When looking for a new pair of gaming headphones, most people go for trusted gaming brands first. Not many consider other notable brands, like Sennheiser, who have a great reputation in the audio industry but aren’t solely dedicated to gaming. As a result, they often get excluded when talking about gaming headphones. It’s time to evaluate if a gaming headset from a non-gaming company, with such a renowned reputation, can rival one from a well-known gaming brand. That’s exactly what we’re looking to find out by comparing the Astro Gaming A10 and the Sennheiser GSP 302. The A10 continues to show their value as a gaming headset. Despite a low cost, they are successful in the most crucial areas. Can the GSP 302 compete in the same departments?
Technical Specifications
Packaging and Accessories
The packaging for both headphones are essentially identical. Both are made of plastic and don’t have a lot of extra attachments. It will be interesting to see who does it better.
Astro Gaming A10
In the box:
A10 gaming headset A10 volume cable 3.5mm female to dual 3.5mm TRS splitter cable
At such an affordable price, I don’t expect much more than what I get with the A10 packaging and accessories. The headset simply rests in a plastic mold, and the removable cable and adapter make up the additional accessories.
Sennheiser GSP 302
In the box:
Sennheiser GSP 302 headset PCV O5 combo audio adaptor Safety guide
The GSP 302 are packaged in a plastic mold, nearly identical to the A10. The only included accessory is the PCV O5 combo audio adaptor. The GSP 302 cost more, and with that, I expect better packaging and additional accessories.
Packaging and Accessories Verdict
The A10 and GSP 302 have almost identical packaging and accessories. Both headphones come in a plastic mold and only offer an audio splitter as an additional accessory. Neither one feels better than the other, and it is almost like I get Deja Vu comparing them. Despite both headphones covering the bare minimum, I have to give the win to the A10 because they’re cheaper.
Design and Functionality
Astro Gaming A10
The A10 don’t follow the conventional streamline design of most gaming headphones. Instead, they appear boxy due to the squared-off ear cups. It’s not my favorite look, and the orange and grey color combo don’t do it for me. The A10 functionality consists of a flip-to-mute mic and volume dial on the removable cable, and that’s it. To expand the A10 functionality, you need an Astro MixAmp, available at an additional cost.
Sennheiser GSP 302
The GSP 302 are very streamlined. The ear cups are oval and look like they’ll be a good fit for my ears. On top of that, they flow seamlessly with the headband. With that said, the GSP 302 could use a dash of color. The all-black color scheme doesn’t exactly scream “style,” but the good news is they come in a couple of other color options of black/white and white/blue, but they seem hard to find for the 302. The functionality for the GSP 302 consists of a flip-to-mute mic and a volume dial on the right ear cup. It’s unnecessarily large, and I prefer a smaller, more straightforward dial on the cord.
Design and Functionality Verdict
The A10 take the edge mainly for their functionality. Although both headphones have a flip-to-mute mic and volume dial, I prefer the volume dial on the A10. Plus, there’s an argument to be made about the A10 removable cable, which the GSP 302 do not have. I do prefer the GSP 302 design over the A10. However, I much prefer style over design. And at least the A10 has some style with their color pattern, rather than merely all black, like the GSP 302.
Comfort
Astro Gaming A10
The A10 boxy design doesn’t appear comfortable, but it is. I don’t get an ache from the headband with long sessions. In fact, I barely notice it. The squared-off ear cups don’t squish my ears and give me plenty of room, and their cloth padding has good airflow.
Sennheiser GSP 302
The GSP 302 is the first headset I’ve reviewed that have leatherette on the ear cups and cloth on the headband. Not many companies seem to cross over the two, but they should because it provides a great comfort experience. Another innovative feature is the split headband. This prevents the stress from falling on one point and disperses it across both bands. As a result, I experience no discomfort with the headset, even after long hours of gaming.
Comfort Verdict
Despite wildly different designs, both headphones succeed in comfort. Their ear cups are plush and soft, and neither headband cause me discomfort. The smallest distinction I can see is that the GSP 302 have slightly worse airflow because it is made of leatherette rather than cloth, but it is not a significant difference. Regardless, I have to give both headphones a tie because they really succeed in comfort.
Build Quality
Astro Gaming A10
The low price of the A10 reflects their build quality. The headset is all plastic, and while likely durable, I don’t feel confident in their longevity. Particularly where the headband connects to the ear cups. Adjusting the headband is not fluid because it’s all made of plastic. The outside of the ear cups feels like the most durable part. The plastic is firm and does not bend. The headband shows decent resistance. However, I don’t feel comfortable testing its limits.
Sennheiser GSP 302
The GSP 302 is also primarily made of plastic. I’m not usually charmed by plastic headphones, but the GSP 302 prove that I can rely on them. The headband shows an outstanding balance between flexibility and sturdiness, especially where the headband connects to the ear cups. The plastic joint appears delicate, but after applying more force than I care to confess, it holds up.
Build Quality Verdict
Both headphones have a plastic construction, but the GSP 302 presentation is significantly more impressive. The headband easily surpasses the A10 in terms of flexibility, adjustment, and resistance. I am also much more confident in the joint connecting the ear cups and the headband. The only part the A10 seems to put up a comparable fight is the quality of the outside of the ear cups.
Mic Quality
Astro Gaming A10
The A10 mic makes it simple for me to talk and make call-outs with my teammates. I never run into feedback, and my teammates find background noise as the only issue. The mic seems to have a tough time blocking background sound, and it can create a wind-tunnel effect. You can hear what I’m talking about in the recordings below.
Sennheiser GSP 302
I hate to say it, but the GSP 302 mic is barely functional. Even in a quiet environment with no sound, background static comes through. Whenever I turn on my microphone, my teammates say they can hear both my voice and the static. Sadly, this only gets worst with background noise. It’s barely usable, and I am quite let down. I even receive comments about poor mic quality while squading with randoms.
Mic Quality Verdict
In general, the majority of gaming headsets and headphones have a difficult time blocking out background sound. At least the A10 show they are trying to combat it, as my voice still gets through. I can’t say that about the GSP 302. Not only do they perform terribly with blocking background noise, but even in a quiet environment, they are muffled to the point where they are barely usable.
Connectivity
Astro Gaming A10
There isn’t much to discuss with the A10 connectivity. They have a 3.5mm audio connector that makes them compatible with almost all devices, and an additional Y splitter is included for separate mic and audio ports on PC.
Sennheiser GSP 302
The same goes for the GSP 302. However, the roles are reversed. The wired cord is a 3.5mm audio cable that splits into two ports, one for mic and audio. To make it compatible with other devices, you simply attach the PCV O5 audio adapter, which combines the plugs into a single 3.5mm TRRS plug.
Connectivity Verdict
Both headphones offer the same in terms of functionality, with a connective cord and the option to split it into the separate mic and audio ports. The only difference is the A10 cord is removable. However, since the cord needs to be plugged in to be used, there really isn’t a difference between the headphones’ connectivity.
Sound Quality
Comparing sound quality on PC
Astro Gaming A10
Playing Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodhunt shows me that the A10 meets Astro’s reputable status for gaming peripherals. Directional sounds, like footsteps, are accurate and distinct. It’s not always precise, but nine times out of ten I can rely on it. The mids and highs are distinct enough for me to distinguish the sound they are making.
Sennheiser GSP 302
It’s quickly apparent that the GSP 302 lows, mids, and highs aren’t as sharp as the A10. All sounds come in at an even level, so the mids constantly take over the highs, and the lows tend to take over both. With this being the case, relying on the GSP 302 for directional cues is difficult. It’s not always made clear what sound I’m hearing, and I find myself guessing sounds from time to time.
Comparing sound quality on Console
Astro Gaming A10
Testing the A10 on Fortnite shows me they have the equivalent sound quality on PC and console. The directional sound is clear and rarely has me questioning what I’m hearing. The only time I do is with sounds far in the distance.
Sennheiser GSP 302
The GSP 302 also shows me a similar performance on PC. The lows, mids, and highs aren’t distinguishable. Altogether, they provide an immersive sound, but when it comes to FPS gaming, I need better separate audio cues. If I am playing a story or adventure game, the GSP 302 sound is highly immersive and enjoyable. However, it’s a different story with a FPS.
Sound Quality Verdict
As an FPS gamer, you need a clear and distinct sound presentation to have your back. The lows, mids, and highs must all stand out and be precise with their sound. Clarity is the case for the A10 but not the GSP 302. The GSP 302 sound is good and immersive, but they are not meant for playing FPS games as I can’t rely on the directional audio.
Overall Winner
Winner of each section
Packaging and Accessories: Astro Gaming A10 Design and Functionality: Astro Gaming A10 Comfort: Tie: Astro Gaming A10 & Sennheiser GSP 302 Build Quality: Sennheiser GSP 302 Mic Quality: Astro Gaming A10 Connectivity: Tie: Astro Gaming A10 & Sennheiser GSP 302 Sound Quality: Astro Gaming A10
Conclusion
To answer the question I posed at the start of this article, the Sennheiser GSP 302 can’t compete with the Astro Gaming A10 headset. This may be a surprise since Sennheiser is such a reputable headphone brand, but they aren’t dedicated to gaming, and it shows. Astro, a dedicated gaming headphone company, knows how gaming audio differs from regular music listening. Gaming headsets need reliable sound cues and balanced and distinguishable mids and highs. The GSP 302 simply do not provide these elements. Not to mention, the GSP 302 have a barely usable microphone. The GSP 302 are a solidly built headset that is comfortable and durable. However, they fall short in the crucial aspects of sound, microphone quality, and price. The affordable Astro Gaming A10 claim another victory!
