Razer’s vibrating headphones have returned with more class, style, and features than ever

by

What you need to know

  • Razer recently announced the Kraken V4 wireless PC gaming headset, and we now have its much more premium sibling.
  • The Kraken V4 Pro does boast a very similar design, complete with the new-and-improved 9-zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting.
  • However, improved audio quality, superior connectivity, Razer’s next-gen Sensa HD haptics, and a Control Hub with an OLED display all contribute to the much higher price tag.
  • The Razer Kraken V4 Pro is available starting today for $399.99, and will work with Windows PC, PlayStation, and most Bluetooth-enabled devices.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the digital world, I find myself intrigued by the Razer Kraken V4 Pro. The price tag is steep, but then again, I’ve learned that quality often comes with a premium.

Currently, I’m in the midst of reviewing the newly announced Razer Kraken V4 gaming headset, and you can expect my comprehensive analysis and opinions on this latest model from Razer to be published on Windows Central shortly. Meanwhile, Razer has unveiled a high-end “Pro” version during their RazerCon 2024 event, which I’ll be testing next.

The original Razer Kraken V4 is a mid-range wireless gaming headset offering a balance between price and performance, while the newly released Razer Kraken V4 Pro stands out as a luxury model. Prepare for a higher cost to incorporate this headset into your gaming setup, but you’ll gain unique features not found elsewhere, such as the enhanced version of Razer’s haptic technology and an advanced OLED Control Hub.

Read moreApple Maps now works on your Windows PC... sort of

Today, you have the opportunity to purchase the Razer Kraken V4 Pro for $399.99 directly from Razer. Additionally, stay tuned for further insights about this intriguing headset, such as my initial impressions and thoughts on Razer’s latest innovation in haptics technology, referred to as “Sensa HD Haptics.

A new peak for Razer’s PC gaming headsets

The latest offering from Razer, the Razer Kraken V4 Pro, stands as their premium choice within an extensive collection of gaming headsets, priced significantly higher than other options by Razer. While this might seem daring, Razer is banking on this headset’s distinctive features to attract customers, and it appears they may have hit the mark.

Fundamentally, the Razer Kraken V4 Pro holds many common traits with the less expensive non-Pro Kraken V4. It retains the familiar Kraken style, yet it has been slightly streamlined by a few millimeters in all dimensions, which is substantial when discussing headsets. In contrast to its predecessors, the V4 Pro appears quite compact and wouldn’t draw attention if used as wireless headphones in public, resembling regular earphones.

Read moreRemnant 2 announces third and final DLC 'The Dark Horizon' on its birthday, and its release date isn't far off

In other words, the Kraken V4 Pro, unlike the standard version, features an upgraded 9-zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting system in each earcup. This lighting can be personalized using the Razer Synapse software to showcase a variety of colors and patterns. The lighting looks great with a diffuser plate, but it does significantly reduce battery life. Additionally, the Sensa HD Haptics in the Kraken V4 Pro result in slightly shorter overall battery life compared to the standard Kraken V4, ranging from 13-50 hours instead of 35-70 hours.

As a tech enthusiast, let me share some exciting news about the Sensa HD Haptics. This is an advanced evolution from the Razer HyperSense haptics we initially experienced in the Razer Nari Ultimate. The Kraken V4 Pro now houses these precise haptic motors within its earcups, offering a unique ability to either integrate with games or automatically transform audio into haptics for an unmatched dynamic gaming and media experience. To complete the lineup, it pairs seamlessly with the Razer Kishi Ultra mobile controller and the newly launched Razer Freyja, previously known as Project Esther, which we showcased at CES 2024.

As a tech-savvy individual, I’m eagerly looking forward to thoroughly testing out the Kraken V4 Pro headset, particularly its standout feature – Sensa HD Haptics. This technology is compatible with games, movies, and music, offering an immersive experience that can be tailored to my preferences using Razer Synapse. What’s more exciting is that it will offer special integration with a growing list of games such as Frostpunk 2, Hogwarts Legacy, and many others. However, I still need some time to determine if the added cost and complexity are justified in this case.

One key advantage of the Razer Kraken V4 Pro lies in its OLED Control Center, which doubles as the headset’s connectivity hub. This hub can link up with your devices using USB Type-C or a traditional 3.5mm jack, and it communicates wirelessly with the Kraken V4 Pro using Razer HyperSpeed technology.

Read moreBing blocked by Reddit, breaking search results for everyone but Google

The Razer Kraken V4 Pro offers Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility, marking its debut in multi-source audio mixing – a feature that eliminates the need to select between game sounds, music, or voice chats. Sporting USB Type-C wired audio support as well, the Kraken V4 Pro boasts some of the most sophisticated connectivity options among Razer headsets, catering to various platforms… Regrettably, it does not support Xbox, which is a bummer considering its $400 price tag. I share your disappointment, but let’s remember that Xbox demands collaboration from companies to ensure third-party wireless accessories are compatible with their consoles.

Moving on to the OLED Control Hub for Kraken V4 Pro, this device gives you all the freedom to personalize your headset without needing Razer Synapse 4 software. It comes equipped with a dial, button, and an OLED screen that lets users adjust volume, haptics, audio profiles, and more directly. Furthermore, you can customize the idle display of the OLED Control Hub by choosing from various preset images or GIFs, or even uploading your own personalized ones through Razer Synapse.

To wrap up, let me share some thoughts on the audio quality of the Razer Kraken V4 Pro. Unlike other premium Razer headsets that utilize TriForce Titanium drivers, this model employs a refined version of the TriForce Bio-Cellulose drivers found in the Razer Barracuda Pro. This change seems to produce a softer and warmer sound compared to Titanium, without compromising on speed. Additionally, Razer’s innovative open driver plate design brings these new drivers closer to your ears, promising enhanced audio dynamics. However, I look forward to personally testing the Kraken V4 Pro against models like the regular Kraken V4 to determine if its sound quality is indeed superior.

On the opposite end of the audio range, the Razer Kraken V4 Pro sports an extendable HyperClear Super Wideband Microphone, similar to the one in the Kraken V4. This feature is expected to deliver significantly better recording quality compared to most gaming headsets available in the market. While it may not match the superior quality of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) that I reviewed due to smaller components, the mic quality on the Kraken V4 is well above average, and it’s reasonable to expect the same from the V4 Pro model.

The Razer Kraken V4 Pro is among the priciest accessories Razer has produced, and it stands tall in the premium tier of mainstream gaming headsets. A significant portion of its high cost goes towards the Sensa HD Haptics and OLED Control Hub features. However, the true value of the haptic system needs further evaluation, while the control hub, although handy for swift controls and connectivity, does not deliver a top-tier Digital-to-Audio Converter (DAC) experience aimed at enhancing audio quality. Furthermore, this model lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), a feature commonly found in its price range.

I’m inclined to trust Razer due to their latest performance, and I’m excited to delve into this headset’s capabilities over the next few weeks. However, if you’re uncertain about spending $399.99 at Razer for the Kraken V4 Pro, keep an eye out for my comprehensive review on Windows Central. It’ll be intriguing to discover how much better the V4 Pro is compared to the regular Kraken V4, which retails for just $180.

Read More

2024-09-28 21:09