Review: ROG Cetra True Wireless Earbuds

Today I’ll be reviewing the latest iteration of ASUS Republic of Gamer’s (ROG) Cetra line of gaming earbuds; the ROG Cetra True Wireless. I’ll go over in brief the model, the packaging, features, and performance on both mobile and desktop use.

ROG’s First Wireless Earbuds

ROG Cetra

While ROG has a fair number of wireless earbuds in their stable such as the ROG STRIX Fusion Wireless , ROG STRIX Go, and ROG Delta S; these are full over-ear headphones. ROG Cetra True Wireless slots in the model line-up to cover the in-ear earbuds segment, which includes other Cetra models.

What makes the ROG Cetra True Wireless different from the other ROG Cetra models is its use of Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity with your device of choice. Having a wire-free setup prevents the usual issue of snagging, tangles of cables. Along with other problems such as preventing cable cuts, and compatibility issues when connecting to devices.

Even if its cables are removed, ASUS managed to cram in the features found on the wired ROG Cetra models such as Active Noise Cancellation, Game mode, Armoury Crate Support for mobile and desktop. Exclusive to the True Wireless is its charging case, which has its own battery allowing for charging on the go. This charging case also has two ways of charging, via a USB Type C cable, or via wireless charging. The earbuds have touch sensitive controls for either ear that allows for different commands.

ROG Cetra

The entire package comes in a small box with the charging case protected by cardboard. The USB Type C charging cable, along with the spare silicon earpads and manuals are at the bottom of the box. The earbuds are inside with protective tape on its contact points preventing charging while unopened.

The next section covers my thoughts on the earbuds

ROG Cetra True Wireless Sound and Software

Audio quality from the ROG Cetra True Wireless is definitely up there. Even if its form factor is an earbud type, audio is clear, on the level of mainstream and some high-end gaming headsets. This is all thanks to teh 10mm ASUS Essence drivers and its airtight chambers. Audio performance can be tweaked by using Armoury Crate for mobile or desktop. The microphone is omnidirectional, however clarity can be a bit muffled if there are external noise. There’s no AI noise cancelation feature for its microphone unfortunately.

Using Armoury Crate, I can tune the following: Sound Optimization, enable Virtual Surround Sound, select presets for the Equalizer, enable Bass Boost, and enable Gaming Mode. Sound optimization tunes the output of the earbuds to specific experiences. Examples include playing FPS Games, Racing Games, RPGs and more. Turning on the Virtual Surround Sound enables a more immersive audio. While the Equalizer balances the audio frequency based on the type of music/audio. Bass boost increases the output of the bass sound of the Cetra, but not as much to my taste. And finally, Gaming Mode improves synchronization of audio of the earbuds to the device by lowering latency.

ROG Cetra True Wireless Ease of Use

Ease of use right out of the box plays a big factor. One of the banes that I have with Bluetooth audio devices was the complexity of pairing. Requiring me to search for the device, then match with some PIN code. With the ROG Cetra True Wireless, it’s as easy as removing it from the charging case, and ensuring bluetooth is turned on the device and it should pair immediately. It would then prompt us to install Armoury Crate to complete the process. Returning the earbuds to its charging case then closing it automatically unpairs them. It’s that easy.

ROG Cetra

Charging the earbuds are done by storing them in the charging case. It will use the case’s internal battery to top up the charge. And, to charge everything, connect it with a USB Type C cable. The charging case will emit a pulsing blue light while it charges the earbuds. The case will not charge if the lid is open, but it will show off an RGB lighted ROG logo. One thing to note is that the shape of the case rear where the Type C port is not straight. Therefore, we should make sure the Type C cable is firmly plugged in. An alternate way to charge is to put the case on top of a wireless charging pad.

Controls for the Cetra True Wireless earbuds are found on the ROG logo. These are touch sensitive and each side controls specific functionalities. Each earbud have their own functionality to control. I tend to grab the larger part of the earbuds when correcting fitment. This ends up either changing some settings or pausing music. The stick part of the earbuds is long enough and that should be used when adjusting fitment. Speaking of fitment…

Cetra True Wireless Fitment

The Cetra True Wireless default eartips should work well for snuggly fitting a wide range of ears. In my case however, it requires me to swap out the left eartip with a smaller size.

The earbuds are comfortable. The eartips will grip into the ear well, better if it’s the right size. But for people like me that have oily skin, be warned that prolonged usage may loosen the earbuds’ hold on the ear. A good measure to know if the earbud is loose is that the ANC would loose effectiveness, that would be the time to adjust the earbuds.

Conclusion

For the number of wired and Bluetooth earbuds that I’ve owned over a decade or so, the ROG Cetra True Wireless surpasses these. Great Bluetooth 4.0 coverage, range, low latency performance and ANC are just some of the major features presented. Add to that a quick charging carrying case adds additional hours to its battery life, the ROG Cetra True Wireless offers a compelling premium earbud for either listening or gaming for its price.

The ROG Cetra True Wireless is available in the Philippines for an SRP of Php 4,490. Stocks are a bit limited online. I’ve seen some being sold in stores at malls so it’s a better bet to get it there.

8.5 Total Score
ROG Cetra True Wireless Earbuds Review

For the number of wired and Bluetooth earbuds that I've owned over a decade or so, the ROG Cetra True Wireless surpasses these. Great Bluetooth 4.0 coverage, range, low latency performance and ANC are just some of the major features presented. Add to that a quick charging carrying case adds additional hours to its battery life, the ROG Cetra True Wireless offers a compelling premium earbud for either listening or gaming for its price.

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