Razer Kraken Pro v2 Review

We decided to test the amazing Razer Kraken Pro v2 gaming headset, which is now just called Razer Kraken. See if this headset is worth it in this review.

Bottom Line

The Razer Kraken Pro v2 delivers in every area.

A few minor flaws are balanced out by a comfortable and stylish design, quality mic and good but bass-heavy sound.

We recommend it!

4.2

The Pros:

  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Range of colors and customization options
  • Durable, quality feel
  • Hard-hitting bass

The Cons:

  • Soundstage could be more balanced
  • Slightly loose grip on head

Razer’s line of gaming headsets enjoys great success, and for a good reason. Across their models, they maintain recognizable design features and tend to tick a good number of boxes when it comes to key gaming headset features.

The Razer Kraken Pro v2 (now referred to more simply as the Razer Kraken) is Razer’s answer to gamers who want a straightforward stereo headset with a simple but stylish design. It’s not going to break the bank, available for around $80, with a quality look in line with the Razer brand.

Helped in part by Youtuber PewdiePie’s continued endorsement, a lot of people will inevitably gravitate towards the Kraken Pro v2. But celebrity endorsements aside, how well does the Pro v2 stand out from the – pretty big – crowd of affordable, mid-range headsets? Let’s find out.

Table of ContentsShow

Specifications

Razer Kraken Pro V2 Gaming Headset
Connection3.5mm
AudioStereo
Driver Size50mm
MicrophoneRetractable
Audio ControlsIn-line Remote
Weight12.6oz
Dimensions10 x 9.8 x 5.4 inches

Design

Razer Kraken Pro V2 Design

Let’s talk about first impressions. Cast your eyes over the Razer Kraken Pro v2, and the first thing you’ll probably notice is the width – if you like the chunky look, you’ll love the Pro v2.

They stick out pretty far from the sides of the head, but contrary to what you might think, they are deceptively light. If you want a more streamlined shape, though, maybe look elsewhere.

The chunky look of the Pro v2 is due in part to the super thick cushioning on the earpads, and these pillowy depths make for a very comfortable experience for your ears.

This mass of padding does mean that after a few hours of wear, your ears can get a little hot, but thanks to the ‘cooling gel’ inside, the heat isn’t unbearable.

Razer Kraken Pro V2 Colors

Color-wise, there should be a Kraken Pro v2 to suit most personalities.

Matte black for players wanting a minimalistic look – or go for the same option but with navy accents; baby or “Quartz” pink for pastel fans; “Mercury” white for those who want a silvery, ethereal look; or the iconic bright Razer Green if you’re looking for a bright pop of color.

For a headset of this price range, it’s nice to see such variation in color choice.

But the choice doesn’t stop there – fans of customization will be pleased to know the Pro v2 is compatible with the over-priced, slightly gimmicky but oh-so-cute Razer Kitty Ears.

These feel soft and plush, are easy to attach, and come in the same range of colors as the headset itself – so you can match or mix and match. It’s up to you.

Razer Kraken Pro V2 Leather

Despite the relatively simple design of the headset itself, you will find a few little accents on the Kraken Pro v2 in the form of the recognizable Razer logo printed each ear cup, and large Razer lettering across the top of the headband.

The retractable microphone can be fully pushed into the headset and out of the way when not in use and slides out quickly when needed. It is also super pliable, so it can be set in the exact position you want it.

Of course, it’s not all about looks. Get your hands on the Kraken Pro v2, and you’ll feel a soft, smooth leather-like material over the headband and ear pads, with the recognizable round ear cups encased in cool metal.

The headband is flexible thanks to an aluminum interior, with a small amount of Airtex-like padding on the underside. There is no suspension band, but this is not an issue with the Pro v2 as it is so lightweight that you don’t need any more support here.

Features and Performance

Razer Kraken Pro V2 Features

The unboxing of this headset will undoubtedly be quick: the Kraken Pro v2 doesn’t offer a mind-blowing range of accessories.

You’ll just find a cable with 3.5mm audio splitter, and that’s it. The cable is nice and long but comes with a connector a third of the way down so it can be made much shorter if you don’t need that excess length.

Work your way down the cable, and you’ll find a small inline controller, which allows you to adjust the volume easily and mute the mic when necessary.

The controller is basic but functional and is very streamlined and lightweight, so it doesn’t drag down on the cable. The cable is also very flexible and covered in braided fabric, giving it a quality feel.

As you expect in any mid-range headset worth its salt, the Kraken Pro v2 has adjustable sizing. 

The functional but quality feel of this headset comes through here too, with little numbers stamped into the metal sides, so you can slide it to be the same length on each side – or different for those with uneven ears.

Razer Kraken Pro V2 Performance

Comfort-wise, we cannot complain about the Kraken Pro v2. We’ve already said that the headset is very light, but it is astonishingly light for its chunky size.

Having worn the Pro v2 for a good 8-hour gaming session, the grip on your head feels comfortable – just enough to know the headset is secure, but without an uncomfortable squeeze.

It is almost squeeze-free to a fault, though, and could perhaps feel a little loose for those with smaller heads or who like a very firm grip.

Now let’s get on to the real teller of a good gaming headset: the sound quality. First things first: if you came looking for 7.1 surround sound, you came to the wrong place.

The Kraken Pro v2 keeps it straightforward but solid when it comes to sound. You’ll need to upgrade to the Razer Tiamat or Thresher if this is a deal-breaker for you.

Razer Kraken Pro V2 Look

In true Razer style, it’s all about the bass when it comes to the soundstage. Players who enjoy a strong, powerful bass will not be disappointed by this headset. It is impressive and helps plunge you straight into the action when gaming, especially with FPS games.

One thing we have noticed is that the volume does seem to go a little higher when used with a PC than a console – a minor difference but noteworthy nonetheless.

For a mid-range, no-nonsense headset, the mic quality on the Kraken Pro v2 is good, offering a crisp, clear sound.

The Pro v2 also functions beyond gaming, working well enough for music listening, especially as it lacks the flashy lights and brash bells and whistles of your stereotypical gaming headset.

Because of the bass, we would advise serious audiophiles to steer clear of the Kraken Pro v2. The punchy bass comes at a cost and can overwhelm the trebles and mids a little.

For the everyday gamer, though, this slight disruption in sound balance will go pretty much unnoticed, and the overall sound quality remains satisfactory.

The Verdict

Razer Kraken Pro V2 Kitty Ears

If you want a gaming headset for under $100, you could do much worse than the Kraken Pro v2. It looks good, feels good, and sounds good.

In fact, in all aspects of a good quality gaming headset, the Kraken Pro v2 delivers. It can’t be said that it goes above and beyond, but it does enough – certainly for a headset of this price.

Razer knows their audience enough by now to tick the key boxes that gamers are looking for to a pleasant extent, offering a durable design, comfort, rich sound, and a microphone that doesn’t make you sound like you’re underwater.

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Samuel Stewart

Samuel is GamingScan's editor-in-chief. He describes himself as a dedicated gamer and programmer. He enjoys helping others discover the joys of gaming. Samuel closely follows the latest trends in the gaming industry in order to keep the visitors in the flow.

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