Instead, you get a fun, aggressive-in-the-right-places, punchy and wide sound that leans towards the warmer side. Wide padding under the headband matches the material, and ensures that the headset never feels too tight on the head. The mic isn’t removable, but it’s pretty foldable and bendy so you can kind of tuck it right next to the headset. However, this really isn’t the kind of gaming headset to take outside—even ignoring the somewhat arcane method for setting up voice chat on the Switch. However, the Astro are simple wired headphones that work with most consoles via analog connection, so you might prefer them if you want straightforward headphones for gaming.

Setting up the Astro A10 is fine on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, but otherwise far more complicated than it needs to be. Clamping force is slightly higher than average, but the headband is metal-reinforced so you could probably bend it out a bit if you want. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the HyperX are wireless headphones with low wireless latency, have a better overall mic performance, and have a virtual soundstage feature. There's no shortage of awesome, high-end gaming headsets available today, but surround sound and premium perks can run you in the hundreds of dollars.Likewise, the mic worked well, with friends and teammates reporting clear sound coming through, and the flip-to-mute feature working exactly as promised. It's important to take the time to adjust the headphones' positioning, fit, and seal to ensure a more consistent sound each time you use them.

Luckily, there are some solid contenders for much, much less money, finally freeing you from the flimsy, awkward chat headsets packed in with consoles. They have a bulky, gamer-centric design and don't come with a carrying case to protect them when you're on the go. The earcups are quite small, though; I have small ears and I was aware that the foam was touching them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. On the other hand, the Astro feel slightly better made and less plasticky than the SteelSeries, but that’s about it.I’m an ISF-certified TV calibrator and a THX-certified home theater professional, and I’m here to help you understand 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and even 8K (and to reassure you that you don’t need to worry about 8K at all for at least a few more years). This is a notorious weak point for headsets, so strengthening this area is always welcome and should prolong the product lifespan. The Logitech's boom mic makes your voice sound more natural and does a better job of separating it from background noise. Adjust your audio without leaving your seat with the inline volume control so you never miss a moment of the action.