Reviews explicitly say the Kithara lacks ANC, so noise canceling features are absent rather than weakly implemented.
There is no strong case for active noise canceling here; one included review flatly says the headset is not noise-canceling.
Android compatibility is explicitly listed in review specs and compatibility coverage.
Android support is explicitly listed for the CH351, making mobile pairing part of its intended use case.
Reviews describe the headset as plug-and-play and explicitly note there is no Armoury Crate app integration.
Software support is inconsistent in the included reviews, ranging from no companion app at all to optional PC software on another Cooler Master unit.
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 a recurring strength, delivering weighty explosions and energetic low end without fully burying other cues.
Reviews explicitly describe the Kithara as wired-only and lacking Bluetooth.
Wireless stability is the CH351's biggest weakness, with persistent static and buzzing reported even during active use.
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.
Material quality looks decent for the money, though not every component feels equally premium.
Inline controls exist for mute and volume, but reviewers repeatedly call the wheel overly smooth or sensitive rather than precise.
Control usability varies sharply, from simple inline buttons on one review unit to a crowded, error-prone earcup layout on the other.
The included cables are generally described as durable, braided, premium-feeling, and flexible, though one review notes long-term durability remains to be seen.
The CH331's permanently attached fabric-wrapped cable is long, practical for desk use and presented as a solid part of the package.
One review specifically calls out the missing bag or hard case as a disappointment given the number of included cables and adapters.
Clamping force is generally described as moderate or relaxed, helping comfort rather than creating hotspot pressure.
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.
Long-session comfort is mixed: soft pads help, but weight and head pressure are recurring complaints.
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.
Styling lands well in both reviews, whether you prefer playful colorways or a more subdued black-on-black look.
Multiple detachable cables and swappable terminations make it easier to adapt the headset for different sources and use cases.
Cable convenience is mixed across the included reviews, with one headset using a removable aux cable and the other a fixed cord.
The removable boom mic adds flexibility, letting the headset function more like a pure headphone when the mic is not needed.
A detachable boom mic adds welcome flexibility for switching between gaming use and a cleaner everyday setup.
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 CH351 includes a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle, but the wireless experience is undermined by static noise.
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.
The ear pads are a consistent positive, described as soft faux/protein leather and generally comfortable on the ears.
The earcups provide meaningful swivel and lay-flat movement, which helps fit and packing.
Cup movement is limited overall; the CH331 cups pivot outward but do not offer especially generous articulation.
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.
EQ customization is weak overall, either missing entirely or present but not especially effective.
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.
The drivers reproduce both heavy bass and finer ambient details well enough to sound convincing, even if the signature is not neutral.
Reviewers specifically note the absence of chat-mix style controls, so gamers wanting dedicated game/chat balance will miss this feature.
The headband is adjustable, but multiple reviews report loose or slipping adjustment mechanisms on at least some units.
The CH331 offers useful headband extension, giving it enough adjustment range for fit tuning.
Hinges are described as sturdy and able to take abuse, supporting the headset's premium build impression.
Accessories are repeatedly highlighted as a standout strength, with multiple cables, plugs, pads, adapters, and extra documentation in the box.
The CH351 package is well equipped with a dongle, aux cable and detachable microphone.
Instrument layering and separation are called out as a major strength, especially for music and complex game audio.
The reviews point to good layer separation, making footsteps, ambience and soundtrack elements easier to distinguish.
Microphone functionality is a core feature across the included reviews, even though the exact implementation differs.
At least one review notes the drivers retain enough control and headroom to raise volume aggressively without sounding strained.
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.
The CH351 mic does a notably good job suppressing nearby household noise in the included test.
For voice chat, calls, and meetings, the mic is generally described as clear, natural enough, and reliably usable.
On the CH351, the detachable mic is clear and loud enough for chat or streaming without sounding thin.
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 detail is solid for the class, with dialogue and vocal texture coming through better than a typical one-note budget tuning.
The Kithara is presented as broadly compatible across PC, PlayStation, Switch, phones, and other wired-capable sources.
The CH351 stands out for broad platform support across consoles, computers and mobile devices.
Passive isolation is minimal because of the open-back design, so outside noise remains audible.
Passive isolation is limited, with one review explicitly noting that room sounds still bleed through.
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.
Portability is not a strength, as the included evidence points to a desk-first design rather than a travel-friendly one.
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.
Preset tuning is not a standout, with profiles either absent or too similar and bass-skewed to feel useful.
The earpads are removable and replaceable, and at least one review explicitly notes replacing them with a new pair.
RGB lighting exists on the CH331, but control is minimal and limited to basic on or off behavior rather than real customization.
Setup is simple and software-free, with repeated plug-and-play comments and no requirement for an app.
Basic setup is easy enough, but the overall experience is weakened by limited customization and, on the CH351, awkward controls.
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.
The included reviews consistently praise big, immersive gaming sound, although the CH351's wireless buzzing drags down the overall experience. Both reviews paint wired operation as a strong scenario, with seamless connection and better overall sound performance.
A wide, spacious soundstage is one of the most consistently praised audio traits across the reviews.
Wide staging is one of the clearest strengths, helping worlds feel larger and positional cues easier to place.
Reviews explicitly note the lack of virtual surround or other spatial-audio processing features.
Spatial or virtual surround performance is a real highlight, adding convincing depth and directionality in games.
Physical stability is mixed because several reviewers report sliding earcups or headband movement during normal use.
On-head stability is only average, with one review noting that the headset can slide around during movement.
Treble is generally clear and detailed, but several reviews also describe it as bright or potentially fatiguing.
Treble detail is good enough to keep smaller environmental sounds audible, including birds, crackling fire and distant effects.
USB-C support is a recurring convenience point thanks to the included adapter and broad device compatibility.
USB-C is part of the CH351 setup, appearing in its dongle and port layout.
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.
Volume output is described as lively and forceful, with enough punch to make games and music sound exciting.
The headset is undeniably heavy, but opinions split on whether weight distribution offsets that enough for comfort.
Both reviews call the headset noticeably heavy, which becomes more obvious the longer you wear it.
Xbox compatibility is limited and often compromised, usually relying on controller audio with reduced or absent mic functionality.
Xbox support is not a strength in the included evidence, and one review specifically steers Xbox shoppers toward other models.