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Creative package this headset in a fairly chunky box which covers a number of the key features as well as giving us a decent view of the product itself though a window. There is a bundle of documentation inside as well as our key items. Those start with the USB charging cable, wireless dongle and removable mic. On the wireless adapter front, it is a fairly simple unit (as it should be) with status LED and connect button should we experience any loss of signal. As far as the mic goes, this is a noise cancelling condenser type with frequency response of 100Hz – 6.5kHz. Impedance is set at <2.2k Ohms with -40dBV/Pa sensitivity.
With the Tactic3D Rage Wireless V2.0 we have a headset which is primarily a matt plastic construction. There are two metal bars in the arms which help us extend the length by around 1 inch on either side though. Up at the headband area we have a branded top, though it is discreet branding, and a significant amount of padding.
When buying a headset the PC gamer is spoilt for choice but also potentially overwhelmed, particularly when considering the number of buzzwords that are thrown around. The phrases gaming headset and true/virtual surround sound are deployed liberally while the open versus closed descriptors tend to be reserved for stereo headsets of the non-gaming variety.
The subject of today's review, the Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma is firmly situated in the gaming audio camp with 7.1-channel virtual surround sound and the gaming headset moniker. Coming to market with a price point of £90 ($100) the Kraken 7.1 Chroma hopes to wow gamers with virtual surround sound, RGB LED controls and an 'enhanced digital microphone'.
Build quality and design
The Kraken 7.1 Chroma is an identical headset to the Kraken 7.1 Classic except with the addition of RGB LEDs to help the headset blend in with Razer's other RGB-enabled peripherals. The Kraken 7.1 Chroma features a closed design with circular ear-cups and 40mm neodymium drivers.
The build quality of the Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma lacks a premium feel due to the extensive use of plastic and faux-leather. The lack of aluminium in the construction of the frame leaves some cause for concern over long-term durability. Along the headband there's a distinct lack of padding which Razer has attempted to balance with a cloth covering. Resultantly, the fit on the top of the head is not as comfortable as it could be.
Each of the ear-cups conforms to a circular shape with thick padding that users with small ears will find immersive and comfortable. Users with larger ears will find that the small circular design fails to enclose the ear but instead pushes down onto them leading to sound leakage and some discomfort.
The strong clamping factor of this headset further impacts upon comfort, though gamers with smaller heads will find comfort is significantly better. An initial stretching out of the headset, by pulling the headphones a safe distance apart a few times, dramatically improves the comfort levels, because the stock configuration is particularly unforgiving. Coming in at 340g means weight-related fatigue is minimal, and any fatigue that does occur is primarily down to the clamp fit.
One of the niftier aspects of the Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma is the discrete microphone which can be stowed inside the left headphone when not in use. The non-detachable microphone features a similar LED lighting system to the ear-cups. Users can configure the behaviour and colour of the RGB LEDs using the Razer Synapse software.
The Sound Blaster E5 arrives in a fairly compact box which shows a nice clear image of the device as well as noting a number of the key features. Inside we get the product documentation as well as a stand for the unit which allow us to position it tilted on our desk (or mount on a stand) and then we get 2 cables. One is an optical cable and the other a mini USB to USB which can be used for connecting to a desktop/laptop or flipped round for smartphone use.
SteelSeries package the Siberia Elite Prism in a large box which has a sleeve on the outside providing plenty of details about the product as well as a nice clear image. Inside the main box the headset is suspended in plastic with the headband structure protected by plastic to ensure it arrives in good condition. Bundled with the Siberia Elite Prism we get product documentation, sticker and various connectors.All of the main cables are flat and that starts with a 2m extension cable and continues with a 3.5mm splitter, smartphone connector and USB based soundcard which we will look at later.
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