The latest to be launched by Razer is the Razer Kraken V4 headset. Further capitalizing on the Konami key concept that has reigned for more than 10 years Kraken V4 retains as a base what was loved in the headset but at the same time offers new features and improvements.
The Kraken series was always all right for a semi-affordable solution they do not compromise too much on the sound quality. If you were in the market for a good gaming headset and on a budget, the Kraken was a good buy—a thing it upheld even to the present. Every time Razer has augmented the Kraken, the performance is improved even with incremental improvements.
Some versions have added important new characteristics that have boosted the Kraken to premium gaming headset status. Today, however, Razer has several Kraken models, just like it did with its primary line of peripherals. The Kraken V4 is no exception, with two available models: two headphones – the Razer Kraken V4 headset and the Kraken V4 X. The company has focused on the latter as its budget offering, as the standard Kraken V4 model has gone wireless and comes with extra features.
There is also the probability of a Pro variant of the Kraken V4 such as in the case of the Razer Kraken V3 series. Razer has not commented on whether or not a Kraken V4 Pro will be released – but one would assume that they will: it would be a surprise if there wasn’t going to be a Pro model of Kraken, with even more technology built-in than Kraken V4’s missing features.
The Razer Kraken V4 Headset: Novelties in Mic Design and Better Sound
The Razer Kraken V4 builds on a lot of what made the Kraken V3 a mainstay of the mid-tier gaming headset market. This time, the Kraken V4 incorporates the same tried and tested TriForce Titanium drivers as Razer however these drivers are down-scaled to 40mm from the 50mm ones used in the previous version. THX Spatial Audio can once again be enjoyed and delivers gaming audio immersion. Though Razer has tweaked something this year; while the Kraken V3 model was wired, the Kraken V4 has no cords at all. Indeed, the Kraken V3 lacked a wireless solution other than the V3 Pro that the company sold for $200.
Regarding the pricing, it is set at $180, and if to consider the main features, then the Kraken V4 is indeed the Kraken V3 Pro, but with some differences and for $20 less. As for connectivity options, the Kraken V4 has a rather versatile three-way connection scheme. It comes with a wired USB-C to USB-A cable and you can also use the USB-C HyperSpeed adapter for fast audio response or pair through Bluetooth. Also, in the wireless mode, the battery backup that it provides is up to 70 hours, whereas, in the other mode with Chroma RGB lighting, the backup that it offers is 35 hours only.
The Chroma RGB lighting is another new addition to the computer. The Chroma lighting options of the Kraken V3 models were there but only limited to the Razer tri-snake logo at the center as well as a ring around it. On the Razer Kraken V4 headset, the ambient light has Chroma lighting all around the back and all the sides of the earcups. The Kraken V4 is expected to be released for sale on 20 August from the Razer website and other dealers such as Best Buy.
Newwick and improved mic design enhances the experience.
Razer has upgraded the mic design of the Razer Kraken V4 headset to one of the most notable enhancements on the device. The Kraken V3 line had transducers that were microphones that were decent in terms of tech and quality and could be detached. However, users had to manage the attachment of the mic, whenever it was necessary and the removal of the mic when it was not. The Kraken V4 addresses this through a retractable mic that can be lifted and slid back into the left ear cup. When retracted back it rests flat on the headset and there is a slot where one can easily pull it out when in use.
It also has Razer’s HyperClear Cardioid technology to allow clean and clear vocal input during the game matches. Super Wideband is also included, which – according to the company – would guarantee a perfect voice reproduction. There is also a chat mix button to adjust the volume between the chats and the games but individual settings for the two are not given.
The Razer Kraken V4 X: A CHEAPER VARIATION
For those longing for an affordable Razer product, the Razer Kraken V4 headset series is also the Kraken V4 X headset that costs $80. But while Razer first said it would be out in Q3, it is already up for sale on Razer’s online store, with an estimated shipping date of August 27 – August 29. It is also on pre-order on Amazon too.
The Kraken V4 X has a similar mic and switch to the V4 but lacks most of the high-end functions. It sports TriForce 40mm drivers instead of TriForce Titanium and does not have 9-zone Chroma lighting, though it has RGB on the Tri-snake symbol. Further, the USB-A adapter for the headset cable is also included in this model in case your PC has no USB-C connection.
Some differences are that there is no Super Wideband within the mic, and TNX Spatial Audio has been replaced by 7. 1 surround sound. Nevertheless, the Kraken V4 X should be at least equally good as the traditional version, especially for gaming, so at the $100 difference, it is a sound choice.
Lastly, the Kraken V4 headset series is a worthy improvement and advancement of the brand’s already iconic audio products, which retains the usual features the brand’s headset often comes with in addition to the modernizing changes that add to the line’s reputation. No matter the wireless options, the new mic design, or the impressive Chroma lighting that consists of 9 zones, the Kraken V4 covers all aspects of gaming. Still, with the Kraken V4 X most affordable, Razer remains the company that offers a range of audio products for everyone — both gamers and regular users.
With every innovation in audio that is customized for gaming, Razer is living up to the trademark Kraken V4 series headset. If you are switching from a previous Kraken model, or if you are entirely new to the world of Razer Kraken, then the Kraken V4 is going to be a welcoming upgrade that would make your gaming Sessions a whole lot better.