I’ve been a fan of ASUS and their ROG (Republic of Gamers) line of gaming products for quite a while. From gaming laptops to monitors and more, the ROG brand usually means excellent quality and performance. Today for the first time however I’m going to be taking a look at an ASUS headset, specifically the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset.
Incredible sound
The ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset definitely stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other high-end headsets when it comes to audio quality. It features 127db signal-to-noise ratio and 50mm ASUS Essence drivers with airtight chamber design. It also boasts built-in ESS ES9218 SABRE Quad-DAC that “delivers signal isolation processing for improved lows, mids, highs, and ultra-high frequency sound quality.”
In testing among a number of games across both the PC platform as well as the Nintendo Switch console, I certainly did not find the audio quality wanting. The music-driven rhythm game Cadence of Hyrule is a pleasure to experience through this headset. The amazing beats really shine, making it that much more engrossing.
The ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset holds up splendidly on PC as well. The rich detail really comes through on FPS titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, where audio cues and spacial awareness are key.
Cross-platform compatibility
Out of the box the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset claims to be among the most cross-compatible headsets on market. I have to admit that this is true—for the most part. Let’s dig a bit deeper by looking at the types of connections the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset offers.
The primary connection for the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset is a USB-C connection. This definitely makes it among the first to adopt the growing trend of shedding an analog 3.5mm headset connection for the superior digital quality of USB-C. With many portable and mobile devices trending toward USB-C, it certainly puts the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset on the leading edge.
It also makes a perfect choice for a high-end headset to use with the Nintendo Switch. I was extremely delighted when I found I could plug the USB-C connection into the base charging port of the Switch console and take advantage of the headset’s incredible sound. It comes along at just the right time really, as previously noted I’m currently grooving through Cadence of Hyrule, a Switch exclusive rhythm game that benefits immensely from outstanding audio.
PC and console
Naturally, the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset comes with a USB-C to USB 2.0 adapter for compatibility with other devices as well. In addition to PC and MAC, it boasts additional compatibility with the PlayStation 4 console. Here’s where I had just a slight problem with the headset’s true cross-platform accessibility however.
It’s true that the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset can connect to the PlayStation 4 via a USB 2.0 connection to the console. However, most gamers know that’s not really the ideal way to connect a wired headset to PlayStation 4. In reality, we want to be able to connect via the audio port on the controller—which presently still only supports an analog 3.5mm connection.
Surprisingly, the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset does not come with a 3.5mm adapter. In all honesty, I think it’s the first gaming headset I’ve ever used that didn’t offer 3.5mm connection support out of the box. If you want to connect to a device via 3.5mm jack, you’ll need a separate adapter.
I appreciate that the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset is embracing USB-C, but the lack of at least a 3.5mm adapter puzzles me a bit. As with most headsets, the wire just isn’t long enough to comfortably connect to my PlayStation 4 via USB 2.0. For that reason, I’d only consider this headset ideal for PlayStation 4 (or any 3.5mm jack device) with an adapter, or in close proximity to the console itself.
Aura Sync RBG lighting
Another neat feature of the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset is its Aura Sync RBG lighting. Each ear cup features a strip of lighting around the perimeter, as well as the ASUS ROG logo. The lighting can cycle through a full spectrum of colour, adding style and ambience to your gaming setup.
I have to admit that I’m a fan of gaming products with similar lighting features. That said, I typically enjoy them on peripherals I can actually see while I’m gaming, such as my keyboard and mouse. Sadly, although it may look cool, you may not get to appreciate the light show on your headset yourself.
Of course, it still functions and looks great when the headset is plugged in but not in use. Also if you are a streamer or broadcaster, viewers will certainly appreciate the additional style. Also, the lighting pattern can sync to any other ASUS devices that use Aura Sync technology.
Comfortable design
The ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset is certainly among the most comfortable headsets on the market. It’s ear cups feature a D-shape which more accurately matches the shape of an ear. The drivers inside tilt at a 12-degree angle, which also more accurately mimics actual human physiology.
Even more impressive, the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset comes with two separate sets of ear cushions. One set is a leather and fabric mesh hybrid that keeps breathability well in mind. The other is a thinner set of protein leather cushions that suit on-the-go gaming. Either way, players have the choice of whichever style they find most comfortable.
The ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset is a quality multi-platform device with gorgeous ambient lighting
The ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset definitely meets the standard of quality I’ve come to expect from the ROG brand. It produces incredible sound, feels great, and has an amazing aesthetic design. The Aura Sync RBG lighting is dazzling, and a real bonus if that’s the sort of feature you are looking for.
The standard USB-C connection is great, especially for newer devices. I particularly love this headset for playing on my Nintendo Switch. However, though compatible with the PlayStation 4, the lack of a USB-C or USB 2.0 to 3.5mm adapter makes it a bit less appealing for that particular console. Nevertheless, I would still recommend the ASUS ROG Delta gaming headset as a great choice for every other platform it is compatible with.
