The eight-level adjustable headband slider on the ASUS ROG Kithara headset may require tightening screws to address looseness.
- The headband adjustment is lose on some units. Mine seems to have the right amount of friction. ALL Rog Kitharas have problems with the headband. The mounting screws need to be tightened.
This addresses a specific build quality concern reported by users. a concern reported in 2 of 2 community threads.
Who it suits
Works well if
- Audiophile-grade fidelity and detailed soundstage for gaming and music listening
- Users new to planar magnetic drivers seeking an entry point
Think twice if
- Users concerned about long-term build quality and potential component failures
- Those who need a completely worry-free, durable product out of the box
The numbers that matter
- ROG-tuned 100mm HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers deliver audiophile-grade fidelity with vivid detail and exceptionally low distortion
- On-cable MEMS boom microphone offers accurate voice pickup with 20Hz–20kHz response and high SNR
- Includes 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm, and 6.3mm plugs, plus USB-C adapter for broad compatibility
- Marketplace rating is 4.4 out of 5 stars across 66 ratings
What the evidence says
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Driver Type | 100mm HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers |
| Frequency Response | 8 to 55000 Hz |
| Weight | 0.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 6.7 Inches x 10.2 inches x 4.3 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Headband slider looseness | The headband adjustment is lose on some units. Mine seems to have the right amount of friction. ALL Rog Kitharas have problems with the headband. The mounting screws need to be tightened. |
| Right ear failure | The right ear of my Kithara has stopped working. |
| Ear pad separation | both ear pads have started separating from the plastic mounting ring due to what appears to be adhesive failure. |
| Audio accuracy praise | The ASUS ROG Kithara have great audio reproduction accuracy. These headphones have a flat sound signature that's smoothly executed across the bass and mid-range. |
| Build quality praise | Outside of the weight issue, the ASUS ROG Kithara is the best wired gaming headset that I've used. |
| Ear pad failure duration | 5 months |
No specific information on driver sensitivity, impedance, or cable length is published.
Where buyers hesitate
The headband slider is loose, how to fix it?
Tighten the mounting screws on the headband for a more secure fit. Reports suggest that the headband slider can become loose on some units, requiring users to tighten mounting screws for adjustment. The listing does not detail this maintenance.
Why can I hear crinkling sound when pressing the earcup?
Earcup crinkling may indicate minor assembly or material issues. A user reported hearing crinkling sounds when pressing the earcup, possibly pointing to minor assembly or material issues. The listing does not provide details on earcup construction.
How do I know if my PC can run a game before installing it?
Check system requirements against your PC's specifications for compatibility. Determining PC game compatibility typically involves comparing game system requirements with your computer's hardware specifications. This is a general concern for PC gaming, not specific to the ASUS ROG Kithara.
What are the most important things you consider before buying a game
Key factors for game purchases often include genre, gameplay mechanics, and critical reception. Buyers of PC games consider various factors such as genre, gameplay, reviews, and system requirements. These are general considerations within the PC Games category and do not directly apply to headset purchasing decisions.
Why we judge it this way
The ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming/Audiophile Open-Back Wired Headphones are designed to deliver audiophile-grade sound, featuring ROG-tuned 100mm HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers. These drivers are specifically engineered to provide fidelity across an ultra-wide frequency range, characterized by vivid detail and exceptionally low distortion. Further enhancing the audio experience is the open-back architecture, which contributes to a spacious, natural soundstage with clear separation across bass, mids, and treble, aiming for an immersive experience in both gaming and music.
For communication, the headset integrates an on-cable full-band MEMS boom microphone, which is stated to offer accurate voice pickup with a wide 20Hz–20kHz response and high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for clean, lifelike communication. The product also boasts broad compatibility and plug-and-play convenience, including a 4.4mm balanced plug, along with 3.5mm and 6.3mm single-ended plugs, and a USB-C adapter. This comprehensive set of connectors ensures seamless compatibility with a wide array of devices such as DACs, amplifiers, PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. This versatility is a significant advantage for users with diverse audio setups.
Despite these strong audio and connectivity features, community reports highlight several concerns regarding the product's build quality and long-term durability. One recurring complaint, noted in 2 of 2 community threads, involves the headband slider becoming loose, with users suggesting that tightening mounting screws is necessary to maintain proper adjustment. This directly contradicts the listing's claim of a 'Premium build for durability and comfort' with a 'robust metal frame' and 'eight-level adjustable headband'.
Further issues include reports of the right ear of the headset ceasing to function, which is a critical failure for any audio device. Additionally, users have reported that the ear pads can separate from their plastic mounting rings due to adhesive failure after approximately five months of relatively light usage. These issues, particularly the right ear failure and ear pad separation, could be considered significant deal-breakers for many users, especially given the premium positioning suggested by the planar magnetic drivers and overall build materials.
While the audio performance is generally praised for its accuracy and flat sound signature, and one user even considers it 'the best wired gaming headset' they've used, especially for newcomers to planar magnetic drivers, the longevity of the product appears to be a concern based on these user experiences. The marketplace rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars across 66 ratings suggests overall satisfaction, but the specific, repeated complaints indicate a tangible risk of encountering these defects. The question of fixing a loose headband slider is directly addressed by user advice to tighten screws, a detail not found in the product listing. This highlights a gap between the product's marketed features and real-world user experience regarding maintenance and durability. Potential buyers should carefully weigh the impressive audio capabilities against these reported build quality vulnerabilities before making a purchase decision.
The strongest objection we found
The headband slider on the ASUS ROG Kithara headset is loose and needs tightening.
What this page does not answer
- What are the best budget gaming headsets available?
- How do I choose between wired and wireless gaming headsets?
- Logitech G502 Hero Wired Gaming Mouse - Black
- HyperX Cloud III – Wired Gaming Headset, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
How this analysis was built
Analysis of listing specifications, user community reports, and category-level feedback to assess the ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming headphones.
Sources and verification
Everything on this page traces back to the listing published for this product on Amazon.com. At the analysis date that listing showed 4.4 stars across 66 reviews. The write-up works from 8 verified data points, drawn from listings of comparable products in this category. Analysis generated on 2026-10-31.
