When we bring up the entry level of gaming headsets, the top recommendations would always be either the Razer Kraken or the Siberia V1. To this stagnant competition comes a new contender, the i-Rocks Rock Series A05 Gaming Headset. Let's check out what this headset has to offer.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX, KEN?

The headset itself, detachable 3.5mm audio cable, extending audio/mic splitter cable, detachable mic and a piece of information.

TECH SPECS


REVIEW


Taking a quick look around the headset, we find the i-Rocks logo etched atop the headband and both sides of the ear-cup. Like what the name already states, the headset has a matte black finish with gold accents around the ear-cups. The finish feels high quality to the touch but I doubt that you want to constantly caress the headset. In my opinion, the headsets looks very fashionable and normally I would let it sit around my neck and use it as sort of a fashion accessory.





To expand on how it could be used as a fashion accessory, is how the A05 features a detachable cable and a detachable mic. At the bottom end of both ear-cups, one would find 3.5mm ports that allow the audio cable and mic to be attached to either side you prefer. This comes in very handy because in the past people have complained about being restricted of how the cable is laid out and would prefer it on the other side. With this feature, users are given the liberty to take control of their own layout. Of course, if you just want to use the A05 as just a fashion accessory, you can detach both of them to prevent unnecessary cables dangling around while you walk in style.



While detachable cables are certainly wonderful, I have a gripe with this particular cable. Logically, you would keep the cable coiled inside your bag or whatever method you please and let the headset sit around your neck. The cable also features in-line volume control allowing users to easily adjust volume on the fly independent of the usual Windows Volume control. One problem with the cable is when one keeps the cable coiled for a certain amount of time, the cable has the tendency of getting itself dangled. Fortunately, one would just have to straighten it out for a few moments before using the A05, but still, dangling cables, period.



Let's move on to the comfortability of the headset. Around the ear-cups we find cushioning made of leather and on the top we find cushioning made of what I would presume as memory foam since it forms around my head when I actually wear the A05. Adjusting the size of the headset is kept like how it is with adjustable headband that is made of shiny aluminium. The adjustment process is actually very smooth without being too smooth to avoid accidental adjustments while using the headset.



Overall build quality wise, the A05 feels pretty robust. If you would like to stash the A05 inside your bag while you travel instead of letting it sit around your neck, it wouldn't be much of a problem in my opinion. That pretty much sums up what I have to say about the quality, let's move on to the audio quality.



The A05 sports 40mm drivers as you would find standard across most of the gaming headsets in this range. Music wise, I have been listening to Billboard's Hot 100s and as expected the A05 performance is stellar. Unlike other gaming oriented headsets, the A05 does not have that much of an emphasis on bass which might or might not suit you. With some fiddling around with the equalizer of my preferred music player, I was able to achieve my desired audio quality. One word of advice though would be to ensure that the headset is firmly placed around your ears to ensure good audio quality; I guess thats the trade-off for designing such a light headset. Gaming wise, the A05 is on par with other gaming oriented headsets within its range. Oh and before I forget, since I am sort of categorizing the A05 as a portable accessory, the headset works great on mobile too!

Now we shift our attention onto the detachable microphone. The microphone bears almost the same DNA of retractable microphones found on a lot of gaming headsets; as in the microphone of the A05 is very flexible with how it can be positioned. i-Rocks also claims the microphone to be noise-cancelling but awkwardly enough it doesn't muffle the clicky noise of the K10 keyboard.... which analogically put is like pitching the best sword against the best shield I guess.

CONCLUSION
Looking at the whole package, the A05 presents itself as an extremely competitive product at a SRP of RM199. If you are looking for something portable, durable and in a sense, "stylish", the A05 is right up your alley.
Interested to get one for yourself? You can contact the guys over at i-Rocks Malaysia using the links down below.
i-Rocks Malaysia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iRocksMY
i-Rocks Malaysia Website: http://i-rocks.my/