True Crossover for Gamers and Audiophiles

The ROG Kithara isn’t just another pretty gaming headset with RGB flair. It’s a serious breath of fresh air for those who refuse to sacrifice sound quality for convenience or vice versa. With planar-magnetic drivers, an open-back soundstage, a pro-grade mic, and versatile connectivity, it bridges the gap between audiophile listening and competitive gaming like no other.

If you’ve been craving a headset that respects both your ears and your team, the Kithara might just be the upgrade your setup desperately needs.

FAQ

  • What makes planar-magnetic drivers better for gaming sound?
    Planar-magnetic drivers produce more accurate sound with less distortion, a wider frequency range, and a natural soundstage, helping you hear precise in-game audio cues.
  • Is the open-back design suitable for all gaming environments?
    Open-back designs leak sound and are best suited for quiet rooms, so they might not be ideal for noisy or shared spaces.
  • Can I use the Kithara with consoles and handheld devices?
    Yes! It includes a USB-C to dual 3.5mm adapter and swappable plugs for seamless compatibility across PCs, consoles, and handhelds.
  • How comfortable is the ROG Kithara for long gaming sessions?
    Very comfortable! It features adjustable headbands and two sets of ear pads—leatherette with mesh and soft velour—to customize your comfort and sound.
  • Does the microphone provide clear voice quality?
    Absolutely. The MEMS boom mic covers a full 20Hz to 20kHz range with a high signal-to-noise ratio, delivering natural, clear voice communication.

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