Kuromi Takes Over Razer: The Best Collaboration Yet?

As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for Razer – a brand that caters to virtually all my PC and console gaming requirements. From accessories and peripherals to devices in countless categories, they have it all. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to collaboration with other companies and brands, offering unique items that keep mega-fans like myself delighted and satisfied.

I’ve just tested out a unique “Hello Kitty Edition” of one of Razer’s top-selling gaming headsets, but that partnership didn’t resonate with me personally. However, Razer has unveiled a fresh lineup themed around the most iconic character from the Hello Kitty universe. The appearance of everyone’s beloved gothic rabbit girl, Kuromi, has resulted in some of the most impressive special edition items I’ve ever witnessed from Razer.

Here, you’ll find some truly fascinating items for enthusiasts and collectors… However, nothing here catches my interest enough to incorporate into my current setup. Once more, it serves as a reminder that Razer’s premium products often lack the special edition makeover.

Breaking down the entire Razer Kuromi collection

The Razer Kuromi assortment includes six distinct items for purchase, two of which are sold together as a set (making five separate options). Each item showcases an exclusive black-and-purple design featuring Kuromi and various symbols related to her, including her well-known skull. However, it’s worth noting that each Kuromi Edition carries a higher price tag than the standard versions.

Here’s everything in the Razer Kuromi collection:

Razer Enki X Kuromi Edition Chair for $549.99 at Razer (instead of $399.99 for the standard black-and-green model)
Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Kuromi Edition Headset for $129.99 at Razer (instead of $99.99 for the standard model or $139.99 for the Hello Kitty special edition)
Razer Oranta V3 Tenkeyless Kuromi Edition Keyboard for $119.99 at Razer (instead of $69.99 for the standard model)
Razer DeathAdder Essential Mouse & Goliathus Mousepad Bundle for $69.99 at Razer (instead of $29.99 for the standard bundle)
Razer Leviathan V2 X Kuromi Edition Soundbar for $129.99 at Razer (instead of $99.99 for the standard model)
Razer Skins Kuromi Edition for…

As a researcher examining this setup, I find that the total cost for the full bundle, including the Kuromi additions, is $300 more than if you were to purchase the same setup without these extras. This price hike seems substantial, given that all of these items fall under Razer’s budget category in their product catalog. Unfortunately, it appears that the entire set cannot be purchased together, but for more details on the Razer Kuromi collection, you can visit Razer.com.

Almost everything you see, except for the gaming chair, can be bought directly from Target. The links to these items are provided below, while the ones for the Nintendo Switch skins can be found above.

A brief hands-on with each Razer Kuromi accessory

Kindly provided by Razer, I received the complete Kuromi series for a thorough hands-on experience. Here are some snapshots and brief reviews of each item, concluding with recommendations on who would benefit from these limited editions, and who might want to give them a pass.

Razer Enki X Kuromi Edition

Initially, I’d like to highlight what appears to be the standout piece in the Razer Kuromi assortment – the Razer Enki X gaming chair. This is one of the more budget-friendly options in Razer’s expanding range of chairs, and we’ve had a chance to evaluate it. The unique selling point of this Enki X model is its distinctive design. It showcases a pattern dominated by black, but with expansive patches of cross-hatched purple fabric, purple stitching, and numerous intriguing details that catch the eye.

The Razer Enki X Kuromi Edition boasts a striking design with the Razer logo in matching purple, the iconic skulls of Kuromi beneath the headrest, and Kuromi herself positioned on the chair back. This isn’t a simple reskin or careless addition of countless Kuromi figures onto the original Enki X; instead, it represents a thoughtful redesign that makes this chair stand out. Admittedly, the Razer Enki X is already an impressive gaming chair, but its aesthetics are truly exceptional. However, it’s worth noting that the Kuromi Edition comes at a significantly higher price tag compared to the standard model. Despite this, you still get static lumbar support and limited adjustability options.

Typically priced at $400, the Razer Enki X Kuromi Edition is currently selling for $549.99 on Razer’s site. To be honest, that’s a $150 price hike without any additional features to justify it. Although the design might be striking and the quality could be top-notch, the cost puts it in the same league as Secretlab products. Unfortunately, the Razer Enki X doesn’t quite match up to the quality of the Secretlab TITAN Evo.

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Kuromi Edition

If you currently have the white-and-pink Hello Kitty model of this headset, consider expanding your collection with its black-and-purple version. Initially, I felt that Razer might have been able to improve upon the design – and indeed they did! This headset boasts an appealing aesthetic, making it more convincing to recommend than the Enki X chair. However, this headset is particularly suitable if you’re on the hunt for a budget wireless option catering to your needs.

Although the matte black plastic and purple cushions stand out, Razer has also tailored the integrated Chroma lighting to match Kuromi’s distinctive color palette and included additional details. The cat ears on the Kraken Kitty V2 have been swapped with something else – perhaps they resemble the points on Kuromi’s hat accessory? Regardless of what you call it, this certainly lends a unique character to this headset. Inside, it remains the same Kraken Kitty V2 with Razer’s recognizable sound tuning, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for PC gaming, and Bluetooth compatibility for all other devices.

The build quality of this headset isn’t top-notch, but it’s typical for this model. However, the Kuromi Edition modifications are not insignificant, ensuring your special edition maintains its uniqueness over time. If you’re intrigued, consider purchasing the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Kuromi Edition for $129.99 on Razer’s site, which is a $30 increase from the regular version. While this premium might be justified, it’s still an additional expense I wouldn’t relish paying.

Razer Ornata V3 Tenkeyless Kuromi Edition

Following is the Razer Ornata V3 Tenkeyless, a budget-friendly, low-profile wired gaming keyboard from Razer. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a no-frills experience, offering reliable key action, robust software support, and customizable RGB lighting via Razer Chroma for added personalization. Naturally, the default color is Kuromi’s purple to keep things consistent.

Regarding this particular special edition, it appears to be the least flashy, given the vast array of possibilities Razer had at their disposal. While it does feature all purple keycaps and some adorable Kuromi and other icons dotted across the keyboard, the true highlight is the magnetically attachable wrist rest that comes in the package. There were opportunities for more unique elements such as a customized font, specially designed Kuromi-inspired keys for specific functions, and even a personalized “Escape” key – features that seem to be missing but could have added significantly to its appeal.

The design of this keyboard catches my eye, and the Razer Ornata V3 Tenkeyless is quite sturdy, especially for a low-profile model. However, it’s challenging to ignore the potential when the Razer Ornata V3 Tenkeyless Kuromi Edition retails at $119.99 on Razer’s site, which is a significant $50 above the standard version. To say that’s a considerable price hike would be an understatement, as you might as well begin considering customizing your own Kuromi keyboard at that price point instead.

Razer DeathAdder Essential & Goliathus Bundle Kuromi Edition

Among the Razer Kuromi assortment, this particular item might not be as captivating as others, but it stands out for a unique reason compared to the Ornata V3 Tenkeyless keyboard. Unlike other products in the collection, the DeathAdder Essential wired gaming mouse underwent an impressive transformation by Razer. It features textured pink sides and scroll wheel, a top pattern that harmonizes with the button layout, and a glowing purple skull replacing the traditional Razer logo, which appeals to Kuromi enthusiasts.

The Razer Goliathus mousepad, particularly the Kuromi Edition, is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a soft, trustworthy surface for their mouse. This version features decorative purple stitching along the edges and a unique Kuromi-themed pattern, including Kuromi herself in the center. However, its appeal doesn’t stop there…

To put it simply, this is an exceptional offer! The Razer DeathAdder Essential & Goliathus Bundle is priced at just $30. This bundle represents Razer’s most affordable offering within their mouse lineup, catering to those who prefer a cost-effective yet reliable gaming mouse.

In summary, the Razer Goliathus Kuromi Edition mousepad and the Razer DeathAdder Essential make an attractive and budget-friendly bundle for gamers seeking quality products without breaking the bank.

Instead of saying “The Razer DeathAdder Essential & Goliathus Bundle Kuromi Edition is $69.99 at Razer,” you could rephrase it as:

“Priced at $69.99 on the official Razer store, you’ll find The Razer DeathAdder Essential & Goliathus Bundle Kuromi Edition.”

“However, considering that there are significantly superior mice available at this price point and still offering comparable mouse pads, we suggest avoiding this bundle unless you’re an avid collector or a dedicated Kuromi fan.

Razer Leviathan V2 X Kuromi Edition

To wrap things up, one of my second favorite picks from the Razer Kuromi lineup is the Razer Leviathan V2 X. This soundbar represents Razer’s most budget-friendly PC option, making it not the flashiest on the market, but it offers an appealing and space-saving design along with decent sound quality and just enough features to keep things engaging. The Kuromi Edition stands out with its enhanced aesthetics compared to the standard model that can be a bit bland.

For your PC, this wired USB Type-C audio device offers high-quality sound, while it also provides Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for all your wireless devices. The speakers are fine-tuned by Razer, featuring dynamic drivers, and come equipped with various built-in controls to avoid the need for additional software. If you prefer customization, Razer Synapse software is available to adjust a 10-band equalizer or the 14 RGB lighting zones. The Kuromi Edition features a purple fabric on the front instead of black, as well as purple buttons and randomized Kuromi-themed icons wrapping around the soundbar. A closer look reveals Kuromi on top and her signature skulls on either side.

I find the straightforward style of this soundbar quite commendable, making it a suitable choice for individuals who don’t require high-end or luxury audio setups. It may not dazzle your guests, but it delivers satisfactorily for casual music listening and gaming purposes. The Razer Leviathan V2 X Kuromi Edition is currently priced at $129.99 on Razer’s website, which is a $30 premium compared to the standard version. While I wish there were no additional cost, I still consider it reasonably priced.

Awesome collectibles, but not for my personal use

From a design standpoint, I strongly feel that the Razer Kuromi collaboration stands out as one of the company’s best design collaborations. The uniformity, careful attention to detail, and eye-catching color scheme make these items among the most visually appealing in Razer’s product line. Regrettably, they aren’t the products I personally wish to use, and it’s likely that many people won’t be willing to pay a premium for special edition versions of these products.

The reason for this is that Razer has only applied the Kuromi Edition to its more affordable accessories (including their chair), which unfortunately excludes many gamers from enjoying it. From a business standpoint, it’s understandable as Razer doesn’t wish to create a specialized edition of an already low-selling premium niche product with added Kuromi branding, since this would significantly increase the cost of a product that was intended to be affordable in the first place, making it less appealing.

As an analyst, I wouldn’t advocate for casual users or budget-conscious gamers to splurge on expensive items simply adorned with Kuromi designs, such as a mouse and mousepad that cost twice as much as their functional counterparts, a gaming chair priced at $150 when there are more affordable alternatives, or an additional $50 for a keyboard when it’s now straightforward to build your own custom dream keyboard. Even though the headset and soundbar may still be within reach of many, I fear that some special editions could deter potential buyers due to their high prices or lack of appeal in terms of functionality.

Should one of the items from the Razer Kuromi collection spark your interest, feel free to revisit that section for the relevant links. For now, I’m sticking with my trusted Razer gear, but who knows? I might just grab a few Kuromi stickers to add a touch of whimsy to my setup.

2025-02-07 17:10