The premium gaming headset market is really heating up, as ASUS has announced the ROG Kithara. Developed in partnership with HIFIMAN, the ROG Kithara aims to deliver audiophile-grade in-game audio thanks to 100mm HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers with an 8Hz-55kHz frequency response. What makes the ROG Kithara particularly interesting is that it uses an open-back design, which is rare to see with gaming headsets. Typically, gaming headsets have a closed-back design, as it blocks outside sound and there’s less sound leakage. It also helps prevent game audio from getting picked up by the microphone. Open-back designs, however, are generally preferred by audiophiles because of their wider soundstage and better comfort. Some will also say that an open-back design delivers more natural imaging.
Since HIFIMAN typically builds headphones, the ROG Kithara becomes a headset thanks to an on-cable, full-band MEMS boom microphone. It promises to deliver clean, distortion-free voice pickup across a 20Hz-20kHz frequency range. The headset also boasts separate signal channels to help prevent crosstalk, while a high SNR helps deliver natural voice reproduction with minimal background noise.
As a premium headset, the ROG Kithara includes a high-quality OFC balanced cable with 3-in-1 swappable plugs for hi-fi-grade audio. It comes with a 4.4mm balanced plug, along with 3.5mm and 6.3mm plugs to work with most DACs, amplifiers, PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and gaming consoles. It also has a USB-C-to-dual-3.5mm adapter for other devices. In terms of comfort, the ROG Kithara uses an eight-way adjustable headband and plush memory foam leatherette padding.
Pricing and availability weren’t announced in the press release, but you can learn more about the headset on the official website. Depending on its price, the ROG Kithara is likely competing with the newly announced Audeze Maxwell 2 or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, which is my current daily driver. Since I prefer using wireless headsets, I likely won’t have much interest in putting the ROG Kithara to the test, but it’ll all depend on its price.
