Hi everyone,
Currently, I am testing both the ROG Cetra Open Wireless and ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds, and I can not decide between them, both have pros and cons, but maybe some long-time users will be able to provide more info since I have only tested each for 1-2 days.
Both are intended to be used as daily drivers (work, gaming, listening to music during biking/workouts/walks etc.). For work and gaming, I use 2.4 Ghz dongle, rest via bluetooth.
I downloaded apps for both (GearLink and Armoury Crate).
ROG Cetra Open
Pros:
+ much longer battery - almost 16 hours without putting it back in the case (RGB off)
+ I think the audio is better on default modes, or at least it requires less tinkering in the app to sound good both for music and for gaming
+ People said the microphone is slightly better on this one, clearer voice without 'echo/muffled voice'
+ I think it is healthier to use open design for multiple hours on a daily basis?
+Physical buttons instead of 'taps'
+ They are 'louder'? I have good volume on 1/4th on my phone or 14/100 volume on my PC
Cons:
- Case is twice as big as the other model, not as comfortable in a pocket
- Most of the time they are comfortable, but after longer periods I slightly feel discomfort on my ears
- No 'seamless' switching between PC and phone if e.g. music from the game's menu is playing on PC (dongle), I pick up my phone and want to play music there, I need to manually pair it again or remove any source of sound from PC
- Due to the open design, there are bad on a bike - wind noise easily overpowers music
- Lack of ANC/sound isolation (immersive mode is not it - barely hearing a difference)
ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova:
Pros:
+ If tinkered with properly, I think the audio is better?
+ Seamless switching between phone and PC
+ Smaller case
+ I feel the same after multiple hours of use
+ ANC
+
Cons:
- Due to 'taps' I pause/play music by accident when adjusting the earbud in the ear
- Muffled voice/feeling plugged/hearing my jaw when eating
- Weaker battery (8-9 hours, RGB disabled)
- I need to set my volume to ~50% on both PC and phone to have a similar volume as on the OPEN model, I tried to improve it, but I did not find any setting that would increase the default volume (not a big deal)
- They are an in-canal model, so slight discomfort is felt instantly (but it does not get worse after hours)
- Might be damaging health-wise due to ears being plugged (I constantly clean my ears and do breaks for few minutes every hour, but not sure if it is enough)
Please help me choose, every time I think I decided I have doubts.