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| The new ROG Kithara gaming headset is now available |
In a move that blurs the line between competitive gaming and high-fidelity audio, Asus has officially launched the ROG Kithara. This isn’t just another RGB-laden peripheral. Instead of the standard dynamic drivers found in nearly every gaming headset, the Kithara packs massive 100mm planar-magnetic drivers sourced from HiFiMan.
If you are a PC gamer who usually just picks up whatever headset is on sale at Best Buy, the $299 price tag on this new release might cause immediate sticker shock. However, for those who understand the hardware inside, the investment tells a different story.
The ROG Kithara is available for purchase right now via Amazon, and early adopters are not paying for gimmicks—they are paying for diaphragm surface area.
The Physics of 100mm Drivers
To understand why the Kithara is a big deal, you have to look at the internals. Most gaming headsets rely on 40mm to 53mm dynamic drivers. The Kithara utilizes Hifiman planar-magnetic drivers measuring a full 100mm.
Planar magnetic technology is usually reserved for open-back studio headphones costing well over $500. Unlike traditional drivers that move via a coil attached to a diaphragm, planar magnetics use a thin, lightweight membrane suspended between two magnetic arrays. This results in significantly lower distortion and incredibly fast transient response.
According to Asus, the result is a frequency response range spanning from 8Hz to 55kHz. While 55kHz is well beyond the threshold of human hearing, it indicates that the headset can handle high-resolution audio codecs without breaking a sweat.
Asus claims that the separation of bass, mids, and treble is "crystal clear," which should theoretically give competitive gamers a distinct advantage in spatial perception. Being able to differentiate the low rumble of a grenade from the high-frequency crack of a sniper rifle in a chaotic mix is where the Kithara aims to excel.
Open-Back by Design
It is important to note that this is strictly an open-back headset. Unlike closed-back alternatives that trap sound inside the ear cups, the Kithara allows air to pass through the grille.
Asus explains the full technical architecture on the official product page here:
ROG Kithara Official Product Page
Because the back of the driver is exposed, this creates a wide, "speaker-like" soundstage. However, it comes with a trade-off: Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) is absent. In an open-back design, ANC is essentially impractical, as the physics of the headset invites ambient noise in rather than sealing it out. This headset is designed for a quiet room where audio purity is the priority.
Professional-Grade Microphone and Connectivity
Asus hasn't neglected the input side. The boom microphone utilizes MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology. This is the same tech found in high-end smartphone microphones and top-tier studio lavaliers. It captures frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, ensuring your voice sounds natural and full rather than thin and hollow.
One of the most user-friendly aspects of the Kithara is its connectivity. Rather than forcing gamers into a proprietary USB dongle, Asus has embraced the analog world:
- Dual 3.5mm connection for broad PC and console compatibility.
- Balanced 4.4mm plug for audiophile DACs and amplifiers.
- 3.5mm and 6.3mm single-ended plugs for mixers and studio interfaces.
- USB Type-C adapter included for modern laptops and mobile devices.
Build Quality and Comfort
Weighing in at just under 15 ounces (425g) , the Kithara is not ultralight, but the weight distribution is supported by a durable metal frame and metal hinges.
Asus is leaning hard into the sustainability/longevity angle here. The earpad cushions are replaceable and ship with additional pairs in the box. However, potential buyers should note that the headset cannot be folded, and Asus does not include a hard carrying case. This is very much a "desk queen"—a piece of equipment meant to live on a stand, not tossed into a backpack.
Pricing and Availability
The ROG Kithara sits at the premium end of the spectrum at $299.
You can view current stock and pricing directly here:
ROG Kithara on Amazon
For gamers looking to upgrade from "gaming headsets" to actual high-fidelity audio, this represents a relatively affordable entry point into planar magnetic sound.
For detailed specifications and to compare regional pricing, head over to Geizhals via the link below:
ASUS ROG Kithara at Geizhals
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