Razer Kraken X vs Razer BlackShark V2 X
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This article is specifically about the Kraken X vs the BlackShark V2 X. If you’re interested in the regular Kraken or the BlackShark V2, I have another article comparing those.
Overview and Controls
Headphone Audio Quality
Microphone Audio Quality
Comfort and Build Quality
Verdict
Overview and Controls
Razer Kraken X
Kraken X controls.
Kraken X splitter cable.
The Razer Kraken X is the budget option of Razer’s Kraken lineup. It has a flexible mic that cannot be removed or retracted.
The mic mute button and headphone gain slider are on the bottom of the left ear cup. The Kraken X has a non-detachable 3.5 mm cable and comes with a splitter for desktop PC use.
Note: Laptop users will need to ensure they either have both a mic and headphone input port or that their single 3.5 mm port recognizes headset mics. (Mine doesn’t). If not, a USB headset might be ideal instead.
I bought my Razer Kraken X for $37. Click the Amazon link to see its current pricing.
Razer BlackShark V2 X
The Razer BlackShark V2 X is the budget version of the BlackShark V2. Like the Kraken X, it has a non-detachable 3.5 mm cable and flexible mic. This mic comes with a small wind screen which helps a bit with plosives. A splitter cable is also included.
The headphone gain knob is on the left ear cup and the mic mute button is located behind that.
Note: Laptop users will need to ensure they either have both a mic and headphone input port or that their single 3.5 mm port recognizes headset mics. (Mine doesn’t). If not, a USB headset might be ideal instead.
I bought my Razer BlackShark V2 X for $50. Click the Amazon link to see its current pricing.
Headphone Audio Quality
Razer Kraken X (left) and Razer BlackShark V2 X.
The BlackShark V2 X completely torches the Kraken X in headphone audio quality. The bass is stronger and more detailed. The highs can be a bit jarring on the V2 X at the highest volumes, but the highs on the Kraken X are tinny and screeching. The clarity is lost.
Both of these headsets sound profiles have suppressed bass - just enough for information purposes in FPS games. And they boost the high frequencies quite a bit. The idea is solid for competitive purposes, but the execution just doesn’t work out with the drivers of the Kraken X.
Call of Duty: Warzone with the Kraken X.
With third party equalizer software, the gap between these two gets pushed even farther as the V2 X can get some bass added to it and have the highs dropped to create a much more immersive experience for single player games and make music sound alright.
If you’re looking for the headset with better headphone audio quality, it’s an easy win for the BlackShark V2 X over the Kraken X.
Call of Duty: Black Ops - Cold War with the V2 X.
Virtual Surround Sound
Don’t bother getting these devices for the 7.1 surround sound effect. They come with a code to download an app to install it in the box. It tries to add a sort of filter to your audio that makes things seem like they’re in close proximity. It’s just not helpful and it doesn’t actually improve the experience.
Microphone Audio Quality
In my testing, the BlackShark V2 X has a slightly better mic. The noise floor is a bit quieter and the sibilance for “S” sounds isn’t quite as bad. Overall these are both pretty standard “meh” headset microphones.
Comfort and Build Quality
Kraken X overhead view.
The Kraken X is very snug.
The one advantage the Kraken X has over the BlackShark V2 X is comfort.
The fake leather is very soft and the headset itself is quite light. The seal on both are decent, but I just like the fit of the Kraken X a lot better. The BlackShark V2 has rougher padding and it gets annoying after about an hour.
Unfortunately, the overall build of the Kraken X is flimsy. I’ve seen way too many people have theirs snap in two because of the thin plastic headband.
Not sure of the V2 X’s padding material…
Wearing the V2 X.
The body of both the Kraken X and V2 X are made of plastic, but the V2 X does at least have metal adjustment brackets. The V2 X can be stretched out quite a bit more than the Kraken X without feeling like it’s going to break apart.
The Kraken X gets the win in comfort, but overall build quality goes to the BlackShark V2 X.
Verdict
Kraken X (left) and BlackShark V2 X.
I easily recommend the Razer BlackShark V2 X over the Kraken X. The sound is far superior, the mic is a bit better, and the build is much more sturdy. With third party equalizer software, the V2 X can even go blow-for-blow with headsets twice as expensive.
Amazon Listings
Razer Kraken X: https://amzn.to/3yOHi2T
Razer BlackShark V2 X: https://amzn.to/2Sx3qQk
