Gaming, Audio Quality & Final Thoughts on the ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming Headset
So as I mentioned earlier in this review I am no audiophile by any means, but let’s talk about the audio quality here. I am extremely impressed with the audio quality from the ROG Kithara. Everything just sounded crisper and cleaner. When listening to music there were parts of songs I didn’t even know where there previously because they could be heard with this headset. Movies are a complete joy with this headset as well. Everything is just sounds better to me, the sound clarity is amazing.
Now how does that translate to gaming? That is of course why we were here as this is a Republic of Gamers headset. This is where I’m a bit torn. I mainly play fast-paced FPS games like Apex Legends and while using this headset is good, it definitely is not as good something with a closed back, surround sound, or even spatial audio. Those type of headsets are far more accurate when it comes to pin-pointing where an enemy is coming from. It’s not like the Kithara can’t do that, other less expensive headsets are just better at it also pick up sound from further away. Again this could be due to the open-back design. Another thing worth mentioning as it relates to gaming is there is no software for this headset. Other gaming headsets allow you to tune the EQ specifically for gaming or even drill down to like FPS specifically. This allows you to get the best sound experience possible for the specific type of game you are playing. With no software support this isn’t possible. There probably is 3rd party software out there, but out of the box you are not getting that support.
Now if you are playing open world games or adventure games where sound location is not super important this headset is amazing. I played quite a lot of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and the clear and detailed audio really brings so much more to the game. It gives you that immersion that you might not get from other gaming headsets, and again the crispness of the audio can’t go understated here, it really is just that good.
If you are wondering about the open-back design and hearing things around you, that can of course be a down-side to this headset. If you are by yourself in a quiet environment you are going to be fully immersed in your game and the open-back design really won’t be a big deal. If you are in a loud environment with say other people around you talking or someone having the TV on you are definitely going to hear it. The open-back design also means audio coming from the headset will be audible to the people around you. Again, not a big deal if you are by yourself, but if you have people around you that could be annoying to them. I was a bit concerned that this audio bleed might make its way into the microphone, but in my testing I didn’t experience that.
So where does that leave us? Well if you are mainly an FPS gamer this is for sure not the headset for you. If you are a more casual gamer playing story-based single-player games with big open worlds, you are going to absolutely love this headset. If I’m actually comparing this to other gaming headsets I have on-hand it definitely has the best sound clarity. This definitely does enhance the gameplay for you and really brings you into the world of the game you are playing. Of course on top of that if you are listening to music or watching movies that experience is going to be elevated as well.
Right now you can pick this headset up at our favorite online retailer for $299. This does put it on the high side when it comes to a gaming headset, especially one that is wired, but then again the audio clarity and depthless is really there. Overall ThinkComputers gives the ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming Headset an 8 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Comes with lots of ways to connect the headset
– The best clarity and sound depthless I’ve heard from a gaming headset
– Very comfortable
– Lay-flat design
– 2 sets of ear cushions included
– Great build quality
Cons:
– Not suitable for competitive FPS games
– Max volume may be low depending on how you have these connected
– No software support / adjustment
