More immersion through haptic feedback?

Image: Razer

Can the Razer Kraken Pro 4 score particularly well with haptic feedback in VR? Find out in our test.

As a tech-savvy journalist and VR fan, I’m always on the lookout for new technologies that intensify the gaming experience. Today I’m taking a look at the Razer Kraken 4 Pro gaming headset. In particular, I’m looking at its interaction with Quest 3. Haptic feedback is a fascinating technology that takes virtual reality to a new level by combining physical sensations with visual and acoustic impressions.

In our recent review of the bHaptics TactSuit X16, we have already experienced how haptic feedback can enhance immersion in VR games. The Kraken 4 Pro from Razer promises a similar experience by offering vibrations that complement the sound and intensify the gaming experience. Find out if the Kraken 4 Pro is a good addition to your VR setup in the following test.

The Razer Kraken 4 Pro with its hub. | Image: Razer

Review in a nutshell

The Razer Kraken 4 Pro gaming headset offers a unique gaming experience, especially with its haptic feedback that makes a real difference in the perception of game sounds. Its powerful sound, numerous setting options via Razer Synapse, compatibility with various devices and the chic lighting on the ear cups make it a first-class gaming headset. However, this premium experience comes at a price: 449.99 euros. But what do you get for it?

Technical details

• Compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices & VR headsets
• Sound: THX Spatial Audio, which provides virtual 7.1 surround sound and thus intensifies the gaming experience, especially in VR environments.
• Driver size: 40 mm, providing a powerful and full sound that is ideal for immersive gaming.
• Connection: 2.4 GHz via OLED control hub, Bluetooth 5.3, USB type A, 3.5 mm jack – this variety of connection options offers flexibility for different usage scenarios.
• Battery life: up to 50 hours, which is also sufficient for longer gaming sessions without the need for constant charging.
• Microphone: retractable, HyperClear super wideband, which ensures clear voice transmissions in team sessions or multiplayer games.
• Haptic feedback: Razer Sensa HD Haptics, which intensifies the gaming experience through tangible vibrations and increases immersion.
• Weight: 397 g, which is well-balanced by the well-padded ear cups and headband.

The Razer Kraken 4 Pro is suitable for you if you …

• are looking for impressive and powerful sound when gaming, enhanced by THX Spatial Audio and haptic feedback.
• want a headset that is compatible with many devices, including PC, Mac, consoles and mobile devices.
• want a headset with haptic feedback for an immersive gaming experience that significantly increases immersion.
• are willing to pay a higher price for a premium gaming experience and appreciate the quality of materials and sound.
• Appreciate the ability to customize your headset via the Synapse software to tailor the experience to your specific needs.

The Razer Kraken 4 Pro is less suitable for you if you …

• are looking for a lightweight and compact headset, as the weight and size of the Kraken 4 Pro may be a disadvantage for some users.
• are looking for a headset for everyday use outside of gaming, as the focus here is on gaming features.
• are not willing to pay a higher price for a premium headset and prefer a budget-friendly model.
• don’t have a PC or Mac to take full advantage of the features via the Synapse software and are looking for simple plug-and-play functionality.
• prefer a headset with a detachable microphone, as the Kraken 4 Pro’s microphone is retractable but not fully detachable.

Razer Kraken 4 Pro: Processing and connectivity

The good workmanship of the Razer Kraken 4 Pro is literally visible. | Image: Razer

Workmanship and comfort

The Razer Kraken 4 Pro feels extremely high-quality right out of the box. In addition to pleasant leather and fabric on the headband and ear pads, many parts of the headset are made of black aluminum. This naturally increases the quality and durability enormously.

Despite its weight of 397 grams, the Razer Kraken 4 Pro is extremely comfortable to wear. The aforementioned soft ear pads and the well-padded headband ensure that the headset sits comfortably even during longer sessions. Even in combination with the Meta Quest 3 and an Elite Strap, the headset was comfortable to wear. The ear cups are large enough to completely enclose the ears, which ensures good noise isolation.

The retractable microphone is a practical feature that does not get in the way when wearing a VR headset and can be easily stowed away if required. The comfort of the headset is particularly important if you are using it for long periods of time, as is the case with intensive VR gaming sessions. The ability to adjust the size means it’s suitable for different head sizes, and the materials still feel comfortable even after hours of use.

Sound and feel

The headset offers a unique haptic feedback that could intensify the VR experience. In combination with a VR headset, you can hear and feel what is happening in the game. What reads well on paper unfortunately doesn’t work for me in practice, especially in my setup. As the headset comes into direct contact with the Elite Strap and the Quest 3, the haptic vibrations cause the entire VR headset to vibrate, resulting in a blurred image.

While I was unfortunately not convinced by the haptic feedback in combination with a VR headset, I liked the sound all the better. Even though the Razer Kraken 4 Pro is naturally a little bass-heavy, as with most gaming headsets, the games and music sound excellent. In comparison with my other gaming headsets, the Kraken 4 Pro is definitely in first place.

Compatibility and configuration

The Razer Kraken 4 Pro is compatible with many devices. These include PC, Mac, Playstation, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices as well as VR headsets. The various connection options offer flexible usage options. These include Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4 GHz wireless or jack. One special feature is the hub, which enables multiple connections at the same time and even allows simultaneous connection via 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth. This makes it possible to use the sound from the PC and the VR headset at the same time.

Configuration is carried out via the Razer Synapse software. This software is a powerful tool. It allows you to adjust sound profiles and customize the RGB lighting. You can choose between presets or create your own profiles. This allows you to perfectly match the sound and lighting to your needs. The setting of the frequency range for the haptic feedback is particularly practical and, as already mentioned, should be as weak as possible or completely deactivated in VR. The software also optimizes the microphone settings. This is useful for voice communication in games or video calls.

The Bluetooth connection to the Quest 3 is easy to set up and, for me, offers the most latency-free experience in terms of Bluetooth headphones to date, although a minimal latency is also noticeable here. Since the AUX connection is not established directly with the Kraken 4 Pro, but with the hub, you have to rely on a long cable here, which is not necessarily convenient. When using the PC VR, all Bluetooth problems naturally fall by the wayside, and the ability to use the Kraken 4 Pro with several devices at the same time is another clear plus point.

The Razer Kraken 4 Pro sits well, and many settings can be made using the hub. | Image: Razer

Practical test of the Razer Kraken 4 Pro

Gaming experience

I tested the Razer Kraken 4 Pro with various VR games, including titles with intense sound effects such as “Half-Life: Alyx” and “Beat Saber”. I was particularly impressed by the haptic feedback in “Half-Life: Alyx”. The vibrations caused by an explosion or when an enemy is nearby increasing the tension. As music is not playing continuously, the vibration is not so distracting. In “Beat Saber”, however, I found the latency annoying in addition to the continuous vibration. A Quest update, which will be released in 2025, could reduce the latency problem of Bluetooth audio with Quest — but that remains to be seen.

Basically, the headset offers a first-class gaming experience, but the haptic feedback definitely needs to be fine-tuned. Due to the latency, the headset is unfortunately only suitable for direct use with Meta Quest headsets to a limited extent, for example in quieter puzzle games.

Operation and customization

Operating the Kraken 4 Pro is intuitive. The controls on the ear cups make it easy to control the volume and haptic intensity. The OLED Control Hub is another highlight that makes operation easier. You can use it to switch between different sound modes, adjust the intensity of the haptic feedback and make numerous other settings without having to open the app.

Sound quality

The sound quality of the Razer Kraken 4 Pro is impressive across the board. The sound is powerful and clear, especially when THX Spatial Audio is activated. The virtual surround sound technology provides an impressive sound experience, which is particularly effective in games. Enemies can be located precisely, giving you a strategic advantage. The ability to customize the sound via the Synapse software is another big plus.

The headset’s drivers offer excellent fidelity and the bass response is particularly impressive without overpowering the highs and mids. This allows for clear and detailed audio reproduction that is suitable for gaming as well as music and movies.

Conclusion: Haptic feedback rather problematic for VR

The Razer Kraken 4 Pro is a gaming headset from the premium segment that aims to impress with exceptional sound, haptic feedback and high compatibility. The headset will definitely be my new favorite for use with a PC or console. However, I’m not completely convinced when used with a VR headset. Unfortunately, the sometimes annoying vibration eliminates a large part of the “haptics” selling point. The configuration, which is only possible via the PC, is also a clear shortcoming here.

Nevertheless, the headset scores highly for me in terms of workmanship, sound and comfort, even when worn in addition to Meta Quest 3. However, as it is a very high-priced product that cannot fully exploit all the advantages in the VR sector, I would not use the headset as a pure VR user.

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