Наушники — ASUS ROG Kithara

The ROG Kithara is the first open-back planar magnetic headset from Republic of Gamers, the gaming division of ASUS. It was developed together with HIFIMAN, whose planar drivers are customised and tuned by ROG for this model, and it targets the overlap between competitive players and listeners who own dedicated DACs and headphone amplifiers. ASUS announced it on 6 January 2026 at CES, with a launch price of USD 299.99 in the United States. Sales started in February 2026.

Key specs that matter

A 100 mm planar magnetic driver sits in each cup, a diameter rarely used even in hi-fi headphones. Frequency response is quoted as 8 Hz to 55 kHz and impedance as 16 ohm. The headset weighs 420 g, is finished in black and does not fold. Two 1.8 m cables with dual 3.5 mm plugs at the earcup end are supplied - one carries the boom microphone, the other ends in a 3-in-1 system with swappable 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm single-ended plugs and a 4.4 mm balanced plug. The cabling uses oxygen-free copper. A USB-C to dual 3.5 mm adapter is also in the box for laptops and phones.

Engineering and use context

In an open-back design the rear of the diaphragm vents through the earcup rather than into a sealed chamber, which ASUS says reduces internal resonances. The large diaphragm is meant to move air with very low distortion while keeping control. The frame is metal with reinforced hinges, and the padded headband adjusts through eight positions. Two sets of cushions are included, one in velour and one in leatherette with a mesh fabric contact surface, both over memory foam. The detachable full-band MEMS boom microphone covers 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a sensitivity of minus 36 dB, keeps its signal channel apart from the audio lines to prevent crosstalk and is specified for a higher signal-to-noise ratio than conventional electret capsules. Each unit ships with a frequency response measurement card.

Pairing

The low impedance is easy for phones, laptops and console controllers to drive through the single-ended plug, while the balanced option connects to desktop amplifiers and DACs with a balanced headphone socket. ASUS lists compatibility with PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, iPad, iOS and Android devices, and with Xbox through the 3.5 mm connection.

Alternatives

The ASUS ROG Delta II is a lighter 318 g headset with 50 mm titanium-plated drivers, 32 ohm impedance and wireless 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth links.