Razer has become synonymous with the aesthetic favored by gamers, boasting eye-catching devices adorned with RGB lighting. The company showcases its playful side through gaming headsets, particularly the Kitty Edition of the Kraken series. These headphones share the same core as the regular Kraken models, but with an additional twist – they sport luminous plastic cat ears on top. Our appreciation for the initial Kraken Kitty Edition released three years ago, remains, and the latest iteration, the Kraken Kitty V2 Pro, takes things up a notch. This upgraded version offers not only cat ears but also options for bear and bunny ears, all of which are illuminated. At a price point of R4299, the headset delivers 7.1-channel surround sound (not spatial audio), making it a pricier option, but one that caters to cosplayers and streamers seeking a touch of fun.
A Feline Touch to the Razer Kraken The Kitty V2 Pro can be acquired in either a black or pink color scheme. The pink variant features gray earpads and headband padding, while the black version maintains an all-black appearance. Regardless of the color, the Kitty V2 Pro retains the iconic design of the Kraken headset, characterized by its large circular earcups. These plastic earcups are connected to the plastic-coated headband through two painted, U-shaped metal supports. These supports allow for vertical tilting, enhancing comfort, although they can’t be fully folded flat for storage. The center of each earcup boasts the illuminated Razer logo with RGB lighting.
On the left earcup, you’ll find a volume wheel, a microphone mute switch, and a port for the detachable boom microphone. The fairly long cable, wrapped in fabric, is permanently attached to the left earcup and culminates in a USB-A plug. The memory foam earpads are generously sized, providing comfortable coverage for most ears. They are framed with faux leather along the sides and breathable fabric on the surfaces. The underside of the headband features slightly denser foam with the same leatherette covering. Though somewhat sizable, the headband’s padding delivers a pleasantly plush feel. The “Kitty” aspect of the Kraken Kitty V2 Pro is embodied by connectors at the top of the headband. These connectors serve as the attachment points for the headset’s ears, offering an impressive upgrade from the previous version. In addition to the familiar triangular cat ears, each headset includes elongated oval bunny ears and small circular bear ears. These ears match the headset’s color externally, while their inner surfaces facing forward are crafted from translucent white plastic, also featuring RGB lighting. The lights synchronize with the earcups’ exterior lighting, and you can utilize Chroma Studio within Razer’s Synapse software to customize colors and effects for each ear and earcup. If you wish to illuminate the ears on the go, Cosplay Mode lets you power the lights using a USB power bank. However, Cosplay Mode only supports static colors, color cycling, and color “breathing” modes, without the option for custom colors.
The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro is designed for wired use with a PC, allowing you to customize its lighting using the Razer Synapse software. Alongside RGB lighting customization, Synapse provides 7.1-channel simulated surround sound and offers 10-band EQ adjustments for both headphone and microphone audio. Various customizable features, such as bass boost, mic noise cancellation, and voice clarity, are also available. Notably, the inclusion of 7.1-channel surround sound is fascinating given that the more affordable Razer BlackShark V2 (R2149) offers superior THX Spatial Audio, a feature shared by the wireless Razer Kraken V3 Pro (R3999). The Kitty V2 Pro is compatible with a docked Nintendo Switch, as well as the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. However, it lacks wired analog and wireless connectivity options.
The Kitty V2 Pro offers impressive bass performance, effectively managing bass-heavy tracks without encountering distortion, even when pushed to maximum volume. The deep resonance of kick drum hits reaches a notable level of intensity in the low-frequency range, yet the simulated surround sound mode moderates the potentially overwhelming impact of these powerful beats. It’s worth noting that the most ideal bass output is achieved when a stereo signal is utilized, as this corresponds with the conventional approach to audio mixing.
The 7.1 simulated surround sound on the Kraken Kitty V2 Pro performs well, although it falls short of the precision offered by true THX Spatial Audio, which can be added through a separate THX Spatial Audio app. During testing, footsteps were clearly distinguishable from gunshots while playing Warzone, showcasing commendable audio directionality. While pinpointing distant sound sources proved challenging, a general sense of their location was discernible.
Razer’s microphone technology stands out as one of its strong suits, a sentiment validated by the Kraken Kitty Edition V2 Pro. Test recordings exhibit clarity and cleanliness, devoid of any distortion. The microphone offers a robust and natural-sounding signal. While dedicated USB microphones are recommended for serious recording or streaming, the headset’s microphone can serve content creators in a pinch.
A Playful Choice for Streamers and Cosplayers The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro emerges as a potent PC gaming headset equipped with engaging attributes. The interchangeable ears offer a touch of fun, complementing the satisfying sound profile and excellent microphone quality. However, the headset’s wired nature places it at a relatively high price point; notably, the Razer BlackShark V2 comes in at half the cost. Nonetheless, the Kitty V2 Pro remains a commendable purchase for cosplayers and streamers seeking an amalgamation of appealing aesthetics, superb microphone performance, and robust audio quality.
