I have been in love with the Razer Kraken Kitty headsets since they first launched. It was one of the few products that featured a pastel pink color option; it was cute and stood out as a moment where Razer was focusing on its female audience. At the same time, I’ve kept them at home, at my desk, and wired into my PC. However, with the latest iteration, the Razer Kraken Kitty V3, I take them everywhere, including even on 8-hour travel days.
The Kraken Kitty headset has also served as the base for many of gaming peripheral companies’ collaborations. The Kraken Kitty V2 has lived as Hello Kitty, Gengar, Kuromi, and more. The versatile product has been able to capture the heart of collaborations, given its consistent base design. But still, they sit on my desk. And that’s the best thing about the Kraken Kitty V3: they improve on an already good headset by updating all the features that make it an essential headset, not just something cute to stream in.
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Additionally, the headset offers three modes of connectivity that help it stand apart from the previous iterations. You can switch between Razer HyperSpeed Wireless (2.4 GHz) for ultra-low-latency audio, Bluetooth 5.3 for on-the-go use, or wired USB-A for uninterrupted gameplay. Regardless of which one you use, the ease of switching is what makes it all worth it. Once paired, you can easily switch between devices, which allows you to keep pushing
Comfort is Queen for the Kraken Kitty V3
While I have always focused on comfort, given that many gaming headsets lack the correct sizing for smaller heads, the Kraken Kitty line has consistently delivered, and it’s not stopping here. The headset weighs just 270 grams, and all the marketing materials claim it is built for all-day comfort. And, well, it’s true.
I have used the headset throughout an 8-hour workday at my desk and an 8-hour workday on a plane, in and out of rideshares, and while waiting for my hotel to let me check in. To say I have put the Kraken Kitty V3 through the gauntlet for the one month I’ve had it would be an understatement.
For me, the headset has easily become my go-to and must-have accessory, ditching my Samsung earbuds. The over-the-ear design is dense enough to deliver a secure fit, but light enough to wear all day without the pinching feeling headsets can have on the ears after prolonged time wearing them. But comfort is one thing, and durability is another.
Durability and Versatility Make this an Essential Headset
While headsets can be cute and comfortable, lasting without getting stained with makeup has been my most significant struggle with the two Sanrio designs I wear consistently. The light ear cushions make it difficult to balance when and where I wear the headsets, because, as anyone who wears makeup will know, repeatedly wiping the residue off with a cleaner can start to deteriorate the fabric, even if it’s leather.
However, for the Kraken Kitty V3, I’ve gone without makeup and been in full glam (foundation and contour) without a single issue with transfer residue. What I mean is that in the month I have worn the headset, I haven’t tried to mitigate how often they touch the parts of my face with make-up, and to this day, they’re still pristine.
The Protein Leatherette that covers the cushions is easily cleaned without using makeup remover. A simple wipe with a little bit of water, and it comes right off, which all adds to the durability of the product. While I’ll have to see how the longevity holds up past this month’s test, my hopes are high, given that the last Kraken Kitty iterations showed wear and tear from staining almost immediately.
Another element that contributes to the headset’s durability is that the ear cuff portions of the headset can be folded to lie flat. While this doesn’t offer the full compact state of other headphones, it does allow the Kraken Kitty V3 to lie flat around your neck, making it easier to travel with.
The only thing missing, however, is a case. Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to find a case that fits the headset. Due to the vinyl covering the headset, it’s easy to scuff it in your purse or backpack during transit. Now, the scuffing is easy enough to remove, but at some point, the wear and tear will show. As a wireless headset that works perfectly in every situation, a little thought for a case will go a long way.
Battery Life
Despite featuring Razer Chroma RGB lighting that remains lit while on, the battery life of the Kraken Kitty V3 lasted. The RGB Lighting is designed to react dynamically to games and live events. The headset syncs seamlessly with over 300 games and 500 devices across more than 50 partners. But if you’re on the go, it really isn’t the first thing on your mind. Still, the illumination makes you someone to stare at in a dimmed cabin.
As a Bluetooth device, the Kraken Kitty V3 has lasted approximately 12 hours on a single charge, with only minimal usage connected to my phone and laptop. This was also without the Chroma customization, and kept to the base white or a pink scheme I chose for my laptop. Still, that’s well beyond the battery life of my earbuds, making it a good swap out for my travel days.
Yes, it works for Calls
The Kraken Kitty V2 also features a Retractable Razer HyperClear Super Wideband Mic, and to be honest, I thought I was skeptical. While this review focuses on the headset as a whole, the versatility of the headset and its ability to travel well are aspects I keep coming back to.
The microphone picking me up in a quiet room while I’m on a Zoom or Discord call is easy to see as a good feature. However, the mic works well to pick up my audio while walking through a crowded airport with the mic pulled out, which even captures my audio through the mask I wear while traveling.
While this type of retractable mic has been offered on other Razer headsets, it’s one I haven’t been able to use. Here, though, it actually makes taking calls from your phone a good experience. Razer claims that it offers “high-definition voice quality with a broader frequency range, ensuring everything said shines through clearly and naturally,” and that has been a true statement.
This is thanks to the HyperClear Cardioid Mic for focused voice pickup, TriForce 40 mm Drivers for balanced and immersive audio, and 7.1 Surround Sound for enhanced spatial awareness. The universal 3.5 mm connection ensures broad compatibility across devices. It all just works exceptionally well.
It Just Sounds Good
The Kraken Kitty V3 also features the Razer TriForce Titanium 40 mm Drivers, which are patented 3-part driver that captures audio from any device. But a phone call isn’t as dynamic as watching a movie on a plane or playing a game on your computer. However, the audio quality remains consistent across all of them.
This is made possible by THX Spatial Audio, which enables 7.1 surround sound with true-to-life acoustics that optimize the game’s sound design and stand out for audio that reveals position in FPS titles. To be honest, the headset offers all the bells and whistles you would want from a high-end gaming headset, while also allowing you to do more with it.
Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Works for You
The last major factor to consider when deciding whether to make a Kraken Kitty V3 purchase is whether the headset fits you. While the Quartz pink is the color that I chose, you can also choose between white and black.
But color choice isn’t the only decision you should make. You can also choose between the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro and the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 X. The former is the headset I tested. For the price tag of $179.99 USD, the Pro version of the headseat offers the most options when it comes to choosing the headset and its intended use. But it also comes with a steeper price point.
The most exciting aspect of the Kraken Kitty V3 launch is that gamers who want to try a new headset without breaking the bank can pick up the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 X, which is priced at only $59.99. The only thing to be aware of here, however, is that this headset will be wired and should be used primarily while gaming.
To put it simply, the Kraken Kitty V3 X is a more affordable alternative. The Kraken Kitty V3 X is a wired gaming headset with a 3.5 mm audio jack, which also means it can be used cross-platform without much hassle.
The Takeaways
Currently, Razer is one of the leading peripheral companies that consistently invests in all demographics. Whether it’s with the Sanrio line, the continued use of the Quartz color palette, and updating old favorites like the Kraken Kitty, honestly, just makes me feel seen as a gamer who also has an appreciation for the cuter things in life. But what makes it better is that I’m not sacrificing quality to be cute at the airport.
The Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro and Razer Kraken Kitty V3 X are available now from Razer and other sellers.
