Introduction
The ASUS ROG Delta II positions itself as a versatile tri-mode headset that attempts to bridge the gap between dedicated gaming peripherals and premium audio equipment. Powered by 50mm titanium-diaphragm drivers and featuring simultaneous dual-device connectivity through Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless protocols, the Delta II targets users seeking both competitive gaming performance and high-quality music reproduction. With an impressive, claimed battery life and ASUS’ Aura Sync RGB lighting integration, it attempts to deliver comprehensive functionality without compromising on core audio performance.
What’s in the Box
Design and Build Quality
ASUS has achieved a commendable balance between durability and portability with the Delta II’s 318-gram construction. The headset feels substantial without being cumbersome, utilizing materials that provide adequate rigidity while maintaining flexibility for various head shapes and sizes. The rotating and swiveling earcups, combined with marked headband adjustments are great additions.
The control layout, while functional, presents some questionable design choices. The dedicated Bluetooth button feels redundant alongside the power switch that defaults to 2.4GHz mode. Personally, I also think that there’s a bit too much branding, but that’s just me.
The left side volume rocker works as a mute and unmute button for the microphone. The inclusion of both 3.5mm and USB-C ports ensures comprehensive connectivity options as well.
The RGB lighting implementation follows ASUS’ established aesthetic principles, providing adequate customization through Armoury Crate software. While not groundbreaking, the lighting system integrates well with the overall design language without appearing excessive or distracting and makes for additional appeal when the device is used alongside other ASUS ROG products.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Extended gaming sessions demand exceptional comfort standards, and the Delta II largely delivers on this area. The earpads successfully balances cushioning with breathability, creating an effective passive seal that enhances both comfort and acoustic isolation. The ear coverage is comprehensive, accommodating various ear sizes without creating pressure points or causing fatigue during prolonged use.
The clamping force strikes an optimal balance between security and comfort. Users can wear the headset for extended periods without experiencing the excessive pressure that plagues many gaming headsets. The lightweight construction contributes significantly to this comfort factor, preventing neck strain during marathon gaming sessions.
Sound Quality
The 50mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers are the Delta II’s main strength, delivering audio performance that excels in both gaming and music reproduction contexts. For first-person shooters like Call of Duty, the headset provides accurate directional audio positioning that genuinely enhances gameplay performance. The spatial awareness and sound staging allow for precise enemy positioning and environmental audio cues that can provide tactical advantages.
The ROG Delta II also works well for music. The sound signature requires minimal equalization adjustments (at least for me, the reviewer), delivering a well-balanced profile that appeals to diverse musical preferences. The bass response provides appropriate weight without overwhelming mid-range frequencies, while vocals maintain clarity and forward positioning. The treble presentation offers good sparkle and detail, though it occasionally approaches brightness levels that can be just slightly more than what I would prefer.
The passive isolation will not match active noise cancellation systems, but it delivers substantial environmental noise reduction that enhances both gaming immersion and music enjoyment. Latency performance across both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections remains imperceptible during gaming and video consumption, ensuring synchronized audio-visual experiences.
The detachable microphone delivers surprisingly good clarity and detail for a gaming headset accessory, providing clear communication quality that meets the demands of competitive gaming and streaming applications.
Software
ASUS’ Armoury Crate software provides comprehensive control over the Delta II’s functionality. The software offers granular sound customization through preset configurations and custom equalizer settings, allowing users to fine-tune audio profiles for specific games or music genres.
RGB lighting customization integrates seamlessly with other ASUS hardware, creating cohesive aesthetic coordination for users invested in the ROG ecosystem.
Firmware update functionality ensures long-term support and potential feature additions, though the update process could benefit from streamlined user experience improvements. The software’s resource footprint remains reasonable, avoiding the bloat that characterizes some manufacturer utilities.
Battery Life
The claimed 110-hour battery life could be using minimal settings, yet our actual use suggests ASUS’ specifications are justified. Extended usage periods for a couple of days without requiring recharging demonstrates exceptional power management efficiency.
The ability to use the headset while charging eliminates downtime concerns. The battery degradation over time remains to be evaluated through extended ownership periods.
Price and Value
At approximately PHP 11,000, the ROG Delta II successfully achieves its ambitious design goals, delivering a versatile gaming headset that excels in multiple usage scenarios. The pricing reflects the comprehensive feature set, including tri-mode connectivity, extended battery life, and quality audio drivers. While not the most budget-friendly, the headset provides sufficient value proposition for users seeking versatile audio solutions that perform well across gaming and music applications.
The inclusion of additional ear pads also show consideration for long-term ownership costs, potentially extending the headset’s useful lifespan. However, the price point may deter casual users who primarily need basic gaming audio functionality.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
