The market for gaming headphones with planar magnetic transducers is still relatively niche, but this technology offers many advantages over conventional dynamic drivers, particularly in terms of precision, speed, and distortion control. With the arrival of the Asus ROG Kithara gamer headphones, Asus is clearly positioning itself in this premium segment, targeting discerning gamers as well as those lookng for a faithful sound reproduction. This wired model, designed around planar drivers developed in partnership with HIFIMAN, aims to confront an already well-established player, the Audeze Maxwell, often cited as a reference in this category.
Planar magnetics for in-game performance
At the heart of the Asus ROG Kithara gaming headphones are 100mm planar magnetic transducers, a particularly generous size for gaming headphones. This technology is distinguished by the use of an extremely thin diaphragm with a conductive circuit running through it, placed between two powerful magnetic fields. Unlike dynamic drivers, where a voice coil drives a conical diaphragm, the entire surface of this diaphragm is set in uniform motion. The result is lower distortion, faster impulse response, and more accurate sound reproduction, particularly during fast transients (abrupt variations).
For gaming, this enhanced responsiveness translates into improved sound legibility. Impacts, explosions and movements are reproduced with clarity, without lag or blur. Competitive gamers benefit from finer spatial imaging and clearer source separation, making it easier to locate enemies or off-camera actions. This technical choice clearly brings the headphones closer to the world of hi-fi, while maintaining a clear focus on eSports and competitive titles.
Uncompromising sound quality for gaming and music
Thanks to their planar drivers, the Asus ROG Kithara gaming headphones boast a frequency response of 8Hz to 55kHz, so bass is not artificially boosted and retains a solid foundation as well as excellent legibility. The midrange, essential for vocals and many instruments, is natural and detailed, while the highs soar without becoming harsh.
This balanced sound signature means that the headphones can be used for both gaming and demanding musical listening. Lovers of orchestral soundtracks will appreciate the fullness and dynamism, while electronic music enthusiasts will enjoy excellent bass speed. However, the open design implies limited isolation, making these headphones more suitable for domestic use in a quiet environment.
A microphone for clear communication
The MEMS microphone on the Asus ROG Kithara gaming headphones covers a range from 20Hz to 20kHz, enabling it to reproduce your voice clearly and naturally. This wide frequency response guarantees good presence in both low and high frequencies for crystal-clear communication in games, without muffled or sibilant sounds.
This level of vocal precision makes the microphone ideal for streaming on Twitch, recording YouTube videos or creating podcasts. While it’s no match for a dedicated XLR mic, it produces clean, clear, and consistent sound, ideal for content creators who want to get straight to the point without additional equipment.
A direct competitor to the Audeze Maxwell?
The Asus ROG Kithara gamer headphones take a different approach than that of the Audeze Maxwell. Where the Audeze relies on a hybrid solution combining a wired connection, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Asus opts for an exclusively wired model that focuses on signal purity and simplicity. This difference is also reflected in the price, with the Audeze Maxwell costing around a hundred euros more but offering great versatility thanks to its wireless capability, 80-hour battery life, and advanced Bluetooth codecs. In terms of sound quality, the two models are very similar. Both use large planar transducers, capable of delivering precise, dynamic and detailed sound. The choice between the two will therefore essentially depend on usage and design preferences. However, the forthcoming arrival of the Maxwell 2 could well change the game.
| Asus ROG Kithara | Audeze Maxwell | |
| Frequency response | 8Hz – 55kHz | 10Hz – 50kHz |
| Transducers | 100mm planar magnetic | 90mm planar magnetic |
| Wired connectivity | 3.5 / 4.4 / 6.3mm jack / USB-C | 3.5mm jack / USB-C |
| Wireless connectivity | N/A | Wi-Fi (USB dongle), Bluetooth 5.3 (LDAC + LE) |
| Compatibility | PC, PS, Xbox, Switch * | PC, PS, Xbox, Switch * |
* Depending on the platform, compatibility may be via USB-C or 3.5mm mini-jack (notably for console controllers).
New planar magnetic headphones for the gaming market
With the Asus ROG Kithara headphones, the Taiwanese company has made a convincing entry into the planar magnetic gaming headphone segment. The manufacturer offers a solution focused on performance and precision, without multiplying unnecessary features. Compared to the Audeze Maxwell, they stand out for their more streamlined, resolutely wired approach, which will appeal to gamers and audiophiles who prioritize sound quality above all else. This newcomer confirms that planar magnetic technology has its place in the world of premium gaming.
