The Razer Kraken is likely one of the firm’s biggest-selling headsets, with over 20 million items bought, and now there’s 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 headset 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 possibility offering an reasonably priced entry whereas the wi-fi model will get you USB, 2.4GHz wi-fi, and Bluetooth for a way more versatile setup.
Externally, it’s the brand new nine-zone RGB that’s 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 include a grid of holes with the Razer emblem within the center, by way of which shines the brand new array of LEDs.
It’s truly a little bit of a disgrace Razer has solely included promo photographs exhibiting the headset with a full rainbow of LEDs, because it appears to be like a bit garish in comparison with the a lot easier ring of sunshine on the Kraken V3. We’re certain with a little bit of color-coordination, although, that the brand new headset could be made to look the half.
The lighting can in fact be managed with Razer’s Chroma RGB platform, with numerous results out there together with the power to sync the lighting of the headset with the actions of over 300 video games. You won’t have the ability to see the consequences your self when sporting the headset however they’ll improve any sport streaming, as an illustration.
The subsequent key change with the Kraken V4 is its retractable microphone. Beforehand, the Kraken mic was a set size be removable. This new association ought to make for a way more handy setup, assuming the retracting mechanism isn’t too stiff like on some headsets. Razer additionally factors out the brand new mic covers a wider frequency vary to supply “high-definition, pro-level voice high quality.”
The headset makes use of the corporate’s TriForce Titanium 40mm drivers, fairly than the 50mm variations earlier than. This alone doesn’t inform us a lot in regards to the audio high quality of the headset and nor does the an identical 20-20,2000Hz frequency vary of the headset. Nonetheless, a barely greater 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 Razer’s digital encompass setup being among the finest within the enterprise in our expertise. In the meantime, the brand new headset features a handy on-earcup sport/chat steadiness button that permits you to management how a lot you need to hear your sport or your pals.
The Kraken V4 is the full-fat wi-fi model of the brand new headset and is accessible now for $179.99, making it a premium possibility however comfortably beneath the $200+ costs of some competing headsets. In the meantime, the USB-only wired Kraken V4 X is simply $79.99, which is a fantastically low worth, although we might’ve favored to see the cable for this be detachable.
In case you’re after a gaming headset that’s 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 corporate’s top-tier esports gaming headset.
