Best Stylish Headphones?
Review Summary
The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition harmoniously blends captivating aesthetics and remarkable functionality, ensuring seamless connectivity across various Bluetooth devices. Moreover, personalization takes center stage with EQ and RGB customization through dedicated companion apps, while enduring battery life alleviates constant recharging concerns. Beyond its endearing appearance, this headset excels in sound quality and comfort, making it a comprehensive choice.
Overall
-
Build Quality - 8/10
8/10
-
Comfort - 8/10
8/10
-
Design - 8/10
8/10
-
Performance - 8/10
8/10
-
Value - 7/10
7/10
-
Software Compatibility - 7/10
7/10
Pros
- Appealing Design
- Balanced Sound Quality
- Comfortable Fit
- Long Battery Life
- Sturdy Build
Cons
- Microphone Performance
- Lack of Portability
- Issues with Companion Apps
- Bluetooth-only Connectivity
Today’s gaming demands a reliable headset for my work-play balance. The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition nails it, offering comfort for work and a gaming edge. As my criteria evolved to prioritize sound and comfort, Razer’s gem takes center stage in this review.
Now, let’s talk about the star – the Kraken BT Kitty Edition. Tailored for esports, it merges charm with crucial functionality, acknowledging every sound in FPS gaming. In this review, we’ll see if this feline-inspired headset is worth the investment for an immersive audio experience.
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Key Takeaways
- The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition combines style and function with its charming design and RGB-lit cat ears, appealing to gamers seeking a unique look.
- The things I liked about the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition are its Stylish Design, Comfortable Fit, Balanced Sound Quality, Long Battery Life, Low Latency Gaming Mode, Quality Build, and Extensive Features Set.
- The things I did not like about the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition are its Limited RGB Lighting Customization, Non-Folding Design for Portability, Microphone Performance, Lack of Play/Pause Button, Micro-USB Charging in the Era of USB-C, Limited Simultaneous Audio Capability. and Occasional Connectivity Issues.
- The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition headset is a perfect fit for gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize both style and substance in their audio experience. Those who appreciate an eye-catching design with adorable kitty ears and customizable RGB lighting will find this headset particularly appealing.
Specifications
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (44.1 kHz Sampling) |
IMPEDANCE | 32 Ω |
SENSITIVITY | 96 dB/mW at 1 kHz |
DRIVER SPECIFICATIONS | 40 mm |
DRIVER TYPE | Dynamic Driver |
EARCUPS | Over-Ear (Circumaural) |
INNER EARCUP DIAMETER | Major Diameter 102 mm, Minor Diameter 88.5 mm |
EARPADS MATERIAL | Plush Leatherette with Foam |
NOISE CANCELLING | Dual Mic Noise Cancelation |
CONNECTION TYPE | Bluetooth 5.0 connection |
CABLE LENGTH | None |
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT | 0.66 lbs / 298 g |
MICROPHONE STYLE | ECM |
PICK-UP PATTERN | Omni-directional |
MICROPHONE FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 100 Hz – 10 kHz |
MICROPHONE SENSITIVITY (@1KHZ) | -38 dBV/Pa (1 kHz) |
VIRTUAL SURROUND ENCODING | None |
VOLUME CONTROL | Yes (VOL + and VOL – Wheel) |
OTHER CONTROLS | Power On / Pairing / Multi-Function Button |
|
Up to 20 Hours with Lighting On
Up to 50 Hours with Lighting Off |
LIGHTING | RGB LED for indicating power, pairing, and charging status |
COMPATIBILITY | BT Connection: Mobile / System |
First Impressions – A Leap Beyond Stereotypes
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - First Impressions](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-First-Impressions-1024x771.jpg)
In the gaming world, the Razer Kraken Kitty Edition is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the flashy designs dominating the scene, this headset introduces a versatile, diverse look with charming quartz accents. As a fan of Razer’s reliable tech, I’m intrigued by how they’ve seamlessly integrated the adorable kitty ears into the Kraken BT Kitty Edition.
This headset, a blend of comfort, sturdiness, and cuteness, is gaining popularity fast. Despite the fixed position of the ears, the lightweight design (298 grams) feels solid, dispelling worries about fragility. It’s promising for long gaming sessions. Let’s dive in to explore the strengths and considerations of the Kraken BT Kitty Edition.
Design – Kitty Ears
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - Kitty Ears](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-Kitty-Ears-1024x780.jpg)
The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition combines style and function. Trying out the Kitty (Quartz) version; I’m intrigued by the Hello Kitty and Friends one too. The cute cat ears, along with the pink color and RGB cat ears, won me over, despite initial uncertainty.
The ear cups maintain the classic Kraken design with the Razer Logo. These headsets, with their pink color and playful cat ears, go beyond the stereotype of “gamer girls.” The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition offers excellent sound and comfort, seamlessly blending into your setup. Grey accents on the earcups and headband add a touch of class, showcasing Razer’s attention to detail.
Comfort – A Perfect Fit for Prolonged Use
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - Comfort](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-Comfort-1024x771.jpg)
Comfort is a top priority for me with headphones. The Kraken BT Kitty stands out for its exceptional comfort, thanks to soft earcups and an adjustable band—perfect for my long gaming and work sessions. Made with leather-like material, they offer nine adjustable levels for an ideal fit out of the box.
While great for gaming, they may not be the best choice for high-energy activities like running. During workouts, they stayed in place, but there was subtle shifting during intense movements. Overall, a solid fit but not perfect for highly active situations.
Build Quality – A Lightweight Powerhouse
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - Headband](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-Headband-1024x791.jpg)
Let’s talk about the build of the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition, a crucial factor influencing our gaming experience. Lightweight but packed with features, this headset stands out among gaming headsets. Made from premium-feeling plastic, it gives off a high-quality vibe, though it doesn’t fold, which might be a downer for travelers.
The non-detachable ears might raise concerns, but they add a unique charm. While the absence of folding might seem inconvenient for travel, it could contribute to the headset’s durability. From my viewpoint, these headphones impress with their balance of lightweight comfort and sturdy construction.
RGB Lighting – A Visual Spectacle
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - RGB Lighting](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-RGB-Lighting-1024x576.jpg)
The RGB lighting on the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition adds a cool factor to gaming gear with impressive lights on the earpieces and kitty ears. While more subdued compared to other Razer products, the lighting options are somewhat limited, offering presets like static, breathing, spectrum cycling, and audio meter.
Personally, I prefer the spectrum cycling with Razer’s rainbow colors, but the audio meter, syncing lights with music, can be a bit chaotic and doesn’t always match softer tunes.
Control Scheme – Intuitive Command Center
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - Control Scheme](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-Control-Scheme-1024x771.jpg)
Controlling the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition is a breeze, with the power button and volume dial conveniently placed for quick adjustments during use. However, the choice of a micro-USB charging port, despite the prevalent use of USB-C, and the absence of a dedicated play/pause button add a bit of inconvenience.
Despite these minor hiccups, the well-designed controls contribute to a smoother user experience, letting you concentrate on enjoying the audio, gaming, or your preferred content. Razer also offers a helpful guide for those looking for more information on the headset’s features. Here is the link to the video.
40MS Low Latency Connection – Gaming Mode Unveiled
The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition delivers on the gaming brand’s expectations with a notable Gaming Mode, perfect for enhancing wireless performance during intense gaming sessions. Activating this mode significantly reduces sound delay, which is crucial for competitive play, where every detail matters.
While Gaming Mode amps up the audio experience, real-life scenarios, even in intense moments like Valorant clutch rounds, show the standard mode holds up well. The absence of the super low-latency Gaming Mode as the default is a bit puzzling, considering the desire for consistently smooth audio in all games.
Bluetooth 5.0 – Seamless Connectivity
The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition excels in comfort and Bluetooth performance with Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable connection for gaming and streaming. Its impressive 30-foot range allows freedom of movement, but it lacks the ability to play audio from multiple devices simultaneously.
Unfortunately, the absence of a 3.5mm audio jack for easy computer connections is a drawback. Some users have reported occasional cutouts or glitches, which can be resolved by toggling the headphones off and on, a surprising issue for Razer headphones compared to more affordable alternatives.
However, keep in mind that although you can pair this device with multiple different devices, it can’t play audio from more than one device at once, like Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT.
Companion Apps – Razer Synapse, Chroma, and Audio
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - Companion Apps](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-Companion-Apps-1024x576.jpg)
Talking about an extensive feature set, it’s worth mentioning two apps for these headphones: Razer Chroma manages the lighting, and Razer Audio tunes the sound. With the Audio app, you can tweak equalizer settings to modes like amplified, enhanced bass, enhanced clarity, and vocal, or customize it to your liking.
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - EQ Settings](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-EQ-Settings-1024x576.jpg)
Personally, I adjust the EQ settings based on whether I’m listening to music or podcasts. The Audio app works smoothly for me, but the Chroma app could use improvement. An issue is the color picker does not remember the chosen colors after exiting the app, which can be frustrating. However, the headphones work seamlessly with Razer’s Synapse software, offering easy access to all settings through a user-friendly interface.
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - RGB Settings](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-RGB-Settings-1024x576.jpg)
In Synapse, you can easily change lighting effects, adjust the microphone, and fine-tune the audio equalizer. The headset has an automatic power-saving feature that extends the battery life. I recommend using Synapse over mobile apps for convenience and efficiency. Both apps, though, are user-friendly and offer high customization.
Performance – Custom Tuned 40MM Drivers
![Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition - Performance](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Razer-Kraken-BT-Kitty-Edition-Performance-1024x771.jpg)
Sound quality matters, and the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition delivers crystal-clear audio, though lacking active noise canceling. Comfort is its standout feature, exceeding expectations for lag-free performance. For a visually appealing gaming headset with excellent sound and absolute comfort, it’s a fantastic option that performs exceptionally well across various content.
Music
Beyond gaming, the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition shines in music performance. Its finely tuned soundstage creates a balanced and immersive experience, avoiding overpowering elements. As a sound quality enthusiast, I appreciate its ability to deliver a nuanced audio landscape that respects every genre.
Instruments blend seamlessly, and vocals resonate authentically, showcasing Razer’s dedication to crafting a headset for both gaming and artistic expression. The result is an exceptional listening experience that captivates audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Gaming
The custom-tuned 40mm drivers offer sharp trebles, midrange, and deep bass, making these headphones outstanding in the Kraken series. Razer claims they’re engineered to enhance gaming experiences with superior audio output, and in my experience, they live up to it. No buzzing or unwanted noise, even in intense gameplay like Doom Eternal.
However, the Kraken BT Kitty lacks significant advancements compared to its series counterparts, resulting in a gaming experience similar to previous models. While the audio is good for story-based games, FPS players may find subpar surround sound, affecting their spatial awareness in games like Valorant or CSGO. Despite this, the headphones perform well in transferring sound quickly and reducing latency.
Beamforming Microphone – Mixed Notes
The Razer Kraken Kitty BT Edition boasts charm and durability, but its microphone falls short of expectations, especially for streaming and video recording. Despite Razer’s claims of impeccable voice clarity and noise reduction with dual internal beamforming microphones, practical results reveal a disparity between promise and performance.
While not meeting professional content creation standards, the microphone remains noteworthy for gaming with friends, offering crystal-clear audio at a commendable level. However, it doesn’t compete with dedicated microphones like the Fifine Ampligame AM8. Despite this limitation, the headset remains a solid choice for in-game communication, emphasizing its value in casual settings over professional content creation.
Battery Life – Power to Endurance
The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition excels in delivering an uninterrupted gaming and entertainment experience with its remarkable battery life. Claiming up to 50 hours on a single charge, even during intense gaming, it stands out in the headset market. The LED lights slightly reduce endurance to 20-25 hours, varying with volume.
Ideal for late-night gaming, the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition’s automatic power-down enhances energy efficiency, recharging in two hours with the included micro-USB cable. Vibrant RGB lighting doesn’t compromise the commendable battery life, ensuring a reliable companion for extended sessions.
Should You Buy It or Not?
After extensive testing of the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition, we were able to evaluate its positives and negatives.
Buy It If:
- If you’re a fan of quirky and eye-catching accessories, the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition is right up your alley. The adorable cat ear design and customizable RGB lighting will undoubtedly make a fashion statement.
- If you already own Razer peripherals or are part of the Razer ecosystem, these headphones can seamlessly integrate with other Razer products, enhancing your overall gaming and entertainment experience.
- If comfort is a priority, these headphones are worth considering.
Don’t Buy It If:
- If you prioritize top-tier audio quality for competitive gaming or immersive music experiences, these headphones might not meet your expectations.
- If you prefer a more understated or professional appearance, the cat ear design and RGB lighting may be too whimsical for your liking.
Conclusion
The Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition is a top pick for gamers who want a mix of charming design and solid sound. Boasting impressive audio, comfort, and eye-catching aesthetics, it stands out in the wireless headset market.
With its wireless convenience, extended battery life, and compatibility with Razer’s Quartz collection, it’s a practical and stylish choice. While alternatives may offer similar sound quality at a lower cost, the Kraken BT Kitty Edition’s distinctive style makes it a rare find in the 2023 headset lineup.
For those willing to skip Bluetooth, other Razer Kraken options are worth exploring, each with unique features. Positioned in the mid-range, this headset exceeds expectations, providing both aesthetic charm and impressive audio quality. It’s not just a novelty; it’s a practical and indulgent choice.
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- December 13, 2023: A few text changes to improve readability.
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[Hardware Reviewer]
After many years of exploiting various pieces of hardware, Abdul Hannan now serves as an editor at Tech4Gamers. He’s been in the PC hardware reviewing industry for almost a decade, and his staff of passionate geeks and reviewers is second to none.
Abdul Hannan is constantly seeking new methods to improve the performance of his computer components since he is an ardent overclocker. He is well-known for providing the most extensive and unbiased analysis of the newest and greatest hardware for PC gaming, including everything from GPUs to PSUs.