ASUS has released the ROG Kithara, a wired gaming headset featuring planar-magnetic drivers designed to provide audiophile-grade sound quality [1].

The product marks a significant shift in gaming peripherals by integrating high-fidelity audio technology typically reserved for professional studio equipment. By targeting gamers who prioritize sound accuracy, ASUS aims to bridge the gap between consumer gaming gear and enthusiast audio hardware [2].

Introduced at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the ROG Kithara is the first ROG-branded gaming headset to utilize planar magnetic drivers [3]. These components differ from standard dynamic drivers by using a flat diaphragm, which generally reduces distortion and improves transient response.

The headset features 100mm planar magnetic drivers [4]. This scale of driver is intended to deliver a more expansive soundstage, a critical factor for both immersive gaming and critical music listening. The open-back design further assists in creating a natural sonic environment, though it allows sound to leak out and ambient noise to enter.

ASUS developed the hardware in collaboration with HiFiMAN, a company known for its high-end audio equipment. The goal was to bring "audiophile-grade sound" to the gaming community, ASUS said [2].

The ROG Kithara is priced at $299 [5]. While this price point is higher than many entry-level gaming headsets, it positions the device as a competitive alternative to other high-end planar options in the market.

Industry observers said that the headset uses "high-end planar-magnetic drivers" to achieve its performance targets [6]. The device remains a wired offering, ensuring that there is no latency or compression associated with wireless transmission, which is a primary requirement for audiophiles.

“The ROG Kithara is the first ROG-branded gaming headset with planar magnetic drivers”

The entry of a major hardware manufacturer like ASUS into the planar-magnetic market suggests a growing consumer demand for high-fidelity audio within the gaming sector. By partnering with HiFiMAN, ASUS is leveraging specialized expertise to compete with boutique audio brands, potentially normalizing the use of open-back, high-driver-count headsets in mainstream gaming setups.