The Razer Kraken is likely one of the firmโs biggest-selling headsets, with over 20 million items bought, and now thereโs 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 headsetย is a surprisingly full overhaul of its stalwart headset.
Seeking 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 inexpensive entry whereas the wi-fi model will get you USB, 2.4GHz wi-fi, and Bluetooth for a way more versatile setup.
Externally, itโs the brand new nine-zone RGB thatโs 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, via which shines the brand new array of LEDs.
Itโs truly a little bit of a disgrace Razer has solely included promo photographs displaying the headset with a full rainbow of LEDs, because it appears to be like a bit garish in comparison with the a lot less complicated ring of sunshine on the Kraken V3. Weโre certain with a little bit of color-coordination, although, that the brand new headset may be made to look the half.
The lighting can after all be managed with Razerโs Chroma RGB platform, with numerous results obtainable together with the flexibility to sync the lighting of the headset with the actions of over 300 video games. You won’t be capable to see the consequences your self when sporting the headset however theyโll improve any recreation streaming, as an 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 isnโt too stiff like on some headsets. Razer additionally factors out the brand new mic covers a wider frequency vary to offer โhigh-definition, pro-level voice high quality.โ
The headset makes use of the corporateโs TriForce Titanium 40mm drivers, relatively than the 50mm variations earlier than. This alone doesnโt 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. Nevertheless, 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 Razerโs digital encompass setup being among the finest within the enterprise in our expertise. In the meantime, the brand new headset features a handyย on-earcup recreation/chat stability button that allows you to management how a lot you need to hear your recreation or your mates.
The Kraken V4 is the full-fat wi-fi model of the brand new headset and is out there 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 Xย is simply $79.99, which is a fantastically low worth, although we’dโve preferred to see the cable for this be detachable.
For those whoโre after a gaming headset thatโs 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 corporateโs top-tier esports gaming headset.
