The new Razer Kraken V3 X gaming headset features some interesting new features including the innovative 40mm TriForce drivers. Let’s find out how they behave in this review
The Razer Kraken V3 X are entry-level wired gaming headsets that stand out for a simple design featuring customizable RGB lighting and a USB-A connector instead of a standard 1/8 ″ TRRS connector. These gaming headsets are made for gamers on a tight budget and work just as well for anyone who needs audio devices with a built-in microphone. Let’s find out more in this review.
Technical features
Before starting the actual review, it is right to put a magnifying glass towards the main technical data with the classic overview below:
- Driver audio: Razer TriForce 40mm
- Audio Features: 7.1 surround sound
- Comfort: imbottiture in memory foam
- Microphone: HyperClear Cardioid
- Lighting: Razer Chroma RGB
- Controls: volume and button to mute the microphone
- Weight: 285g
- Connectivity: USB Type-A
Unboxing, design and comfort | Razer Kraken V3 X review
The Razer Kraken V3 X are, therefore, headphones that use only a USB connection and which, while working better on the PC, can also be connected on consoles. In the elegant and well-finished sales package, there are headphones, a code to download Razer’s 7.1 surround virtualization software, and some Razer Chroma manuals and stickers. A little curious note: the presence of “V3” in the name is a bit misleading, since in reality this is the second version of the famous cheaper brand of the company known as Kraken X and launched a few years ago. Returning to the headphones, the lightness of the frame and excellent bearings make the accessory very comfortable even during long sessions of use. Also excellent is the adjustment of the headband, which is also equipped with a soft cushion, to allow it to be used even by users with larger heads.
Unfortunately, there isn’t any kind of horizontal rotation ear cups and this wouldn’t be a problem if the ear cushions weren’t made of memory foam. The latter makes the padding denser and the lack of horizontal adjustment causes the back of the earpads to slide from the back of the head especially when this is larger than average. This requires fiddling with the earpads each time they are worn to achieve a proper fit and seal. However, adapting the pavilion perfectly to the ears leads to hearing a annoying sound rhombus, but we will see this later.
From a construction standpoint, the Razer Kraken V3 X are perfect. Although they are made entirely of plastic, its quality is excellent. Each component is manufactured from black ABS plastic, including the adjustment mechanisms that give a rough feel to their click. This last feature is unfortunately not an advantage since it would have been more preferable to use metal supports which would have given greater strength and safety.
Functionality and audio | Razer Kraken V3 X review
Moving on to the technical side, the Kraken V3 X are the first Razer headphones to use the new 40mm TriForce drivers smaller than 50mm classics. Unfortunately the overall result it’s not perfect since the high volume and the full-bodied sound have to deal with an annoying rumble and too accentuated bass. As a result, the midrange is inaccurate, with a warm, dark sound that makes female voices, for example, thicker and more resonant than they should, and muffles directional cues in games. The treble is similarly recessed and muffled. Considering the fame of the Razer brand we were not expecting it such mediocre audio, but fortunately 7.1 surround virtualization comes in handy, giving a sense of breadth to the audio as if we were on a stage. This aspect allows you to make the audio wider and cleaner, but does not correct the aforementioned defects.
The microphone is the best aspect of these Razer Kraken V3 X headphones. It picks up the voice very well, with perfect sensitivity and a nice vocal tone. Unfortunately, even here, not all that glitters is gold because, unlike other USB devices from Razer, the Synapse software does not contain microphone settings. Finally, the RGB lighting present in the ear cups is bright enough and very easy to control with Razer software. Without the latter running, the default effect is that of a looping color cycle. To complete the set of features, both the microphone mute button and volume wheel on the left auricle they work perfectly.
Too many compromises for a high-expectations device
If there had been a better sonic balance, swiveling earcups, metal adjustment and software mic control options, these Kraken V3 X would have been perfect. Unfortunately, in its current state, they are outclassed by cheaper products even from Razer itself, including the BlackShark V2 X which, in the least, have only the lack of RGB lighting. From the audio point of view, however, we allow ourselves a reservation: being the first product ever to mount the new 40 mm TriForce drivers instead of the classic 50 mm TriForce, perhaps with other products in the future they could improve the defects present in this initial model.
What do you think of these Razer Kraken V3 X headphones? Let us know with a comment below and keep reading allotek to stay updated on the latest news and more.
Too many compromises to accept
Points in favor
- Excellent lightweight yet sturdy plastic construction
- Elegant and customizable RGB lighting
- Comfortable and thick padding
- Responsive and high quality microphone
Points against
- Unbalanced audio and too much bass-oriented
- Inability to customize the microphone via Razer software
- Too much plastic, even in the adjustment of the headband
- USB-A connectivity only