From the unpacking, we recognize the care given by the Razer brand to its products, with a packaging of very good quality. No frills: we find the usual literature accompanied by a few stickers, the headset, as well as a USB type-C cable to recharge the beast and perform updates. Indeed, a small label placed on the arch invites us to patch the firmware of the Razer Kaira: after having connected the object to the PC and downloaded the software, the installation begins. No problem if you are not a PC pro, therefore, the operation only takes a few minutes in all. The Kaira displays nice curves. Admittedly, its look is typical Razer (touches of green, a border on the ear cups, the logo on the headphones, or even the skull pad), but the design remains quite sober overall.
We just regret the plastic of the chassis which can be a little "cheap" in places, especially on the extensible parts of the arch. As a result, it is advisable not to remove the headphones too suddenly to preserve the longevity of the whole. Some competing helmets also opt for a metal hoop, such as the Arctis series from SteelSeries. Once screwed on the head, the comfort is clearly there. The circum-aural design is perfect, and the pads offer flawless softness. We also appreciate the breathable memory foam that covers the headphones, which allows royal comfort without putting our heads overheating. If we had to make a complaint, know that we would have just appreciated a cranial pad a little wider and protruding more from the arch, so that all the heads are well accommodated.
HOME SWEET HOME
What is striking with the Razer Kaira is its lightness, especially for a wireless headset that embeds a transmission system and a battery. Indeed, it weighs 295 grams, where our SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless displays 382g. This featherweight is a good omen for long gaming sessions, especially if you have a little sensitive neck. The positive findings continue with the mic which features a heavy-duty sheathed articulating rod, which should ensure its longevity, even after many years of use. Old timers know only too well the problem of detachable microphones that are fixed via a simple jack. Over time, the grip loses its bite and the sound quality is no longer there. Here, we should not encounter this problem.
On the side of the left ear cup, there are several knobs, including a sliding button to mute the microphone, a volume control wheel, a click-in / click-out button to turn the Kaira on and off, and finally the plug USB-C. On the right side, we discover a button that allows you to pair the headphones to the console and to juggle between different equalizer presets. Four options are available: a default mode (flat), a mode that boosts bass, an FPS mode that boosts footsteps and reload sounds, and a custom mode that can be set via the dedicated Razer app (which downloads from the Microsoft Store). Finally, the equipment is completed by a knob that allows you to manage the mix between the sound of the game and that of the voice chat.
Clearly, we won't hear you rummaging too much in the packet of chips, but if your environment is particularly noisy, don't expect a miracle.
In terms of sound, the Kaira comes out on top thanks to its 50mm Razer Triforce titanium transducers. Even if the tone is still a little oriented big bass, the whole remains sufficiently neutral so that we can enjoy the headset in game or in multimedia use. We can even use it to listen to music, provided that you are not a fussy audiophile addicted to great operas. On the microphone side, the Kaira does the job again with a rather efficient unit, as long as it is placed well in front of your mouth. The stem features a directional mic that echoes the super cardioid design of the brand's other mics, including the recently released Serein Mini. This makes it possible to limit parasitic noise, but do not expect to have the same level of silence as on a product with an active signal processing system. Clearly, we won't hear you rummaging too much in the packet of chips, but if your environment is particularly noisy, don't expect a miracle. Finally, with regard to autonomy, you can count, as often, on approximately 15 hours of autonomy between two charges, depending on your use.
The state of the battery will be reflected by the color of the operating LED which will change from green to orange, before flashing red when the load becomes critical. If you have the helmet on your head at this time, be aware that a beep will alert you audibly. Please note, however, that this headset is only compatible with the various Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The only means of connection being the Xbox Wireless system, you will have to be content to use this headset with an Xbox, or with a PC provided you have the Xbox wireless adapter (not supplied in the package). We will console ourselves with the price, since the Razer Kaira is offered at € 119.99, knowing that it will be available from November 5. We also bet that the prices should quickly fall, the products of the snake brand being often subject to various promotions.
PLAY HARD GO PRO
For more versatility, know that the brand also offers the Razer Kaira Pro. This version, sold for €169.99, also has a Bluetooth connection, which allows it to be used on any compatible device, such as a mobile, or a PC equipped with a wireless module. For your extra $50, you'll also get Chroma RGB lighting (despite its detrimental impact on battery life), a detachable boom mic, and a second mic built into the chassis, so to be able to use the headset as a hands-free kit at any time. Note that the Razer Kaira Pro will also be available from November 5.
TECHNICAL SHEET
earphones
Response frequency: 20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 32ohm at 1kHz
Sensitivity at 1kHz: 108dB
Drivers: 50mm with neodyne magnets
Inner diameter of the headset: 56mm wide and 67mm long
Range: 10m
Wireless frequency: 2.4 / 5 Ghz
Connection: direct to Xbox consoles via Xbox Wireless, via an adapter (not included) to Windows 10 PC
Microphone
Response frequency: 100Hz – 10kHz
Signal to noise ratio: >60dB
Sensitivity at 1kHz: -54dB
Pick-up mode: Unidirectional
