Asus ROG Kithara vs HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Asus ROG Kithara comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Asus ROG Kithara leads on 3 of 5 measures.
- Asus ROG Kithara
- HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
The Asus ROG Kithara is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.
- ROG Kithara20262 yr newer
- Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset2024
Level on: USB-C.
Specifications
- Type
- Gaming
- Gaming
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $70
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 83
- Released
- 2026
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 100 mm planar magnetic
- 53 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- planar
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 100 mm
- 53 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 8 Hz - 55 kHz
- 10 Hz - 21 kHz
- Sound signature
- neutral
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 64 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 94 dB/mW
- 100 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Controls
- none
- -
- Weight
- 420 g
- 694 g
- Water resistance
- none
- none
- Foldable
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Pad material
- leatherette
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 3.5 mm
- Model code
- -
- 727A9AA
- Microphones
- 1
- 1
- Microphone type
- MEMS
- electret
- Mic sensitivity
- -36 dBV
- -42 dBV
- Call noise reduction
- No
- Yes
What reviewers said
Asus ROG Kithara
The Asus ROG Kithara is a wired over-ear gaming headset built around a large 100mm planar magnetic driver, delivering a wide frequency response from 8 Hz to 55 kHz. It includes a noise-canceling MEMS microphone and RGB lighting, with broad compatibility across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Its low 16-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive, though it lacks active noise cancellation and onboard controls.
- Pro:Large 100mm planar magnetic driver for detailed sound
- Pro:Very low 16-ohm impedance, easy to power with most devices
- Pro:Wide frequency response up to 55 kHz
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:No onboard controls for volume or mute
- Con:Non-foldable design may limit portability
HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset
The HyperX Cloud III is a refined wired gaming headset that builds on the Cloud II legacy with a comfortable fit, durable build, and clear sound tailored for gaming. Its 53mm angled drivers help with directional audio, while the analog and USB-C connections ensure broad compatibility across devices. At its current price, it offers solid value for gamers seeking a dependable, no-frills headset.
- Pro:Very comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Low latency keeps audio in sync
- Pro:Clear and well-balanced sound signature
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Heavier than some competitors at 694g
- Con:Not ideal for on-the-go use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.
