Razer has added RGB to yet another product that probably didn't need it, but it does look cool

What you need to know

Razer divides its gaming headsets into three distinct families, with the Barracuda line being dedicated to multi-platform, multi-medium listening.
Today, Razer announced a refresh version of the entry-level Barracuda X, bringing with it a handful of upgrades.
Number one on the list is the addition of Razer Chroma RGB lighting in each earcup, which is totally expected from Razer at this point.
The update puts the new Barracuda X Chroma in a bit of a strange position in the larger lineup, but I’ve gone hands-on with the headset early to give you my first impressions.

As a tech enthusiast who has been following Razer’s product lineup for years, I must admit that their latest addition to the Barracuda family, the Barracuda X Chroma, is quite intriguing. Having reviewed several Razer headsets in the past, I can confidently say that the company knows how to deliver a solid product with a touch of their signature style.

It seems reasonable for everyone to anticipate that Razer will incorporate RGB lighting into almost all their products, and this trend has been particularly noticeable with their gaming headsets lately. Earlier, RGB lighting was exclusive to the advanced Kraken series; however, now Razer has unveiled a Chroma-enhanced version of its cross-platform, multimedia Barracuda X wireless headset, which they’ve creatively named as the Razer Barracuda X Chroma.

As a researcher conducting a product analysis, I’ve recently had an opportunity to examine the newly released global offering from Razer – their headset, priced at $129.99. Compared to the standard Barracuda X, this model carries a $30 premium due to its enhanced features. Having had early access, my initial thoughts are that it seems somewhat unusual within Razer’s existing portfolio but proves to be a strong contender for those who place significant importance on aesthetic elements like RGB lighting. Keep an eye out for my comprehensive review coming soon!

You can continue browsing for additional options, or you could directly visit Razer to personally select their headset in two colors: sleek black or stylish white (unfortunately, there’s no pink available). The white version does have a quite appealing look, and I must admit, it makes me a bit envious that I asked for the black one for review.

A minor refresh, but still one that matters for new buyers

Originally reviewed by Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino in 2022, he found the Razer Barracuda X to be a delight to wear due to its impressive audio response and low latency, making it ideal for movies, gaming, or music. He also appreciated their flexibility, as they could switch between wireless and wired use, just like traditional headphones. Now, more than two years later, this headset is finally receiving an update.

To be honest, while it’s not a major change, the Razer Barracuda X Chroma shares quite a few components with its predecessor, making it hard to distinguish as a new headset. Although there are some minor improvements, the fact that the Barracuda X Chroma is priced higher than the non-Chroma variant, which remains unchanged, leaves me with a mix of feelings. However, after using them extensively, I can say that this headset continues to deliver as a reliable, entry-level wireless option. Keep an eye out for my comprehensive review on Windows Central in the upcoming weeks!

Initially, let’s delve into the differences between the older Barracuda X and its newer version. One noticeable enhancement is the inclusion of 6-zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting in each earcup, which can be customized using the Razer Audio mobile app or Razer Synapse PC app for personal preference. The Razer HyperSpeed Wireless technology persists, but now comes in a more compact USB Type-C 2.4GHz dongle form factor. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity has been slightly improved, moving from version 5.2 to 5.3.

Razer has made improvements to the detachable HyperClear Cardioid microphone, but it’s unclear how significant these changes are. However, they have definitely boosted the battery life significantly, extending it up to 70 hours of continuous use, compared to the maximum 50 hours of the original Barracuda X. Lastly, the design has been streamlined with a swivel mechanism included for enhanced comfort, sound insulation, and convenience during transportation.

It’s not all upgrades, though. The Razer Barracuda X Chroma loses the ability to connect via 3.5mm audio, which is disappointing. You also gain an extra 35g of weight — this is still a very light headset, but that’s a big enough increase that you would notice the difference. Finally, there’s the pricing. The Razer Barracuda X is still available for $99.99 at Razer, the same as it when it released, while the new Razer Barracuda X Chroma is retailing for $129.99 at Razer.

In essence, the Razer Barracuda X Chroma shares many similarities with its previous model, but the $30 price hike following two years feels a bit harsh. Given that the original Barracuda X is a robust wireless gaming headset priced at $100, the value has significantly diminished with the introduction of the Chroma variant. Moreover, the Razer Barracuda, retailing for $159.99 on Razer’s site, sits just $30 apart, offering a more premium wireless gaming experience with enhanced audio and integrated microphones (which we’ve reviewed, by the way).

Regarding the built-in microphones, it’s important to note that the Barracuda X Chroma lacks this feature, which means if you’re out and about and need to make a call without your detachable microphone, you’re out of luck. In such a situation, I would recommend considering the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, a headset that I’ve reviewed and found to deliver superior sound quality, weigh less, support THX Spatial Audio, and offer comparable performance in other aspects compared to the Barracuda X Chroma, except for the RGB lighting. Interestingly, both headsets are priced identically at $129.99 on Razer’s website.

One notable advantage of the Barracuda X Chroma lies in its unique design. To put it simply, this design is not only visually appealing but also functional, making it suitable for both wireless headphones and gaming headset use. Moreover, the RGB lighting within the earcups seamlessly complements the overall aesthetic, potentially swaying your decision in favor of these headsets over many other wireless gaming headsets in the $130 price range, even those from established brands like Razer.

My review will be coming soon, but in the meantime the Razer Barracuda X Chroma is quite comfortable to wear and easy to set up. The sound profile is neutral, if a bit flat, and sounds exactly as good as I’d expect from a great headset around the $100 price mark. I’ll need to spend more time with the headset to evaluate its battery life, microphone, and sound quality in greater depth.

2024-10-24 18:09

Razer has added RGB to yet another product that probably didn’t need it, but it does look cool

What you need to know

A minor refresh, but still one that matters for new buyers

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