Test the Razer Kraken X
How do you improve your online gaming skills without spending big bucks on a fancy gaming headset? Razer hopes to have cracked the code to the cheap gaming headset with the Razer Kraken X, a no-frills wired headset that costs just $50. .Gamers don't get a lot of features, but the onboard controls, boom mic, and 7.1 surround sound cover the necessities.
Editor's note: This Razer Kraken X review was updated on June 21, 2021 to reflect price updates.
Who is the Razer Kraken X for?
The Kraken X is an affordable gaming headset without RGB LEDs.
The Razer Kraken X headset is made for
the players
on a budget and works equally well for anyone who needs a headset with a built-in boom mic. They aren't meant to leave your gaming station and include a dedicated audio/mic splitter cable for computers with separate inputs .These are cross-platform compatible.You can use them with
computer
,
Xbox
,
playstation
,
nintendo switch
, and mobile devices.
How is it to use the Razer Kraken X?
The lightweight headband reinforcement makes wearing the Kraken X comfortable.
Using the headset couldn't be easier. All you have to do is plug it in and start playing. If your desktop computer has separate audio and mic inputs, you'll need to use the included splitter to full functionality. The flexible cardioid boom mic is very forgiving in terms of placement. For best voice quality, place the diaphragm parallel to your mouth.
Polycarbonate-ABS, a durable thermoplastic, makes up the headband and slider. This lightweight material in tandem with the hidden goggle channels makes these
comfortable with glasses
.The said channels relieve pressure at the temples.In addition, the memory foam ear cushions contribute to the overall comfort.Unfortunately, the ear cushions are not user replaceable, but Razer offers a two-year limited warranty .
The cardioid boom microphone is easy to adjust.
The headphones lack in-line controls, but do have a volume knob and a mute button on the left ear cup. I'd like to see a bit more dial resistance. That said, the mute toggle just requires the right amount of resistance and provides a satisfying click when pressed or released.
Is the Razer Kraken X good for gaming?
The volume wheel and microphone mute switch are easily accessible from the left earcup.
That's good. The 40mm dynamic drivers reproduce a natural representation of three-dimensional space, something
players should demand
from any headset. This realistic perception of sound allows you to better understand in space where the enemies are. While playing
fate
, alien footsteps were easy to identify, and I predicted which gates potential threats were emerging from.
If you want to take full advantage of 7.1ch surround sound, you must use a PC running Windows 10, 64-bit. This is an annoying caveat; however, Razer provides an additional download code.
How does the Razer Kraken X sound?
The headphones boost bass and low-mid frequencies. This makes explosions more punchy and voices more audible.
While the
response frequency
graphics looks rather odd, headphones sound great for their price. Bass notes get the most emphasis, which is typical of gaming headsets, as it makes explosions sound more punchy. Vocal frequencies are boosted, making it easier to dialogue between characters and teammates. The wide dip from 1 to 6.5 kHz isn't as dramatic as it sounds, but subjects high frequencies, like harmonics, to
auditory masking
.This is more noticeable in music playback than in gameplay, as it can be difficult to hear the resonance details of a chord.
Low frequencies like air conditioners are not blocked by the headphones.
Insulation
it's good but nothing spectacular: Hot Pocket enthusiasts will still hear the microwave working. While I was playing music through the headphones, the hum of the microwave at least was nullified. If you need to ne not be disturbed during the game, find an isolated room to settle down.
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Lows, mids and highs
Chastity Brown's Song
Colorado
is a great song to listen to with the Razer Kraken X. The headset's boosted bass response lends itself well to Brown's folksy style, emphasizing drum kicks. Meanwhile, the light midrange boost showcases Brown's vocals even more than the intended mix, which suits the genre well.
The treble reproduction, however, is insufficient. The shaking of the tambourine is difficult to hear, especially from 2:15. Brown's vocals and backing vocals at 2:35 mask the high frequencies. is not the greatest because a guitar is being played at the same time.
Is the Razer Kraken X microphone any good?
The microphone amplifies the voice so that it is clear and audible to other players.
Yes, vocals come out loud and clear from the Razer Kraken X microphone. The 100-300 Hz dip is odd because most vocal fundamental frequencies are in that range. That said, real-world use demonstrates that the Kraken X has an excellent boom mic, which is heard in the demo below.
Razer Kraken X Microphone Demo:
https://www.soundguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Razer-Kraken-X-microphone-demo.mp3
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If you listen carefully, you can hear a reverberation from my voice. The microphone doesn't do a great job of attenuating ambient noise, but if you're in a quiet room, it shouldn't be too noticeable. de-emphasis around 180 Hz, my voice sounds a bit higher because the
harmonics are strongly accentuated
.
How does the Razer Kraken X compare to the Razer Kraken Pro V2?
The Razer Kraken Pro V2 is a 3.5mm headset, so it will work with consoles like the Switch or Playstation 4 without much issue.
Both headsets are branded with the Razer logo and follow the company's basic over-ear design.
Razer Kraken Pro V2
comes in four colors (black, green, pink, and white) while the Razer Kraken X is only available in black.
The Kraken Pro V2 headset has a retractable boom mic which is nifty but other than that it offers little extra functionality over the Kraken X model. The ear cushions and headband padding are however more substantial, which is useful for extended sessions.
Razer Kraken Pro V2 Microphone Demo:
https://www.soundguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Kraken-Pro-V2-recording.mp3
Rather than including the controls integrated into the side of the earcup, the controls are integrated into the braided cord. If you're between the Kraken X and Pro V2 models, better use the Kraken X or jump to one of the
Razer's higher-end models
.
Razer Kraken X vs. Razer Nari Ultimate
The Nari Ultimate are bulky and heavy.
The
Razer Nari Ultimate
is a more premium gaming headset that has a louder design with its LED lights. One of the biggest features of the Nari Ultimate that other Razer headsets lack is Hypersense. This allows for haptic feedback that forces the ear cups to vibrate with the bass of everything you listen to. It's a great way to make games more engaging, but it can be annoying when playing music.
Another big difference between the Razer Nari Ultimate and the Razer Kraken X is the connectivity. The Kraken X is a wired-only gaming headset, while the Nari Ultimate supports a wireless connection via the USB adapter. The Nari Ultimate is compatible with PS4, Xbox and PC when used wirelessly and offers a wireless range of 12 meters. Alternatively, you can simply use the 3.5mm cable to connect to any source with a headphone jack.
The Nari Ultimate attenuates the mids and highs a bit.
While wireless support is nice, it also means you need to be mindful of battery life: the Nari Ultimate offers 8 hours 22 minutes of playback before needing to be recharged. not enough for marathon players. Another annoying element: the microUSB input.
Neither headset reproduces accurate sound, as they both exaggerate low notes and emphatically de-emphasize high notes. Isolation, however, is noticeably better with the Nari Ultimate than with the Kraken X. If you want them all bells and whistles, the Razer Nari Ultimate may be worth it, but casual gamers will appreciate the quality of the Kraken X and the extra $170 they save over the Nari model. Right now you're getting a lot for
less than $35
, depending on the color.
Should you buy the Razer Kraken X?
Razer includes an extension for computers with dedicated audio and microphone inputs.
The
Razer Kraken X
is a reliable budget headset that meets all the requirements of a good gaming headset. Glasses channels are a must-have feature for anyone who wears glasses. If you want a simple pair of gaming headphones with cross-platform compatibility , the Kraken X is a user-friendly option. If you're able to splurge on a similarly sized gaming headset with a slightly more neutral sound signature, look into the
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
.
Razer Kraken X
All prices quoted in USD unless otherwise stated. Prices may change over time and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site as they vary widely by currency.
$ on Amazon
$39 at Best Buy
$39 at target
Read more:
Best Razer Gaming Headsets