Compare ASUS ROG Kithara vs Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II

ANC is unusually effective for a gaming headset, cutting steady hums, appliances, and even nearby construction. A few users report cabin pressure, seal-related rumble, wind weakness, or occasional artifacts.

The Android version of Swarm II mirrors the useful PC controls, letting players adjust headset settings from a phone while using another gaming source.

Swarm II exposes ANC, microphone controls, button mapping, EQ, and device settings on PC and mobile. Its breadth is a strength, but several launch-period users encountered crashes, stalled updates, or transmitter-detection failures.

Bass is controlled, textured, and sometimes impactful, but several reviewers say it is restrained compared with closed-back or bass-heavy gaming headsets.

The dual-driver design produces powerful, physical bass that makes games feel cinematic without always sacrificing detail. The stock tuning can be overly boomy, and extreme boost or ANC behavior may introduce distortion.

Two roughly 40-hour removable batteries make battery anxiety almost disappear, with reported runtime ranging from about 30 to 50 hours per pack. The spare is normally charged and ready before the active one is depleted.

Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio is excellent for calls, music, and gaming at once, with separate volume control. Pairing and call-volume bugs appear in some units, and this is not true multi-device Bluetooth multipoint.

Build quality is one of the strongest themes, with reviewers praising the metal frame, solid construction, and premium materials despite some control/headband caveats.

Most users describe a premium, sturdy mix of metal, soft-touch plastic, fabric, and tactile controls that withstands normal knocks well. Concerns center mainly on the thin suspension mesh and isolated durability complaints.

Certified 24-bit/96kHz playback gives the headset ample detail and headroom over compatible USB connections. Platform caps and subtle real-world differences mean the hi-res badge matters more to PC listeners than every console player.

Inline control usability is mixed to negative: controls are convenient in theory, but the wheel or mute/control housing can feel cheap, sensitive, or touchy.

The physical wheels and buttons are generally tactile, logically placed, and partly remappable. Some find the controls crowded, the volume steps too coarse, or individual functions hard to identify by touch.

Cable impressions are mixed: the premium braided cable is praised, while the mic cable can feel merely okay, short, or somewhat plain.

One reviewer specifically faults the lack of a bag or hard case given the number of included cables and adapters.

The rigid fitted case is widely praised for protecting the headset, batteries, dock, mic, and accessories. It feels suitably premium, although its large footprint makes it less travel-friendly than it first appears.

The compact transmitter dock keeps the spare battery charged and ejects it cleanly for a seconds-long swap. This rotation gives desk users nearly uninterrupted wireless operation.

Clamp is usually described as moderate, relaxed, or well balanced, helping comfort without creating excessive jaw or temple pressure.

Clamp is comfortable or moderate for many heads and helps maintain a reliable seal. Others experience initial tightness, vacuum-like pressure, or concentrated discomfort, so fit is highly head-shape dependent.

Support for modern Bluetooth codecs such as LC3+ and LDAC can deliver high-quality wireless streams on compatible devices, though availability varies by headset version.

Most reviewers find long-session comfort strong despite the size, though weight, clamp, or headband fit can create issues for some users.

Soft sculpted cushions and good weight distribution let many reviewers wear the headset for full workdays or marathon gaming. Others develop top-of-head pain within an hour or two, making long-session comfort the product’s most divisive trait.

Connectivity versatility is a major strength thanks to the cable bundle, swappable plugs, balanced option, USB-C adapter, and broad desk-device support.

CrossPlay switching, dual wireless audio, and optional transmitters make the headset exceptionally flexible across rooms and systems. Extra dongles cost more, only one 2.4GHz stream plays at a time, and some launch setups were unreliable.

Console compatibility has important caveats, especially around Xbox and controller/USB-C behavior, with some reviewers discouraging console-first use.

The Xbox model offers the broadest native compatibility, while the PC/PlayStation model cannot connect to Xbox. Game/chat mixing and certain codecs are also tied to the selected version, creating avoidable fine print.

Design reactions range from stylish, premium, and restrained to comically oversized or odd-looking on smaller heads.

The understated metal-and-fabric design looks far more luxurious and less overtly gamer-like than earlier Turtle Beach headsets. Its large earcups remain bulky, but most reviewers are comfortable wearing it in public.

Removing the boom mic quickly converts the headset into a cleaner-looking pair of everyday headphones, while flip-to-mute is usually convenient. A few users prefer retractable designs or trigger mute accidentally when moving the boom.

The USB-C dongle is useful for compatibility and sometimes volume, but reviewers disagree on whether it improves sound or behaves consistently.

The included second transmitter is a major convenience for switching between separated systems without moving cables. Expansion units cost extra and have sometimes been unavailable, defective, or unrecognized by Swarm II.

The large pads are widely praised for plushness, breathability, and comfort, with a few caveats about scratchiness, warmth, or fit behavior.

The angled memory-foam cushions are usually described as soft, breathable, plush, and glasses-friendly. A minority find the cloth scratchy or warm, and it isolates less completely than leatherette.

Swivel and rotation receive positive notes for helping the headset sit naturally, lay flat, or adapt to different heads.

The cups generally swivel and tilt far enough to sit flush or rest comfortably around the neck. One customer found the movement slow enough to make single-ear listening awkward.

An incorrectly seated earpad can cause unwanted ANC noise or rumble. Reinstalling and fully twisting the pad into place resolved the issue in testing.

Earpad replacement is generally possible and sometimes easy, but proprietary or clip-based mounting can feel limiting or fiddly.

The cushions use simple twist locks, making them straightforward to remove and reinstall without tools.

EQ potential is mixed: the drivers respond well to EQ, but the headset has no built-in software EQ and may need extra gear or PC tools.

The onboard-saving 10-band EQ can tame the strong bass and treble or create game-specific profiles. It is effective, though some reviewers want finer bands, more presets, or a truly neutral starting point.

Fit and seal are mixed: one review praises a solid seal, while another reports the earcups sliding during movement.

The contoured pads and swiveling yokes usually form a secure ANC-friendly seal across varied head shapes. Small heads, unusually large heads, and seal-sensitive users report slipping, pressure, or vacuum sensations.

Footstep and cue clarity is repeatedly praised, especially for shooters, where reviewers hear footsteps, reloads, and distant movement clearly.

Superhuman Hearing can make footsteps and gunfire more obvious in tactical shooters. Its heavy rebalancing often hollows out music, dialogue, and other effects, so many prefer a custom EQ instead.

Measurements and reviewer impressions point to strong response consistency, clean presentation, and studio-leaning tuning, though the target is not bass-heavy.

The default signature is intentionally V-shaped rather than neutral, emphasizing bass and upper treble while keeping most mids audible. Listeners seeking studio accuracy will need EQ and may still notice uneven low-end character.

The gaming-control feature set is limited, with one review specifically calling out the lack of chat mix adjustment.

The dedicated mix wheel is convenient where supported and can be reassigned. Its function depends on the headset version and platform, and mobile control behavior was inconsistent for at least one tester.

The large cushions and ProSpecs relief channels are repeatedly praised for avoiding painful pressure on glasses arms. Even long-session glasses wearers generally report a comfortable fit.

Several reviewers criticize the headband or sliders for looseness or weak adjustment, making this one of the more repeated build-control complaints.

The metal sliders hold their position securely but can require excessive force and are awkward to change while worn. Several users also need frequent repositioning or cannot size the headset down enough.

Hinge durability is praised in the reviews that mention it, with the hinges and headband described as robust or able to take abuse.

The frame feels robust overall, but one owner added a headband accessory out of concern that the suspension structure might deteriorate over time.

The accessory bundle is repeatedly praised as generous and complete, though one reviewer thinks the many pieces may feel fiddly to gamers.

The package is generous, with a hard case, two batteries, charging transmitter, second dongle, detachable mic, and cable. Some buyers still wanted another transmitter or charging cable included at this price.

Reviewers often highlight strong separation, detail retrieval, and the ability to distinguish instruments or game sounds without smearing.

The dual drivers usually keep layered effects, music, and ambience distinct, even in busy shooters. Separation can become less convincing in chaotic battle-royale mixes or beside strong open-back and planar competitors.

The built-in beamforming mics are convenient for calls when the boom is removed and provide more discreet public use. They pick up more room noise, sound less polished, and were buggy or inaccessible for some reviewers.

LDAC can provide higher-quality Bluetooth listening, but support is restricted to the PC/PlayStation version rather than the broadly compatible Xbox model.

One review credits the low distortion and driver control with giving the headset headroom when pushing volume or applying EQ.

The headset can play very loudly while staying impressively clean in many tests. At the extremes, boosted bass or sharp treble can become distorted, fatiguing, or painful.

Overall microphone impressions are mixed: clear and practical for chat, but sensitive, plosive-prone, nasal, or not standout in several reviews.

The detachable 9mm boom is one of the strongest headset microphones in this class, often described as clear, warm, and suitable for meetings or casual content creation. Some listeners hear thinness or sibilance, and a few launch units suffered severe bugs.

Microphone noise handling is better than many headset mics, with several reviewers noting low background pickup despite limited or no digital processing.

AI processing and noise-gate controls can reduce keyboards, chatter, and machinery without heavily damaging speech. It is not always aggressive enough, and some reviewers prefer it off because it flattens the voice.

The microphone is usually good enough for calls, gaming chat, Discord, and meetings, but it is not treated as a replacement for a dedicated mic.

Teams, Discord, party chat, and work calls usually sound clear and full through the boom mic. The integrated microphones are less dependable, and one customer experienced unusably low voice volume.

Midrange earns praise for clarity and balance in some reviews, while one reviewer hears voices and instruments sitting slightly farther back.

Mids and vocals are generally detailed despite the strong bass, supporting both games and music well. The stock tuning can recess dialogue in dense scenes or become muddy before EQ correction.

Multi-platform compatibility is broad across PC, PlayStation, Switch, mobile, and some Xbox audio use, though functionality varies by connector.

The Xbox version works across Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch, and mobile, making it the safest all-platform purchase. The PC/PlayStation version is similarly flexible except for its complete lack of Xbox support.

The headset mixes one Bluetooth source with one 2.4GHz source, but it does not provide true Bluetooth multipoint. Some users report device-priority confusion or call-volume failures when multiple connections are involved.

Because the Kithara is open-back, reviewers consistently warn that it offers little passive isolation and works best in quiet rooms.

The sculpted cushions create a useful passive seal that blocks a surprising amount of room noise before ANC is enabled. Cloth coverings and imperfect fit can still let voices and sound leakage through.

The dominant view is that this is a flagship headset with exceptional audio, battery convenience, microphone quality, and platform flexibility. The premium price, polarized headband comfort, and early software bugs keep it from being universally safe.

Packaging receives positive notes for a premium presentation and the included ROG-style unboxing experience.

The presentation feels premium and carefully organized, matching the headset’s flagship positioning.

Portability is limited by the large wired open-back design, even though the earcups can lay flat for packing.

The removable mic and restrained styling make the headset usable away from a desk. Nearly 400 grams, deep earcups, and an oversized case prevent it from being genuinely compact travel gear.

Positional accuracy is mostly strong for shooters, but a few reviewers say it is good rather than class-leading or report cue-location issues.

Most reviewers locate footsteps, gunfire, distance, and movement with excellent precision, especially in tactical shooters. Dense action, low-volume complaints, and a few negative customer experiences show performance is not flawless for everyone.

The built-in profiles provide quick tonal changes and several reviewers enjoy them. Bass-heavy or competitive modes can sound exaggerated or hollow, making custom EQ the more reliable option.

One review praises the included alternate earpads as high-quality, though the replacement ecosystem is limited by the proprietary mount.

The stock pads can be removed with easy twist locks, simplifying replacement or reseating when the ANC seal is wrong.

Only the battery-side faceplate is removable, so the design does not meaningfully support interchangeable cosmetic plates or broad aftermarket customization.

Mic monitoring is useful for controlling speaking volume, but current implementation is inconsistent. It can be very quiet, fail to work as expected, or become unavailable when ANC is active.

Soft-touch surfaces and ridged metal plates readily show oils, dust, and trapped debris, although fingerprints generally wipe away without much effort.

Setup is praised for being simple and plug-and-play, but that simplicity also means no app-driven feature suite or software customization.

Basic pairing and source switching are often instant and intuitive out of the box. Firmware updates, first-time CrossPlay configuration, and Swarm II detection caused serious friction for a notable minority.

Sound leakage is an unavoidable open-back tradeoff, with most reviewers warning that nearby people can hear audio and outside sound comes in.

The breathable cloth cushions do not contain sound as effectively as denser leatherette pads, so some audio can escape at higher levels.

Reviewers consistently describe the Kithara as an exceptional-sounding wired headset, with only a few noting that its sound-first approach is niche.

The broad consensus favors rich, punchy, highly immersive sound with strong detail for games, music, and movies. Its stock bass and treble are not neutral, and a minority finds the result muddy, sharp, or inferior to cheaper alternatives.

The open-back planar design is repeatedly praised for a wide, airy soundstage that helps games, music, and spatial presentation feel larger.

The closed-back headset creates a surprisingly broad, enveloping stage with strong depth and atmosphere. It still trails good open-back designs in openness, and one customer found it narrower than an older Turtle Beach model.

Dolby Atmos adds enjoyable height, distance, and environmental detail in supported games and movies. Competitive players may prefer native game audio because virtualization can add reverb or soften precise cues.

Stability is a recurring weakness when reviewers experience sliding earcups, loose sliders, or tension-band movement during play.

The main 2.4GHz link is usually rock-solid, reconnects quickly, and reaches through walls farther than most rivals. Isolated low-battery hiccups, Bluetooth pairing problems, and defective dongles temper that strength.

Transparency mode is useful for hearing family, calls, or surroundings without removing the headset, and its level can be adjusted in the app. On-headset mode control is less flexible than some users expect.

Treble is generally detailed and helpful for cues, though reviewers split on whether it is bright, restrained, or potentially fatiguing.

Highs are crisp and reveal fine effects, but the stock tuning often pushes them too far. Sensitive listeners report sibilance or painful sharpness, which is usually reduced with EQ.

USB-C support is useful and can boost volume in some setups, but it is not always an audio upgrade and can still leave low output on some devices.

USB-C supports charging and wired digital playback on compatible PC and PlayStation setups. Wired platform support and included cable types are limited enough that some users will need an adapter.

Value is divisive: some see a standout planar bargain, while others think the price is hard to justify without wireless convenience or easier driveability.

At about $350, the headset is undeniably expensive, but enthusiasts often see the money in its audio, ANC, mic, batteries, case, and connectivity. Casual players and comfort-sensitive buyers can obtain solid results for much less.

Volume output is highly device-dependent: some sources get very loud, while controllers, onboard audio, or certain USB-C setups can feel limited.

Output ranges from extremely powerful on some PCs to unexpectedly quiet on PS5 or Bluetooth for several users. Coarse wheel increments and occasional control bugs make level adjustment less consistent than it should be.

Reviewers agree the headset is heavy, but opinions split between excellent weight distribution and fatigue or pressure from the 420 g frame.

At roughly 382–396 grams, the headset is objectively heavy, though good cushions and distribution make it feel manageable for many. Others develop head or neck discomfort quickly because the narrow mesh carries too much load.

The 2.4GHz connection and low-latency Bluetooth options produce effectively immediate game audio, with multiple reviewers reporting no perceptible lag.

Xbox support is the weakest platform story, with reviewers noting limited compatibility or no microphone input in key setups.

The Xbox version works natively with Microsoft consoles while retaining broad support for PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile. It is the preferred version for buyers who own multiple console families.