Photo by Bonus Action
I am a Sylveon fan through and through, which is bad news for any sort of tech collaborations in recent years. While Umbreon and Espeon have regularly graced mice, keyboards, and desk mats, and Eevee has danced happily across numerous sling bags and console carry cases, Sylveon and its bright pink aesthetic have remained painfully absent up until Razer‘s most recently announced collaboration edition. The Razer Kraken V4 X – Sylveon Edition gaming headset is a wonderfully tasteful and delightfully pink accessory that I have wanted for ages, and it is nearly perfect.
The Kraken V4 X gaming headset is a solid, powerful wired option that Razer has used in many collaborations. Pokémon fans have likely spotted the Pikachu and Eevee editions, as well as the Espeon and Umbreon options that were released earlier this year. The headset is great for exciting collaborations, though with just a few setbacks.
Key Details
- Developer: Razer/The Pokémon Company
- Style: Wired
- Connection: USB-A / USB-C
- Microphone: Yes, retractable
- RGB Capable: Yes, Razer Chroma
- Price: $109.99
- Availability: Target Exclusive in the US, full retail in Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
- Sample Provided For Review: Yes
A Sleek, Subtle Design
While Razer could have slapped a pair of Sylveon ears onto this collaboration headset, the team took a more delicate, minimalistic design. The band and outer portions of the earcups are a soft, petal pink, while the interior is a sharper, more intense baby pink. The blue accents on the headset are found on the RGB inside on either side of the earcups, and on the interior, where Sylveon’s face has been printed on the earcup fabric in white. Sylveon’s image appears on either side of the band, adding a clean design of the eeveelution that is neither loud nor overly frustrating to wear.
The headphones are light and comfortable. The Kraken V4 X uses a soft, smooth fabric over the ear cushions that prevents swampy ears and sticking. While soft, the headphones aren’t sound-isolating, so you can hear things that are happening around you while wearing them. I am pleased to say that they pass the giant ear test, as I had no issues with pinching or poor comfort while wearing them.
The Kraken V4 X also offers the retractable HyperClear cardioid microphone, which is one of my favorite features of this specific headset. I dislike gaming headsets where the microphones are plugged in. I always lose them. Cats also love to steal them and chew up the foam of the boom on the mic, making it impossible to keep track of them while detached. The retractable mic is sharp and sensitive, and I have used it to record everything from livestreams to podcast episodes with no issues.
My only real complaint with the build of this headset is the attachment style. I am a big hi-fi audio fan, and typically hook my headsets up through the amp on my desk. Unfortunately, many Razer headsets only offer a USB connection for hookups. I genuinely wish that this came with a 3.5mm headphone jack, as I believe running it through my amp would greatly improve the general quality of the audio.
Solid Comfort For Long Gaming Sessions
The Razer Kraken V4 X – Sylveon Edition headset isn’t an accessory that is tethered to your desk. I have tested it with my ROG Xbox Ally X and my Nintendo Switch 2 alongside my main PC, and the headset works very well with each option. I specifically appreciated it with my Ally X, which lacks any sort of cute accessories at the moment beyond my new KontrolFreek Yuzu no-slip thumb grips. The pink adds a much-needed pop of color.
I have worn the headset for three hours straight with no issues. The band is light, the earcups aren’t too heavy, and they don’t clamp down hard on the ears. I also appreciate that the cup doesn’t dig into the soft spot between the ears and the jaw. That is an area where many headsets can put pressure, creating discomfort during long play sessions.
However, this is where my other bigger issue has come into play. I desperately wish that this headset were wireless. Unfortunately, many of these collaborations are often with wired headsets. I found myself getting tangled up in the cable, or struggling to manage it while it was hooked into my devices. It would be amazing to have wireless freedom with this collaboration, to improve mobility and usability with devices beyond your computer.
Final Score – 8.5/10
The Razer Kraken V4 X – Sylveon Edition gaming headset is a beautiful, colorful addition to any desk setup. This 30th anniversary collaboration accessory is fun and themed without being bulky or overwhelming, allowing Pokémon fans to add a splash of Fairy-type magic to their desks.
If you are someone who prefers wire-free gaming or prefers different attachment options, the Kraken V4 X can be a bit limiting, but it makes up for the shortfalls with the retractable microphone, powerful TriForce 40 mm drivers, and RGB illumination.
If you are a Pokémon fan or a Sylveon enthusiast, this is definitely the headset for you. If you know someone in your family who is mad for Sylveon, it will be a fantastic holiday gift worth investing in while it is available to buy.
**Bonus Action was provided with a sample of the Razer Kraken V4 X – Sylveon Edition gaming headset for the purpose of this review**
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