Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense

With the Kraken Razer have arguably got one of the best-known headset series on the market, and they are entering a new phase with their latest release. Four new models are already available, with the V3 HyperSense and V3 Pro featuring HyperSense technology, which was previously reserved for the Nari Ultimate.

Comfort

The Kraken V3 HyperSense not only looks like premium quality, it feels that way too. The leatherette-covered ear pads with memory foam and the padded headband ensure a comfortable fit. They enclose the ears so well that annoying noises from outside are hardly noticeable. They are also breathable, which means that they can be worn for longer periods without any problems. However, a self-adjusting system like the one that comes with the Nari is not included.

The volume can be adjusted on the headphones themselves, a mute button for the microphone is available, and HyperSense can not only be activated or deactivated here, but it is also possible to switch between the three pre-sets. Everything is connected via a two-metre USB-A cable. A connection to Playstation and Switch is therefore possible, but thanks to Synapse, the full potential is only available on a PC.

Lighting

“Razer Chroma RGB” makes the manufacturer logos shine on the ear cups of the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense. This can be quickly configured in the Razer Synapse software by assigning a specific colour or selecting one of the colour change profiles. If you want to delve deeper, then switch to the “Chroma Studio”, where there are almost no limits when it comes to “customisation”.

HyperSense – haptic feedback

To further enhance the feeling of being in the middle of things, Razer has given the Kraken V3 HyperSense (and the Pro) sensory feedback. Previously reserved for the Nari Ultimate, this technology makes it into both new Kraken models.

“HyperSense” means that sounds are converted into vibrations based on their frequencies. Usually, the vibrations of a gaming controller, for example, are programmed to start at pre-set points or when a button is pressed. HyperSense is different because it reacts to the sound in real-time. So explosions or booming basses cause the headphones to vibrate, with the correct position of the event but with differences in their intensity. “Total immersion”, which is how Razer describes it on its homepage, is no understatement.

The intensity can be adjusted in three stages via Synapse. At the highest level, the headset tends to vibrate during dialogues with low voices. If you don’t want to use it at all, you can of course deactivate HyperSense.

In practice, the whole thing works like this: With the Synapse software in the background, we started the new “Forza Horizon 5”. The intensity of HyperSense is set to “Medium” and the EQ pre-set “Game” is selected. This results in a boost from 31 Hz to 250 Hz and between 2 kHz and 16 kHz. Now it’s not just the engine sounds that are emphasised, but also their roar. But speech, as well as music, also benefit from this pre-set. While the pad vibrates depending on the surface and acceleration, the haptic feedback of the headset is somewhat restrained but intervenes when there are loud, deep sound effects, such as bumps or more violent jostling. But even when you approach the festival grounds in the game, where driving music is playing, the headphones transmit the approaching, muffled bass even from a distance.

The whole thing is rather subtle, but it’s a lot of fun and reinforces the idea of actually being behind the wheel.

It’s a little less subtle when you switch to the “Shooter” category. We already used the prologue of “Battlefield V” for the Nari. In the introduction, you are put into a variety of situations in the game, whether on foot on the battlefield, in a tank or an aeroplane.

This is where the new HyperSense technology really turns up the heat. Impacts in the distance are translated into subtle vibrations, while detonations in the immediate vicinity are acknowledged by the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense with heavy feedback. This is the immersion that HyperSense is supposed to bring, and it fully delivers here. If you want to find your way around even better in the thick of the action, you can also switch on THX Spatial Audio, which provides spatial information about the opponent’s position in addition to the vibrations.

In both of the above-mentioned games, however, you are definitely immersed deeper in the action thanks to V3 HyperSense, and you get an effect that you really don’t want to be without thereafter.

Fat sound thanks to TriForce Titanium 50-mm drivers

In the Razer BlackShark Razer used its TriForce Titanium 50 mm drivers for the first time, which are now also used in other ranges such as Kaira and now also in the Kraken. Basically, they do a good job, even when the sound source is quite loud, nothing distorts. Without adjustment, however, it sounds a bit muddy or undefined. To avoid this, you should definitely use the Synapse software. The 10-band equaliser alone really enhances the sound, whether with a pre-set for the corresponding use or with a user-defined setting. The headset is even suitable for listening to music, like most gaming headsets it is at home with powerful cinema sound.

When it comes to gaming, the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense is a perfect choice: powerful bass, clear treble and loud … but there’s still more to it!

THX Spatial Audio – the spatial sound

In addition to the equaliser, there are of course other features in Synapse. Among the improvements are a bass boost, audio normalisation and adjustable speech quality. For gaming and films, the “THX Spatial Audio” filed under “Mixer” is definitely the most interesting. This not only makes the sound in the game more realistic, but the 7.1 surround sound also helps you to recognise positions and thus provides an advantage in multiplayer games. Compared to the stereo mode, you feel like you are in the middle of the action – which also works well with films. Pre-sets for different areas of use (game, film, music) are available, as well as the option to choose when THX Spatial Audio is activated (automatically, manually or by certain applications in a definable sound mode).

The microphone quality of the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense

Lately becoming more important in the working world, but always essential for gamers: the microphone. Unlike the older Kraken models or even the Nari, the Kraken V3 HyperSense no longer has a retractable microphone, but a detachable HyperClear cardioid microphone with pop protection.

In practice, this leaves a very good impression. Background noise is barely perceptible and a filter can be switched on if necessary. Speech comes across as noise-free and clear. In addition, some functions can be switched on in the software, including a 10-band EQ. In the spirit of the current situation, there is also a pre-set for conferences. There’s really nothing to complain about – regardless of whether you like detachable mics or prefer the old version.