Razer Kraken Tournament Edition Review

Razer is known for gaming and makes some perfect headsets for gamers. For just $99.99, the wired Razer Kraken Tournament Edition has simulated surround sound from THX, a 5.1-channel USB audio adapter, and two 50mm drivers in a very comfortable design. It’s not the fanciest headset on the market, but it has a good feel, good performance, and many features for a reasonable price.

Razer Kraken Tournament Edition Specifications

PROS

• Solid and easy to use.
• Fabric-wrapped cables that are strong.
• THX faked the effect of surround sound.

CONS

• Not very strong highs.

Design

Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headphones are known for being big and round, and the Kraken Tournament Edition doesn’t change that. It’s a good-quality pair of black or green over-ear headphones with black accents. The large, round plastic shells of the earcups are surrounded by solid metal, which is how they connect to the metal headband. The headband is pretty flexible and can be adjusted with firm click-stops. The metal rings on each earcup allow a small amount of vertical movement so that they fit comfortably. The earpads are very big, so they don’t put any pressure on your ears. They are made of a nice mix of materials.

Connection Options

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headphone comes with a three-foot cable, which is fine for systems like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One S, where the controllers have built-in headset jacks and the Nintendo Switch in portable mode. Still, it’s pretty short for PC gaming. The USB cable, the other part of the Kraken Tournament Edition, comes into play here. It has a USB plug on one end and an audio control box on the other. The cable is five feet long and covered in fabric. The box is a small, flat, black plastic box that is 3.4 inches long and has big buttons on the top that say Volume Up, Volume Down, and Mic Mute.

Showcase Of Music

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition sounds powerful and has a lot of basses, which is pretty typical for gaming headphones. It played our bass test track, “Silent Shout” by The Knife, at maximum (and dangerous) volume without any distortion, and it sounded pretty loud in the process. The low frequencies lead this song, while the synth notes and chanting are in the background and sound slightly muddy. This is also clear in Yes’s song “Roundabout.” The electric bass sounds full and deep, but the opening acoustic guitar plucks don’t have much string texture or higher frequency finesse. The snares and vocals are also a bit in the background of the busy mix, but the bass remains the most critical part of the song.

Performance Of The Game

I played Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Blackout mode with the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition. I was in a group with four other players whose voices were easily heard over the in-game chat. My squadmates could also listen to me well because of the microphone. The THX audio processing in the headset turned the sounds of battle into an impressive surround sound simulation. Even though stereo drivers can’t tell precisely whether a sound source is in front of or behind the listener, the processing makes lateral imaging very accurate.  Guns were being fired from both sides because we were being ambushed. The action sounded like it was going to hit hard. Because the headset was heavy on the bass, gunshots and explosions had a lot of low-end force.

Price

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is a wired gaming headset that costs $100 and does many things well. It’s big, comfortable, and has strong 50mm drivers that put out a lot of basses. It also works with almost any game system as a wired 3.5mm headset, and the USB adapter cable for PCs gives excellent THX-like surround sound. The adjustable bass is a nice touch, but it doesn’t make up for the fact that the headset’s highs aren’t quite as good as they could be. The Turtle Beach Elite Atlas feels slightly more luxurious, but its audio tuning sounds less balanced. At $60, the Astro Gaming A10 is still a good choice for a wired headset if you want to save a little money.

Should You Buy It?

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is a solid, versatile gaming headset that offers impressive bass-heavy sound, comfort for extended use, and broad compatibility across platforms, all for $99.99. Its simulated surround sound, though not perfect, adds depth to gaming experiences, and its robust construction ensures durability. However, if you prioritize clear highs and precise audio over powerful bass, you might find alternatives that better suit your needs. Overall, the Kraken Tournament Edition is a worthy consideration for gamers seeking a reliable, feature-rich headset at a reasonable price.

Verdict

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition excels in comfort and bass performance, making it a compelling choice for gamers looking for a sturdy and versatile headset with simulated surround sound. While it delivers strong bass and a decent gaming experience, its audio precision, particularly in the highs, isn’t as refined as some competitors. For those who prioritize comfort and bass, it’s a solid buy, but audiophiles or those seeking perfectly balanced audio might explore other options.

FAQs

1. Does the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition support wireless connectivity?

No, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is a wired headset and does not support wireless connectivity.

2. Can the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition be used with consoles like PS4 or Xbox One?

Yes, it can be used with consoles like the PS4, Xbox One S, and Nintendo Switch via the 3.5mm audio jack.

3. Is the THX surround sound feature available on all devices?

The THX simulated surround sound is only available when using the USB audio adapter on a PC.

4. How does the headset handle bass and high frequencies?

The Kraken Tournament Edition delivers strong bass but has weaker high frequencies, which may affect the clarity of certain audio details.

5. Is the microphone detachable or built-in?

The microphone is built-in and cannot be detached, but it can be muted via the audio control box.

6. How long is the cable that comes with the headset?

The analog 3.5mm cable is 1.3 meters (4.27 feet) long, and the USB cable with the audio control box is 1.5 meters (5 feet) long.

7. Does the headset require any software for full functionality?

To use the THX simulated surround sound, the Razer Synapse software needs to be installed on a PC. Basic functionality does not require additional software.

8. How comfortable is the headset for long gaming sessions?

The Kraken Tournament Edition is highly comfortable for long gaming sessions due to its large, cushioned earpads and adjustable headband.