Razer’s Kraken headset lineuphas been popular with gamers looking to stand out from the crowd. The recently released Kraken V4 adds even more flair with unusually dynamic RGB lighting. Making the already popular Kraken V3 Pro more versatile, the new headset also includes Bluetooth connectivity. Buyers can find the Kraken V4 available at retailers for an MSRP of $179.99. The $79.99 Kraken V4 X is a less feature-packed, wired USB alternative for gamers after abudget headset.
Razer Kraken V4 Wireless Gaming Headset
Experience powerful life-like audio with the Razer Kraken V4 headset that captures every detail in your voice, allowing you to be heard easily by teammates. RGB lighting is one of its biggest features and it packs a 9-zone earcup lighting system that increases the appeal of your setup. With THX spatial audio, you get to hear your games in an entirely different way that places you in the heart of the action. It boasts a 70-hour battery life that should keep you engaged for long sessions.
The wireless Kraken V4 is lighter than the V3 Pro at 350 grams, but remains on the chunky side. Still, acute observers may notice that the earcups also look more oval and not quite as overbearing. With the addition of Bluetooth, the Kraken V4 has also become more versatile. Although gamers can’t listen to multiple sources simultaneously, the headset offers SmartSwitch functionality to toggle between connections. This is one of the essential features of the Razer Barracuda headset series, which is aimed at mobile gamers.
The Kraken V4 now offers a retractable HyperClear Super Wideband Mic, which reduces the chance of damage or loss while traveling. More importantly, the microphone reliably captures the entire human voice spectrum with natural recordings. On the headset itself, gamers can adjust game and chat mixes to ensure vital multiplayer communication is never missed.
One surprising change with the Kraken V4 is a move from 50 mm to 40 mm TriForce Titanium drivers. However, early reviews indicate that the new drivers haven’t impacted sound quality, with low, mid, and high tones remaining balanced. The Kraken V4 also includes THX Spatial Audio to emulate the positional audio of the bestsurround sound headsets. While the Razer BlackShark tends to be theheadset esports pros use, the Kraken V4 is the manufacturer’s most well-rounded option. Gamers can select from various EQ profiles that suit different genres of games and music.
It’s not often that a headset maker emphasizes RGB effects over sound quality or connectivity. In reality, lighting effects on these peripherals often don’t get the exposure they deserve. After all, unless a listener is on a video call, it’s difficult to appreciate earcups shining in millions of different colors. Of course, broadcasters are an exception, andstreaming headsetsget more audience recognition.
What’s unique about the Kraken V4 is its RGB lighting spread out over nine zones. This brings the device’s illumination closer to the standard of manyRGB keyboardsand mice. In the Razer Synapse software, gamers have more flexibility in designing unique patterns that showcase their personalities. The Kraken V4 may not make the same statement as the Kraken Kitty headsets, with modular lit animal ears, but it will attract the attention of trendsetters.
With somewhat less fanfare, theKraken V4 X is also now in stockat some retailers. Thisaffordable wired headsetconnects to PCs, PlayStation consoles, the Nintendo Switch, and some mobile devices through a USB-C or USB Type-A cable. Its non-Titanium 40 mm TriForce drivers make it competitive in its price bracket, while it has some 7.1 surround sound capabilities. It’s not completely void of RGB lighting either, as gamers will encounter more basic Chroma effects on its earcups. For a $79.99 asking price, it’s bound to entice budget-conscious shoppers not bothered by a lack of wireless connectivity.
Another similarity between these new headsets is the signature comfort provided by Razer’s memory foam earpads. To determine if they deserve a place among thebest gaming headsets, Game Rant hopes to provide hands-on impressions of the Kraken V4 and V4 X shortly.
