When unpacking, you immediately realize that savings have been made on several levels. The Kraken V3 X is simply packed in its cardboard box, and has no transport box, or even a pouch. The construction is 100% plastic, and if the result is not necessarily flattering to the touch, it is perfectly illusion to the eye. All parts fit perfectly, and the helmet feels flawlessly solid. We may deform it in our hands, the object never seems ready to break unexpectedly, and offers a flexibility that will adapt to all heads. Moreover, the plastic is rather solid, because after several days of carrying our headphones around in the bottom of a backpack with our keys and other objects (a laptop transformer, USB cables, etc.), this last remained free of any scratches. Totally black, the peripheral is downright understated, especially considering Razer's productions and the brand's reputation for rather flashy styles.
The arch is relatively thin, and this Kraken adopts a much less massive appearance than the other references in the range. Another surprise: the microphone boom here is irremovable. Impossible to remove it, nor to store it in the headset as is the case on the classic Kraken. That said, the latter is particularly flexible, and of an ideal length to fall in front of the mouth. Finally, last point of economy: the cable. While Razer has accustomed us to very high quality sheaths, in various materials that oscillate between nylon and fabric, the Kraken V3 X is content with simple reinforced rubber, which is far from noble. We will console ourselves with the available length of 180cm, a size which is more than sufficient whatever the intended use.
7.1 SURROUND DLC
Connectivity level, we will also have to be satisfied with a simple USB-A socket which however has the advantage of being able to make the headset compatible on PC, Macintosh and PS4. Basic stereo, the Kraken can virtualize 7.1, but only on Windows, and after the purchase of a suitable app (THX Spatial Audio) sold at the price of 25€. Be aware, however, that the snake brand makes a small gesture, and includes a discount coupon (with a code) of 50% on the price of this utility. That said, we advise you to stay in stereo, the virtual spatialization on the headphones being most often quite disappointing. However, the helmet is not as spartan as one might think. Each headset thus has an RGB Chroma backlit logo that can be configured via the Razer Synapse software.
Moreover, once on the head, we realize that the helmet is rather comfortable thanks to its thick memory foam pads, its well padded headband, and its featherweight of 285g which allows it to be quickly forget. With its 40mm speakers, we have a very honest sound (we stay far from equipment for audiophiles, huh) which adopts a rather neutral signature, where others tend to offer excessive bass. The mic is also a nice surprise, with clear sound and devoid of most interference due to its directional design, while the length of its boom means it sits well in front of the mouth. As for the controls, they are grouped together on the left atrium, and are limited to a volume control wheel, and a mute button to mute the microphone.
THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY ?
As you can see, the Kraken V3 X is not a thunderbolt, but overall it's a helmet that does the job well, and which should appeal to a lot of people thanks to its hyper aggressive price of 80€. Be aware that in terms of competition, its closest rival turns out to be within the plethoric Razer range, since it is neither more nor less than the BlackShark V2 X which displays a similar technical sheet. In fact, by opting for the eSport reference, we will exchange the chroma RGB lighting for a slightly more flattering finish, a more industrial look (less sober too), and slightly more sound insulation.
MOST :
- Aggressive price (80€)
- Light
- Comfortable
- RGB Chroma
- Design on
THE LESSERS :
- 25€ for the mandatory THX Spatial Audio app for 7.1
- No carry case or pouch
- plastic sheathed cable
