Razer Kraken V4 vs V4 X
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Quick Summary
Kraken V4 (left) and V4 X.
The Razer Kraken V4 is the wireless version of the Kraken V4 X with even better headphone audio quality and more RGB lights. However, the V4 X has a better mic and has a lighter build.
Connectivity
Kraken V4 X
The Kraken V4 X has a non-detachable 84 inch USB-C cable. It also comes with a USB-C to A adapter. It works on PC and PS5, not Xbox.
Kraken V4
Power, volume, and mic mute controls on the V4.
The Kraken V4 also works on PS5 and PC. The Bluetooth works with phones as well.
It can be used 2.4 GHz wireless with the USB-C dongle, Bluetooth, or USB-C cable. There's no simultaneous Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz, and you swap between them by tapping the SmartSwitch button twice.
When used USB-C wired, the wireless functionality gets disabled. The battery life of the V4 is up to 70 hours with the RGB off and 35 hours with it on.
Headphone Audio Quality
Halo Infinite with the Kraken V4
Both headsets are equipped with 40 mm TriForce drivers, but the V4’s has titanium coated diaphragms.
Even though it's not my preferred sound signature, these headsets are both following the industry trend of less bass and more treble. The V4 X in particular has very sharp highs out the box. Not only is the V4 more balanced overall, but it has customizable EQs that save to the headset itself.
Neither has any sub-bass to speak of - even with EQ. I find the sound separation just passable on the V4 X and only somewhat better on the V4.
V4.
If you've used the Razer BlackShark series, you'll absolutely love this sound. While they're not my top picks for FPS games, both are tuned decently for them out the box. For immersive single player games, I’ll pass on both.
Microphone Audio Quality
The microphone is the biggest weakness of the Kraken V4, but it's passable on the V4 X. The V4 mic sounds incredibly compressed and tinny.
The only thing the V4 mic has going for it is, unlike the V4 X, it's retractable and it turns red when muted. So for a better mic, definitely get the V4 X.
Build Quality
Kraken V4. The mesh padding is the same on both.
The builds of these headsets are a little different. They're both all plastic and have a mesh material on the earcups and under the headband. The V4’s headband padding is significantly longer. Neither keeps in any bass, but the advantage is they don't get too hot.
The V4 X’s weight on a scale will vary based on how the wire is positioned.
I weighed my V4 X at 316 grams and the V4 at 343. The V4 also has more lights for RGB colors. The V4 X only lights up the logo, but there are 9 zones on the V4.
These both get a C+ in comfort for me, but you'll really like these if you like the BlackShark V2 padding.
Razer Synapse and RGB
The last difference is the software support. Both work with Razer Synapse, but the V4 X can't really do much with it. You can change the volume, the RGB lighting, and it lets you download a 7.1 virtual surround sound application.
On the V4, you can edit the 3 presets that come with the headset and make a new one. These save to the device for use on console and even Bluetooth. There are a ton of filters and other options you can apply in Synapse also. One important thing to note is it seems much better to download Synapse 4. Synapse 3 straight up didn't work at all for this headset in my experience.
Only the Kraken V4 gets the THX Spatial Audio effect.
THX Spatial Audio is the same as it’s been for years on the BlackShark V2 and even Kraken V3 series of headsets. It makes the audio a bit tinnier, but adds a level of reverb. It’s usually a subtle effect, but in certain situations like near rushing water or fire it can be really fun.
Verdict
V4 looks pretty cool in the dark.
