Our Verdict
70%
A decent headset, but other options deliver better sound and more features.
The new Razer Kraken is the latest update to the Razer Kraken analog 3.5mm gaming headset lineup, following the Razer Kraken Pro V2. Sporting a near-identical design, it brings a few tweaks and a much simpler name.
The design has a very symmetrical feel, with a headband that sits centrally on the perfectly circular earcups. As well as this garish bright green, there’s an all-black flavor, a Quartz Pink version, a black-and-blue console model, a Mercury White option, and the infamous Kitty pink version with added cat ears.
Regarding those upgrades, the headband has thicker padding while the earcups have a cooling gel layer and a hidden eyewear-relief indent. The difference is subtle, but the improvements are welcome and help take the strain of the not-overly-light 322g weight for longer gaming sessions. The headband also contracts enough to fit small heads. However, the fit isn’t quite as secure as more contoured headsets, as the earcups don’t tuck under your ears very well.
In terms of features, the Kraken isn’t exactly overflowing. The cable is tethered rather than removable, and there are no on-headset audio controls, with tiny little inline volume and mic mute controls used instead. The volume control is particularly annoying, as the wheel is easy to knock and it sticks out both sides of the enclosure, so you can’t tell which way you need to turn it.
Thankfully, it at least offers a convenient extension arrangement. The initial length is 1.3m and terminates in a 4-pole plug, then there’s an extension that splits into two separate plugs for the mic and headphones.
The new Kraken also has an improved microphone, with better directionality for reducing unwanted noise. However, overall sound quality from the mic is still lacking the clarity and fullness of some others. Also, while the mic is retractable, it causes the headset to move when you’re trying to deploy or stow it.
In terms of headphone sound quality, Razer has opted for a lot of bass with a smaller boost to the treble range. The overall effect feels overdone, making for a slightly muddy quality in both games and music, which detracts from the overall experience.
Razer Kraken pros and cons
Pros:
- Comes in a range of colors
- Decent comfort levels
- Useful segmented cable design
Cons:
- Overly bass-boosted sound
- Fit not all that secure
- Fiddly volume control
Razer Kraken specs
The Razer Kraken specs list is:
| Connections | Analog 3.5mm |
| Frequency range | 12-18,000Hz |
| Sensitivity / sound pressure level | 109 dB @ 1 kHz |
| Mic frequency response | 100 Hz – 10 kHz |
| Mic sensitivity | 45 ± 3 dB |
| Weight | 322g |
| Battery life | N/A |
| Extras | Retractable mic arm, inline volume control, inline mic mute button |
Razer Kraken price
The Razer Kraken price is $80 (£80) at the time of review, making is a somewhat premium analog gaming headset.
Price: Expect to pay $80 / £80
Razer Kraken review conclusion
The Razer Kraken improves on an already decent headset, but still doesn’t elevate it to being one of our favorites. The fit is a little loose, while the over-egged bass makes sound muddy.