Breaking in the Razer Kaira headset alongside the Xbox Series X is a good reminder that innovation in tech often slips through the cracks. Perhaps a game console ships with interesting controller tech, or a picture in picture mode built into the UI. Maybe a line of keyboards ships with a dot matrix display that can output information depending on what's running on a PC. In all these cases and many more, the technology exists in the fringes, but never quite catches on with the mainstream. It's easy to feel that this is the realm where surround sound-style audio exists in the home. Anyone who's given a headset like this a chance will likely already know why that should change.
First off, the Kaira has the most value for someone already deep in the Xbox ecosystem. The $100 variant doesn't even come with Bluetooth, instead relying on Xbox's proprietary wireless tech. This makes syncing the headset with either an Xbox One or a Series X a breeze, but using the headset on PC will require the Xbox Wireless Adapter and a bit more fiddling around with buttons. Once it's hooked up, the device supports Windows Sonic and serves as a fine headset for gaming, video chatting, and everything in-between.
To this reviewer, any PC functionality is basically a bonus when compared to how the Kaira functions in the living room. Setup is as easy as syncing a controller, and it functions in all the same ways. The headset powers off along with the console and activates on the same profile upon the next bootup. It also doesn't capture the Xbox's full sound, allowing players to get the experience of high audio fidelity while also letting friends watch on the couch if needed. Even though it's not made by Microsoft, Razer's headset feels like it came with the console. In this household, it became a vital part of the experience after a few sessions.
Part of that is what it can add to games. Testing out the Series X launch lineup with the Kaira felt like playing games again for the first time. In a multiplayer game like Dead by Daylight or Halo: The Master Chief Collection, hunting down opponents has never been easier. From bullets whizzing by to subtle footsteps, listening for sound cues feels like playing these games in a whole new way. As PC players already know, it's a clear advantage over playing with speakers or a soundbar, and the Kaira makes that experience more than attainable for Xbox owners not just from sound quality, but from ease of setup and wireless functionality.
Razer Kaira Headset Specs
- FlowKnit memory foam ear cushions
- Bendable Razer HyperClear cardioid mic
- Razer Triforce Titanium 50MM Drivers
- Game / Chat Balance wheel
- Windows Sonic Support
- Xbox Wireless Connection
- 15 Hour Battery Life
One standout feature on the headset is a second volume slider that shifts the levels between gameplay audio and team chat. There are certain situations during a multiplayer game where a meandering conversation about different fast food brands is more valuable than callouts of a multikill, and the slider is easy to adjust without fiddling with in-game menus and setting something up that's only really useful in a specific situation. The headset is also quite comfortable to wear, which only adds to the likelihood that a good conversation will go on the whole night.
Outside of games, the headset pairs well with the console's media capabilities. Both cups on the Kaira have an impressive audio range that really comes into play when loading up a 4K Blu-Ray. Watching the new remaster of a classic film like Back to the Future with the device is especially nice, as the headset picks up subtle audio that gets lost in the shuffle on other setups. Even after seeing and hearing the film close to fifty times previous, it feels like a premium and new experience in the comfort of the home.
Across the board, both the audio coming out of the Kaira and the audio coming into the attached adjustable microphone was quality. Several friends on a Discord chat remarked at the improvement in quality over other headset and microphones used in the past, even including a professional podcast mic with a pop shield. The one downside to all this is that Kaira's wireless nature makes it susceptible to interference in a crowded area like a city or an apartment complex. The signal will go out temporarily on occasion when people are out and about, but it was never a long pause. Similar interruptions occur when the Kaira's 15-hour battery finally dries up, but one overnight charge should serve folks for a week of typical use.
The Razer Kaira was a surprisingly good fit alongside the launch of the Xbox One X. With the Xbox Wireless integration built into the device, the headset really does feel like an integral part of the experience, and it will be hard to go back to just relying on the TV sound after a week of use. Players who need a more fully-featured headset should probably spring for the pro, which is advertised as supporting Game Pass streaming thanks to its Bluetooth component. However, if someone just wants a killer headset that never leaves the living room, there are few better options than what Razer is providing here.
The Razer Kaira is available now for $99.99. The Bluetooth-enabled Kaira Pro is also available for $149.99. A unit was provided by Razer for this review.