Reviews explicitly say the Kithara lacks ANC, so noise canceling features are absent rather than weakly implemented.
There is no active noise cancellation. The open-back design prioritizes airflow and natural sound, so it can’t cancel distractions the way closed-back ANC headsets can.
Android compatibility is explicitly listed in review specs and compatibility coverage.
Works on Android over Bluetooth and supports the Swarm II mobile app, but several advanced audio features are PC-centric and mobile options can feel limited.
Reviews describe the headset as plug-and-play and explicitly note there is no Armoury Crate app integration.
Swarm II provides firmware updates plus access to EQ, mic controls, spatial options, and game/chat features. Stability and feature parity vary by platform, and some users report connection or preset issues.
Audio latency is best over the 2.4GHz dongle and 3.5mm wired mode. Bluetooth is fine for casual listening but not ideal when timing is critical.
Bass is generally described as clean and controlled rather than booming. Some reviewers note solid texture or more bass than certain rivals, but most say it is not basshead-friendly and sub-bass is limited.
Bass is generally controlled rather than thunderous. Some reviews find it punchy enough for games, but many note weaker sub-bass and less impact for explosions or bass-heavy music.
Battery life is repeatedly praised, usually meeting the advertised ~50 hours and sometimes exceeding it, so most users can go many sessions between charges.
Reviews explicitly describe the Kithara as wired-only and lacking Bluetooth.
Bluetooth generally works reliably for calls and media, but it’s higher latency than the 2.4GHz dongle and switching between sources can take a couple seconds. True simultaneous game audio (2.4GHz) plus Bluetooth mixing isn’t supported. You can toggle/QuickSwitch between sources instead.
Build quality is a recurring strength, with repeated praise for the metal or aluminum frame, sturdier construction, and premium feel, though a few parts are described as thin or less premium.
Build is mostly plastic to keep weight low and is generally described as solid and flexible. It doesn’t feel as premium as metal-framed competitors, and the unusual suspension design raises long-term questions for some.
Inline controls exist for mute and volume, but reviewers repeatedly call the wheel overly smooth or sensitive rather than precise.
Controls are mostly on one earcup with a prominent volume wheel. Some find them easy to locate, while others dislike similarly shaped buttons or coarse volume steps.
The included cables are generally described as durable, braided, premium-feeling, and flexible, though one review notes long-term durability remains to be seen.
Pack-in cables are commonly braided, longer than average, and better than typical bundled cables, drawing positive comments across multiple reviews.
One review specifically calls out the missing bag or hard case as a disappointment given the number of included cables and adapters.
The included pouch/bag is useful for scratch protection but isn’t a structured case and offers limited impact protection.
USB-C charging is convenient, with multiple reviews citing fast charging (often roughly under a couple hours) and the ability to keep using the headset while it charges.
Clamping force is generally described as moderate or relaxed, helping comfort rather than creating hotspot pressure.
Clamp is typically gentle and glasses-friendly, but the same light clamp can reduce stability for people who move around a lot.
Comfort is widely praised for long desk sessions, with many reviewers calling it comfortable for hours. The main tradeoffs are weight, occasional slider issues, and mixed fit on smaller heads.
Comfort is a standout theme: lightweight build, breathable pads, and low clamp keep it easy to wear for hours, especially for glasses wearers.
Connectivity versatility is a major selling point, with multiple cables, swappable plugs, and adapters covering a wide range of wired sources and setups.
Console use is possible, but there are clear limitations around controller volume, mic routing, and especially Xbox support, so console convenience is not universal.
The design is consistently described as premium, understated, and more audiophile than typical gaming-headset styling.
A restrained, modern look with distinctive open-back grilles and floating cups. It reads more functional than flashy, which some prefer and others find plain.
Multiple detachable cables and swappable terminations make it easier to adapt the headset for different sources and use cases.
The removable boom mic adds flexibility, letting the headset function more like a pure headphone when the mic is not needed.
The detachable boom mic and flip-to-mute are convenient for switching between gaming and casual use. A few mention the boom length or ergonomics as minor annoyances.
The included USB-C dongle is useful for compatibility and can improve output on some devices, but reviewers disagree on how much it improves audio beyond convenience.
The included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle is the preferred mode for low-latency gaming and tends to be stable, while also enabling the best PC-only audio options.
Pad comfort is a frequent positive, with reviewers describing the pads as soft, plush, or cooler depending on the material. The main tradeoff is that different pads change seal, warmth, and bass.
Earpads are described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, often using fabric rather than pleather to reduce heat. Many note they’re removable for cleaning or replacement.
The earcups provide meaningful swivel and lay-flat movement, which helps fit and packing.
The earcups don’t swivel flat, which makes it less convenient to rest around the neck or pack neatly compared with headsets that fold or rotate.
The earpads are removable and swapping them is described as fairly easy.
The drivers are described as responsive to EQ, allowing tonal adjustment, but this is external EQ rather than an onboard app feature.
A 10-band EQ with custom presets is a core strength (especially on PC). A few reviewers report EQ-related artifacts or odd behavior with non-default profiles.
Fit and seal are mixed. Some reviewers praise the seal, especially with leatherette pads, while others report looseness or sliding during movement.
Reviews and measurements describe the tuning as clean, linear, and consistent, with good channel matching and balanced response.
Tuning is broadly balanced with a mild upper-frequency emphasis that favors detail and competitive cues. Multiple notes point to less sub-bass than many closed-backs and occasional treble unevenness.
Reviewers specifically note the absence of chat-mix style controls, so gamers wanting dedicated game/chat balance will miss this feature.
Game/chat mix is typically handled in the companion software rather than with a dedicated hardware dial, which is workable on PC but less convenient mid-game.
The headband is adjustable, but multiple reviews report loose or slipping adjustment mechanisms on at least some units.
Adjustment relies on a suspension/velcro system rather than sliding yokes. It fits many heads well, but it’s less granular and some worry about long-term velcro tension.
Hinges are described as sturdy and able to take abuse, supporting the headset's premium build impression.
The floating, band-suspended earcup design avoids traditional hinge stress points and feels robust in early use, but it’s unconventional enough that long-term wear remains an unknown.
Accessories are repeatedly highlighted as a standout strength, with multiple cables, plugs, pads, adapters, and extra documentation in the box.
The bundle typically includes the dongle, USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, detachable mic (often with a windscreen), and a pouch. Braided cables and overall completeness get frequent praise.
Instrument layering and separation are called out as a major strength, especially for music and complex game audio.
Instrument and layer separation is strong, helping complex mixes and busy game scenes remain distinct rather than blending together.
At least one review notes the drivers retain enough control and headroom to raise volume aggressively without sounding strained.
Clarity at high volume is generally strong with little distortion, though a few reports suggest certain EQ modes can introduce artifacts, especially at lower listening levels.
Microphone performance is generally good enough for gaming and calls, with some reviewers calling it above average, though it is not treated as a flagship streaming mic.
Noise handling is generally solid for a headset mic, with good background-noise rejection and reduced bleed in many tests, but plosives and some leakage caveats still appear.
Noise handling is generally good with adjustable noise gates and processing, but some reviewers hear occasional dips or artifacts when noise reduction is too aggressive.
For voice chat, calls, and meetings, the mic is generally described as clear, natural enough, and reliably usable.
Mic clarity is above average for a gaming headset, especially over the dongle/high-bandwidth modes. Over Bluetooth it can sound more compressed and less full.
Midrange performance is mostly positive, with reviews praising clarity and superiority to many gaming headsets, though one review notes some recession depending on tuning or pads.
Midrange is typically clear and present, keeping dialogue and key cues intelligible even in busy scenes.
The Kithara is presented as broadly compatible across PC, PlayStation, Switch, phones, and other wired-capable sources.
Connectivity is flexible via 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm analog, covering PC, PlayStation, Switch, and phones well. Xbox support is the main caveat because it isn’t wireless.
Passive isolation is minimal because of the open-back design, so outside noise remains audible.
Passive isolation is minimal by design. Sound leaks out and outside noise comes in, so it’s poorly suited to shared rooms, offices, or commuting.
Packaging and presentation are treated as premium, with special mention of the sound signature certificate and upscale box feel.
The cups can lay flat for packing, but overall portability is limited by the large, wired, open-back design.
Positional performance is a frequent strength, especially in shooters. Most reviews praise clear directional cues, though a few stop short of calling it class-leading.
The default Signature Sound profile is widely considered the most balanced and reliable. Superhuman Hearing and other presets can sound artificial or overly bright, and some profiles behave inconsistently.
The earpads are removable and replaceable, and at least one review explicitly notes replacing them with a new pair.
Earpads are removable and replacements/mod options are available or expected, which helps hygiene and long-term maintenance.
Mic monitoring/sidetone is adjustable and often described as hiss-free, but several reviewers found it too quiet unless set very high or noted it doesn’t feel especially strong.
Setup is simple and software-free, with repeated plug-and-play comments and no requirement for an app.
Setup is straightforward when everything behaves, but multiple reviews mention finicky detection, firmware/update hiccups, or settings that don’t persist, making the experience inconsistent.
Sound leakage is an inherent tradeoff of the open-back design. Several reviews say others can hear your audio, though one reviewer found leakage less severe than expected at normal listening levels.
Sound quality is the headset's clearest strength, with repeated praise for detail, clarity, openness, and a more audiophile-style presentation than typical gaming headsets.
Overall sound quality is a highlight: detailed, natural-leaning audio with strong positional clarity. The most common caveats are lighter low-end impact and occasional brightness depending on content and EQ.
A wide, spacious soundstage is one of the most consistently praised audio traits across the reviews.
Soundstage is notably wide and airy thanks to the open-back cups, creating a speaker-like sense of space that helps immersion and directional awareness in quiet rooms.
Reviews explicitly note the lack of virtual surround or other spatial-audio processing features.
PC-focused spatial features (often Waves 3D) can add useful directionality, though results vary by game and some listeners prefer it off for the cleanest, most natural presentation.
Physical stability is mixed because several reviewers report sliding earcups or headband movement during normal use.
Stability is mixed: it can sit comfortably when you’re stationary, but the light clamp and floating cups may shift with head turns or quick movement.
Treble is generally clear and detailed, but several reviews also describe it as bright or potentially fatiguing.
Treble tends to lean bright for detail and cue pickup, but several reviews mention occasional sharpness or sibilance, especially with certain presets or EQ changes.
USB-C support is a recurring convenience point thanks to the included adapter and broad device compatibility.
Charges over USB-C; reviewers treat the USB-C connection as power/charging rather than a full-featured wired audio link.
Value is mixed: some reviews call it a strong planar/open-back value, while others say the price is hard to justify against cheaper or more versatile options.
Volume output depends heavily on source power. Some devices drive it loudly, while others leave it sounding limited without a stronger DAC, amp, or dongle path.
Overall loudness is adequate for many, but multiple reviewers note an odd volume curve or that it needs higher percentage settings to reach their preferred listening level.
The headset is undeniably heavy, but opinions split on whether weight distribution offsets that enough for comfort.
Weight is consistently noted as very low for a wireless headset (around 300g), helping it feel almost invisible during long sessions.
Xbox compatibility is limited and often compromised, usually relying on controller audio with reduced or absent mic functionality.
Xbox use is described as wired-only through the controller via 3.5mm, with no native Xbox wireless support.