Using your TV’s speakers while playing video games gets the job done, but not very well. Dedicated gaming headsets recreate a realistic sense of sound, giving you an edge over competitors. With the $50 Razer Kraken X, you don’t have to go into debt for a fine pair of gaming headphones. You aren’t afforded a myriad of gadgets and gizmos to accompany the headset, but you get the absolute necessities like onboard controls and a boom mic.
Read the in-depth review at SoundGuys
Editor’s note: we were unable to test the microphone for publication, Lily’s cat chewed through the cable, but will add data as soon as possible.
What is the Razer Kraken X like?
The headband’s lightweight reinforcement makes it comfortable to wear the Kraken X.
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While it lacks the ostentatious RGB lightning included with most gaming headsets, the Razer Kraken X is clearly marketed toward a gaming audience. The flexible cardioid boom mic is non-removable, and it includes an audio/mic split cable for computers with dedicated channels.
If you’re a bespectacled gamer, the Kraken X is one of the best gaming headsets available. Razer engineered hidden eyewear channels to alleviate temple pressure. The lightweight (250g) form factor and unseen design work wonders. I was able to wear these for hours on end without temple pain.
The synthetic, memory foam-padded ear cushions are comfortable and more breathable than expected. They aren’t user replaceable. If anything damage occurs, you’ll have to contact Razer to cash in on the limited two-year warranty. Adjustments, like increasing headband length, are easy though. The sheathed slider reveals numbered tick markers for precise changes.
Controls are limited. You get a volume dial and mute toggle, both of which cohabit the left ear cup. The former is very sensitive, which often resulted in a much louder volume than I intended.
Is the Razer Kraken X good for gaming?
The volume dial and microphone mute switch are easy to reach from the left ear cup.
Yes, these headphones are great for gaming. The headphones work across virtually all platforms (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices), making them a versatile option. If you intend to use the Kraken X with a phone sans-headphone jack, you’ll need a dongle because these are wired-only. The 40mm dynamic drivers present a natural recreation of three-dimensional space. It’s easy to tell where an enemy is approaching from, which can improve your reaction time and accuracy. If you want to take complete advantage of the 7.1-channel surround sound, though, you need a PC operating Windows 10, 64-bit.
How do the Razer Kraken X sound?
The Razer Kraken X headphones sound good given the $50 price. Bass notes receive the most emphasis, which is a hallmark of budget gaming headsets. That said, vocal frequencies are also emphasized. This makes in-game dialogue and teammate conversations more audible. There is significant de-emphasis from the 1.0 to 6.5kHz range, which isn’t vital to gaming. However, on the off chance that you use these for music, you’ll notice the lack of perceived detail and clarity from instrumental resonances.
The Razer Kraken X works with virtually any platform, making it a high-value contender.
Isolation performance is okay, but low-frequency sounds can still be heard with the headset on. For instance, I warmed dinner in the microwave and could hear it rumble for the full four minutes. Its hum was effectively filtered out upon playing music through the Razer Kraken X though.
Should you buy the Razer Kraken X?
The Kraken X is an affordable gaming headset free of RGB LEDs.
Buy now from Razer
The Kraken X marks a new era for Razer: All of its future gaming headsets will offer 7.1 surround sound. This headset is a reliable budget pick for casual gamers who want to improve audio and microphone quality without making a huge financial investment. If you want a basic pair of gaming headphones to work across devices, the Razer Kraken X is a smart plug-and-play option.