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Razer Kaira X  Headphones Review

Reviewed Dec 10, 2021 at 10:50am
Writing modified Feb 16, 2024 at 12:11pm
Tested using methodology v1.5 
Razer Kaira X
7.1
Neutral Sound 
4.8
Commute/Travel 
5.5
Sports/Fitness 
6.1
Office 
5.2
Wireless Gaming 
7.2
Wired Gaming 
7.1
Phone Calls 
 0
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The Razer Kaira X are wired gaming headphones that come in console-specific color variants. Although we tested the PlayStation variant, all variants work with any console with an AUX port. That said, these headphones have a somewhat warm sound profile that delivers a touch of extra boom to mixes. Their boom mic also delivers a great overall performance, ensuring you're heard clearly, even in moderately noisy environments. However, they lack sound customization features, and they have a plasticky design.

Our Verdict

7.1
Neutral Sound 

The Razer Kaira X are decent for neutral sound. They have a somewhat warm sound profile with a touch of extra high-bass to add boom to mixes. However, vocals and lead instruments are a bit thin and veiled. The headphones are also prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery, and their passive soundstage gives the impression that sound is coming from inside your head rather than from speakers placed around you.

Pros
None
Cons
  • No customization features.
4.8
Commute/Travel 

The Razer Kaira X are poor for commute and travel. While they have a comfortable and well-built design, they aren't suitable for long days on the go. They don't block out the low rumble of bus or plane engines, and you can't detach their boom mic for a more casual look. These headphones also lack call and music controls, which is disappointing for casual use.

Pros
None
Cons
  • Poor noise isolation performance.
  • No call or music controls.
5.5
Sports/Fitness 

The Razer Kaira X are disappointing for sports and fitness as they're not designed for this purpose. They have a bulky design that can fall off your head with moderate movement. Their audio cable isn't detachable either, and it could get snagged on something as you're moving. They lack an IP rating for water resistance, although that's to be expected for over-ear headphones.

Pros
None
Cons
  • No call or music controls.
  • Bulky and can fall off your head with moderate movement.
6.1
Office 

The Razer Kaira X are passable for office use. Thanks to their wired design, you don't have to worry about battery life throughout your workday. They also have a comfortable fit, and you can take calls using their great boom mic. However, the mic isn't detachable, making the headphones look gamer-centric. They also struggle to block out ambient chatter.

Pros
None
Cons
  • Poor noise isolation performance.
  • No call or music controls.
5.2
Wireless Gaming 

The Razer Kaira X are wired-only headphones, and you can't use them wirelessly.

7.2
Wired Gaming 

The Razer Kaira X are decent for wired gaming. They have a somewhat sound profile with a touch of extra boom to help bring out sound effects in gameplay. Their boom mic also offers an excellent recording quality, ensuring your voice is clear and natural. Unfortunately, they lack sound customization features, so you can't adjust their sound to your liking.

Pros
  • Great overall mic performance.
Cons
  • No customization features.
  • Disappointing passive soundstage.
7.1
Phone Calls 

The Razer Kaira X are decent for phone calls. They have a non-detachable boom microphone that offers a great overall performance, ensuring that you're heard clearly, even in noisy environments. The mic can separate your voice from moderate ambient sound, ensuring you're heard clearly, even if there's noise around you. However, the headphones struggle to block out background noise, making it harder to hear your call well.

Pros
  • Great overall mic performance.
Cons
  • Poor noise isolation performance.
  • No call or music controls.
  • 7.1
    Neutral Sound
  • 4.8
    Commute/Travel
  • 5.5
    Sports/Fitness
  • 6.1
    Office
  • 5.2
    Wireless Gaming
  • 7.2
    Wired Gaming
  • 7.1
    Phone Calls
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Feb 16, 2024: We've updated the name of this review and expanded information regarding console compatibility in Differences Between Sizes and Variants, PC Compatibility, Xbox Compatibility, and Xbox Compatibility.
    2.  Updated Dec 10, 2021: Review published.
    3.  Updated Dec 06, 2021: Early access published.
    4.  Updated Nov 04, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    These headphones come in console-specific color variants: the 'Razer Kaira X for PlayStation', which have a black, white, and blue color scheme, and the 'Razer Kaira X for Xbox', which have a black and green color scheme. We tested the 'Razer Kaira X for PlayStation', and you can see our model's label here. The Xbox variant is also available in the following color variants: 'White', 'Shock Blue', 'Pulse Red', and 'Electric Volt' to better match your console's controller. There isn't a difference in performance between any of these variants, and since they all have a wired design, you can use any of them on Xbox or PlayStation consoles without an issue.

    If you come across another variant, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.

    Popular Headphones Comparisons

    The Razer Kaira X are the wired sibling of the Razer Kaira Pro Wireless. Although they have console-specific variants, this is so that you can match their color scheme to your console or controllers. They otherwise offer no specific or unique features per console. That said, they have a somewhat warm sound profile with a touch of extra boom, and their boom mic does a great job of recording your voice, even in noisier environments. However, their 1/8" TRRS isn't detachable, and unlike the Razer BlackShark V2, they also lack a companion app to help you adjust their sound to suit your tastes.

    Check out our recommendations for the best headsets for PS5, the best gaming headsets under $100, and the best gaming headsets.

    Razer Kaira Pro Wireless

    The Razer Kaira Pro Wireless and the Razer Kaira X have different strengths and depending on your usage, you may prefer either one. While both headphones are comfortable and have great mic performances, the Kaira Pro are wireless headphones that are better built and have companion software that offers a graphic EQ and presets. They also support Bluetooth. However, the Kaira X are wired headphones with a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer.

    Sony PULSE 3D Wireless

    The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Razer Kaira X. The Sony can be used wired or wirelessly with low latency. When connected to a PS5 console, they can also access a graphic EQ and presets to help adjust their sound to your liking. However, the Razer are wired-only headphones but they're better built, more comfortable, and have a more neutral default sound profile.

    Logitech G432

    The Logitech G432 is a slightly better-wired gaming headset than the Razer Kaira X. While both headphones are comfortable, the Logitech have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, a virtual soundstage feature, and their boom mic has a better noise handling performance. They also have a companion app that offers a graphic EQ and presets so that you can tweak their sound on PCs. However, the Razer are better built and their mic has a better recording quality.

    Razer BlackShark V2

    The Razer BlackShark V2 are better wired gaming headphones than the Razer Kaira X. While both headphones are comfortable, the BlackShark V2 have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and are compatible with Razer Synapse software, which offers a graphic EQ and presets. They also have a significantly better passive soundstage performance. However, the Kaira X for PlayStation are better built, and their boom mic delivers better overall performance.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    Design
    Style
    TypeOver-ear
    EnclosureClosed-Back
    WirelessNo
    TransducerDynamic

    The Razer Kaira X for PlayStation have a nearly identical color scheme to the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless with a white headband and black ear cups. They're meant to match your PS5 console and have Razer's logo on each ear cup in blue. However, if you prefer a different design, Razer retails an Xbox-centric line of these headphones that come in colors to match your Xbox console's controller: 'Black', 'White', 'Shock Blue', 'Pulse Red', and 'Electric Volt'.

    7.5
    Comfort
    Weight0.6 lbs
    Clamping Force
    1.1 lbs

    The Razer Kaira X are comfortable headphones. They're lighter than the Razer Kaira Pro Wireless, and they don't clamp on your head too tightly. Their headband also feels good, and the ear cups have a good range of motion. However, the headphones are a bit bulky.

    5.7
    Controls
    OS Compatibility
    Not OS specific
    Ease Of UseGood
    FeedbackGood
    Call/Music ControlNo
    Volume ControlYes
    Microphone ControlMute/Unmute
    Channel Mixing
    No
    Noise Cancelling ControlNo
    Talk-Through
    No
    Additional ControlsNo

    These headphones have a sub-par control scheme. There are only two physical controls, which are easy to locate on the left ear cup. The volume wheel stops at min and max volume while the mic slider is clicky and has a red sticker to let you know when you're muted. However, there aren't any call or music-related controls.

    On the left ear cup:

    • Volume wheel: Adjusts the volume.
    • Mic slider: Mutes and unmutes the mic.

    5.6
    Portability
    L9.9" (25.1 cm)
    W8.7" (22.2 cm)
    H2.0" (5.0 cm)
    Volume170.02 in³ (2,786.10 cm³)
    Transmitter RequiredNo

    The Razer Kaira X aren't very portable, which is to be expected for gaming headphones. They have a bulky design, and while their ear cups can swivel to lay flat, they can't fold to take up less space. You can't detach their boom mic either. In their default position, they also take up quite a bit of space, and they don't come with a case to help protect them when you're on the go.

    0.0
    Case
    TypeNo case
    LN/A
    WN/A
    HN/A
    VolumeN/A
    7.5
    Build Quality

    The Razer Kaira X are well-built. They're mostly made of plastic, which feels sturdy and durable. They also have cloth padding on the headband and memory foam ear cups. There are measurement markers on each side of the headband to help you adjust them evenly. However, unlike the Razer Kaira Pro Wireless, their hinges are made of plastic, which could make them prone to damage over time.

    6.5
    Stability

    The Razer Kaira X have fair stability. They shouldn't move around too much when on your head if you're gaming from your couch or desk. However, they can move around on your head during moderate physical activity and may fall off. Their audio cable can also snag on something and pull them off of your head.

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    In The Box

    • Razer Kaira X headphones
    • Stickers
    • User guide

    Sound
    Sound Profile
    See details on graph tool
    Bass Amount
    -0.83 dB
    Treble Amount
    -1.92 dB

    The Razer Kaira X have a somewhat warm sound profile. They have a small bump in high-bass to add a touch of extra boom to your gameplay, which can help emphasize sound effects. However, vocals and lead instruments can sound a bit thin and dull. Unfortunately, they don't have an EQ or presets to help you adjust their sound to your liking.

    5.3
    Frequency Response Consistency
    See details on graph tool
    See details on graph tool
    Avg. Std. Deviation
    1.47 dB

    These headphones have disappointing frequency response consistency. They're very prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery, and you may especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses. Depending on their fit, seal, and positioning, you may experience significant deviations in audio delivery.

    Raw Frequency Response
    See details on graph tool
    See details on graph tool
    8.0
    Bass Accuracy
    See details on graph tool
    Std. Err.
    2.58 dB
    Low-Frequency Extension
    61.69 Hz
    Low-Bass
    -4.12 dB
    Mid-Bass
    -1.19 dB
    High-Bass
    2.39 dB

    The Razer Kaira X's bass accuracy is great. The low to mid-bass is underemphasized, resulting in less thump, rumble, and punch in your mixes. However, a bump in the high-bass adds extra boom, which can help emphasize sound effects while you game.

    Note: The response here represents the average bass response and as bass delivery can vary across users, your experience may vary.

    8.2
    Mid Accuracy
    See details on graph tool
    Std. Err.
    2.37 dB
    Low-Mid
    -1.31 dB
    Mid-Mid
    -2.9 dB
    High-Mid
    -0.02 dB

    The Razer Kaira X have great mid-accuracy. It's underemphasized across the range, although it's somewhat minor. Vocals and lead instruments are slightly thin but clear. However, these sounds are also pushed to the back of your mix.

    6.4
    Treble Accuracy
    See details on graph tool
    Std. Err.
    5.22 dB
    Low-Treble
    -4.38 dB
    Mid-Treble
    1.39 dB
    High-Treble
    -11.71 dB

    The treble accuracy is acceptable. It's a bit uneven, and there is some mismatch between our unit's left and right drivers. The dip in the low-treble veils vocals and lead instruments. A small peak in the mid-treble makes sibilants like S and T sounds sharp.

    The response here represents the average treble response, and as treble delivery can vary across users, your experience may vary.

    6.4
    Peaks/Dips
    See details on graph tool
    Peaks
    2.44 dB
    Dips
    1.83 dB

    The Razer Kaira X's peaks and dips performance is acceptable. A large peak in the high-bass adds extra boom to your mixes, although it can muddy vocals and lead instruments. A dip in the low to mid-mid thins out vocals and lead instruments and pushes them to the back of the mix. The left and right drivers are mismatched in the high mids to low-treble, so the upper harmonics of vocals and lead instruments are harsh in the left driver. An uneven low-treble affects the left driver more severely, so vocals and lead instruments are veiled and harsh. A peak in the mid-treble makes sibilants like cymbals overly piercing.

    7.0
    Imaging
    See details on graph tool
    See details on graph tool
    Weighted Group Delay
    0.26
    Weighted Phase Mismatch
    6.31
    Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
    2.88
    Weighted Frequency Mismatch
    3.31

    The Razer Kaira X's imaging performance is satisfactory. The group delay falls below the audibility threshold, resulting in tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. However, the L/R drivers are mismatched in amplitude and frequency response, which indicates a slightly imbalanced stereo image. There are also some peaks in the phase response's mid-bass to mid-range, which skews the stereo image to the left. It can be hard to hear with real-life content, though. That said, our results are only valid for our unit, and yours may perform differently.

    5.2
    Passive Soundstage
    See details on graph tool
    PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
    7.22 dB
    PRTF Size (Avg.)
    4.77 dB
    PRTF Distance
    10.14 dB
    Openness
    5.2
    Acoustic Space Excitation
    3.6

    The Razer Kaira X's passive soundstage performance is disappointing. The soundstage is perceived as large but not very natural or open. It also struggles to produce an out-of-head audio experience, and sound seems like it's coming from inside your head.

    0.0
    Virtual Soundstage
    Head Modeling
    No
    Speaker Modeling
    No
    Room Ambience
    No
    Head Tracking
    No
    Virtual Surround
    No App
    7.5
    Weighted Harmonic Distortion
    See details on graph tool
    WHD @ 90
    0.256
    WHD @ 100
    0.184

    These headphones have a good weighted harmonic distortion performance. There's a peak in the low-treble at both normal and high listening volumes, which results in a small amount of distortion present. However, the rest of the frequency range falls within good limits, resulting in somewhat clean and pure audio reproduction.

    Test Settings
    Firmware
    No Firmware
    Power
    Passive
    Connection
    Wired
    Codec
    PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz
    EQ
    No EQ
    ANC
    No ANC
    Tip/Pad
    Default
    Microphone
    Boom

    These are the settings used to test the Razer Kaira X. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.

    Isolation
    4.7
    Noise Isolation
    See details on graph tool
    Isolation Audio
    Overall Attenuation
    -13.58 dB
    Noise CancellingNo
    Bass
    -0.57 dB
    Mid
    -9.86 dB
    Treble
    -31.03 dB

    The Razer Kaira X's noise isolation performance is poor. They block out almost none of the low rumbles of bus engines and do a sub-par job of cutting down ambient chatter. They do a much better job of reducing the high-pitched hum of AC units, though.

    6.8
    Leakage
    See details on graph tool
    Leakage Audio
    Overall Leakage @ 1ft
    40.59 dB

    The Razer Kaira X's leakage performance is okay. Their leakage is concentrated in the mid to treble range, which sounds somewhat thin. However, if you're listening to audio at high volumes in a moderately noisy environment like an office, others around you shouldn't be able to hear it.

    Microphone
    Microphone Style
    Integrated
    No
    In-Line
    No
    Boom
    Yes
    Detachable Boom
    No
    MicYes
    8.6
    Recording Quality
    See details on graph tool
    Recorded Speech
    LFE
    20 Hz
    FR Std. Dev.
    1.99 dB
    HFE
    6,544.63 Hz
    Weighted THD
    0.129
    Gain
    28.81 dB

    The boom mic's recording quality is excellent. It captures your voice well, so you sound clear, natural, and full-bodied.

    7.5
    Noise Handling
    See details on graph tool
    SpNR
    34.15 dB
    Noise Gate
    Always On
    Speech + Pink Noise Handling
    7.5
    Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
    Speech + Subway Noise Handling
    7.5
    Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample

    The Razer Kaira X's noise handling performance is good. The boom mic can separate your voice from moderate ambient noise around you. You should be heard clearly, even if you're talking near an open window with traffic.

    Active Features
    0.0
    Battery
    Battery Type
    No Battery
    Continuous Battery Life
    N/A
    Additional Charges
    N/A
    Total Battery Life
    N/A
    Charge Time
    N/A
    Power-Saving Feature
    No
    Audio While Charging
    No
    Passive Playback
    Passive Headphone
    Charging PortNone
    0.0
    App Support
    App NameNo App
    iOSNo
    AndroidNo
    macOSNo
    WindowsNo
    Equalizer
    No
    ANC Control
    No
    Mic ControlNo
    Room Effects
    No
    Playback Control
    No
    Button MappingNo
    Surround Support
    No
    Connectivity
    0.0
    Bluetooth
    Bluetooth Version
    No Bluetooth
    Multi-Device Pairing
    No
    NFC Pairing
    No
    Line Of Sight Range
    N/A
    PC Latency (SBC)
    N/A
    PC Latency (aptX)
    N/A
    PC Latency (aptX HD)
    N/A
    PC Latency (aptX-LL)
    N/A
    iOS Latency
    N/A
    Android Latency
    N/A
    0.0
    Non-Bluetooth Wireless
    Non-BT Line Of Sight Range
    N/A
    Non-BT Latency
    N/A
    9.0
    Wired
    Analog Audio
    Yes
    USB Audio
    No
    DetachableNo
    Length4.46 ft (1.36 m)
    Connection
    1/8" TRRS
    Analog/USB Audio Latency
    0 ms

    These headphones have a non-detachable 1/8" TRRS cable. Unfortunately, if it gets damaged, you'll need to replace the entire unit.

    PC Compatibility
    Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    Wired USB
    No
    Non-BT Wireless
    No

    Regardless of the console variant, these headphones are fully compatible with PCs by plugging their 1/8" TRRS cable into the computer's AUX port.

    PlayStation Compatibility
    PS4 Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    PS4 Wired USB
    No
    PS4 Non-BT Wireless
    No
    PS5 Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    PS5 Wired USB
    No
    PS5 Non-BT Wireless
    No

    You can connect any console variant of the Razer Kaira X to PS4 and PS5 consoles by plugging in the 1/8" TRRS cable into your controller's AUX port. They have full audio and mic support via this connection.

    Xbox Compatibility
    Xbox One Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    Xbox One Wired USB
    No
    Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
    No
    Xbox Series X|S Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
    No
    Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
    No

    Since they're wired headphones, you can use any of the console variants on Xbox consoles with full compatibility.

    0.0
    Base/Dock
    Type
    No Base/Dock
    USB Input
    No
    Line In
    No
    Line Out
    No
    Optical Input
    No
    RCA Input
    No
    Dock Charging
    No
    Power Supply
    No Base/Dock

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    1. Update: We’ve updated the name of this review and expanded information regarding console compatibility in Differences Between Sizes and Variants, PC Compatibility, Xbox Compatibility, and Xbox Compatibility.