Razer Kaira Pro in the test: Headset wobbles with the ears
In order for gamers to be able to really immerse themselves in the game, it needs fun gameplay, decent graphics and good sound. In addition to image and sound, games can also be experienced on a haptic level. This includes, for example, the vibration of the gamepad during explosions. Razer wants to convince gamers with haptic feedback: With the Kaira Pro, the manufacturer has a gaming headset with a special extra in its range. COMPUTER BILD reveals in the test what is behind the so-called HyperSense and how good the gaming headphones really are.
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play games or make phone calls
If the Kaira Pro is connected to the console and smartphone, gamers can take calls while playing.
The Razer Kaira Pro is compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and mobile devices such as smartphones. A small USB-C wireless dongle is included in the scope of delivery and the headset is equipped with Bluetooth. Both can be operated at the same time. This is practical if users want to accept calls from their smartphone during their gaming sessions. The Kaira Pro automatically switches to the connected cell phone and puts it through to the other party. When the conversation is over, the Razer switches back to the radio dongle and plays the game sound from the PC or console. This variant of the Kaira Pro is not compatible with the Xbox. The hardware specialists offer an alternative that is 100 euros cheaper but does without the HyperSense function.
Slight pressure on the ears
The buttons of the Kaira Pro are easily accessible.
From the outside, the Kaira Pro appears to be of high quality. The gradual engagement of the auricle is smooth, but a little imprecise. The headset sits quite tight on the head, but the pressure is not uncomfortable. The soft cushions are comfortable on the ears, but quickly make you sweat. Good: All the important buttons, such as the volume control or the microphone mute button, are on the right and left ear cups. The buttons and wheels are easily accessible and handy. The microphone arm is a bit long. If placed unfavorably, it interferes with the view of the monitor or television. However, gamers can adjust the microphone flexibly or remove it completely.
Only the Razer apps give gamers full control over the Kaira Pro.
There are colorful LEDs on the outside of the ear cups that light up in the form of the Razer logo. A nice effect, but gamers have little of the light show as soon as the headset is on the head. Anyone who cannot live without the lighting will be happy about the many customization options. The free Razer Chroma RGB smartphone app (for Android and iOS) makes it easy to change colors and light rhythms. Unfortunately, there is no desktop application for PCs. For sound settings, users must also load the Razer Audio app (for Android and iOS) onto their cell phone.
The Kaira Pro is disappointing when it comes to sound. Explosions roar, depths are muddy. Highs and mids recede into the background due to the concentrated bass load. The overall sound is a bit dodgy. Listening to music is also not much fun with the Razer due to its unbalanced sound mix. However, the spatial sound is passable: The approximate direction from which enemy shots or footsteps are coming can be roughly determined. However, the effects sound a bit plastic and unnatural.
The Razer Kaira Pro doesn’t rely solely on spatial sound, but makes the earcups vibrate when certain sounds are heard. As a result, gamers perceive vibrations in their ears. At the highest of three levels, the function was more of a nuisance. In addition, this effect is heavily dependent on the sound mix of the individual games. Explosions in Call of Duty: Vanguard have more punch due to haptic feedback. In “Marvel’s Spider-Man” the ears wobbled not in action scenes, but strangely in the dialogues. This makes HyperSense unpredictable and relegates it to a nice but dispensable extra. Good, on the other hand: With the vibration and light switched on, the Kaira Pro delivered a reasonable battery life in the test. Gamers can play for up to 13.4 hours at a time. Also great: while the headset is plugged in to charge, it can still be used.
The microphone is easy to put on and take off.
However, the Kaira Pro makes the biggest blunder with the microphone quality. Users sound as if they are using a can phone instead of a 200-euro headset. S-sounds are recorded very sharply, breathing sounds are clearly audible. After all, the microphone does not pick up any inherent noise from the ear cups.
Razer Kaira Pro in the test: conclusion
Sits comfortably
Can be used on many devices
Bass-heavy sound
Bad microphone
In the core disciplines, the Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation falls short of mediocrity. The very bass-heavy and partly thin sound means there is little gaming fun. Only the spatial sound is passable and enables the approximate location of opposing players. What I didn’t like the most about the Razer headset, however, was the microphone, which picks up and transmits voices in a dose and thin manner. Not even lights or vibrating ear cups hide these shortcomings. The manufacturer praises the latter in particular as a great extra. In the test, however, this HyperSense function caused more confusion: it only provided a better gaming experience for very few titles. In view of the high price (price at the time of testing: 220 euros), the Razer Kaira Pro is not a recommendation.
