The Razer Kraken is without doubt one of the firmβs biggest-selling headsets, with over 20 million models bought, and now thereβs a model new model, the Razer Kraken V4. That includes wi-fi, Bluetooth, and USB connections, altering to smaller 40mm drivers, and now incorporating nine-zone RGB on the edges of the earcups, the brand new gaming headsetΒ is a surprisingly full overhaul of its stalwart headset.
Trying to battle for a spot on our greatest gaming headset information, the brand new Razer Kraken V4 is available in two variants, with a wired USB-only choice offering an inexpensive entry whereas the wi-fi model will get you USB, 2.4GHz wi-fi, and Bluetooth for a way more versatile setup.
Externally, itβs the brand new nine-zone RGB thatβs the obvious change to this new model of the Kraken. The V4 largely retains the chunky, symmetrical form of earlier Krakens however with barely extra oval earcups that now comprise a grid of holes with the Razer brand within the center, by way of which shines the brand new array of LEDs.
Itβs truly a little bit of a disgrace Razer has solely included promo photos displaying the headset with a full rainbow of LEDs, because it seems a bit garish in comparison with the a lot less complicated ring of sunshine on the Kraken V3. Weβre positive with a little bit of color-coordination, although, that the brand new headset might be made to look the half.
The lighting can after all be managed with Razerβs Chroma RGB platform, with varied results obtainable together with the power to sync the lighting of the headset with the actions of over 300 video games. You may not be capable of see the results your self when carrying the headset however theyβll improve any recreation streaming, for example.
The following key change with the Kraken V4 is its retractable microphone. Beforehand, the Kraken mic was a hard and fast size be removable. This new association ought to make for a way more handy setup, assuming the retracting mechanism isnβt too stiff like on some headsets. Razer additionally factors out the brand new mic covers a wider frequency vary to supply βhigh-definition, pro-level voice high quality.β
The headset makes use of the corporateβs TriForce Titanium 40mm drivers, quite than the 50mm variations earlier than. This alone doesnβt inform us a lot concerning the audio high quality of the headset and nor does the similar 20-20,2000Hz frequency vary of the headset. Nevertheless, a barely increased 98dBSPL sensitivity measurement (in comparison with 96dBSPL) hints at a extra responsive driver that might present higher readability than the older headset.
Like Krakens earlier than it, the V4 can run in 7.1 encompass or stereo modes, with Razerβs digital encompass setup being among the finest within the enterprise in our expertise. In the meantime, the brand new headset features a handyΒ on-earcup recreation/chat stability button that permits you to management how a lot you wish to hear your recreation or your folks.
The Kraken V4 is the full-fat wi-fi model of the brand new headset and is obtainable now for $179.99, making it a premium choice however comfortably beneath the $200+ costs of some competing headsets. In the meantime, the USB-only wired Kraken V4 XΒ is simply $79.99, which is a fantastically low value, although we mightβve preferred to see the cable for this be detachable.
In the event youβre after a gaming headset thatβs extra centered on pro-gaming than the flashy RGB streaming really feel of the Kraken, take a look at our Razer BlackShark V2 assessment, which dives deep into the corporateβs top-tier esports gaming headset.
