Most gaming earbuds try to shut the world out. The new ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless does the opposite.
Instead of sealing your ears, ASUS went with an open-ear design that lets you hear what is happening around you while still enjoying your game or music. For some people, that might sound strange at first. But if you game on a handheld, work at a desk with people nearby, or go for walks while listening to music, it actually makes a lot of sense.
The ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless is now available in the United States, and the design clearly targets gamers who do not want to be completely cut off from their surroundings. Think portable gaming, commuting, or even light workouts where awareness matters.
Inside the earbuds are fairly large 14.2mm drivers coated with diamond-like carbon. ASUS says the coating helps keep distortion low while maintaining clear highs, mids, and bass. The company is aiming for a wide, open sound that works for both gaming and music rather than the narrow, bass-heavy tuning many gaming headsets use.
Connectivity is one of the more interesting aspects of these earbuds. The Cetra Open Wireless supports two different wireless modes. Bluetooth handles everyday listening with phones, tablets, and laptops. When gaming latency matters, ASUS includes its ROG SpeedNova 2.4GHz wireless technology.
The package includes a USB-C wireless dongle that enables that low latency connection. According to ASUS, the dongle also supports one-way passthrough charging. In other words, you can still charge the connected device while the wireless receiver is plugged in. If you game on a handheld or phone, that small detail could end up being surprisingly useful.
ASUS also added a couple of audio presets for people who want to tweak the sound. Phantom Bass boosts the perceived low end for a punchier experience, while Immersion Mode attempts to reduce environmental distractions when you want to focus more on the audio.
Comfort appears to be another priority. The earbuds use liquid silicone ear hooks designed for extended use, and ASUS includes a detachable reflective neck strap for added stability during workouts or outdoor activities. Instead of touch controls, the earbuds rely on physical buttons. That decision might actually be appreciated by people who are tired of accidental taps during movement.
The Cetra Open Wireless earbuds carry an IPX5 rating for splash resistance, meaning sweat and light rain should not be an issue. Battery life is rated at up to 16 hours in Bluetooth mode with RGB lighting and sound effects turned off and the microphone muted. A quick 15-minute charge can provide about three hours of listening time.
If you are interested, the ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless earbuds can currently be purchased on Amazon for $229.99.
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