Most gaming headsets sound fine for explosions but fall apart when you play music. The ROG Kithara was co-developed with HIFIMAN and uses 100 mm planar magnetic drivers in an open-back design, so it behaves more like a hi-fi headphone that happens to have a proper microphone. A detachable full-band MEMS boom mic cable handles team chat, while a second cable with swappable 3.5 mm, 6.3 mm and 4.4 mm balanced plugs lets you run it from a DAC or amp. A USB-C adapter is included for laptops, consoles and phones. Being open-back, it leaks sound and blocks little outside noise.
Key features
100 mm HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers
ROG and HIFIMAN tuned the drivers together, using HIFIMAN's Neo Supernano diaphragm and Stealth Magnet design. ASUS lists a frequency response of 8 Hz to 55 kHz, and each pair of drivers is measured and matched for left-right consistency. A frequency response measurement card is included in the box.
Open-back earcups for a wider soundstage
The open-back earcups let sound pass through, which gives a more spacious presentation and helps with judging where footsteps and effects come from. The trade-off is that people nearby can hear your audio, outside noise gets in, and bass feels lighter than on a closed-back headset.
Two cables: MEMS mic for chat, balanced for listening
The boom mic cable uses a full-band MEMS microphone (20 Hz to 20 kHz) with separate 3.5 mm plugs for audio and mic to reduce crosstalk, plus an in-line mute switch and volume wheel. For listening, the second cable takes swappable 3.5 mm, 6.3 mm and 4.4 mm balanced plugs.
Built for long sessions
The metal headband has eight adjustment steps and a padded strap made of leatherette, mesh and memory foam. Two sets of ear cushions are supplied: velour for a softer fit and warmer sound, and leatherette with mesh fabric for a more focused sound.
Specifications
| Type | Wired open-back headset |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 100 mm planar magnetic (ROG-tuned HIFIMAN) |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz – 55 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 ohm |
| Microphone | Full-band MEMS boom mic on detachable cable; 20 Hz – 20 kHz; sensitivity -36 dB |
| Cables | 1.8 m dual-3.5 mm boom mic cable; 1.8 m cable with swappable 3.5 mm / 6.3 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced plugs |
| Adapter | USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adapter included |
| Platforms | PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, iPad, iOS, Android; Xbox via 3.5 mm on the controller (audio only) |
| Controls | In-line mic mute switch and volume wheel |
| Active noise cancellation | No |
| Ear cushions | 2 sets: velour; leatherette with mesh fabric |
| Lighting | None |
| Weight | 420 g |
| Colour | Black |
In the box: ROG Kithara headset; 1.8 m dual-3.5 mm to dual-3.5 mm boom mic cable; 1.8 m dual-3.5 mm cable with 3-in-1 plugs (3.5 mm / 6.3 mm single-ended, 4.4 mm balanced); USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adapter; 2 sets of ear cushions (velour, leatherette with mesh fabric); frequency response measurement card; warranty booklet; quick start guide
Who it's for
- Gamers who also listen to a lot of music and want one headset for both
- Owners of a DAC or headphone amp who want a balanced 4.4 mm connection
- Players who want positional cues from a wide, open soundstage in a quiet room
Not ideal for: Not for noisy rooms, commuting or shared spaces: the open-back design leaks sound, blocks little noise, and there is no wireless mode.
Warranty and delivery
This is Hong Kong licensed stock, covered by the local distributor's warranty; the period is shown on the warranty card in the box. Brand new. Stock can be viewed at our Kwun Tong showroom by appointment.
Delivery by SF Express, freight collect. Free self-collection at our Kwun Tong shop (11:00–19:00). For other arrangements, please WhatsApp us.
FAQ
Does the microphone work on PS5 and Xbox?
On PS5 and Switch, plug the included USB-C adapter into the console for audio and mic. Plugged into a PlayStation or Xbox controller's 3.5 mm jack you get audio only, because the mic cable splits audio and mic into two plugs.
Do I need a DAC or amplifier?
No. ASUS suggests using the included USB-C adapter if a device's headphone jack sounds too quiet. For the best listening, it recommends the 4.4 mm balanced or 6.3 mm plug with a dedicated DAC or amp.
What comes in the box?
The headset, a 1.8 m dual-3.5 mm boom mic cable, a 1.8 m cable with swappable 3.5 mm, 6.3 mm and 4.4 mm balanced plugs, a USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adapter, two sets of ear cushions, a frequency response card and printed guides.