The Razer Kraken V3 is the second in a family of four new sleek RGB-powered V3 series headsets released by Razer in 2021. Despite the confusing naming scheme, the V3 is an improved version of the base. Razer Kraken V3 X (we initially thought the V3 X would be the better one, but it’s actually the budget option).
As such, the V3 comes with upgraded Hybrid Fabric and Leatherette Memory Foam ear cushions, Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers (over 40mm from the V3 X), and of course THX Spatial Audio instead of 7.1 Surround Sound.
For under $100, the Razer Kraken V3, with its streamlined design, offers great comfort and sometimes impressive audio output thanks to the improvements offered by the software. However, despite all the bells and whistles, this cheap headset lacks some quality of life and compatibility options with extended use.
Specifications – Razer Kraken V3
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Design and comfort of Razer Kraken V3
While RGB lights have grown a little tired in PC enthusiasts’ space, these tins make them look great. It’s even better if you live under the Razer ecosystem like me, because Synapse’s software makes the headset’s lights match the mouse and keyboard if they’re also Razer products. I use the BlackWidow V3 Pro and Deathadder V2 Pro in conjunction with the Kraken V3, and it really improves the vibe of my setup.
The device’s cushions and adjustable padded headband also feel like a dream. The cans themselves sit so lightly on your head that you sometimes forget they are still on. I wore them all day and my ears weren’t scalding hot or sore by the end. The V3 also features a flexible HyperClear Cardioid microphone that can be detached from the headset, which is excellent because audio playback is at the heart of what makes the V3 worth it. The headset also has a dedicated button on the left cup next to the volume wheel.
Audio Performance
This version of the Kraken V3 introduces Razer’s TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers to the family, described to deliver “exceptional highs, mids and lows that [don’t sound] muddy, providing a more dynamic listening experience for a deeper immersion,” according to the Kraken V3’s landing page on the Razer site.
I tested this by listening to a few tracks right away, starting with Busta Rhymes’ “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” and “Truck Volume” on Spotify. Both records deliver heavy kicks and epic bass respectively. The look produced the thump I was looking for, but the track(s) really started to shine when I played around with the improvements Synapse offers. I played with the bass meter under the music preset under the audio equalizer until I was happy with the results, and how happy I was.
The real litmus test for finding the best settings combination was listening to a Trance song called “Deep Down” by Josh Dresden and Winter Kills. It showcases the perfect mix between soft, angelic vocals and heavy kicks in the background for some serious bass. I ended up increasing the base by 25% and setting the sound normalization to 50% while using the music preset. I also went into Spotify’s settings and turned on the Highest Playback and Loud Volume settings. Finally, I jokingly signed up for a free trial of Dolby Access and used the Detailed option under the Music Intelligent Equalizer for some added clarity. The resulting playback was divine. While Dolby Acess may be a bit over the top and the above settings sound great without it, the spatial audio sounds noticeably better next to Atmos.
This sentiment also applies to watching movies with the V3. Using detailed Dolby Access settings alongside the movie preset in Synapse was a real immersion. I looked Dune for the third time, this time with the headset. During this look-through, I realized how much Hans Zimmer’s score contributes to the film’s epic.
THX Spatial Audio helped a lot when playing games with that type of audio already baked in like Cyberpunk 2077† The echo of my steps chasing an in-game Cyberpsycho scared me, and the clear sound of the gunshot knocking out my enemy made me cringe back into my gaming chair. I also started to appreciate the sound quality of each gun during online sessions of Back 4 BloodI
Unfortunately, the device is USB only. As such, the V3 does not offer wireless support. The lack of a wireless option wouldn’t be an issue if immersion didn’t work so well with the headset. I was so excited Dune that I got up and almost dragged my $1,700 PC to the bathroom because I forgot I had them on and plugged it into my desktop. The headset is also limited to PC, PlayStation and Mac, which is also disappointing. I would like to use and absorb this headset with a LG CX Dune in native 4K alongside an in-depth audio experience from the V3. I’d also love to use this on mobile to play Xbox Game Pass titles on the go. But unfortunately.
I also had a few playback issues when listening to music. At first I thought it was due to the music player settings in the app causing the music to spike. Then the same thing happened during a regular video chat via Google Meet.
Microphone
The microphone has a diaphragm design that can record 360 degrees of audio, making it usable when needed. Still, the quality of the microphone is that of a headset and does not offer any clarity close to that of a headset best desktop microphonesI
What’s nice is the software’s microphone settings that allow users to adjust the noise gate, vocal clarity, and volume normalization. It also offers microphone presets such as Mic Boost, Conference and Broadcast. I found Mic Boost to be the best overall setting, apart from some brightness adjustments. I held a video conference where I could be heard loud and clear. It was even used during a session of Back 4 Blood when someone stole my health pack. I was able to convey my displeasure at the action very well through the game’s ingrained voice chat.
Software
As I’ve consistently said, the Synapse software is really where the V3 excels. The tabs for the V3 include: a general sound section for assigning sound properties, a mixer to set THX Spatial settings for individual apps, a tab for testing the game’s calibrations, music and movie mode presets of the headset, improvements for audio settings , Microphone for microphone settings and Lighting to match RGB colors.
However, I found it confusing which software to install out of the box as you have to do that for the Razer Kraken V3 X download 7.1 Surround Sound software from his site. However, to use it, you must have an activation code. I spent more time than I care to admit looking for a non-existent activation code before concluding that only the lesser product of the V3 family needs it. The V3 needs no such thing and all of its software can be easily added to your existing Synapse download. The required drivers also come in during a fresh install.
The user interface is easy to understand and it’s easy to adjust settings with a simple drag of a slider. The audio equalizer is hugely useful, but the presets are so well matched that I rarely had to change the equalizer knobs themselves.
Bottom Line
The glossy Razer Kraken V3 is a stylish, budget headset for gamers looking for quality sound without paying nearly double to get it. While the microphone could be better, it gets the job done. The main selling point here is the sound quality of the cans, in addition to the benefits the software brings to the headset and your setup if you’re also using other Razer products. As long as you’re not a mobile or Xbox player, the V3 will meet your gaming needs and double as regular headphones if you want to play music privately.