With the Astro C40 TR, the PlayStation could finally have its elite controller – Silicon Valley



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Astro Gaming is best known for its headphones, but one of the quirks of the company's history is that it was originally created to build controllers. He participated in the development of Xbox 360 controllers, but was overshadowed by the success of his Astro A40 headsets.

Although it focuses on the audio side of the area, Astro Gaming has never forgotten its roots. When Sony contacted the firm two years ago to build the controller, the company had to say yes. The result is the Astro C40 TR. It's a controller supposed to answer from the PlayStation to the Xbox Elite wireless controller.

This is a kit designed for professional console players or those who aspire to become one. From the outset, the device has an aura of strength and stability. It is wider than the DualShock 4 and more powerful, so it is comfortable in larger hands.

In collaboration with its esports partners such as eUnited, the Astro Gaming team has developed a device that solves many problems and problems with DualShock 4 over the years. One of the small improvements is the ability to remove the joysticks and the directional pad and replace them with those specialized for shooters or fighting games.

The C40 TR has two rear palettes that can be attached to any button on a PlayStation controller. Tired of accidentally pressing L3 or R3 buttons while aiming or running, players can transfer this feature to paddles and eliminate sticks. You want to map the jump and duck buttons on the palettes so that the players' thumbs never leave the analog sticks. You can do that too.

The triggers on the C40 TR can be shortened just like the Xbox One Elite controller. In fact, the device has a lot in common with the Xbox Elite controller, but Astro Gaming has reviewed the design and advanced several steps. The device comes with its own screwdriver and allows you to remove the front panel, allowing users to see that the analog controllers and directional pads are modular and can be removed.

It's huge. Instead of having to replace a whole controller for a worn-out analog stick, players simply have to replace the wrong part. Aron Drayer, vice president of marketing at Astro, said the replaceable parts would sell for $ 20. It's a better price than $ 60 for a new controller and the move significantly extends the life of the C40.

Since sticks are modular and replaceable, players can also change the layout. If they prefer the offset layout of the Xbox, they can flip the D-pad and the analog stick. If they want two analog sticks right, they can do it too, but honestly, why would you do it? The only thing that remains fixed is the array of face-to-face buttons, but Drayer says they've been tested and will last 10 million button cycles.

The Astro C40 TR also offers small improvements that significantly improve the quality of life. The built-in micro USB plug at the back protects the functionality of the controller so that even if it is pulled out when connected, the connection will not be bent. With its dedicated personalization software on the PC, players can adjust even more settings on the controller or even use it on the PC.

They can recall the rumble or dim the LED located at the front of the touchpad with the help of PC software. (Unlike the DualShock 4, the Astro C40 does not have a giant lamp used in virtual reality or other titles.) This can extend the life of the battery and exceed the estimated 12 hours. Unfortunately, the battery can not be replaced, but players can still use the controller when it is connected by wire.

Speaking of which, regardless of the connection of the C40, players can expect excellent response times. Of course, a direct connection is preferable, but with its USB dongle and its own Bluetooth technology, Astro can reach a latency of less than 5 milliseconds. Astro Gaming leveraged the resources of Logitech, which bought the company last year. The company does not use Lightspeed technology for its mice, but the C40 appears almost as fast.

With the PC software, users can further refine the C40. They can change the trigger point of the triggers. They can fix the acceleration on the sticks. They can even save two different profiles on the controller and change them on the fly using a flip-flop on the top. This will be useful for those who need to stop the goal stick when shooting.

Another useful feature of the software is that players can customize the audio coming out of the C40 when headphones are plugged in. (It's Astro after all.) Actually, the audio on the controller is actually better than the sound coming out of the DualShock 4.

The last noticeable remark about the C40 is that Astro has maintained the movement distance between the chopsticks and front buttons identical to that of the DualShock 4, so the controller always feels like a familiar player. What's even better is that they pushed the Option button up and down the touch pad so that the two did not interfere.

That's what makes the C40 special. It could become the first controller when it was launched in early 2019. The device itself is available for pre-order on the Astro site for $ 199.

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