The hardware in the Krakens is excellent, imo. My husband loves these phones (and I do, too!) My previous phones, a pair of Sony MDR-7506's, were so good we thought nothing could beat them, even though the Sony phones' drivers are 40 mms in size and these Razer Kraken drivers are 50mm--much depends on the amplification hardware in the ear pads and motherboard hardware as to which will drive the better sound--eg., 50 mm drivers are not automatically better than 40mm drivers, regardless of the hardware environments. A lot also depends on the preferences of the individuals asked to state their opinions, of course. Some people like bass so overwhelming it actually distorts whereas other people like it only enough to hear it plainly with no distortion, and others like it turned down or off, inexplicably, etc. (But you can't argue with individual opinions, right?...Opinions are like armpits--we all have at least two of them, eh? So, I advise listening to all sides and colors of opinions, especially about computer hardware! There's always something new to learn even we don't agree with the overall opinions other people have or their conclusions. Opinions should always be debated--never, ever censored, we firmly believe!)
Bear in mind, both sets of phones were tested via my husband's x570 Aorus Master motherboard's RealTek'HD Audio 3.5mm analog Hi-Definition front-panel jack--the best earphone connection jack in the system, btw. (Give me wired over wireless any day--I hate batteries and frequency interference, not to mention security concerns that do not exist with wired connections, etc.) The x570 Master also supports, in hardware, a 3-position headphone amp, and a hardware DAC, a SABRE 9118 DAC--the combination has to be heard to be properly appreciated, imo.
Connector cabling. The Kraken offers a superior wiring connection--Kraken uses an extremely thin and ultra-flexible braided connector cable, whereas the Sony offers a thick, plastic-covered connection cable in which most of the length is coiled, just like analog amp cables circa the 1960's were made. Indeed, the Sony cabling doesn't look like something made for a 3.5mm plug! It looks exactly like something made for a full size plug! It's opinion, sure, as everything always is in the end, but we much prefer the Kraken's cabling over that used in the Sony cans used as the baseline comparison for this review. The Kraken cabling is ultralight, ultrathin, cloth braided, and so ultra-flexible that there simply isn't any obstinate stiffness in the cable that can be perceived. We both like it very much because of that--it is the nearest thing to not having a cable at all, but without any of the negatives of wireless. Sony's cabling is--well--SoA, circa 1969...;) Reminds my husband of plugging in his ancient but revered Gibson SG-Specials or Fender Strats & Telecasters into nice big onstage amps (which he still does, only the amps are a fair bit smaller, thankfully...;) )
Razer Kraken has an inline volume and microphone control switch. The Sony has neither--well, it doesn't have a microphone at all, so of course no Mic on/off switch. The Kraken has a nice, radial volume control for the cans, and a straight on-off switch for the Mic. Neither of us is a Mic user, so I'll leave that portion of the review to others better qualified to write about it in another review. Suffice it to say the Mic works as advertised and the on/off inline switch works fine.
Now for the optional DSP software. Here's the situation as we think it stands regarding the extra-cost surround software available for the Kraken, the THX Spatial Audio software for the Kraken. We don't recommend anyone buying the Headphones without buying the offered THX Spatial Audio software! It's offered at 50% off when you buy the Kraken Phones, by Razer. So it's $10! It's the best $10 you are going to spend for a long time. We believe that these phones should not be offered sans the THX Spatial Audio--it's kind of baffling that they are offered without the custom THX software, frankly. However, there are people who love distorted bass and volumes so loud that King Kong's eardrums would burst!...;) So maybe that's why Razer doesn't integrate this into this Kraken package. Still, it would be unusual to find earphone wearers who would prefer their games sounding like an avalanche of boulders tumbling down the side of Everest. I think, anyway...;)
To sum it up--I love this software. Husband loves it. He says it's much better than what he thought it might be. Razer includes a 7.1 surround-sound software solution free of charge with the Kraken, and it's just "OK"--just kind of average--seems to induce a fair bit of bass distortion in speech in some of our games--one guy's speech is nigh unintelligible with the Razer 7.1 surround sound package for the Krakens. But run the THX Spatial Audio, instead, and the difference is real and immediately noticeable. THX really justifies its commercial claims--the software brings out the best in the Kraken hardware!
Comfort. It's a very important category with cans--as all of us know. If you can't game for hours because your phones are causing you pain or discomfort after a certain wearing time--that's unacceptable. These Kraken phones have "Oval Cooling Gel Cushions" in the pads and I'm just going to say that they are very comfortable indeed. My husband says that this set is the most comfortable set of cans he's ever worn. Both of us think the Sony set tends to "pinch" a bit in a long wear. The Sony pads are by no means uncomfortable, absolutely not. But both of us--my husband's typically swelled head and my petite but usually swifter smaller head both find the Krakens more comfortable in all wear scenarios--which I find a bit unusual. My husband says that what surprises him about the Krakens in addition to the gel-filled ear pads is how comfortable they feel--even for a large head like his they feel like they've got more room to give--not something the Sony's ever did. The Sony's were adequate, just not as comfortable.
Durability. This is a big one for us, but especially for my husband. He's gone through many Plasticine sets of cans promising great durability. Hah. We have lost count of the very strong-looking plastic-frame headsets that after very little use, comparatively, use that was anything but harsh or abusive, simply fell apart, cracking through or breaking apart, and it happened over and over again. Hence, the hunt for metal headbands and construction in our headphones. Both the Sony and the Razer Kraken use metal in their construction, and what a difference! Neither set has come close to cracking or breaking apart! The Sony's have been up for years without a single problem in that regard! Years, literally. We do not expect to see any less durability from our Razer Kraken--namely, the one reviewed in this article!
Really, any aluminum-headband construction should suffice for a long, long time. Our advice is to avoid plastic like the plague--especially the plastic headbands that appear to hold massive weight and hold up under enormous wear and tear--especially those particular Plasticine headbands....;) They just aren't going to be there one day when you really need them.
Price: Believe it or not, the Sony cans are actually priced higher than the Kraken headset reviewed here. You can usually buy the Kraken Gaming Headset reviewed here plus the Razer THX Spatial Audio Software for less--that's right--less than what the MDR-7506 is currently selling for in places such as AMAZON! Where you are right now.
Summary: The Sony cans, the MDR-7506's used as a baseline comparison for the Razer Kraken Gaming Headset review here, deliver really nice sound and were our number 1 choice in gaming headphones. Operative word being "were"....! These Razer Kraken headphones are better, in our very humble, sincere opinions!
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This Item  Razer Kraken Gaming Headset: Lightweight Aluminum Frame, Retractable Noise Isolating Microphone, for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, Mobile, 3.5 mm Audio Jack - Mercury White | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $99.99 | $129.99 | $129.95 | $9.99 | $99.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jun 10 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jun 10 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jun 10 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jun 10 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | PlusDigUSA | MIGOL | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wi-Fi, Wireless | Wireless | Wired | Wired | Wireless |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | — | Over Ear |
| connector type | Analog 3.5 mm | wireless | — | 3.5 mm,3.5mm | Auxiliary | — |
| noise control | sound isolation | sound isolation | passive noise cancellation | sound isolation | active noise cancellation | passive noise cancellation |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | usb | — | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | — |
| cable feature | wireless bluetooth | Without Cable | — | Retractable | — | Detachable |
| control type | Volume Control | Media Control | Button Control | Volume Control | — | — |
| water resistance | — | not water resistant | not water resistant | waterproof | — | not water resistant |
| material | Aluminum | Plastic | Plastic | Aluminum | — | Faux Leather |
| model name | Kraken | Barracuda X | Barracuda X Chroma | Kraken | Cloud | KRAKEN KITTY V2 BT |
| frequency range | 12 Hz - 28 kHz | — | 20Hz - 20,000Hz | 100 Hz - 10 kHz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
From the manufacturer
Razer Kraken Mercury Edition
The Headset for Esports Pros
The 3rd generation Razer Kraken is the wired headset for competitive gamers. Its large 50 mm drivers deliver powerful and clear sound. It’s engineered for long-lasting comfort with cooling-gel cushions. A retractable microphone ensures your shotcalls are always delivered in absolute clarity.
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Product information
| Noise Control | Sound Isolation |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | 109 dB |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Model Name | Kraken |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Included Components | Cable, Ear Cushions, Headband |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Specific Uses For Product | Multimedia, Personal, Gaming |
| Compatible Devices | PC, PS4 |
| Control Type | Volume Control |
| Cable Feature | wireless bluetooth |
| Item Weight | 11.36 Ounces |
| Frequency Range | 12 Hz - 28 kHz |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Style | Kraken |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Latency | 12 Milliseconds |
| Earpiece Shape | over-ear |
| Is Autographed | No |
| UPC | 811659031907 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00811659031907 |
| Manufacturer | Razer |
| Product Dimensions | 6.76 x 7.6 x 3.86 inches |
| Item Weight | 11.4 ounces |
| ASIN | B07SKCLW2G |
| Item model number | RZ04-02830400-R3M1 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #36,989 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #316 in PlayStation 4 Headsets #1,203 in PC Game Headsets |
| Date First Available | May 30, 2019 |
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Razer Kraken Gaming Headset: Lightweight Aluminum Frame, Retractable Noise Isolating Microphone, for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, Mobile, 3.5 mm Audio Jack - Mercury White
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Comfortable, functional, stylish, and inexpensive.
I decided to get this Kraken headset after getting really tired of using a crappy old turtle beach from my previous Xbox for my PC/Hackintosh. They felt like they cracked the top of my skull open after 2-3hrs of use and my ears were sore. I also wanted a headset with a mic integrated for Zoom and for gaming, rather than using a headset AND the Blue Snowball at the same time, even though the acoustics are amazing on the Snowball. My thoughts on the Kraken: Is it worth the hype? I can confirm that this headset DOES live up to the hype and it's not just a brand that ships out crappy equipment for high prices. I can't say the same for some of their other headsets, which have terrible reviews. However, this headset is comfy and functional. Especially Amazon sells it for less than their MSRP, it's a steal. Pros: -Their earmuff cooling technology actual feels legit... -The top of the headset doesn't crack your skull -The mic is retractable, which I LOVE -The packaging gives a great first impression -Includes an extension cable with dedicated mic and audio jack, a nice touch for large desks like mine -Can wear easily for hours on end Cons: -The lower volume range with the volume dial, located on the audio cable, absoluley sucks. Not sure if this is just my unit, but as you use the integrated volume dial to go from high to low volume, you'll notice the balance between left and right just randomly shifts. This is surely annoying while gaming to adjust the volume. If you have this issue, I suggest turning the volume all the way to high, then use your keyboard to adjust the volume on the OS side, rather than the hardware side -The mic is a little finicky with MacOS on my Hackintosh, not sure why but I'll keep working with it. -The ears are a little bigger than I imagined, but I feel like this may end up saving my ears throughout its life. -I wish the cable came with an integrated voice-chat/game volume balance feature, similar to Turtle Beach on Xbox. I understand the tournament edition includes this, but not sure if that is worth the $40 premium. A redesign of that stupid USB unit with the tournament edition would make this headset the best, hands down, headset on the market for $60-100. Summary: Both pros and cons considered--I love this headset. Of course, it has some flaws, like all things in technology do. Over the next few generations of this headset, I'm sure Razer will introduce some killer features to dominate the gaming market. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a headset that's comfortable, functional, stylish, and inexpensive. With the features included in this headset, there's nothing better out there that $60-70 can buy.
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BrendoReviewed in Brazil on June 23, 2024
Bom é Razer né ?!
Color: GreenVerified Purchase
Gostei bastante do produto ele já tem uns aninhos de vida, mas está vivo viu.BrendoBom é Razer né ?!
Reviewed in Brazil on June 23, 2024
O produto é:
Confortável✓
Tem um bom microfone✓
Durável ✓ (em certo ponto)
Resistente a uma pisada de um adulto com 150 kilos✓
Fio durável✓
Já que ele tem uns aninhos posso afirmar que ele tem:
Plug as vezes dependendo da posição funciona só um lado✓
Nunca funcionou o mute do microfone✓
O couro/tecido na parte de cima descasca com o tempo✓
Obs: Uma coisa que me deixou meio triste é que ele já veio com um calombinho na parte da cabeça, vcs podem observar nas fotos que ele tem um relevo.
Images in this review
- VitalyReviewed in Australia on July 11, 2021
Top quality and affordable
Color: Black/BlueVerified Purchase - Asmaa HassounReviewed in the United Arab Emirates on October 4, 2020
Thanks
Color: GreenVerified Purchase - Marni OakleyReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 3, 2021
Teenager loves them - but not without faults!
Color: Quartz PinkVerified Purchase
