ASUS partners with HIFIMAN on new open-back planar magnetic gaming headset

At CES 2026, ASUS expanded its ROG audio lineup with the unveiling of the ROG Kithara, a high-end wired gaming headset aimed at players who care as much about sound quality as competitive performance. The Kithara is an open-back planar magnetic headset developed in partnership with HIFIMAN, a company well known in audiophile circles.

According to ASUS, the collaboration is meant to deliver a wide, natural soundstage with low distortion, helping players better identify positional cues in games while offering an improved listening experience compared to typical closed-back gaming headsets.

Connectivity and flexibility are a major focus of the ROG Kithara. The headset ships with a balanced cable and swappable plugs, including 4.4mm balanced, 6.3mm, and 3.5mm single-ended options, along with a USB-C to dual 3.5mm adapter for broader device compatibility. ASUS also includes a detachable full-band MEMS boom microphone, which should appeal to gamers who want clearer voice communication without permanently committing to a fixed mic design.

ASUS didn’t stop at a single audio announcement. The company also previewed the ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming earbuds, which are expected to arrive in early 2026. These open-ear earbuds feature ergonomic ear hooks for stability, support both Bluetooth and a low-latency 2.4GHz ROG SpeedNova wireless connection, and use 14.2mm DLC drivers. ASUS says a quad-mic AI noise-canceling system handles voice chat, positioning the Cetra Open as a lightweight, on-the-go alternative for gaming on phones, handhelds, and ultraportable laptops.

What are your thoughts on the latest gaming gear from ASUS ROG? Let us know in the comments down below, and stay tuned for our full reviews coming soon.