Asus announced the company’s first ROG-branded gaming headset with planar magnetic drivers at CES 2026. Developed in conjunction with HiFiMAN, the ROG Kithara is an open-backed design built for gamers who care about sound quality as much as gaming performance.
This headset is firmly in audiophile grade territory with similar functionality to the much-heralded Audeze Maxwell gaming headset. While most gaming headsets feature neodymium drivers, this one features large 100mm planar magnetic drivers for a better audio fidelity. It also has an ultra wide frequency response, a full band MEMS boom microphone, and balanced connectivity.
The ROG Kithara is designed like a high-end headphone rather than a gaming headset. The 100mm planar magnetic drivers are considered huge even for the audiophile space let alone for a gaming headset. Asus says this allows the Kithara to move air with very low distortion while maintaining speed and control. The frequency response is between 8Hz to 55KHz.
Asus
The open-backed design is a deliberate sound-enhancing feature that allows audio to pass through freely. This concept is designed to prevent sound reverberating around the headset. While an enclosed earcup causes different frequencies to overlap, Asus claims the Kithara has excellent sound separation, allowing better sound definition.
The headset also takes a serious view of gaming chat. Instead of a narrowband gaming mic, the Kithara uses a full-band MEMS boom microphone with a 20Hz to 20KHz response and a high-grade signal to noise ratio.
Crosstalk is reduced via separate signal paths for the microphone and headphone audio, keeping voices clear and intelligible during multiplayer chat.
In the connectivity department, Kithara differentiates itself again. Rather than locking users into a proprietary wireless system or single connector, Asus has opted for a fully analog modular approach. The supplied cable supports swappable 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 6.3mm single-ended plugs, allowing the headset to be used with most DACs, amplifiers, PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.
Asus promises the Kithara will also have a lightweight metal frame for a robust but comfortable feel while keeping the weight to a respectable 14.8 oz (420-grams), which is suitable for long gaming stints.
The headset will feature an 8-way adjustable headband and memory foam padding. The inclusion of leatherette with fabric as well as velour ear cushions allows users to customize the headset’s feel based on their comfort preferences.
Asus ROG Kithara will be available in Q1 2026 with pricing to be announced.