Razer Kraken V3 X review: better, brighter, lighter
A TEST REPORT from David Wurm 
on March 25, 2021, 17:00 pm | Write a comment
The Razer Kraken V3 X is the fresh successor to the popular Kraken X headset from Razer. It comes with an improved microphone, is now fully on USB and also lights up quite nicely. We got a look at the new headset.
Today Razer introduced the new Kraken V3 X. Thanks to the manufacturer, we have already had the opportunity to turn off the headset for a few weeksproKraken is the entry-level headset series of the American company. The aim here is to pack the best features into one product at the best price. Whether this has been achieved with the successor, we will clarify in this TechnikNews Test.
Unboxing
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- Image: © 2021 TechnikNews
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- Image: © 2021 TechnikNews
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- Image: © 2021 TechnikNews
The packaging for a headset is usually unspectacular - and the Razer Kraken V3 X is no exception. It comes in a cardboard box with the product itself printed on the top. On the sides you can find a few technical details and functions of the headset. When you open the box, you will find the headset as well as the guide. It is stored in another, small box. The microphone part and the cable are also packed separately. This is not absolutely necessary and could easily be left out in the interests of sustainability. Otherwise, there is a note with the information that you can win goodies if you write a review of the product.
Operation & comfort
The microphone can be switched on and off with the button, the volume can be adjusted with the other controller. (Image: © 2021 TechnikNews)
When it comes to wearing comfort, I've generally never found anything to complain about at Razer. However, the headset is now significantly lighter than its predecessor and comes with new ear pads made of hybrid fabric and foam. Here one also relies on breathable surface material. With such a light material, you get a light weight of 285 grams. The temple is also made of the same material, does not press at all during longer gaming sessions and ensures good weight distribution on the head.
Unfortunately, the auricles sit a little looser on the ear than on the previous model, which means that you perceive ambient noise a little more. However, this makes the headphones much more comfortable to wear - even for longer periods of time. So it can be a negative point, but also a plus point in terms of comfort.
In the past, it was operated via a controller and switch directly on the cable, but it is now attached directly to the headset itself. There you can switch the microphone on or off with the push of a button and adjust the volume of the headset with the controller. Since you no longer rely on an analog jack connection, but on USB, the volume control now also "synchronizes" with the computer.
Microphone
The outside of the microphone tries to block out ambient noise. (Image: © 2021 TechnikNews)
Finally: Razer seems to have listened to the numerous reviews and has finally improved the microphone significantly. The addition of “HyperClear” has now been added to the “Cardioid Mic”. And that's what it sounds like. The voice is now much clearer and not as dull as in the previous Razer model. The microphone is finally fair for the price and no longer sounds cheap. The only drawback is that the microphone can no longer be retracted, as is the case with the Razer Kraken. The double-sided microphone records and filters the ambient noise on one side - on the other hand, one concentrates on the voice. The following is a test audio with and without background noise:
Sound
As is typical for Razer, the sound on the Razer Kraken V3 X is a bit more bass-heavy than the competition. But if you play the right games or listen to the right music, that can also be an advantage. A great extra would be to have an equalizer in the Razer Synapse control center in addition to the RGB settings to fine-tune the sound. Razer has also been offering 2019 surround sound on all headsets since 7.1, but the product must be registered to unlock the setting in Razer Synapse for the headset.
Otherwise there are good mids and clear highs, even if these could be a bit better. But that is forgiven, since this is not a high-end gaming headset, but an entry-level model.
Extras
The color to be displayed can be changed in Razer Synapse. (Image: © 2021 TechnikNews)
Some Razer headsets are already equipped with Razer Chroma RGB. With the Kraken V3 X, the option of luminous earphones is now also included in the entry-level series. The headset's RGB lights should be able to display over 16,8 million colors. These can be set via Razer Synapse, the control center of Razer hardware.
Conclusion
With the Kraken V3 X, Razer offers a good overall package at an affordable price. As is typical for Razer, the sound is more bass-heavy than the competition, and can of course be an advantage in some games or with the corresponding music. The manufacturer has now made significant improvements to the much-criticized microphone of the predecessor and is now finally doing justice to the price. Chroma RGB has now also made it into the entry-level range.
This means that it appeals to several target groups at once - whether you're a gamer or just need a headset for home office or homeschooling. For those who have very high demands in terms of sound, Razer also has other headsets in its range. But the Kraken V3 X isn't designed for that, it's designed to offer a good overall package at a reasonable price - and that's definitely what it does. Razer offers extras such as cooling gel in the ear pads in the Razer Kraken or other product ranges for a little more money.
The Razer Kraken V3 X is now on the Razer website and other dealers at an RRP of 79,99 euros.