-The Razer Kraken Ultimate is a highly customizable gaming headset filled with cutting-edge features such as THX Spatial audio, Cooling Gel Cushions, and custom 50mm drivers. Compared to other versions of the Kraken, it also has an aluminum and steel construction, which gives it a more sturdy feel than its predecessors.
The Good
- Aluminum & steel construction gives it a qualitative feel
- Â The retractable mic is very clear & has good noise cancellation
- Â Cooling gel padding is very comfortable
- Â 50mm drivers deliver great sound quality with good spatial audio
- Â Incredibly customizable via the Razer Synapse software
The Bad
- A bit pricey
- Â The mic is not very natural sounding(not great for streaming)
If you are familiar with the Razer Kraken series, then the design of the new Ultimate edition shouldn’t surprise you. For the most part, it is identical to the previous version of the Kraken but with a few nice upgrades. The earcup RGB Chroma lighting now illuminates most of the headphones, and it looks great. It has also received a quality upgrade with its aluminum and steel construction, and while you can’t see much of a difference, you can certainly feel it. The Razer Kraken Ultimate feels a lot sturdier and more durable than any of the previous models, and the price tag reflects it.
In terms of sound quality, it is very identical to the Tournament Edition. The 50mm custom Razer drivers delivers clear and crisp sound quality, and when you pair it with the THX 7.1 Spatial Audio, you get an excellent audio experience. It excels at directional audio and locating your opponents in CS:GO is very easy with this headset.
The microphone is a mixed bag for me. It is incredibly clear, and your teammates will have no issues understanding your calls in-game, but it doesn’t sound very natural either. The Kraken Ultimate is excellent if you love competitive games where clear communication is vital, but if you want a headset for content creation or streaming, I would recommend you go with another headset.
Customization is really where the Razer Kraken Ultimate starts to pull ahead compared to most other options on the market. The Razer Synapse software allows you to personalize almost everything about its performance, and if you like messing around with settings, then it will not disappoint.
It is also a very comfortable headset with its iconic round earcups and offers sufficient cooling gel padding. The fit is a bit loose tho so rapid movements can misplace it pretty quickly, which is a little annoying.
I would recommend the Razer Kraken to anyone looking for a high-quality & high performing headset and don’t mind paying a bit extra for it. The directional audio, clear mic quality, and comfortable design makes it excellent for competitive games, but I still feel like it is slightly overpriced.
Razer Kraken Ultimate Design & Quality
While the design remains mostly the same as the earlier versions of the Kraken, the quality has received significant upgrades. The plastic construction has been entirely replaced with aluminum and steel materials that makes it feel both sturdy and durable.
The Razer Kraken design is tried and true, and the comfort is top-notch. The earcups are a fitting size for most people, and the cooling gel padding makes it comfortable during long gaming sessions.
The illuminated earcups look better than ever with the netted ”underglow” lighting. If you like RGB heavy gaming setups, then the Kraken Ultimate will undoubtedly be a perfect fit for you.
Performance & Sound Quality
The custom 50mm Razer drivers are always where the Kraken series has excelled, and the Ultimate is no different. They offer very clear sound with smooth sound quality in both the mids, highs, and lows, and the THX Spatial Audio delivers excellent surround sound and directional audio.
While the Spatial Audio provides a good amount of immersion to your gaming experience, competitive games are really where the Kraken Ultimate shines. It is very easy to hear where multiple sound cues such as footsteps, which is great for locating your enemies in shooters.
A personalized headset
The Kraken Ultimate works perfectly fine as a simple plug-and-play headset. Still, if you really want your money worth, you can use the Razer Synapse software to create a highly personalized experience.
The software allows you to adjust everything from EQ, directional sound, and lighting to fine-tuning the exact hertz of the highs and lows.
Microphone – Clear & efficient
The retractable noise-canceling microphone delivers clear sound quality that is perfectly optimized for effective in-game communication. It is perfect for competitive gamers that enjoy team-based games such as League of Legends or Overwatch.
However, I feel like Razer gave up a bit of quality for clarity, and it makes your voice sound a bit unnatural. This is not a big issue in terms of efficiency, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to use the headset for streaming or content creation.
I also disliked the new mute function. A simple press on the mic can mute the Kraken Ultimate, but when you are in-game talking to your friends or team, then it will make a slightly annoying noise every time you mute yourself.
Final Thoughts on the Kraken Ultimate
This is the most luxurious version to date of the popular headset but also one of the most expensive. I adore the new steel and aluminum design and the highly customized experience that the headset offers, but I don’t feel like it makes up for the steep increase in its price.
That said, it is a great looking and great sounding headset that can compete with some of the best on the market. So if you are a fan of Razer and want a headset that will stand endure years of gaming, then the Kraken Ultimate is an excellent option, especially if you are into high-paced competitive games where directional sound cues and communication are crucial.
