Razer Kraken V3 Pro

Addition to the Family

The Razer Kraken V3 Pro is at the top model in the current V3 family and is therefore above the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense. A look at the datasheets shows: The two top models essentially boast the same equipment. The big difference lies in the various connection options. More on that later.

Sound of the Razer Kraken V3 Pro

The Razer Kraken V3 Pro’s good sound experience straight out of the box comes as no surprise. This is implemented by TriForce Titanium 50 mm drivers, which we were already familiar with from the Razer BlackShark, Razer Kaira and the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense.

At this point, however, it must be clear to all “non-PC gamers” that although the V3 Pro sound quite good, it does not exploit its full potential when first delivered. In the standard profile, you get a good setting that lacks some depth. The bass, in particular, does not sound really powerful.

Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about this, but we would like to lower the mids a little and raise the bass. This only works in combination with the Synapse software available for the PC. The first port of call should be the 10-band equaliser. Even slight changes in the higher frequencies from 1 kHz open up the sound and give you an idea of what the TriForce Titanium 50 mm drivers are capable of. Whether it’s thunderous action, voice output or music – with the equaliser and the presets provided by Razer, the Razer Kraken V3 Pro performs excellently and in an exemplary manner in all disciplines. The four presets are not only very well done, but they also add or reduce the necessary frequencies according to their names. They are also a very good starting point for creating a user-defined preset. If you like it bassier, boost the corresponding bands. If you want it to rumble even more, activate the additional bass boost. In the end, with a little effort, it is possible to create the optimum sound for yourself.

Once you’ve had a go at playing with the software, it’s like having a different pair of headphones on your ears. Unfortunately, this does not apply when switching to a console, because the presets only work in combination with Synapse. So if you play a game on a console afterwards, you will have to play with the default profile again. Therefore, if you buy the V3 Pro without any software at all, there are alternatives that would be better, at least in terms of sound and price. If it weren’t for:

HyperSense

If you still don’t understand the term “HyperSense”, here’s a brief explanation: HyperSense provides sensory feedback. This is controlled via frequencies. The difference between this and a vibrating controller is that these vibrations are not pre-programmed, but take effect whenever loud sounds in the range of 20 to 200 Hz come through the headphones. How intense this is can be selected in three levels in the software.

And this feature, which was originally exclusive to the Razer Nari Ultimate, has now made it into two Kraken models in the V3 series. Finally! Because HyperSense pulls you deeper into the action, perfectly supporting battles, engine sounds and booming background music. For me, this is the most sensible and useful feature that can be added to a gaming headset. Also on board is THX Spatial Audio. The 7.1 surround sound is not only a good addition for games, but also for films. So it’s possible to be in the middle of the action instead of just being there (in stereo) thanks to HyperSense.

Certainly, this is only a software solution, because the V3 Pro is and remains a stereo headset. However, Razer has done a good job with the artificially created room. It does not sound too artificial, which is noticeable in the tinny sound of many headsets. And although the ideal is more likely to be found with THX Spatial Audio switched off, it can be quite advantageous to activate it for competitive gaming. Whether an opponent is coming from somewhere to the left or can be heard more precisely may be decisive for a game, so the sound itself is perhaps only secondary.

In addition, the Razer Kraken V3 Pro and Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense share all the features of the built-in configuration software, including the lighting options, which can also be programmed and customised much more precisely in Chroma Studio. There is also an equaliser, bass boost and other effects.

HyperClear microphone

The Kraken V3 Pro comes with a detachable microphone. The manufacturer’s “HyperClear” cardioid microphone with pop protection makes a good impression. Speech reaches the other end of the line noise-free and sounding full. Background noise is barely perceptible and additional filters in the Synapse software ensure that even in more problematic environments the sound of the voice is well isolated from background noise. A dedicated 10-band EQ completes the picture. In keeping with the times, a preset for conferences can also be found here, in addition to more interesting options for gaming.

Wireless technology for wireless gaming fun

When connecting to a gaming PC or console, you are much freer with the Pro model than with the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense and here it is very similar to the Razer Nari. In addition to a USB dongle (type A), which ensures wireless 2.4 GHz transmission, there is also an analogue connection via a 3.5 mm mini-jack cable. This can be used to establish a direct, wired connection with controllers from Sony and Microsoft, for example, or you can go directly to the headphone output of the Switch. It works wirelessly on the PC, on the PlayStation or on the Switch (dock) via USB. Here (as always) only PC users can access the full range of tuning and control options thanks to the software.

The headset is charged via the supplied USB cable. The battery life is of course very dependent on which features you activate. Razer states 11 hours with HyperSense and lighting activated. If you can manage without these, the battery lasts about 44 hours.

Processing, operation and comfort

The Razer Kraken V3 Pro has a very nice high-quality finish, the leatherette-covered ear cups are filled with memory foam and feel good to the touch, as well as looking good. In contrast to the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense, the headband is completely covered with faux leather, while the smaller model only has fabric.

The big plus of the Pro variant is, of course, the wireless connection or the flexibility you have with a wireless dongle and 3.5 mm cable. If you don’t need that, the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense is cheaper but just as good.

Razer Kraken V3 Pro vs Razer Nari Ultimate

The decision might be a little more difficult if you put the Pro up against the Nari Ultimate. In terms of design, build and comfort, the Nari is actually slightly superior to the Kraken. The self-adjusting headband is better, the USB dongle, which is only a third of the size of the Kraken V3 Pro, can be comfortably accommodated in the earpiece of the Nari. In addition, the Nari is currently in free fall in terms of price and currently costs only about as much as the Kraken V3 HyperSense.

In the new Kraken’s favour, however, are the significantly more extensive setting options available via Synapse software and the current TriForce Titanium 50 mm drivers. Unfortunately, the “good old” Nari can’t keep up. In addition, there is a separate HyperSense button on the headset, which not only activates and deactivates the feedback but also allows you to switch between the three presets. With the Nari, this always has to be done via the software. This feature makes console players happy.