Razer expands its line of wireless headsets with the Barracuda Pro, Barracuda and Barracuda X

Until now, a gaming headset could hardly be used outdoors because of an often garish design, a substantial size or a prominent boom microphone. Conversely, portable headphones were rarely efficient for video game practice due to high Bluetooth latency or average recording quality. Razer seems to have brought together the best of both worlds in three new headsets: the Barracuda Pro, Barracuda and Barracuda X (2022).

For these purposes, the three new helmets carry a Bluetooth chip allowing them to be paired with any smartphone. They can also communicate using Razer’s house protocol (2.4 GHz link) via the USB-C adapter that comes with it. In addition, the SmartSwitch function, available on the three helmets, makes it possible to juggle with a simple click between the proprietary link and the Bluetooth link. They also adopt a very sober and versatile design, although imposing, in line with the first Barracuda X.

The Pro model, which acts as the spearhead of this new trio, is distinguished in particular from the other models by the integration of an active noise reduction function making it possible to isolate oneself from surrounding noise. It also incorporates an amplification stage designed by THX (company acquired by Razer in 2016) supposed to limit distortion effects as much as possible. Speaking of THX, the headphones are compatible with the THX Spatial Audio 7.1 surround upmix feature.

Nomadic headset requires, the microphones are directly integrated into the earpieces and are not placed at the end of a pole. Razer also promises clear voice capture as well as excellent noise reduction. Autonomy is announced at 40 hours. The Barracuda Pro is already available for €269.99.

Then comes the Barracuda, a model very close to the Barracuda Pro, but which however loses some features such as active noise reduction and the THX amplification stage. The Barracuda is however better off than the Pro model in terms of its connectivity, since it has a mini-jack input to allow wired use. Elsewhere, the Barracuda does just like its sibling with a similar design, onboard mics, the same 50mm speakers, and compatibility with the Razer Audio mobile app. The autonomy also remains unchanged compared to the Pro model. The Barracuda is also available now for €169.99.

The Barracuda X (2022), the youngest of the trio, replaces the first Barracuda X released a year earlier. It stands out from its big brothers by a reduced acoustic architecture, with 40 mm speakers, but also by its detachable microphone which remains housed at the end of a pole. In addition to the SmartSwitch function, the Barracuda X (2022) differs from the previous model by a real leap in terms of autonomy, thus going from 20 hours to the promised 50 hours.
The Barracuda X (2022) is available for sale for €99.99.