Razer’s latest wireless PC gaming headset rocks 9 zones of RGB lighting on each earcup

Razer's latest wireless PC gaming headset rocks 9 zones of RGB lighting on each earcup

What you need to know

  • Razer has officially unveiled the latest generation of its most popular gaming headsets, and there’s plenty of RGB.
  • The Razer Kraken has long been about comfort and premium features, and the brand-new Razer Kraken V4 is no different.
  • It features 9 zones of RGB lighting on each ear cup, a more compact and lighter design than the last generation, and an upgraded microphone.
  • The Razer Kraken V4 is available starting today for $179.99, with a wired and more affordable Kraken V4 X coming later on.

As a tech enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the Razer Kraken V4 has certainly piqued my interest. The SmartSwitch feature and the versatility it brings to the table is something I find particularly appealing, especially for someone like me who juggles multiple devices at once.


As a seasoned tech reviewer with years of experience under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure of testing numerous gaming headsets from various brands, but one name that always stands out is Razer. You see, my very first gaming headset review for Windows Central was none other than the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro. Ever since then, Razer has consistently produced some of my favorite gaming headsets across both Xbox and PC platforms.

As a longtime gamer who has tried numerous gaming headsets over the years, I can confidently say that the new Razer Kraken V4 is a standout choice for gamers seeking both comfort and advanced features without sacrificing performance. With my extensive experience in gaming, I have come to appreciate the importance of finding a headset that not only delivers superior sound quality but also provides a comfortable fit during long gaming sessions.

Let’s get into it.

The Razer Kraken V4 is all about style and comfort

Razer's latest wireless PC gaming headset rocks 9 zones of RGB lighting on each earcup

Razer has made some noteworthy adjustments to their Kraken series with the introduction of the V4 model. Notably absent in this version is the Razer Kraken V4 Pro and the HyperSense audio haptics technology. While it’s possible that a V4 Pro might be introduced later, for now, there’s no indication of its arrival. Instead, the new Razer Kraken V4 offers wireless functionality, where its predecessor was wired, and overall boasts a more luxurious gaming experience compared to previous versions.

There’s still an affordable, wired “X” version to support the bottom of the Kraken lineup (at least, it’s official and coming soon), but it’s also slightly more premium and slightly more expensive than the Kraken V3 X. As far as how the Kraken design has evolved, Razer has in general made the Kraken V4 more compact and more comfortable. It’s the same overall shape, but the Kraken V4 earcups are noticeably trimmed down so the headset sticks out on the side of your head less, the earcups now properly swivel for an improved fit, and the cushions are more comfortable and breathable than before.

As a dedicated fan, I must say that I find the latest iteration of the Razer Kraken V4 truly captivating. The addition of the 9-zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting on each earcup, fully customizable through Razer Synapse, elevates its appeal in my eyes. The subtle alterations in dimensions and thoughtful design tweaks make this headset incredibly comfortable for both gaming marathons and everyday use, be it travel or running errands.

There’s no simultaneous multi-source audio streaming, a common pain point with Razer’s wireless gaming headsets, but the Kraken V4 does support smart switching. That means you can be connected to two devices at once via Razer HyperSpeed and Bluetooth, and the Kraken V4 can automatically switch between the two to, for example, take a phone call while you’re gaming. The Razer SmartSwitch button I love in other Razer headsets is here, and it lets you quickly switch between connection modes or swap between the four onboard audio profiles (Game, Music, Movie, and a Custom EQ you can personalize in Razer Synapse).

Razer's latest wireless PC gaming headset rocks 9 zones of RGB lighting on each earcup

Regarding my personal experience with the Razer Kraken V4 so far, I’ve been rather busy and haven’t had extensive time to test it out thoroughly. My comprehensive review will provide a more detailed assessment. However, from my initial impressions, the sound quality of the Kraken V4 is clean, pleasing, and well-balanced, aligning nicely with Razer’s other high-end headsets. It may not offer the mind-blowing audio experience of a top-tier Hi-Fi headphone set, but the 7.1 THX Spatial Audio and customizable onboard audio profiles make the Kraken V4 a versatile choice for music, movies, gaming, as well as video or phone calls.

Regarding the microphones, Razer has significantly improved the one in the Kraken V3 by swapping it out for the remarkable HyperClear Super Wideband mic, first introduced with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023). This microphone remains unmatched among any headset I’ve encountered, although it should be noted that the microphone on the Kraken V4 is not an exact duplicate. The technology behind them is similar, but Razer explains that the hardware components have some differences to accommodate the compact, retractable design.

I’ve had a fantastic experience using the Razer Kraken V4 for a few hours now. It appears that Razer has perfectly struck the chord between gaming functionality and everyday practicality. The design is stylish, it’s a pleasure to wear, it delivers top-notch sound quality, and it works seamlessly with various devices… Except, unfortunately, Xbox systems. Here’s hoping for an Xbox-compatible version of this headset in the future or perhaps even a Razer Kraken Kitty V4 Pro specifically designed for Xbox, complete with Dolby Atmos integration (a not-so-subtle hint to Razer).

Razer's latest wireless PC gaming headset rocks 9 zones of RGB lighting on each earcup
Razer's latest wireless PC gaming headset rocks 9 zones of RGB lighting on each earcup
Razer's latest wireless PC gaming headset rocks 9 zones of RGB lighting on each earcup
Razer's latest wireless PC gaming headset rocks 9 zones of RGB lighting on each earcup

Previously discussed is the Kraken V4 X, an economical, wired variant of the Kraken V4, announced by Razer. While retaining several design and comfort enhancements, it compromises on features such as RGB illumination, sound quality, microphone quality, and wireless functionality. As of now, the release date is undisclosed, but once available, it will sell for $79.99 at Razer outlets and be compatible with devices that support wired USB audio.

Could the Razer Kraken V4 be among the top gaming headsets currently available? While I can’t definitively say, I believe that few would regret purchasing it for $179.99 at Razer, even before reading my review.

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2024-08-20 18:09