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To test the Kraken X, I used it for one week while gaming and listening to music. We break our testing down into four sections – software, build quality and comfort, sound, and mic.
Software
As we mentioned on the first page, the Kraken X is an analog headset, connecting via a 3.5mm jack. That means it will work with no setup required across PC, Xbox, PS4, Nintendo Switch and so on. That said, Razer is offering a free download of its new 7. Surround Sound utility to use with the Kraken X, though this is only available for Windows users.
The first thing to note is the 7.1 Surround Sound download is separate to Synapse 3. If you don't have other Razer products that use Synapse, you won't need to download it as well for the Kraken X, but it's a shame it isn't integrated as part as Synapse for those who might have a Razer keyboard, mouse or laptop.
When it comes down to it, the software is very simple. It guides you through a brief setup process where you have to select which audio output the 7.1 effect will be applied to, and then you can turn 7.1 on or off – that's it. There is a basic settings menu where you can enable the software to start with Windows and change the language, but that is it in a nutshell.
Build quality and comfort
There's two ways to look at the build quality of the Kraken X. On one hand, it is undeniably a more budget product thanks to its all-plastic construction – it doesn't feel especially premium in the hand, and while the headband will twist and flex to some degree, you definitely get the feeling that if you applied a little more pressure it would snap in two.
The upside of that, however, is the headset weighs just 250g, making it one of the lightest headsets I've tested. The HyperX Cloud Stinger weighs 275g, for instance, while Corsair's HS50 is heavier still at 319g – though that does also feel more premium with metal yokes and a metal headband.
Still, the 250g weight means I had no issues wearing the headset for hours at a time, as it simply caused me no fatigue. The ear cushions fit around my ears with no discomfort either, and the headband spread the weight of the headset without causing any ‘hotspots' on the top of my skull.
I do wear glasses, and Razer makes a feature of its ‘eyewear channels in the ear cushions', and sure enough I had no issues with clamping pressure on the sides of my head. Then again, I don't get that from other headsets or headphones anyway – maybe if you wear glasses and are particularly sensitive when wearing a headset, it could be something to consider, but I can't say I really noticed the difference.
All in all, though, there no doubt the Kraken X is a very comfortable headset.
Sound
As the Kraken X is a gaming headset first and foremost, we will start with gaming performance before touching on general music playback below. I tested the Kraken X across a range of platforms, including my PC, Xbox One X and Nintendo Switch, and I have to say it sounds a lot better than I was expecting.
The first thing I noticed is that the bass isn't overwhelming or bloated, something many entry-level headsets can suffer from. That means explosions and gunfire doesn't muddy up other sounds like in-game speech or footsteps, but there is still enough punch to give you that sense of impact. Overall clarity is also good, with the sound being fairly well-balanced for a headset of this calibre.
On top of that, general audio positioning also proved to be accurate. I was mostly playing Doom (2016) on the PC, before Doom Eternal comes out later this year, and had no issues detecting various demons coming from either the right or left. Overall soundstage isn't massive so I wouldn't say you're getting better sound positioning than other headsets, but it's certainly not a weak area for the headset.
Toggling that virtual 7.1 setting will open up the soundstage, however, giving the effect that the audio has been pushed out around you. In fairness, this is probably one of the better 7.1 simulators I've tried – typically I find most to add far too much reverb, and while there is a little bit of that with the Kraken X, it doesn't muddy up the rest of the sound. Personally I'd always prefer to play in standard stereo mode, but the 7.1 is worth a go if you like that kind of thing.
So overall gaming performance is certainly good, how about listening to music? Well, like I said the bass isn't as prominent as I would have expected, and depending on your preferences that might make the sound feel a little flat – though speaking for myself, I like the more balanced overall sound. I did notice that vocalists sounded slightly distant, however, which just takes away the intimacy of certain acoustic tracks.
In a nutshell, the Kraken X doesn't sound terrible when listening to music, but if that is your top priority I'd suggest a pair of similarly-priced earphones or proper headphones instead. For gaming, though, I was very impressed with the Kraken X.
Mic
Kraken X Mic Test
Lastly, just touching on the mic. I have to say I was not expecting it to sound as good as it does – clarity is excellent, and while there is a hint of compression, it's very good for a £50 headset. Definitely a big plus for the Kraken X.
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