While it may seem outlandish, Razer is dedicated to providing an immersive experience that is unmatched by other brands, even if that means developing a cushion that integrates haptic feedback for your back and seat. However, Razer’s vision doesn’t solely revolve around unconventional, RGB-embellished gadgets like the innovative Freyja haptics gaming cushion or the Zephyr Pro mask.
Take the newly unveiled Kraken V4 Pro headphones, introduced at the RazerCon 2024 event this past weekend. True to Razer’s aesthetic, these headphones feature a stealthy black design adorned with vibrant RGB lighting on the ear cups, signaling their gamer-friendly nature from afar.
What truly sets the Kraken V4 Pro headphones apart is their advanced haptic feedback capability, which vibrates in sync with in-game sounds. Dubbed Sensa HD Haptics, this feature has been developed in collaboration with various gaming studios, allowing users to perceive everything from the rapid-fire of bullets to the subtle rumble of distant storms.
Users can choose from three preset haptic settings, with the flexibility to create a custom profile as well. Additionally, the headphones offer an option to adjust the vibration intensity for a more personalized experience.
These haptics are not merely basic vibrations. The output is fine-tuned to match the intensity of in-game action, crafting a unique experience that reflects the audio backdrop of the environment.
The system is also compatible with music and movies. Razer boasts a response time of less than 20 milliseconds, minimizing any discrepancies between audio and haptic feedback.
Central to this technology is Razer’s “real-time audio-to-haptics conversion.” The company partnered with game developers to create tailored haptic feedback for climactic scenes and cutscenes in beloved titles such as Silent Hill 2, Final Fantasy XVI, and World of Warships.
Some games provide over a hundred different haptic experiences that correspond to various in-game events. Razer explains that its Sensa technology can manage multiple actuators to create localized haptic effects, helping gamers sense the direction, distance, and origin of events.
The full list of titles compatible with Sensa can be found on their website. Interestingly, the Sensa haptics are not restricted to a select few. They can be activated for any game that features audio. Razer also provides custom settings for various popular games, including the Assassin’s Creed series, God of War, Elden Ring, Genshin Impact, and League of Legends.
The other specifications of the Kraken V4 Pro headphones don’t disappoint either. They boast Razer’s signature quad connectivity options (Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Bluetooth, USB Wired, and 3.5 mm jack), efficient 40mm drivers, a retractable wideband microphone, and support for THX spatial audio.
However, keep in mind that utilizing all those dazzling RGB lights and haptic features will reduce the battery life from a generous 50 hours down to approximately 12 hours per charge.
Priced at $400, the Kraken V4 Pro headphones are available on Razer’s official website, as well as retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.