Razer’s headsets are still the de facto standard in the industry, and the Kraken V4 doesn’t change that much. It is not packed with innovative features, but it has everything you need and expect in reasonable quality and at a price that is affordable, albeit on the higher end.
Like many others, it has decided to implement 9-zone RGB lighting. I’m still struggling to see the purpose, other than it generating heat and using extra power. It might look cool on an Instagram photo where everything is from the same brand and in the same colors, but in everyday life I don’t think it has any value, to put it in good consultant language.
Not surprisingly, there is both the usual wireless connection with radio waves via a USB-C dongle, extra high-speed Bluetooth and wired via USB. I still miss that wireless charging will be implemented soon. Battery life is pretty decent, rated at 70 hours, and I’ve managed to squeeze a little extra out of it without any problems. One design issue is that there’s no cavity or anything to store the dongle in, and I’m not impressed with that. The old Nari headset had that, as well as haptic feedback, so why did they forget these two excellent features this time?
The price is around £180. It’s not exactly cheap, but it’s unfortunately around what a wireless headset costs these days. That said, you can get really decent wireless headsets for less. No, they don’t have triple connectivity, but when you’re at the price point of the Kraken V4, you really have to deliver these extra features.
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Razer still uses its three-way 40mm Tannoy-like Triforce drivers in titanium, and they deliver a relatively balanced sound, albeit with emphasis in the high-frequency range. There is a much smoother transition between bass and midrange than you are used to, and an almost linear reproduction in the same frequency range. However, more could have been done to improve the transparency of the sound image. The resolution is nice, but as closed headphones there are limits. Although the bass has good punch, it would have been nice to have the deepest frequencies, but this is traditionally reserved for wired headphones. The sound is generally refined and detailed.
The cushions are made of memory foam with fabric, and they are quite comfortable to wear, combined with a relatively light pressure from the ear cups. On the side you will find the on/off button, volume controls and the usual adjustment for chat/game balance.
The microphone is the Razer HyperClear Super Wideband. That’s perhaps a bit of a mouthful in more ways than one, because while it’s a definite upgrade sonically, the sound is still a bit treble and a bit tinny compared to many competitors. That said, it is well articulated with surprisingly little tonalization of P, T and S sounds. We’ve tested it as is, but if you’re willing to tweak it a bit, you can get reasonable results. That said, collapsible/rollable microphones are not as robust or mechanically well constructed as the fixed external microphones, and for good reason. So it’s also about being realistic about what you can achieve. Personally, I think it’s a good choice to have an integrated microphone instead of an external one, but it probably depends on what kind of games you like. Furthermore, it samples at 32 kHz, which is not quite at the level of a CD, but close.
On the software side, Razer’s Synapse software is, as usual, a study in ease of use and functionality. But it’s a bit of a cheat, because if you want to use THX Spatial, which I admit is one of the few virtual surround solutions worth spending time on, you have to pay extra. That might put some off, but at least there’s a demo link on Razer’s website. There are also several EQ profiles as standard, and Razer should be praised for not going crazy with the Game profile.
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You can’t go wrong with the Razer Kraken V4. There are some shortcomings, and you’re paying for a premium brand, but in return you get a solid audio experience and a sensibly built headset.
Razer Kraken V4: The Headset That Audibly Leaves You Wanting More
Ah, Razer. The brand that makes gamers feel like rockstars, even if our only groupie is our dog. The Kraken V4 is out, and let’s say it’s like an old friend who shows up to your party with a slightly stale pizza. It’s still a pizza, but you’re wondering why they didn’t bring the hot wings and cheese dip.
Let’s kick things off with the RGB lighting. Seriously, how many shades of neon green do we need to illuminate our way to victory? Nine zones of RGB lighting? That’s like packing a clown car into your living room to impress guests. It may sparkle nicely in a 10-second Instagram clip, but in the light of day? It’s a glorified mood ring. Not exactly the innovation we crave.
For all you connectivity aficionados out there, the Kraken V4 comes with wireless radio waves via a USB-C dongle, speedy Bluetooth, and yes, the classic USB wired connection. But wait! No more hiding your dongle away? It seems they took a page out of the “What Not To Do” book borrowed from the Nari headset, which actually managed to include storage solutions. How do you drop a catchphrase like “we forgot”? Those features weren’t just a fluke, folks!
Now, about that price tag—£180. That’s a premium for sure. It’s in that awkward middle ground where you should be getting the gold-plated set of features but instead feel like you’ve been given a solid bronze. Like, you could buy a couple of pretty decent headsets for that price without the RGB fanfare, just sayin’. Triple connectivity is fab, but if the extra features aren’t on the table, what are we even doing here?
Razer’s claim to fame, the Triforce drivers, are back with their titanium flair, serving a balanced sound profile with an emphasis on the high notes—perfect for all you aspiring harpers out there! They’re not bad, but they leave you feeling like you’re at a concert where the bass player forgot to show up. As for comfort, the memory foam cushions might just be the plushest way to ignore the uninvited neighbor who loves to play the bagpipes at midnight.
The microphone? Let’s just call it the Razer HyperClear Super Wideband. Quite a mouthful. But listen, while it does sound like it was engineered by a group of overly caffeinated kleptomaniac scientists, it can be a touch on the tinny side. Why do we always settle for “well articulated” when all we want is “heavenly choir”? It’s almost like a lottery where you’re stuck with the number that sounds good but doesn’t pay off.
On the software side, Razer’s Synapse brings ease and functionality. But here’s where we hit another snag—the THX Spatial feature isn’t free. Making us pay for a portion of the product feels like walking into an all-you-can-eat buffet and discovering the fork is an extra charge. Come on, Razer, feed our ears without breaking our budget!
So, can you go wrong with the Kraken V4? Technically no. It’s a headset, and it functions reasonably well—much like that friend who never pays you back but is always down for a night out. You’ll get a solid audio experience, and it’s sensibly built… Just adjust your expectations. Whether it’s worth the hefty price tag is up to you, dear reader. The Kraken V4 might not rock the world, but it’ll keep you flying without crashing—unless, of course, you forget to charge it!
In short, if you’re ready to embrace the bling without compromising on performance, the Kraken V4 might just be your new best mate. Just don’t expect it to replace an actual rock band anytime soon.
Razer’s headsets continue to reign supreme in the gaming audio industry, and while the Kraken V4 may not introduce groundbreaking innovations, it upholds the standard that Razer has established. This headset comes equipped with essential features that gamers expect, delivering solid quality at a price point that, while considered on the higher side, remains accessible for many buyers.
In line with current trends, the Kraken V4 incorporates 9-zone RGB lighting. While this feature certainly adds a visual flair that can be striking in promotional images, its practical value in everyday use seems questionable. Beyond creating some heat and consuming additional energy, the lights seem to serve little purpose in enhancing the user experience during regular gameplay.
As anticipated, the headset offers various connectivity options, including a wireless connection utilizing radio waves via a USB-C dongle, ultra-responsive Bluetooth connectivity, and wired support through USB. However, it’s disappointing to note the absence of wireless charging capabilities, which would have been a valuable addition. Battery life is quite impressive, boasting a longevity of up to 70 hours, and many users, including myself, have been able to stretch that time further without issue. A notable design flaw is the lack of a dedicated compartment for storing the dongle, a feature that was present in the older Nari headset. Additionally, the omission of haptic feedback, a feature that added depth to the audio experience, leaves one wondering why it wasn’t included this time around.
The price tag for the Kraken V4 hovers around £180. While it may not be considered a bargain, it aligns with the current pricing landscape for wireless headsets. That said, consumers should be aware that there are commendable wireless options available at lower price points. Although these alternatives may not offer triple connectivity, one would expect enhanced features and innovations at the price bracket set by the Kraken V4.
Razer preserves its legacy sound technology with the three-way 40mm Tannoy-like Triforce drivers made from titanium, which deliver a well-balanced audio experience, albeit with a pronounced emphasis on high frequencies. Transitioning from bass to midrange is smoother compared to many competing products, providing a near-linear response within that range. However, further refinement could have improved the overall transparency of the sound image, as the closed back design does impose certain limitations. Although the bass is punchy and robust, room for improvement exists in reproducing the lowest frequency ranges—a territory generally reserved for wired headphones. Overall, the sound is crafted, detailed, and engaging.
The cushions made of memory foam with fabric covering provide a comfortable fit for extended wear, along with a light pressure from the ear cups that minimizes fatigue over time. Users will find the on/off button, volume controls, and the familiar chat/game balance adjustment knob conveniently located on the side of the headset.
The microphone, dubbed the Razer HyperClear Super Wideband, offers a notable sonic upgrade compared to earlier models, delivering articulate sound with minimal distortion in the pronunciation of plosive sounds like P, T, and S. During testing, while the quality of the microphone was broadly commendable, it does exhibit some treble dominance and tinny characteristics when compared to more robust alternatives. However, its collapsible design presents trade-offs in mechanical durability versus external microphones. The integrated option ultimately provides convenience for gamers, but preferences may vary based on individual usage scenarios. Furthermore, the sampling rate of 32 kHz may not fully match CD quality, but it approaches it closely.
Razer’s Synapse software continues to excel in user-friendliness and functionality, though it requires an additional fee to access the THX Spatial feature, which offers one of the more reputable virtual surround sound experiences. For potential users, a demo is available on Razer’s website to explore before committing. The software includes various EQ presets out of the box, and Razer deserves credit for avoiding excessive alterations in the Game profile, maintaining a straightforward approach.
While the Razer Kraken V4 has its shortcomings, choosing this headset means you won’t be making a mistake. As a premium brand, the investment may seem significant, but in return, users receive a dependable audio experience and a thoughtfully designed product that meets the demands of modern gaming.
Cups. On the side of the headset, you’ll find the standard on/off switch, volume controls, and an adjustment dial for balancing game audio with chat.
When it comes to the microphone, Razer’s **HyperClear Super Wideband** is a noteworthy inclusion. It offers good clarity and articulation, which is especially important for in-game communication. However, it does tend to have a slightly tinny quality compared to its competitors, which might disappoint those seeking pristine vocal reproduction. With a sampling rate of 32 kHz, it falls just short of CD quality, but for most gaming contexts, it remains serviceable. If users are willing to fiddle with the settings, they can find a configuration that works well, but it’s certainly not perfect straight out of the box.
On the software front, Razer’s **Synapse** application continues to impress with its user-friendly interface and array of features. However, the THX Spatial audio, one of the standout offerings, comes with an additional cost. While it may deter some potential users, a demo option is available for those who want to test it out before committing. Razer deserves credit for providing several EQ profiles, steering clear of excessively aggressive presets that might ruin the gaming experience.
the **Razer Kraken V4** is a refined headset that offers solid performance and comfort, although it does come with a few caveats. While its sound profile is well-balanced and enjoyable, some users might find themselves longing for deeper bass or clearer microphone quality. The integration of RGB lighting is visually appealing but doesn’t substantially enhance the overall experience. Furthermore, the lack of certain features, like a dongle storage compartment and haptic feedback, leaves a little to be desired, especially at its £180 price point.
if you’re in the market for a headset that combines decent audio performance with a touch of flair, the Kraken V4 could be a good option, just don’t expect it to transform your gaming experience into something outright revolutionary.