The Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones are designed to offer an immersive gaming experience with a focus on comfort and high-quality audio. These over-ear, closed-back headphones feature dynamic transducers and are tailored specifically for gamers who need reliable wired connectivity. This review will delve into various aspects of the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones, including design, comfort, sound quality, microphone performance, software features, and overall usability.
Design and Build Quality
The Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones exhibit a robust and stylish design typical of Razer’s gaming peripherals. The headphones are predominantly black with customizable RGB lighting that adds a vibrant touch. The build quality feels sturdy, with a well-padded headband and ear cups designed for long-lasting durability. The ear cups are oval-shaped and infused with cooling gel to prevent overheating, which is particularly beneficial during extended gaming sessions.
The headphones have a non-detachable USB cable, which can be a limiting factor in terms of versatility. While this ensures a stable connection and enhances audio performance, it also means the headphones can only be used with devices that have a USB-A port, excluding Xbox One compatibility.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a significant selling point for the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones. The over-ear design, combined with cooling gel-infused cushions, ensures that your ears remain comfortable and cool even during long gaming sessions. The ear cups are designed to minimize pressure build-up, making them suitable for prolonged use without causing discomfort.
The headband is adjustable and well-padded, providing a snug yet comfortable fit. This design ensures that the headphones remain securely in place without exerting excessive pressure on your head. Overall, the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones are well-suited for gamers who prioritize comfort during long gaming marathons.
Sound Quality
The Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones deliver impressive sound quality, which is crucial for an immersive gaming experience. They are equipped with THX 7.1 surround sound capabilities, providing industry-leading audio realism. This feature offers accurate spatial audio information, which enhances in-game immersion by allowing gamers to discern the direction of sounds with precision.
The frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz ensures that these headphones can reproduce a wide spectrum of sounds, from deep bass to crisp highs. The dynamic transducers deliver a balanced audio performance, making the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones suitable for both gaming and listening to music.
Microphone Performance
A standout feature of the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones is the retractable boom microphone. The microphone is equipped with active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, which effectively reduces background and ambient noises. This ensures crystal-clear communication during gaming sessions, which is essential for team-based games.
The retractable design allows you to tuck the microphone away when it is not in use, adding to the overall convenience. The microphone’s performance is commendable, making the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones a reliable choice for gamers who require clear and uninterrupted communication.
Software and Customization
Razer’s companion software enhances the functionality of the Kraken Ultimate headphones. The software includes a graphic equalizer (EQ) and various presets, allowing users to tweak the sound to their liking. This customization capability is particularly useful for gamers who want to optimize their audio settings for different games.
The RGB lighting on the headphones can also be customized through the software. With Razer Chroma integration, users can choose from 16.8 million colors and synchronize the lighting with other Razer hardware or compatible devices. This level of personalization adds a unique touch to the gaming setup, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Usability and Compatibility
The Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones connect via a USB connector, which provides a stable and reliable connection. However, this also limits their compatibility to devices with USB-A ports, such as PCs, PS4, and Switch Dock. Unfortunately, they are not compatible with the Xbox One, which may be a drawback for some users.
On-earcup audio controls add to the convenience, allowing users to adjust the volume and toggle the THX Spatial Audio feature without needing to access the software. This on-the-fly control is beneficial during intense gaming sessions, where quick adjustments are often necessary.
Performance in Gaming
When it comes to gaming performance, the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones excel in providing an immersive experience. The THX 7.1 surround sound capability is particularly advantageous in games that require precise audio cues, such as first-person shooters or action-adventure games. The spatial audio accuracy allows gamers to pinpoint the direction of enemy movements, enhancing situational awareness and improving overall gameplay.
The active noise-canceling microphone ensures clear communication with teammates, which is essential for coordinated strategies in multiplayer games. The combination of high-quality audio and a reliable microphone makes the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones a valuable asset for serious gamers.
Additional Features
Beyond the primary features, the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones come with several additional benefits. The RGB lighting, customizable through Razer Chroma, not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows for synchronization with other Razer devices and compatible third-party hardware. This feature adds an extra layer of personalization to your gaming setup.
The cooling gel-infused ear cushions are another notable feature, providing a significant comfort advantage. They help to reduce heat build-up during long gaming sessions, which can be a common issue with many over-ear headphones. This cooling effect, combined with the overall ergonomic design, ensures that the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones remain comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Recommendations
Overall, the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones are a solid choice for gamers seeking a combination of comfort, high-quality audio, and customizable features. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding if these headphones are the right fit for your needs.
For Gamers:
If you are primarily a PC gamer or use a PS4 or Switch Dock, the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones offer excellent value. The THX 7.1 surround sound capability and active noise-c
-canceling microphone provide an immersive and clear audio experience that enhances gameplay. The comfort features, such as the cooling gel-infused ear cushions and adjustable headband, make them suitable for long gaming sessions.
For Multi-Device Users:
If you often switch between multiple gaming platforms, including the Xbox One, the non-detachable USB cable can be a limiting factor. The Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones are not compatible with the Xbox One, which might necessitate considering alternative headphones with broader compatibility if that is a critical factor for you.
For Audiophiles:
While the primary focus of the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones is gaming, their sound quality and customizable EQ settings make them suitable for listening to music and watching movies. If you value high-fidelity sound and enjoy tweaking audio settings to match your preferences, these headphones provide a versatile option.
For Comfort Seekers:
If comfort is a priority for you, the cooling gel-infused ear cushions and well-padded headband make the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones an excellent choice. They are designed to minimize pressure and prevent overheating, making them ideal for extended use.
Conclusion
The Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones stand out as a top choice for gamers looking for a blend of comfort, high-quality audio, and customization. Their robust design, combined with features like THX 7.1 surround sound, a retractable ANC microphone, and customizable RGB lighting, make them a compelling option in the gaming headset market.
While the non-detachable USB cable and lack of compatibility with Xbox One are notable limitations, the overall performance and comfort provided by the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones outweigh these drawbacks for many users. The cooling gel ear cups, in particular, offer a unique comfort advantage that enhances the gaming experience.
If you are in the market for a new gaming headset and primarily game on a PC, PS4, or Switch Dock, the Razer Kraken Ultimate headphones are definitely worth considering. They deliver a high level of personalization, audio quality, and comfort that can significantly enhance your gaming sessions.