Astro C40 TR: Review, price and specification

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Designed for PlayStation 4 and PCs, the Astro C40 TR (TR for "Tournament Ready") is clearly aiming at the top of the basket of gaming controllers. Modular, it allows you to switch between analog sticks and a directional cross. To stand out a little more, it works both wired and wireless with a USB dongle, promising minimal latency.

Construction and ergonomics

Like most so-called "pro" controllers, the Astro C40 TR is much larger than the DualShock 4 (DS4) that it is supposed to outperform. A relief for the big hands who will appreciate its comfort – although the official controller does not deserve on this point -, but a possible disappointment for the smallest who undoubtedly despair to see arriving a more advanced controller which does not exceed the gauge of the DS4 however.

Especially since the mass is accordingly, at 316 g against 218 g for the Sony controller. It's more reasonable than the 351 g of the Razer Raiju Ultimate, but still too much when you know that the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller is content with 224 g (and perhaps weighed down to 316 g thanks to small masses at insert in the handles). However, we did not feel excessive fatigue during our play sessions which could exceed 3 hours.

Gripping with pleasure

It must be said that the controller holds well in hand thanks to its large handles that support the palms well. We also appreciate the "peach skin" type finish of the shell, very pleasant to the touch and a little different from the usual "soft touch" finishes (like that of the Revolution Unlimited Pro). We just have to hope that durability will be there, but our scratch tests with repeated violent nails have not left the slightest trace, which is a good omen.

We can also be pleased to note that the plastics used are not messy, unlike those of its competitors at Razer and especially Nacon. On the edges of the handles, the textured plastic provides a little more grip and limits perspiration. The grip is however less pronounced than on an eSwap Pro Controller from Thrustmaster, which offers a rubberized finish. The controller is not slippery, but players who like when the handles are almost sticking to the hands may be a little disappointed.

A powerful wireless link, but no Bluetooth

On the side of the connection to the PlayStation 4 or to a computer, you can of course directly connect the controller via USB with the cable provided. A cable, alas, a little short (2.1 m) and which lacks flexibility. Fortunately, it is possible to replace it, provided that you choose one with a fairly narrow microUSB connector.

Indeed, the microUSB port of the controller is housed at the bottom of a recess designed to limit the risks of disconnection (when pulling at an angle on the cable, in particular). We would appreciate that manufacturers choosing this type of solution provide an adapter to use any other cable.

But if you choose this Astro C40 TR, it is undoubtedly also for its wireless operation, which Nacon ensures very fast. With a latency announced at 5 ms, we could not actually detect a difference compared to a wired link during our tests. Rather than using Bluetooth, Astro chose a proprietary radio link on the 2.4 GHz band to better control the connection. It is certainly necessary to use a small USB dongle, but it may be a bad thing for a good, since, apart from the DualShock 4, all the PS4 controllers operating in Bluetooth that we have tried so far suffered from perceptible latency .

We would have appreciated however that a Bluetooth mode is offered on PC. Anyway, the wireless mode remains optional and you can switch to wired mode by simply sliding the switch located on the upper edge of the controller. What ensure an optimal connection during an official competition, for example.

Customization and configuration

Particularity of this C40 TR, its modularity makes it possible to reverse directional controls. We can thus opt for a classic PlayStation configuration, with the two analog sticks placed symmetrically in the middle of the controller, or on the contrary prefer an asymmetrical arrangement of Xbox type, with the left analog stick instead of the directional cross. However, the operation is not as simple as on the Thrustmaster eSwap Pro Controller and its magnetic system. It is necessary here to play with the screwdriver (supplied) to remove a small plate retaining the control members.

Although it only takes a few seconds to unscrew the 4 screws, this does not encourage you to change the configuration if you frequently switch from one type of game to another.

Limited modularity

Interest seems limited, however, since Astro did not take the modular concept of its C40 TR very far. It is simply a question here of reversing the commands, not of replacing them completely, unlike here again what Thrustmaster offers on its eSwap Pro Controller. Only an alternative directional cross is available as an option in the manufacturer's online store, as a set for € 19.99 with the classic cross. This also raises questions about the possibility of replacing the modules in the event of a breakdown, since they are not sold online. You cannot change the buttons either, as they are not mounted on a module.

Fortunately, Astro did not ignore the possibility of changing the analog sticks, more precisely the axle plus cap assembly. Removing them is unfortunately not easy, since you have to pull hard enough to unclip them. We then fear for the longevity of the modules, especially since they do not seem particularly robust. The fact remains that Astro offers the choice between 3 different axis heights and two types of caps, one convex and the other concave. The grainy texture of the cap coating is common, but the concave shape takes advantage of small pins to further improve the grip of the thumbs. In addition to the sticks with concave caps and axes of medium height installed base on the controller, there is a choice between 2 other sticks of lower height, but only convex, as well as 2 sticks with higher axes, one concave and the other convex.

What in principle to meet most uses, the high sticks being particularly appreciated by FPS players who use them on the right stick to gain aiming accuracy.

It is nevertheless unfortunate that Astro does not deliver a pair of each stick directly with its controller, especially when we remember the price of the C40 TR.

Simple and complete configuration software

The Astro C40 TR is configurable via PC software (Windows and macOS). Easy to use, it allows you to create different profiles and save one in each of the two memory locations on the controller. We go from one to the other by changing the position of the switch on the upper edge of the gamepad.

For each profile, you can of course change the function of each button and in particular choose which one to assign to the two large additional buttons located behind the joystick. The intensity of the vibrations as well as the brightness of the indicator integrated into the touchpad of the controller can also be modified.

The sensitivity of the analog sticks can also be set, for example if you want to reduce the sensitivity at the start of the race, for more precision.

The same goes for the sensitivity of the analog triggers, their adjustment even becoming essential when physically reducing their travel using the small switches provided for this purpose on the back of the joystick.

Astro Gaming having made a name for itself with its gaming headsets, it is not surprising to discover the particular care that it wanted to bring to the audio output of its controller. There is thus an equalizer, as well as a volume adjustment for the microphone and the small speaker integrated into the controller. It's a shame, however, that we can't at least adjust the volumes with buttons on the joystick.

Precision and responsiveness

Despite its competitive vocation, the Astro C40 TR does not offer particularly reactive switches, unlike Razer Raiju and Thrustmaster eSwap controllers which for their part opt ​​for "tact switches" in order to gain a little reactivity. Here we find fairly firm buttons, but also higher than those of a DualShock 4. Despite a fairly straightforward activation, we are still hungry, especially since the handling of these buttons is not very pleasant due to borders a little too bright for our taste. The thumb tends to hang a little by sliding from one button to another.

The observation is much more pleasing from the side of the two additional buttons arranged at the rear of the controller. Large and easy to access, they resemble those of the last Raiju, but are even more accessible. Certainly, finding two more would have been appreciated, but to choose we still prefer 2 well placed buttons than 4 difficult to access.

On the side of the triggers, flexibility prevails. Accessibility and precision are satisfactory this time and you can easily switch from the L2 / R2 triggers to the L1 / R1 button triggers which are easily activated with the second phalanx of the index finger.

The analog sticks are not outdone, demonstrating good precision, while the directional cross seemed to us quite pleasant, offering both well-marked directions and good glide under the thumb. Unfortunately, we were unable to Review the alternative cross, which is only offered as an option.

Strong points

• Comfortable grip.

• Powerful wireless connection.

• Good order precision.

• Complete and easy to use PC software.

• Two profiles saved in internal memory.

Weak points

• 4 screws to remove to take advantage of the modularity.

• Limited modularity, lack of alternative modules.

• Hard analog sticks to remove.

• Main buttons a little hard.

• No Bluetooth (for connection to PC, in particular).

• USB cable a little short.

Conclusion

With such a sale price (€ 199.99 at launch), we expected the perfection of the Astro C40 TR. It is clear that if this first controller does not lack qualities, its faults do not make it a must. Faced with its competitors at Nacon, Razer and even Thrustmaster, it can however count on an efficient wireless connection and remains to be considered in the case where its modularity and its possibilities of settings matter to you. 

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