ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming Headset

The ASUS ROG Kithara Wired Gaming Headset features ROG-tuned 100 mm planar magnetic drivers co-developed with HIFIMAN and an open-back design for wide, detailed sound and enhanced spatial clarity that benefits both gaming and music listening. It includes an on-cable full-band MEMS boom microphone with wide 20 Hz-20 kHz response for clear team communication, plus a swappable cable system with balanced 4.4 mm, 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm connectors and a USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adapter for broad compatibility. The lightweight metal frame with adjustable headband and two sets of ear cushions ensures comfort for long sessions while delivering audiophile-grade audio with low distortion from 8 Hz to 55 kHz.

Features

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ROG Kithara Gaming Headset

Redefine to Transcend

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 plugs.

ROG 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-customised 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® adaptor, ensures uncompromised audio fidelity and broad compatibility across a wide range of devices.

• ROG-Tuned 100mm HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers: Audiophile-grade fidelity across an ultra-wide 8Hz–55kHz frequency range with vivid detail and exceptionally low distortion
• Open-back design: Spacious, natural soundstage with clear separation across bass, mids, and treble to enhance spatial awareness
• On-cable full-band MEMS boom microphone: Accurate voice pickup with a wide 20Hz–20kHz response and high SNR for clean voice; dual 3.5mm input prevents crosstalk for uninterrupted communication
• Broad compatibility and plug-and-play convenience: 4.4mm balanced plug included, plus 3.5mm and 6.3mm single-ended plugs, and a USB-C® adaptor for seamless compatibility with DACs, amps, PCs, consoles, and mobile devices
• Premium build for durability and comfort: Soft adjustable headband, robust metal frame and hinges, and sleek earcup with signature ROG elements
• Personalised fit and acoustics: Interchangeable earcup cushions (leatherette with fabric, velour) for customisable comfort and sound

Powered by HIFIMAN - Innovating the Art of Listening

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 unrivalled 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.

HIFIMAN Neo Supernano Diaphragm

The nanoscale diaphragm responds faster and provides uniform movement to deliver cleaner, more precise sound versus standard diaphragms.

HIFIMAN Stealth Magnet Design

HIFIMAN Stealth Magnets maximise acoustic transparency to reduce interference, so sound flows freely without reflections or diffraction.

ROG-Tuned 100mm HIFIMAN Planar Magnetic Drivers

Co-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.

• Traditional Magnets Design - Disturb and block sound waves
• Stealth Magnets Design - Minimise sound disturbance

Ultrawide 8Hz–55KHz Frequency Response

The planar magnetic drivers offer exceptional extension at both ends of the spectrum with minimal distortion—delivering deep, smooth bass and crisp, well-extended treble for clearer, more refined listening experiences.

Smoother, More Consistent Sound

Planar magnetic diaphragms offer uniform movement, rather than from a single point, to deliver ultra-clean, resonance-free audio with superior clarity and high-fidelity reproduction.

Fast Transient Response

Planar magnetic drivers like the one found in the Kithara deliver superior transient response, preserving clarity without lingering effects. This means key in-game audio cues are sharply defined, enabling you to react more quickly to enemy footsteps and reloads.

Precise Left-Right Consistency

Each driver is measured, sorted, and paired to ensure consistent frequency response between earcups, delivering accurate stereo imaging and enhanced immersive gameplay.

Crafted Open-Back Architecture

Positional 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 Headsets - Narrower Soundstage

Different sound sources tend to cluster closer together, making it harder to pinpoint precise locations.

Open-Back ROG Kithara - Wider Soundstage

More accurate positional audio, excellent imaging, and a deeply immersive gaming experience.

Ultrawide Soundstage for Precise Imaging

The 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.

• 20Hz - 20kHz - Wider Frequency Response
• Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.1% - Accurate, Clean Vocal Pickup
• High SNR 74dB - Clearer Sound

Full-Band MEMS Boom Microphone

Unlike 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 Inputs

The 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 Convenience

The 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 adaptor 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 customised sound.

• Full-Band MEMS Boom Microphone Cable
• USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adaptor
• 4.4 mm balanced
• 6.3mm3.5 mm
• Balanced Cable with 3-in-1 Swappable Plugs
• Sound Signature Certificate

Suggested Usage Scenarios

Device	Connection Method	Microphone Support
PC	Dual 3.5mm or USB-C®	Dual 3.5mm or USB-C®
NB / NUC / Mobile phone	Single 3.5mm (Audio only) or USB-C®	USB-C® only
PlayStation	Console: USB-C® Controller: 3.5mm (Audio only)	USB-C® only
Xbox	Console: Not applicable Controller: 3.5mm (Audio only)	Not supported
Switch / Switch 2	USB-C®	USB-C® only
DAC / Amp	Dual 3.5mm (Microphone to PC / Audio to DAC)	Supported if device supports microphone

High-Fidelity, Lossless Audio Listening Experience

The headphone cable features swappable 4.4 mm balanced, 6.3 mm, and 3.5 mm single-ended plugs to enable a lossless, high-fidelity listening experience.

Competitive Edge in Gameplay

The dedicated microphone cable uses separate wiring for audio and mic signals, ensuring pristine, uninterrupted in-game communication.

Maximum Compatibility

For broad compatibility across laptops, consoles, and mobile devices, Kithara also includes a USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adaptor, delivering audiophile-grade sound on almost any device.

Premium Build for Durability and Comfort

Every 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 Aesthetics

The 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 minimises pressure against the jaw. A precision-crafted diamond-cut metal plate with ROG detailing completes the look.

Soft, Extended Headband

The 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 minimise pressure across the lower cheek during marathon gaming sessions.

Sleek, Durable Metal Frame

The headband has eight adjustment levels and an aluminium hinge to ensure a secure, comfortable fit that accommodates different head shapes and sizes.

Two Types of Fit and Acoustics

The Kithara includes a leatherette-with-fabric pad for breathable comfort and more focused sound, along with a velour pad for a softer fit and warmer acoustics. Each earpad is also shaped to distribute pressure evenly around the ear, enhancing long-term comfort when gaming or listening to music.

Intuitive In-Line Control

Compared to earcup-mounted buttons, dedicated in-line controls on the Kithara enable you to mute or unmute the mic, and adjust volume via a scroll wheel for more intuitive adjustments.