The “open-ear” headphone market is a rapidly growing niche. Unlike traditional earbuds that plug your ear canal, open wireless buds use tiny drivers positioned just outside the ear. This allows users to blend digital audio with the real world naturally, rather than relying on digital “transparency modes” to simulate environmental awareness.
Asus has entered this space with the ROG Cetra Open Wireless, a device that attempts to bridge the gap between lifestyle open-ear buds and high-performance gaming peripherals.
Gaming Performance and Connectivity
The standout feature of the Cetra Open is its ability to minimize lag—a critical factor for competitive gaming. To achieve this, Asus includes a USB-C dongle that provides a low-latency connection for a wide range of hardware, including:
– PCs and consoles (PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch)
– Mobile devices (iOS and Android tablets/phones)
– Handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck
This makes the earbuds particularly useful for the rising demographic of “serious” mobile gamers and handheld enthusiasts who require immediate audio feedback during fast-paced titles like Call of Duty: Mobile or Destiny: Rising.
Sound Profile: Great for Action, Lacking for Music
The audio experience of the Cetra Open is highly specialized. The sound can be described as “crispy” and “crunchy,” which mimics the feel of a dedicated over-ear gaming headset.
However, this specialization comes with trade-offs:
– Gaming: The earbuds excel at providing situational awareness and punchy audio for action-heavy games.
– Music: For casual listening, the sound can feel “soulless” and lacks the rich musicality found in standard earbuds. The audio feels as though it is pouring in from the surroundings rather than being a focused, immersive experience.
– Environment: Interestingly, these buds perform better in noisy environments (like a grocery store) where ambient noise helps mask the lack of deep bass. In quiet settings, the “open” nature of the speakers becomes more apparent. Conversely, they struggle in windy conditions, where wind shear can easily overpower the audio.
One notable quirk is the volume scaling. Users may find the increments between volume levels to be too large, making it difficult to find a “sweet spot” between too quiet and too loud.
Design, Comfort, and Battery Life
Asus has prioritized long-term wearability with a design featuring soft silicone arms that wrap around the ear.
- Fit: The rounded arms allow for adjustable positioning, though they may require frequent readjustment if bumped. They are compatible with sunglasses and hats, making them practical for daily use.
- Battery: Real-world testing shows strong endurance. While Asus claims up to 16 hours (without mic/extra features), users can expect roughly 10 to 12 hours of mixed use (Bluetooth and USB-C with occasional calls).
- Smart Features: A highly practical addition is the pass-through charging on the dongle. This allows you to charge your device via the dongle even while using the low-latency connection—a lifesaver for players with limited ports.
- Customization: Rather than a heavy desktop application, Asus utilizes a web-based app for settings. Users can adjust the equalizer, remap buttons, and toggle “Phantom Bass”—a feature highly recommended to add much-needed depth to the audio.
Verdict: Who is this for?
The Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless is not a general-purpose audio solution. If you are looking for a primary pair of earbuds for high-fidelity music, these may disappoint.
However, for the mobile gamer or the handheld enthusiast who wants to stay connected to their surroundings while maintaining a competitive edge, the low-latency dongle and specialized sound profile make them a compelling, niche tool.
Summary: The ROG Cetra Open Wireless is a specialized gaming peripheral that sacrifices musical depth for low-latency performance and environmental awareness, making it a strong choice for mobile and handheld gamers.
