If you're anything like me, you sometimes feel a little behind when it comes to technology in a particular area. One aspect I struggle with has always been add-ons for my PC (I mostly play console or handheld). However, if it's streaming on Twitch/YouTube or just playing a game with friends online - a headset is kind of a necessity at this stage. Shopping for a GOOD headset can sometimes be a challenge of its own. So finding a headset that's affordable, easy to use, and looks good could be right up your alley! Enter the Razer: Kraken Kitty V2 (specifically the Hello Kitty collaboration) to combine all three to help take the struggle for beginners to PC streaming or gaming!
The box is a great place to start; the Hello Kitty collaboration will be exclusively at Target at the price of $139.99. As you'll see, the cost is not bad compared to some other wired headsets, but you're also paying for some of the perks that have become the mainstay for Razer Products. With a cute pink ribbon at the top and only one sticker between you and the product, the opening experience is quick, painless, and has a cute vibe to it. The box only contains instructions for your headset and the headset itself, with the cables and headset wrapped in a light foam, easy to remove and get going.
As soon as I plugged in the headset to my PC, the Razer Synapse system did it's thing and installed, updated, and then added the headset to my lineup of Razer products I've covered here on GamingTrend. It was simply so easy to start using this headset even if you need to download the app. It works right out of the box and is easily upgraded to fit your needs from their app. From there, my headset popped up as Razer Kraken Kitty V2 (note: it did not notify me of my Hello Kitty collaboration on Synapse). Once in the system, you can change all the settings you need for Sound, Mic, and Lighting.
From a sound perspective, this wired headset sounds absolutely stunning while listing to music or playing games on PC. With 7.1 Surround Sound combined with Razer's Triforce 40 MM Drivers; the Kraken Kitty V2 provides clear and dynamic sound. The headset fits great on my large head and actually covered my ears so comfortably that it felt like they were noise canceling even if that's not a stated feature. I tested the headset with my normal testing method. John Williams's Star Wars soundtrack, a grouping of EDM, Metal, Pop, and Indie music, and then games (this time testing using Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Stardew Valley, and Mass Effect 2). After all the testing, I found it to be one of the most dynamic headset experiences I've had as of yet on PC.
The mic is Razer's Hyperclear Cardiod Mic and is a very good basic mic. It's not overly fancy, but it does it's job and has the ability to provide Mic Monitoring if you want to hear a little of what you sound like when you're speaking. While playing with friends, I had no complaints of cutting out or not being able to understand my words. While those seem like basic things, you'd be surprised how many headsets can't get that right. This, again, provides a wonderful base for a beginner until you find a mic that works best for your needs!
Razer is known for their Chroma RGB lighting systems in their headsets. Your ears will light up with a variety of lighting effects available on the Razer Synapse including Ambient Awareness, Breathing, Fire, and more! These will allow either the game your are playing to impact the lighting or you to choose the colors and such. Great for getting your branded colors on stream or matching the vibes of your game at the time. The Stream-Reactive Lighting also helps for streamers as it includes a new app that will lock in with your OBS and connects with Twitch. The one thing I could gripe about is that neither the Hello Kitty bow nor ears light up, which would be a fun addition if this collaboration happens again in the future.
The wired aspect does create limitations on usage. I personally wouldn't be able to use this headset in my living room on my PS5 or XSX since they're too far for the cable to reach, but for PC it does just fine as long as I don't forget I'm wired in and knock my entire setup off my desk with one fatal movement. Of course, a wireless version would be amazing, but you're lowering the price while keeping the perks by wiring in with the USB drive.
The collaboration itself is pretty adorable and looks so cute both on your head and in your gaming setup. The ears and bow are pretty solid on the top of the headset and make it through the real-life kitty test I do since my cats love to knock things off my desk. The Hello Kitty inspired Kracken Kitty V2's were able to fall right off my desk with no distress or breakage (thank you from all cat owners who struggle from destructive kitty's). If you're a big fan of the Hello Kitty franchise or simply want to look extra adorable on camera, this is a great choice for the Kracken Kitty V2's.
The Kracken Kitty V2's are an excellent wired headset to start with for any gamers, streamers, or just those wanting a solid headset for listening to media on your PC. The Hello Kitty collaboration is icing on the top for those who are fans of the franchise or just think having something cute on your head is fun. While the wired aspect does have its drawbacks, it's a great starter headset to have until you know which aspects of headsets you want to focus on in the future.
