ASUS ROG Kithara Open Back Planar Magnetic Gaming Headset - Black

ROG Kithara gaming headset with ROG-Tuned 100mm HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers, open-back architecture, full-band MEMS boom microphone, dual 3.5mm input, 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm, 6.3mm single-ended plugsRedefine to TranscendROG Kithara is built for gamers who demand true high-fidelity, audiophile-grade sound, powered by HIFIMAN’s leading acoustic technology. Its open-back acoustic design and ROG-customized HIFIMAN 100mm planar magnetic drivers deliver lifelike audio with sharp, precise detail. Engineered for competitive play, Kithara features an integrated full-band MEMS microphone for clear in-game communication. A balanced headphone cable with swappable plugs, along with a USB-C® adapter, ensures uncompromised audio fidelity and broad compatibility across a wide range of devices.ROG teamed up with HIFIMAN, a leader in planar magnetic headphone technology, to deliver audiophile-grade sound for tactical in-game advantages. Combining ROG’s unrivaled expertise in competitive gaming and HIFIMAN’s advanced driver technology, the Kithara delivers high-precision, crystal-clear sound tuned to meet the intense demands of gameplay.ROG-Tuned 100mm HIFIMAN Planar Magnetic DriversCo-developed with HIFIMAN and ROG acoustic experts, along with power gamers, and refined through extensive listening tests, the drivers used in the Kithara are tuned for a balanced sound signature. Leveraging advanced magnet-diaphragm technology, the Kithara delivers HIFIMAN’s crisp, detailed mid-highs and enhanced bass to ensure every nuance on the battlefield is heard with clarity and precision.Crafted Open-Back ArchitecturePositional awareness is critical in competitive gaming. ROG sound engineers conducted detailed acoustic evaluations to test angled textures, internal structures, and venting ratios during the development of Kithara. The resulting open-back earcup design delivers precise spatial awareness through a balance of form and functionality.General Closed-Back HeadsetsNarrower SoundstageDifferent sound sources tend to cluster closer together, making it harder to pinpoint precise locations.Open-Back ROG KitharaWider SoundstageMore accurate positional audio, excellent imaging, and a deeply immersive gaming experience.Ultrawide Soundstage for Precise ImagingThe open-back design creates an extremely spacious, dimensional soundstage compared to closed-back headsets. The design enhances separation across deep bass, mids, and treble to prevent low frequencies from masking critical cues – so you can clearly distinguish footsteps from explosions and react faster to every in-game movement.Full-Band MEMS Boom MicrophoneUnlike traditional audiophile headphones that lack a microphone, the Kithara features an on-cable, full-band MEMS boom mic for crystal-clear voice capture for seamless team comms even in the most intense battles. Compared to the standard ECM mics found in most gaming headsets, MEMS technology delivers an ultrawide 20Hz–20kHz response and higher SNR in a compact form—ensuring clear, natural voice pickup with minimal distortion.Separate Signal InputsThe detachable cable with microphone uses dedicated wiring for the audio and microphone signals to effectively eliminate crosstalk, ensuring clean, uninterrupted communication.Broad Compatibility and Plug-and-Play ConvenienceThe Kithara’s versatility makes it ideal for audiophile or gaming setups. It features a 3-in-1 cable with swappable 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm, and 6.3mm single-ended plugs for high-fidelity playback across DACs, amplifiers, gaming consoles and PCs. The 4.4mm balanced connection enables higher output power with lower noise and crosstalk, unlocking cleaner and more detailed audio. A USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adapter is included for audiophile-grade sound on almost any device. In addition, the headset features 3.5mm jacks on both left and right earcups, allowing users to use their preferred cables for customized sound.Premium Build for Durability and ComfortEvery aspect of the ROG Kithara is carefully tuned to deliver optimal user comfort and acoustic performance. Multiple prototypes were evaluated and tested on a dummy head inside an anechoic chamber to ensure that what looks good also sounds exceptional.Earcup Architecture with ROG aestheticsThe open-back design enhances airflow and reduces listening fatigue. Large oval earcups fit various ear shapes and sizes for long-lasting comfort, while the refined earcup angle balances clamping force and minimizes pressure against the jaw. A precision-crafted diamond-cut metal plate with ROG detailing completes the look.Soft, Extended HeadbandThe headband features a three-layer design using leatherette, breathable mesh, and memory foam to provide lasting comfort and reduce pressure across the head. The extended length enhances stability and weight distribution to minimize pressure across the lower cheek during marathon gaming sessions.Sleek, Durable Metal FrameThe headband has eight adjustment levels and an aluminum hinge to ensure a secure, comfortable fit that accommodates different head shapes and sizes.