The Razer Kraken V4 X is one of those pair of gaming headsets that can be easily overlooked, given that the majority of gamers these days have gone, and are going wireless. I’ll be honest, that almost made want to give this headset a pass and boy, am I glad I didn’t.
What Am I Looking At?
As mentioned, the Kraken V4 X is a fully wired gaming headset. To be clear there is a wireless version of it, dubbed simply the V4 but we’re not here to talk about that model. Packaging for the headset is simple: You get headset, its cable attached to it (obviously), and on the other end is a USB-C connector, which itself comes attached to a USB-A adapter.
Unlike most gaming headsets that have either gone with a mix of metal and durable polycarbonate materials, the entirety of the Kraken V4 X is made of plastic. For me, it’s a tick on the downside for me but to compensate for these, the earcups are equipped with the same deep memory foam that is found on the Blackshark V2 Pro line.
Buttons are located on the left earcup, and the HyperClear Cardioid microphone is retractable, both earcup is fitted with Razer’s TriForce 40mm Drivers, and yes, it has RGB LEDs built into the back of the cups. The headset does support 7.1 Surround Sound but you will need to activate the feature with a special code provided by Razer, after you’ve registered your product.
What’s Good About It?
To my surprise, the sound of the Kraken V4 X is not as hollow as I initially expected it to be, and that is it in stereo mode. While listening to music, the sound staging is accurate enough that I can hear all the instruments, with just a touch of warmth all around. When watching movies on Netflix or video clips on YouTube, though, the front-facing audio tends to sound a bit more spread to the sides, as though it’s having a trouble focusing.
Again, there’s 7.1 Surround but I am unable to elaborate on the feature, due to a problem with the software. More on that in the next bit.
Moving on, the onboard controls for the Kraken V4 X are fuss-free. Because it is wired, there’s the volume scroll wheel and mute button for the microphone. On that note, the tip of the microphone doesn’t come with a bit of sponge to protect it but it does glow bright red around the edge to indicate when it’s been muted.
The build of the Kraken V4 X is another milestone for the gaming headset. Like the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023, the foam cushions and hybrid fabric provide my ears with passive noise isolation that is so good, I damn near can’t hear my immediate surroundings the moment I start playing music. The tautness of the headbands is also just right, it doesn’t feel like my head is being clamped by a vice, allowing for long hours of listening, be it for entertainment or work.
But the best part about this headset is its price tag of RM399. It’s far from cheap but it is still a damn sight more affordable than several of its wireless counterparts.
What’s The Catch?
Perhaps the most obvious drawback of this gaming headset is the fact that it is wired. While this can be seen as a drawback, it was designed for use at the desk or your gaming console. That said, because it has a USB-C connector, connecting it to your phone shouldn’t be an issue, given that virtually all phones these days use the medium.
The way the microphone retracts is also a slight issue, by the way. Yes, it is convenient but the way the recess is flushed with the curve of the V4 X makes it a little difficult to pull out at times but again, it’s a minor issue and not a dealbreaker.
Then there’s the access to Razer’s 7.1 Surround Sound feature, or dare I say it, the hoops and bounds one needs to go through for it. At the time of writing, I still haven’t managed to activate it primarily because the activation code given to me wasn’t eligible. Oh, and to get that code, you’ll need to register the Kraken V4 X with Razer too.
Should I Buy It?
If you’re perturbed by the idea of using a wired gaming headset in this day and age, there’s little I can say that would deter you from getting the Kraken V4 X. At RM399, it won’t leave a gaping hole in your wallet, and is comfortable even with prolonged use.
The retractable design could use a slight improvement in its design and 7.1 Surround Sound should just made readily available but as I’ve said throughout the review, these really are just minor trade-offs for what you’re getting.
Photography by John Law.
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