PRODUCT REVIEW: Razer Makes A HeadsetOne Is For The Gengar Girlies

Razer and The Pokémon Company International have collaborated again, and this time it’s by expanding the availability of the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 – Gengar Edition. Initially released in Asia, the Gengar Edition headset is now available in the United States and other territories. And I mean what I wrote in the title, this one is for the Gengar girlies (unisex). 

Razer’s Sanrio collection is what made me a fan of the Kraken Kitty V2 headset. Versatile in its cat-ear style, the company has excelled in adapting the standard kitty aesthetic into unique icons of different franchises. Hello Kitty was simple, just add a bow (not really, they’re much more detailed than that). The Kuromi headset changes the silhouette to capture the iconic pointed ears with dots at the point. And now, we have Gengar. 

The launch builds on the recent global release of the Razer Pokémon Collection, which featured Pikachu and the original Kanto Region First Partner Pokémon—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. The Gengar Edition Razer Kraken Kitty V2 headset gives every ghost-type lover (or just those of us with Gengar memes in our phone for every mood) an even more intense way to channel Pokémon as opposed to the yellow headset that was released in the Pokémon collection.

The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 – Gengar Edition stands out in the best way.

The deep purple color is a perfect match for the character, while the Gengar signature spikes are perfectly designed to be visible but not annoying. As we see more and more collaborations for peripheals, function has become the number one thing that I am looking for. Sure, I want any collaboration to fit my aesthetic, but it needs to work. 

In my case, testing out headsets means that they can’t cause any ear discomfort for at least 5 hours, the longest I sit at my desk for work or games, they have to adjust to my smaller head. Still, even though the headset fits my head with no adjustment, the range of adjustments is also something to highlight if you’re not a small woman. Ultimately they need to be identifiable without being desitracting to use during the work day. Some flair lets your co-workers know your personality, and too much is a complete distraction. 

All I can say for the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 – Gengar Edition is that they’re a hit with my co-workers and last well throughout the day. Additionally, there is one test that the Gendar Edition passes that my Hello Kitty Kraken headset doesn’t, walking on my underdesk treadmill. 

I’m well aware that not everyone will need a headset that runs a durability gambit like I do. But, if you are someone who enjoys getting in extra steps during the work day or just putting on a TV show to walk some before you start the day, sweat is something you have to worry about. Light colored ear cushions are already something that you have to clean over the years to keep pristine constantly, but the Gengar Edition violet and indigo-colored shell and cushions are perfect. 

A static mic and its limited USB-only compatibility are the only things that keep the Gengar Edition from being perfect.

The only thing going against the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 – Gengar Edition headset from replacing my beloved Kuromi headset is that it’s wired, and the mic isn’t detachable. Because I podcast and host, I have to have my audio run through my external mic for noise dampening and better quality.

As it stands, the quality of the connected mic isn’t up to the standard for audio recording, despite being a Razer HyperClear Cardioid Mic. The mic is supposed to be engineered to focus on the user’s voice while minimizing background noise, but its weakness is an overhead fan my dad installed incorrectly. Still, it passes the test for just taking a Discord or Zoom call, which means for most users, it will fit their needs. 

Additionally, the fact that the headset is USB-connected and not wireless limits how well it works with my standing desk, and well, the aforementioned walking pad. Still, by switching it over to my stationary one-height work desk and plugging it into my dock for my laptop, it does everything I need, and the connected mic does do much better than the default work laptop mic.

As a headset, this Gengar Edition of the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 is good, especially when it comes to design. Each earcup comes with what Razer describes as a spectral RGB Glow of shadowy Gengar silhouettes illuminated by Razer Chroma RGB to match the Ghost-type aura. As mentioned already, the spikes are the perfect blend of notable and low-key. And to top it all off, hidden Gengar images on the headset always bring a smile to your face when you manage to catch a glimpse on the red interior of the ear cup. Subtle but perfect at the same time.

Razer continues to create some of the best collaborations thanks to its design alone.

What the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition does do, however, is deliver excellent sound quality. On the fact sheet, Razer notes that the headset includes TriForce 40mm Drivers, which are a patented three-part driver designed to deliver “crisp highs, haunting mids, and deep, rumbly lows for immersive audio clarity” and promises to provide accurate positional audio with 7.1 Surround Sound. Yeah, it does that. 

Gengar Edition Kraken Kitty V2 headset isn’t perfect, but it delivers on just nearly everything that Razer has put on the tin. And while the audio input quality from the mic isn’t where I need it to be, the 7.1 Surround Sound is doing work, especially when it comes to playing games. I played through most of Sword of the Sea with this headset, and the immersive quality (when the volume is turned up) continues the quality of product that I expect from Razer’s headsets.

The Gengar Edition headset isn’t perfect for what I need outside of work, but it is the best-looking and sounding headset collaboration I’ve had the chance to use. But what stands out is the absolute creativity and franchise understanding that goes into nailing this design. It continues Razer’s dedication to honoring not just the technical quality but understanding what fans need, and how to meet them there first, and then make sure their needs as a player are met too. 

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 – Gengar Edition is available now and retails for $139.99 USD.