The most famous series of Razer headphones that produce equipment for gamers – Kraken, is already in its third generation. For my test, I got the most advanced version of wireless gaming headphones – the Razer Kraken V3 Pro.
For two weeks I had the opportunity to test them. Therefore, here I will tell you what the Kraken V3 Pro offer and whether it is worth buying them.
Contents
Specifications of the Razer Kraken V3 Pro
| frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 ohm (1 kHz) |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz (HATS) |
| Driver size (mm) | 50 mm |
| Driver type | Razer TriForce Titanium |
| Ear cushion material | Heat transfer fabric/leatherette/memory foam |
| Noise suppression | passive |
| Connection type | USB-A Wireless (2.4GHz), 3.5mm analog |
| Length of cable | 1.3 m |
| Microphone | Removable HyperClear SuperCardioid |
| Microphone pickup type | Unidirectional |
| Frequency char. microphone | 100 Hz – 10 kHz |
| Microphone sensitivity | -42±3dB |
| Backlight | Razer RGB |
| Volumetric coding | THX Spatial Audio |
| Battery autonomy | Up to 44 hours (without tactile vibrations and illumination) Up to 11 hours (with tactile sensations and illumination) |
| Compatibility | Android, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Cup inner diameter | 62×42 mm |
| Weight | 372 g |
| Price | form $199.99 |
Read Also: Sony LinkBuds review – exceptional is an understatement
Features and kit
The Razer Kraken V3 Pro are over-ear wireless headphones (with wired connectivity) designed specifically for gamers.
The model is characterized by a closed design, compatible with many devices, the presence of surround sound and even vibrations. It uses HyperSense technology, which allows not only to hear, but also to feel sounds.
Inside the headphones are 50mm Razer TriForce Titanium transducers with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. As well as a battery that provides up to 44 hours of wireless operation.
The Kranen V3 Pro headphones came to me in a characteristic green box, as befits a Razer. It presents the appearance of the peripherals, as well as the most important characteristics.
Included:
- Gaming headset
- Detachable microphone
- 3.5 mm braided cable – 1.3 m
- USB-C×USB-A Braided Charging Cable – 1.3m
- User manual and warranty card
Design and impressions
When I took the Razer Kranen V3 Pro earbuds out of the box, I found them to be quite heavy, but not overly so.
Weight is associated with the presence of 10 thousand mAh batteries and the materials used – many elements are made of metal. The build quality is high and the individual elements fit together well. Pleased with the presence of long wires in a reliable braid.
Pairing and communication
Now it’s time to pair your Razer Kraken V3 Pro with your first source device, which is a Windows PC.
The process went smoothly. It was enough to connect the transmitter included in the kit to the USB port of the computer and hold down the button that activates the connection. The earphones were quickly detected by the device and began to receive outgoing sound.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of Bluetooth connectivity, the Kraken V3 Pro can only connect wirelessly to personal computers, PlayStation 5 and Switch consoles. With mobile devices, Xbox and Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, they can only be connected via a 3.5mm cable.
Razer Synapse App
Like other Razer peripherals, the Kraken V3 Pro on PC is supported by the Razer Synapse app.
The program is very versatile, simple and intuitive to use. I note that the settings of the headphones cannot be changed when they are connected with a cable and a connector, only wirelessly.
When the Razer Kraken V3 Pro is paired with a computer wirelessly (including USB charging mode). The Synapse app allows you to adjust the volume, change the intensity of vibrations, and turn them off.
You can change the settings for surround sound, speaker and microphone equalizer, as well as the type of backlight, or turn on the power saving mode. It is also possible to create different profiles – for example, a separate one for playing and listening to music.
It is important to note that the equalizer settings in Razer Synapse are not only changed manually. We have preset options to choose from.
Unfortunately, the Razer software also has its drawbacks, with regular power-up issues. The Razer software often closes immediately upon startup, for reasons unknown to me.
The convenience of use
For headphones of this design, the Razer Kraken V3 Pro is surprisingly comfortable on the head.
The headband is surrounded by soft foam, so it does not squeeze the head. Likewise with cups, although they fit very snugly around the ears. Only after about four hours of continuous use did I feel slight discomfort.
It is a pity that the cups cannot be rotated vertically around the axis, and rotation around the horizontal is limited.
I had a negative opinion about the location of the control buttons and ports on the Kraken V3 Pro left earbud. There’s too much clutter here, making it difficult to quickly find a key to launch the device or change the volume, which could be more.
Some elements, especially the jack connector and the USB-C port, could be moved to the right earcup. There is only a button for changing the intensity and turning off the vibration.
The tighter the Kraken V3 Pro is pressed against the ears, the more they muffle the surrounding sounds. In my opinion, they do it perfectly – against the background of the fact that PC noise is inaudible. But, the suppression is not so strong as not to understand that the person sitting next to you is trying to tell you something.
Sound quality
The Razer Kraken V3 Pro gaming headphones offer excellent sound quality in the games they are designed for, as well as when listening to music or watching movies.
The bass is punchy but not overbearing, the mids are clear, and the vocals aren’t lost – especially if you select the “musical” EQ setting in Razer Synapse. Here we are dealing with a wide soundstage and high tonal separation. Sounds seem to reach the ears from different distances, and the individual elements do not merge together.
The Kraken V3 Pro is especially impressive in games. I tried them in various genres, especially MMORPGs like Lost Ark and World of Warcraft, and FPS like Fortnite and Overwatch. The presence of virtual surround sound allows you to perfectly reflect where the sound comes from. Whether it’s the sound of an explosion, a spell being cast, or a question being spoken by a character.
Tactile vibrations
Razer peripherals greatly enhance the gaming experience with a feature I haven’t come across so far.
We are talking about the presence of tactile vibrations, due to which the ear pads move in response to the sounds generated by the transducers. It’s hard to describe the vibrations of the Kraken V3 Pro, but they really feel like you’ve been transported into the gaming world.
Importantly, the manufacturer offers a three-stage adjustment of the vibration strength, although for me the lightest ones turned out to be more pleasant. On medium and high settings, vibrations can be tiring and even annoying.
It is worth noting that nothing prevents you from activating them while listening to music or watching movies. Listening to music in the V3 Pro with vibration at a low level, I remembered what it was like to stand next to the speakers during a concert.
I can't overlook the fact that in wireless mode, the headset is recognized as two audio sources - Razer Kraken V3 Pro and THX Spatial Audio.
I recommend using the THX Spatial Audio mode, where the sound is fuller and richer. There is a difference in sound and when working in wireless or wired, passive mode. Although for my taste. More importantly, in passive mode, tactile vibrations are not active.
Microphone quality
The Razer V3 Pro microphone picks up sounds well and transmits them in very high quality.
The user’s voice sounds clear and natural. Besides, supercardioid microphone [ Supercardioid microphone – which has a narrower pickup pattern in front, as well as the sound pickup zone.] does not pick up ambient noise. However, if you prefer to use your own desktop solution, the Razer V3 Pro’s microphone can be detached.
Autonomy Razer Kraken V3 Pro
According to the manufacturer Kraken V3 Pro in wireless mode with backlight and active vibration will work up to 11 hours.
However, it is not reported about the settings of the elements and at what volume level to use the headset. When I tested Razer headphones with 100% backlight brightness, low vibration intensity and 50% volume, battery life was a maximum of 8-9 hours.
If we turn off the backlight and vibration, the Razer Kraken V3 Pro will last up to 44 hours. It may be worth getting rid of the backlight altogether to increase autonomy. We, as users, still do not see it.
Charging the headphones from 0 to 100% via the computer's USB port took about 3.5 hours. This is not the most satisfactory result.
Outcome
The Razer Kraken V3 Pro are headphones that take gaming and more to a whole new level with tactile vibrations.
In addition, the headset offers excellent sound, including when listening to music or watching movies. The comfort of use is high, there is a super-cardioid microphone and a long battery life.
Read Also: Philips Fidelio L3 review: Bluetooth headphones for demanding users
Is it worth buying
Unfortunately, Razer’s Kraken V3 Pro headphones also come with a downside, such as the lack of Bluetooth connectivity. This also includes the price, which, in my opinion, is very high.
While tactile vibrations are a matter of taste, the Razer Kraken V3 Pro is a great wireless headset for gaming or listening to music.
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
- Great sound
- Build quality
- Convenient design
- Adjustable vibrations
- Passive noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Razer Synapse Universal Software
- Wired and wireless connection
Disadvantages
- High price
- Long charging time
- No Bluetooth connection
- Synapse software has problems starting
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