Razer unleashes improved-all-around Kraken V2 headsets

Earlier this week, Razer announced a new mouse and mouse mat aimed at eSports gamers. Now they've revealed another pair of eSports-targeted products: the Razer Kraken Pro V2 and Razer Kraken 7.1 V2 headsets. Both headsets promise the sound, comfort, and durability needed by console and PC gamers.
Say hello to the Razer Kraken Pro V2
Razer's Kraken line of headsets has been around for some time now, but the V2 represents a major step forward in the product design. Like the Razer DeathAdder Elite and Gigantus mouse mat, the Kraken Pro V2 has been designed especially with eSports gamers in mind. And even if you're not an eSports competitor, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
The Kraken Pro V2 aims to deliver an "incredible audio experience" with the help of all-new 50mm drivers. These drivers are significantly larger than the ones on previous Kraken models and will deliver an improved dynamic range. Additionally, the Kraken Pro V2 has been custom-tuned for balanced in-game audio and communications.
This headset was designed with long-term wear in mind, with a unibody aluminum headband that is both light and durable. We're told this headset fits nicely on the player's head, balancing weight evenly in order to avoid creating a cramped sensation. That's a major accomplishment if true, as pretty much every headset I've used begins to pinch a bit after a while.
In fact, the Kraken Pro V2 has been designed with the needs of glasses wearers like yours truly in mind. Inmold channels on the inner headband keep the headset from pressing against glasses frames, sitting lightly on the wearer's ears without causing any of the strain that normally happens when headset meets glasses. The ear cushions are also larger, allowing for improved comfort and sound isolation, and they can be swapped out.
Team communication is the next most important aspect of a headset, if not the very most important. The Kraken V2's ECM boom microphone retracts and bends in any direction, just like the previous model's. It also features a unidirectional recording pattern in order to pick up sound however you position it.
As both a livestreamer and online gamer, microphone control is very important to me. The Kraken Pro V2's inline remote control allows players to conveniently manage volume level and mute without having to reach up to their heads. In-line volume control is something you don't get with wireless headsets, and it's super convenient.
The Razer Kraken Pro V2 will support Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and Mac.
Also available with surround sound
For gamers who crave an even more deluxe headset experience, Razer will also be introducing the Kraken 7.1 V2. As the name implies, the Kraken 7.1 V2 features an advanced 7.1 virtual surround sound engine. Unlike other brands like Dolby, this engine allows users to position the surround sound channels to meet their individual needs. I typically go with the default on things like this, but more customizability never hurts.
The Kraken 7.1 V2 also has a unique noise-cancelling digital microphone that represents a step up from the Pro model. Activated via the Razer Synapse software, the active noise cancelling feature is designed to filter out unwanted sounds at noisy events in order to deliver the clearest possible voice communication.
Whereas the Kraken Pro uses traditional 3.5mm and PC audio cables, the Kraken 7.1 V2 requires a USB connection. It will be compatible with PC, Mac, and PlayStation 4.
The Razer Kraken Pro V2 will retail for $79.99. The Razer Kraken 7.1 V2 will sell for $99.99. Both headsets will be available to preorder this week at the Razer Store. They will ship and head to retail in October.
What's your headset situation like, guys and gals? Anybody think the new Krakens sound crackin'?
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Paul Acevedo is the Games Editor at Windows Central. A lifelong gamer, he has written about videogames for over 15 years and reviewed over 350 games for our site. Follow him on Twitter @PaulRAcevedo. Don’t hate. Appreciate!
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This really have thick/large ear cushion, I guess the best part of this headset are convenient for user with glasses, hate it when other headset press against your ear makes it pain after a long session. Maybe its just me with my big head lol.
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Paul and or IccyAsd, do these feel comfortable on your ears after wearing them for a while? We have the same issue in our house as IccyAsd mentioned ears start to hurt after wearing headphones for a while. We have been to several stores to find a good fit with no luck. These may be an option.
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Looks really promising. Razer finally stepping up the design. Would love to test one!
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Wires=fail. Apple are actually correct, wires must go.
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Having had wireless headsets in the past I much prefer the reliability of wires.
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I really need to get a new headset, i use a 5 year old cheapish logitech Headset. :( I assuem that it does not need battries?
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I'm not sure how these are but the HyperX Clouds are very comfortable and sound decent for the mid level price of 50-80 dollars. I got the CloudX,but they are basically rebranded Cloud 2s.
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This is a wired headset, so will not need batteries. Just bear in mind this uses a USB connector, not a 3.5mm jack, so it'll only work with PCs.
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Yet another point for the ones I mentioned. The CloudX are a little more because of the Xbox branding, but they combine the mic and speaker into one connection. I believe the Cloud II has two jacks that you use a piece to trun into one.
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One of these headsets uses 3.5mm, the other uses USB. We discuss compatibility for both headsets in the article.
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The price isn't bad. I'd have to hear them to know for sure.
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Look nice. Been spoiled by my wireless Gold's though, probably will stick with wireless on all future headsets I get.
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Seems like Razer is announcing and releasing a lot of things lately. From their StarGazer, their new keyboard, new Firefly mousepad, etc. Hopefully some of their re-releases will be improvements rather than just rehashed stuff
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I really want the StarGazer
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I used to buy the Kraken 7.1, they were really nice headsets, however, they kept on breaking. I had bought 2 pairs, because after having one, eventually something would break in the headband, and only one ear cup would work, thankfully they had 1 year warranty, however, every one I bought ended up with the same issue. the right ear cup would stop working, so I ended up going through 4-5 of these (2 purchased, 2-3 on Warranty), so I'm excited for the V2 if it improves the durability. Maybe, its because I'm rough with Headsets.
Currently I'm using the Logitech G633, which have help up pretty well, but once they break, I'm willing to try the Razer ones again :) -
Sounds very nice for the price
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Does the 7.1 V2 requires USB connection at all time, or just for the surround sound to work? Meaning will it be able to work on a 3.5mm jack albeit at stereo?
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AFAIK the 7.1 headset is USB only.