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'?
