The Asus ROG Cetra headphones present a USB-C listening expertise and provide considerably much less bulk than a completely fledged headset. However, the value level, common sound and complicated compatibility make them onerous to suggest in a crowded market.
Pros
USB-C connectivity for Switch, PC and a few telephones
Lightweight
Comfortable match
Good vary of suggestions and buds
Cons
USB-C compatibility remains to be a large number
Disappointing energetic noise cancellation
Middling audio high quality
Chunky in-line controls
Garish lighting
Key Specifications
Review Price: £115
USB-C
Active noise cancellation
Omni-directional microphone
Ambient mode
Weight: 26g
The standout function of the Asus ROG Cetra gaming headphones is their wired USB-C connection, doubtlessly making them the go-to possibility for the Nintendo Switch and choose fashionable Android smartphones.
Along with the advantages of USB-C connectivity, the ROG Cetra headphones provide a few further options that will help you give attention to the most effective gaming expertise doable.
Do the Asus ROG Cetra headphones obtain their goal, or may worth for cash and complex compatibility be their Achilles’ heel? Let’s take a extra in-depth look.
Related: Best gaming headset 2020
Asus ROG Cetra design – Not precisely a looker
In phrases of design, the Asus ROG Cetra headphones are a blended bag. Their important profit over different headsets is portability and so they definitely ship on this respect. They additionally include a small, spherical carry case.
The remainder of the design appears smooth – virtually all black with a flattened cable operating end-to-end. The downsides come within the type of the I/O and a few iffy lighting.
Related: Best gaming keyboard
The inline controls really feel fairly low cost and the buttons are removed from tactile, however they do work as supposed.
While Asus describes the lighting on the headphones as a refined impact that “adds a stylish touch”, we predict it appears a tad foolish and excessive, however that is the type for a lot of gaming-focused merchandise.
The Asus ROG Cetra comes with vary of silicone suggestions and fins together with one set of froth ear suggestions, so you can also make certain they comfortably suit your ears securely. Whichever choices you select, you may pack them right into a helpful journey case that comes with the headphones.
Asus ROG Cetra audio and options – Cursed cancellation and compatibility
The audio and mic high quality of the Asus ROG Cetra are first rate sufficient. You gained’t be blown away by bass or amazed by detailed sound, however if you’re primarily utilizing them for what they’re constructed for – gaming and voice chat – you then’ll be fairly happy.
Along with the middling audio, the Asus ROG Cetra headphones provide a few standout audio options – the headliner being energetic noise cancellation (ANC).
Not many units at this value level provide this function so it’s a welcome inclusion. However, there is perhaps cause cheaper ANC is often omitted.
Related: Best Nintendo Switch video games
The Asus ROG Cetra’s ANC simply isn’t all that good. To say it’s dangerous could be unfair, and it’s a case of getting what you pay for, however these headphones merely block out what may be described as peripheral sounds.
If you’re utilizing them in a quiet workplace then you’ll discover a distinction, however when you use it anyplace busier it actually isn’t all that efficient.
There can also be the problem of the USB-C compatibility of those headphones. USB-C compatibility stays difficult – regardless of many Android telephones shifting over to the port in recent times.
Results differ telephone by telephone, so it’s price testing Asus’s compatibility listing right here. On this web page, Asus says “It’s fully compatible with Asus phones including ZenFone and ROG phone. As for other mobile phones with USB-C connector, some support music but not communication due to different chipsets and connector definitions among various models.”
When testing the headphones utilizing the unlisted Oppo Reno2 smartphone, the Asus ROG Cetra initially didn’t work in any respect. I then found that turning on the OTG Connection mode within the Android settings corrected this and the headphones grew to become totally useful. So it is perhaps the case of simply fiddling along with your settings to make sure compatibility, however there isn’t a assured workaround for each USB-C telephone.
As per Asus’s remark, some telephones nonetheless might not help all of the features that the ROG Cetra provides. For now, when you intend to purchase these headphones and your telephone isn’t on the listing, it’s most likely greatest to test with Asus first so that you aren’t dissatisfied.
It should be mentioned this difficulty isn’t essentially Asus’s fault, however merely attributable to ongoing issues with the USB-C ecosystem that may hopefully be solved quickly.
Should you purchase the Asus ROG Cetra gaming headphones?
I discover these headphones extraordinarily onerous to suggest, until you’ve one of many telephones on Asus’s official compatibility listing, or a burning want for some gaming-friendly Nintendo Switch headphones,
And even when you do have a suitable gadget, the ROG Cetra headphones are expensive for the audio high quality and options they provide. There are many wi-fi earbuds and different USB-C wired headphones at an identical value level that provide a number of the identical options and sometimes higher audio (they could lack ANC however the ROG Cetra’s isn’t a lot to write down house about).
However, utilizing wi-fi earbuds would negate the flexibility to make use of them with the Nintendo Switch. Conversely, choosing wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack to make use of with the Switch may mess with utilizing them along with your telephone – which doubtlessly doesn’t have a headphone jack.
The Asus ROG Cetra are a really comparable providing to the older Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC headphones, which we reviewed extra favourably and may now be picked up for round £20 much less. If you want some wired USB-C headphones for on-the-go Switch gaming then these might be those for you.
The Asus ROG Cetra headphones nonetheless present an honest USB-C listening expertise and provide considerably much less bulk than a completely fledged headset. However, the value level, common sound and complicated compatibility make them onerous to suggest in a crowded market.