It took a while, but it’s finally here: there’s a new version of the Razer Kraken headset. Version 3 to be exact. In fact, Razer is releasing four different versions of version 3: the Kraken v3 X, the Kraken v3, the Kraken v3 Hypersense, and the Kraken v3 Pro. In this review we take a look at the ‘standard’ Kraken v3.
Razer Kraken v3
Recommended retail price €99.99
Link usb a
Compatibility Fully compatible with Windows PCs, limited compatibility with Mac, PlayStation and Xbox
RGB features Yes
battery life N/A
Website razer.com
6.5 Score 65 
- Pros
- Fun gimmicks for gamers, build quality, microphone
- Negatives
- Connect only with non-disconnectable USB-A, not multi-use
Razer’s idea is to give the new Kraken some of every Razer line, in order to make a headset that is not only versatile, but also appeals to many users. This has ensured, among other things, that the Kraken now has the TriForce drivers that we previously found in the Blackshark v2. Also included in the Hypersense and Pro versions of the Kraken is new Haptic Feedback technology; this means that the headset can vibrate at low frequencies. This is something that was previously only available in the Nari.
Four variants also means that you can now purchase a Kraken in different price ranges. The v3 X model is the cheapest, at 69.99 euros. This is followed by the v3 and the v3 Hypersense with 100 and 130 euros and for the Pro variant you have to pay no less than 200 euros. We will of course take a detailed look at how these headsets compare, how the TriForce drivers behave, and we will of course pay extensive attention in the upcoming review of the Hypersense to what the new Intelligent Haptics system delivers in practice. But first, let’s take a look at how this new Kraken v3 feels.
Build quality
As mentioned, the Kraken v3 has no haptics on board. Nonetheless, it’s a pretty burly gaming headset. The auricles in particular are large and wide. This means that, despite being made of plastic, they feel very sturdy. The ear pads are also quite thick, but not as roomy as you might expect. They are made of memory foam and lined on the inside with a soft, synthetic fabric. The fabric breathes well and stays pretty cool, but because the space in front of your ears is somewhat limited, you can’t sit with the headset on for hours on end.
The headband is also oversized and thickly padded. The adjustment mechanism and the hinged connection between the shells and the headband are also completely made of metal. That definitely improves reliability. The Kraken V3 is pretty straightforward in terms of setting options: it is connected via a non-detachable USB-A cable, there is a volume wheel, a detachable microphone and corresponding mute button. It is a pity that the USB-a cable cannot be disconnected. Although the Kraken v3 is sold by Razer as a gaming headset for Windows PCs, it can also be connected to consoles. The one and a half meters of cable is often too short in such a case. In addition, it is of course nice to have the option to easily replace a broken cable.
In combination with PlayStation and Xbox, the Kraken v3 works as you would expect: plug-and-play, but without all the extra software options. On Mac PCs, the Synapse software is not yet fully up-to-date, so you cannot use all the features of the headset. However, the integration of the volume button works just as smoothly as on Windows PCs.
Both the microphone and the simple volume wheel stand out positively. The volume wheel responds seamlessly with the Windows system volume: there are no lags or stutters at all – that’s something different. The microphone, in turn, sounds quite convincing. Although the sound is somewhat thin, Razer has managed to keep the characteristic telephone-like tone of many headset microphones to a minimum.
Thanks to the thick windscreen, it is also quite forgiving with consonants. As a content creator, you still want an external microphone for serious streams or podcasts, but the HyperClear microphone is one of the most affordable-sounding headset microphones we’ve tested in recent times.
Sound
The first time we encountered the TriForce driver, it sounded mostly “pretty excited”. By that we meant a very present and restless high. The drivers come into their own better in the Kraken v3. What immediately stands out is that the highs sound a lot less shrill. Many types of music translate fairly balanced on the Kraken v3, but it seems to lack real depth and perspective in the listening experience. There is a fairly large and wide stereo field, which benefits the immersion. The Kraken v3, like many game headsets, is quite bass-heavy.
In-game you especially notice that the Kraken v3 listens comfortably. You seldom feel that elements are coming out disproportionately or that you are missing something. The heaviness in the lows makes cutscenes and in-game blasts translate quite convincingly, and the highs are precise and aggressive enough to keep up with fast-paced shooters. For example, the Kraken v3 sounds very solid, but it lacks real, deep listening precision. However, the precision in the localization is pleasantly noticeable. This, in combination with an excellent attenuation of ambient noisefor a great sense of immersion.
The software
If you’ve read the brief specification sheet at the top, you’ve noticed that the headset is fully compatible with Windows PCs and limited compatibility with Mac and PlayStation. The integration with Windows is flawless through the Razer Synapse application. In Synapse you will find two equalizers: one for the sound of the headset and one for the sound of the microphone.
You can also personalize the RGB lighting here and you will find THX Spatial Audio. This surround sound-like codec enhances the experience of spaciousness. You can specify in which mode Synpase should apply the Spatial Audio: Game, Movie or Music. With the Blackshark v2, this surround sound was already quite popular and that is now also the case: it brings a pleasant focus on spatial information.
In conclusion
The Kraken v3 is very solidly built, sounds okay and has some nice software options when used with a Windows PC. Above all, this makes the Kraken v3 a great gaming headset. If you’re looking for a headset that is well-suited for casual gaming and you like a gimmick in the form of RGB lighting and surround sound, the Kraken v3 is a good option. If you attach less value to those additions, you can buy a better-sounding headset for the same money.
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