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The ASTRO Gaming A10 wired headset doesn’t look like a run-of-the-mill mid-range headset at first glance. The sub-$60 Xbox, PC, Crossplay, and PlayStation-compatible device is an outlier among a sea of other audible devices that offer much less in terms of features and quality at the price point. There is a lot of love about what ASTRO has put together with its A10 peripheral, and although there is a Generation II wireless variant, this wired version should appeal more to those that are looking for a PlayStation-tuned headset that looks and sounds like a top-of-the-line headset without having to shovel out additional money for batteries or wait for lengthy charging times between play sessions.
ASTRO Gaming has done well to make a name for itself among the slew of gaming peripheral companies lately. They produce high-quality devices and even have some of the world’s best gamers and streamers using their products,like MLG Champion Nickmercs. But some of ASTRO Gaming’s equipment can be pretty expensive, especially concerning the average gamer that’s simply looking for a quality headset that will help them communicate with teammates online.
Thankfully, ASTRO Gaming’s A10 wired headset works with a variety of platforms and definitely won’t break the bank compared to some of the company’s deluxe variants. But does a drop in price also equal a drop in quality? Not as much as players would think, but there are still some pretty glaring issues with the lower-tier headset. We spent few nights using the device for a variety of games, both multiplayer and single-player. We also performed a “drop test,” giving the overall hardware a good quality control check concerning its durability. Here’s a look at the good and bad concerning the Astro Gaming A10 wired headset.
Astro Gaming A10 Headset
ASTRO Gaming’s A10 wired headset works with a variety of platforms and definitely won’t break the bank compared to some of the company’s deluxe variants. But does a drop in price also equal a drop in quality? Not as much as players would think, but there are still some pretty glaring issues with the lower-tier headset.
7.99 by 3.25 by 7.75 Inches
104 dB
Flip-to-mute Mic, Volume controller
Durability
The ASTRO Gaming A10 is a hefty headset. Right out of the box, players should notice just how weighty the peripheral feels, thanks to its wide frame and extra-thick plastic. When it comes to durability, it’s hard to find much fault in the headset’s outer exterior. It’s chunky and might feel a bit clunky overall to some, but its flexible shell should keep the internals safe should players accidentally drop the device or twist it awkwardly.
We gave it a few “drops” from about 3 to 4 feet, and it held up surprisingly well. No matter how careful players are with their devices, it’s always possible to drop them or accidentally knock them off a desk. The extra-large ear cups on the A10 will bear the brunt of any drops and the headband features extreme flexibility. There are a variety of shots on the ASTRO Gaming website and Amazon that showcase someone twisting the headband in an almost corkscrew-like fashion, and we’re happy to announce that the photos aren’t an exaggeration. Although it’s obviously not recommended that players spend their time trying to bend the headband until it breaks, it’s comforting to know it will easily survive drops and accidental bends.
Unfortunately, the cable that comes packaged with the A10 isn’t nearly as durable. Although it’s fairly lengthy, it’s very much a “stock” cable, lined with thin rubber and capped with basic connectors. The end result is a cable that’s prone to kinking and will easily fray, specifically at the “joints where the cable meets the connector,” if gamers aren’t careful. We were extra-stressed about ensuring that the cable was straight at all times because it feels rather fragile. Something braided would feel much better and match the durability that the shell carries.
Presentation & Design
It’s hard to call the A10 aesthetically pleasing, but there is something to admire in the simplicity of it all. For lack of a better metaphor, it looks a bit like an Air Traffic Controller headset from the future, with large squared ear cups and a long, flat, bending microphone. Gamers won’t find any over-the-top RGB elements or flashy cuts that make this headset stand out among the crowd. In fact, the only discernable markings are a subtle A10 logo on the ear cup, colored to signify what platform it’s used for. Blue means it’s tuned for PlayStation, while green is reserved for Xbox. A red marking signifies it’s a crossplay compatible device.
The ASTRO Gaming A10 wired headset isn’t going to turn any heads with a flashy design, and it’s incredibly muted since it’s primarily all black, but those that are looking for something sleek, simple, and inconspicuous should fall in love with its overall design. There is a lot to like about it, from its blocky side panels to its sleek flip-to-mute microphone. It also as a small volume slider on its detachable cable, but it’s positioned a bit high on the device.
One of the best features is that the cord itself plugs in to the bottom left edge of the ear cup. This is a great placement that should keep it away from a player’s face while simultaneously keeping the end cap from bending. This will help to eliminate fraying by keeping the cable as straight as possible during play. Overall, the A10’s design is great for those that want functionality and sleek, simple design over anything flashy.
Comfort
At first glance, the A10 looks like it would be pretty comfortable. It has two large padded ear cups that are oversized and should fit comfortable around most ear shapes and sizes. The cups themselves are a thick foam and feel pretty cushy around the ears, making them ideal for long gaming sessions. The headset also has an adjustable band, which allows players to pull the ear cup ends out from both sides at an angle, preserving the shape of the device to keep it uniform around a gamers' head. All of this is underlined by the thick quality plastic and rubber coating the outer shell. This makes the headset feel good in a player’s hands, while simultaneously feeling pretty great to wear.
That said, there are two glaring issues that hinder the overall comfort of the A10 that gamers should consider. The first, is that the headset itself is rather heavy. The durability is thanks to large “armored” components. Even at first glance, players will notice just how big the A10 looks, especially compared to other headsets at a similar price point. Although the quality and durability is very much appreciated, it can be draining to wear the headset for a long period of time. Those that jump into a particularly lengthy gaming session might find themselves experiencing a bit of neck pain after a few hours of moving their head around. It also lacks much padding at the top of the headband, with a small and flimsy piece of foam that is supposed to cushion the pressure point near the center. Unfortunately, due to how heavy the headset is on the sides, it can feel pretty painful and constricting as it pulls downward.
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Sound Quality
Those looking for a gaming-tuned headset, specifically one that will elevate their play to the next level, should definitely consider the A10 as a top low-budget option. Although the Microphone could definitely be better, and the lack of a durable, braided, or stiffened cable is a glaring oversight at the price point, it’s hard to deny how amazing the A10 sounds. It seems that the developers crafted this headset with competitive gaming in mind, as the tuning greatly highlights sound effects, underlining them with a heavy bass. This can make a huge difference in action games, which rely on sound effects to keep players immersed. But it also gives PVP-hungry gamers an edge over their opponents as they’re able to hear footsteps, shuffling, looting, and general sound effects even better.
The only downside is how heavily the bass influences the rest of the sound quality. Those that are looking for a headset that will accentuate the musical elements of a given game may find themselves disappointed by the overwhelming loud booms that emanate from the A10. It’s definitely not a bad thing to some, but those that aren’t looking for a heavy bass infusion in their soundtracks will likely be turned off by the rich sound.
The Sound Quality of the ASTRO Gaming A10 is its main selling point, and is definitely targeted towards players who enjoy action-heavy games over anything else. It will really help with immersion and the large over-the-ear cups help create a level of noise-canceling that further amplifies the sound effects.
Microphone Quality
One of the best features of the A10 is in the flip-to-mute microphone. It’s much easier to reach up and flick the long, bending microphone into the mute position than it is for players to try to locate a specialized button on the cable connecting their device. The microphone itself is also quality-made, with a thick rubber casing and and a long, flat, bendable arm that can be manipulated into a variety of shapes and angles. This should keep the Microphone from breaking by way of pinched wires or accidental physical damage.
Unfortunately, the mic itself is incredibly susceptible to background noise. It manages to pick up every little sound or squeak, making it a tough sell for those that have noisy fans in their rooms or have a particularly loud house or outside environment. The added background noise of a fan can make it downright difficult for other players to hear voices clearly and the sound seems to echo and amplify at times. In a completely quiet room the microphone is competent from a sound standpoint, but it’s hard to ignore the rather garbled tone it gives players. Its akin to speaking underwater and players may have to repeat themselves to their teammates depending on other sound sources.
Overall, its not the worst microphone, but it’s definitely not the best.
Conclusion
The ASTRO Gaming A10 wired headset is a great buy for those that enjoy competitive multiplayer games or action-heavy releases and want something at a mid-range price point. Although there are some pretty glaring issues concerning cord quality, comfort, and microphone usage, the amazing bass-driven sound more than makes up for it during action-packed play sessions. It’s easily one of the best-sounding headsets we used and has a rich, deep bellowing bassline that really amplifies all the other sound effects in a given game. The large over-the-ear cups also create a nice seal that helps keep background sound out when playing, further immersing players into their favorite action titles.
That said, players that are looking for something with good microphone clarity for communication may want to consider another mid-range device. Likewise, players who are opting for comfort should seek something a bit lighter, with more padding near the pressure points at the top of the headband. Thanks to its durability, the A10 can be a great headset for kids and teens, although its bulky size might be too much for little ones to handle.
