Razer Kraken Kitty V2 – Gengar Edition review

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I didn’t hide the fact that I liked purple. So it’s no surprise that I’ve been pining for the Gengar Razer Kitty Kraken V2 headset since it was first announced (Ghost Pokemon are some of my favorites, and not just because they often stick to my carefully chosen color scheme).

While I enjoyed my time with the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, I’m still not a huge fan of the headset’s pastel pink “quartz” color scheme. So when I heard that the Gengar Razer Kitty Kraken V2 was now available outside of Asia, I was there with my Pokeballs at the ready.

Of course, there are a few key differences to note between the V3 Pro and that pretty purple V2 version. Apart from the cat ears being swapped out for purple ghost horns, the main difference is that the Gengar Razer Kitty Kraken V2 is a wired headset. This means a stable, constant connection with the risk of forgetting about all the cables and potentially dragging the set behind you when you leave your desk… But what Slowpoke would do that, right?

The wire itself is housed in a hard-wearing plastic sheath that can probably withstand being chewed through an office chair wheel (not that I recommend testing that theory). The included cord is two meters long and is long enough not to be too restrictive, while also avoiding tangling under your feet. The main drawback is that, thanks to the integrated, non-detachable USB-A cable, the Gengar Razer Kitty Kraken V2 is intended only for your desktop computer and your desktop computer.

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 specifications

(Image source: Future)

Drivers: Triforce 40mm drivers
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω (1 kHz)
Microphone: Razer HyperClear Cardioid
Microphone frequency response: 100Hz – 10kHz
Communication: Wired USB-A
Cable Length: 2.0 m
Lighting: RGB only on outer ear cups
Libra: 325 gr
Price: $140 / 150 pounds

The V2’s lack of even a 3.5mm connection definitely makes it one of the least versatile gaming headsets I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing recently. Sure, not everyone has the aura necessary to rock purple horns or pink cat ears while out and about, but the difference is that at least you have the option to try with Kraken Kitty V3 Pro.

Either way, as you’d expect from the wired USB-A connection and 40mm Razer Triforce drivers, the Kraken Kitty V2’s audio quality is clear. I was particularly impressed with the clarity of the dialogue, although I found the lower, bass frequencies a bit lost in the shuffle. In other words, while the meager voice lines in 2016’s Doom came through clamorous and clear, Mick Gordon’s already crunchy score lost some detail – especially as the hordes of Hell hissed in my ear. I have found that these headgear work better in games with a relatively less hectic soundscape.

While there’s no dynamic noise cancellation, this headset’s gentle clamping force blocks out a significant amount of ambient noise and provides a surprisingly immersive audio experience (just ask my colleagues how many times each of them made me jump in surprise while testing this headset). The inner ear cups are also generously padded, making this another Razer headset that you can wear comfortably all day long. What’s more, they are covered with plush eco-leather that is basic to neat, so the striking purple color will not be overshadowed by the contour I chose over time.

The raised microphone mute button, volume knob, and integrated microphone arm are located on the outer edge of the left earcup. The microphone arm is not detachable or retractable, unlike the V3 Pro, although it is very curved; it’s basic to adjust and holds its position well when you turn it so it doesn’t get in the way – although I personally miss the option to disappear completely.

As for the microphone audio, the quality is about what you’d expect from a gaming headset – apart from the odd crunch around explosive particles. It’s great for Discord chats or in-game chats, but you may need something a little more professional if you want to launch your music career with the best Pokerap cover (like it’s never been done before).

Listen to the microphone test here:

While this wired gaming headset does well in terms of sound quality, style is everything here. The outer surface of the earcup has a subtle RGB setting, and the lightweight shines tastefully through Gengar’s silhouette. The striking purple spikes along the band are really powerful, not to mention eye-catching. However, I think my favorite detail is the red stain on the inner ear cup with a drawing of Gengar, which is almost always undetectable. Being the only person who sees this mischievous smile on a regular basis is a project I enjoy immensely.

Buy if…

You are a ghost type monster: The purple spikes in real life are equally striking. Who wouldn’t want to be transformed into a malicious spirit?

Don’t buy if…

You’re on a budget and need a versatile kit: The Gengar Kraken Kitty V2 version offers a USB-A wired connection Just. For the same price as this headset, you can choose something else that will give you a greater variety of connectivity options and ultimately cover a lot more audio bases.

However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there is a premium price tag for this style; Gengar Kraken Kitty V2 edition costs $40 more than any other colorbringing its price closer to the level Razer Barracuda and Razer Barracuda X Chroma wireless headsets. This is not, however, the most damning comparison; Razer Kraken V3 X, with wired USB Type-A connection and the same Triforce 40 mm drivers, costs less than $50 on Amazonwhich means the Gengar styling is $100 more costly.

The Gengar Edition is definitely not what I would call a budget option. Moreover, I would argue that this is a price point that makes sense for the case wireless a headset that can meet your audio needs in a variety of situations, from gaming to listening to music on the go, but it’s not necessarily a wired headset that can’t be used on anything other than a desktop computer.

If you miss the purple set but don’t care about RGB, I personally still recommend the slightly cheaper SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X. A wireless headset that offers multiple connection options, the Arctis Nova 3X is, on the one hand, much more versatile. But if you’re just looking for a cute wired gaming headset that doesn’t come at such a high price point, then Razer Kraken Kitty V3 X for $60 may be a better fit.

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