Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset Review: The Definitive Verdict on Featherlight Audio

I remember it vividly. It was the final circle in a nail-biting match of Apex Legends. My squad was positioned perfectly, the tension was palpable, and every sound mattered. But instead of focusing on the faint sound of enemy footsteps, all I could feel was a dull, throbbing ache building at the crown of my head, and my ears felt like they were in a sauna. My heavy, bulky headset, which had felt fine an hour ago, was now an instrument of torture. That distraction, that split second of readjusting the crushing headband, cost us the game. It’s a scenario countless gamers know all too well: a promising session cut short not by a lack of skill, but by a lack of comfort. A good gaming headset isn’t just about sound; it’s an essential piece of ergonomic equipment that can make or break your endurance and focus.

What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Headset

A gaming headset is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for immersion, communication, and competitive advantage. In the world of gaming, audio is half the experience. A quality headset transports you to virtual worlds, allowing you to hear the subtle rustle of leaves that betrays an enemy’s position or the full, booming crescendo of an orchestral score. It’s also your lifeline to your team, providing a clear channel for strategic callouts and camaraderie. Without one, you’re playing with one hand tied behind your back, missing crucial audio cues and struggling to coordinate with teammates through a subpar microphone.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a dedicated gamer who engages in long play sessions and values clear communication and positional audio. Whether you’re a competitive esports player on PC or a console enthusiast diving into epic single-player narratives, a headset like this is designed for you. However, it might not be suitable for audiophiles whose primary use is critical music listening, as gaming headsets are often tuned with a different sound profile in mind. Similarly, those who need a portable, wireless solution for commuting or use in a quiet office might find a wired, gaming-focused design to be too cumbersome or specialized for their needs.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Comfort & Weight: This is arguably the most critical factor for a gaming headset. Look for a lightweight design, ideally under 300g, to prevent neck strain over time. Pay attention to the clamping force of the headband and the material of the ear cushions—memory foam and breathable fabric are excellent, while plush leatherette provides great isolation. An ill-fitting headset can cause headaches and make gaming a chore.
• Audio Performance: Don’t just look at driver size. Consider the sound signature. Do you want punchy bass for explosions or a flatter, more neutral profile for spotting footsteps? For competitive PC gamers, virtual 7.1 surround sound is a game-changer, offering precise positional audio that can give you a real edge. Check for software compatibility and customisation options.
• Materials & Durability: Gaming can be intense, and your gear needs to withstand the occasional moment of frustration. Headsets with metal-reinforced headbands offer superior longevity compared to all-plastic models. Check the quality of the cable—braided cables tend to be more durable and less prone to tangling than standard rubber ones.
• Microphone & Connectivity: A clear microphone is non-negotiable for team-based games. A cardioid microphone is designed to pick up your voice while rejecting background noise, which is ideal. Also, consider connectivity; a universal 3.5mm jack offers incredible versatility across PC, all major consoles, and mobile devices, whereas a USB connection is typically limited to PC but can offer more software features.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset stands out in several areas, particularly comfort and compatibility. You can explore its detailed specifications and see if it aligns with your needs here.

While the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Kraken: First Impressions and Key Features

Razer has always had a flair for presentation, and the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset is no exception. The box, adorned in the brand’s signature black and acid green, feels substantial and professional. Sliding it open reveals the headset nestled securely in a moulded cardboard insert. There are no unnecessary frills here; alongside the headset itself, you’ll find the user manual and a crucial accessory: the audio/mic splitter cable for connecting to PCs with separate headphone and microphone jacks. Pulling the headset out, the first thing that struck me was its astonishing lack of weight. At a mere 230g, it feels almost ethereal in the hands, a stark contrast to the heavier, tank-like headsets that dominate much of the market. The all-black, matte plastic finish is clean and minimalist, avoiding the garish “gamer” aesthetic for something more understated. The oval leatherette ear cushions feel soft and pliable, and the bendable microphone arm offers a satisfying degree of flexibility. It immediately gives the impression of a no-nonsense tool built for one purpose: comfortable, long-duration gaming.

In the Arena: A Deep Dive into the Kraken X Lite’s Performance

A headset can look good and feel light, but its true test happens in the heat of battle, during hours of continuous use. We put the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset through its paces across multiple platforms and genres, from frantic shooters on PC to immersive RPGs on the PS5, to see if its performance lives up to its promise.

Featherlight Comfort for Endless Sessions

The “Ultralight” in this headset’s name is not a marketing gimmick; it is its defining feature. Weighing in at just 230 grams, this is one of the lightest over-ear gaming headsets I have ever tested. The impact of this is immediate and profound. Where other headsets start to create a noticeable pressure point on the top of my head after an hour, the Kraken X Lite remained almost unnoticeable. After a four-hour session of exploring the world of Elden Ring, I took the headset off and felt none of the usual fatigue or soreness. This sentiment is echoed by many users who praise its ability to be worn for hours on end without discomfort, a critical factor for anyone who enjoys marathon gaming weekends.

The clamping force is perfectly calibrated—snug enough to create a decent seal and stay in place during quick head movements, but not so tight that it puts undue pressure on my temples, even while wearing glasses. The plush, oval-shaped leatherette ear cushions fully enclose the ear, providing good passive noise isolation that effectively blocked out the hum of my PC fans and other low-level ambient noise. While leatherette can sometimes lead to heat build-up, the light clamping force and overall design seemed to mitigate this better than many competitors. The adjustable headband has clear, numbered markings, making it easy to find and remember your perfect fit. For pure, unadulterated comfort in the budget category, the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset is a true champion.

Positional Audio: The 7.1 Surround Sound Experience

While comfort is king, audio performance is the queen. Out of the box, plugged into a console controller or mobile device, the Kraken X Lite delivers a solid stereo experience. The custom-tuned 40mm drivers provide a sound profile that is clearly geared for gaming. The bass is present and punchy, giving weight to explosions and cinematic moments, but it doesn’t overwhelm the crucial mid and high frequencies. The sound is clear and detailed enough to enjoy the rich soundscapes of games like The Last of Us.

However, the real magic happens on PC. After a quick download and installation of Razer’s 7.1 Surround Sound software (which requires a simple registration), the headset transforms. Firing up a competitive shooter like Valorant, the difference was night and day. The virtual surround sound creates a 3D audio landscape that dramatically enhances spatial awareness. I could accurately pinpoint the direction and relative distance of enemy footsteps, the click of a reloading weapon around a corner, and the whiz of bullets passing by my head. This isn’t just an immersive feature; it’s a competitive advantage that allows you to react to threats you can’t see. As one user noted, setting it up can be a “little bit of a hassle,” requiring you to configure it in both the app and Windows sound settings, but the payoff is absolutely worth it for any serious PC gamer.

Crystal Clear Comms: The Bendable Cardioid Mic

Team communication is the backbone of multiplayer gaming, and a poor-quality microphone can frustrate your entire squad. The Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset features a bendable cardioid microphone, and we found it to be a standout performer in this price bracket. The cardioid pickup pattern is specifically designed to focus on the sound directly in front of it—your voice—while actively rejecting sounds from the sides and rear. In our tests, it did an excellent job of isolating my voice from the distracting clatter of my mechanical keyboard and the drone of a nearby air conditioner. My teammates on Discord immediately noticed the upgrade from my previous budget headset.

This experience was confirmed by several user reviews, with one gamer stating their friends “instantly noticed that my mic sounded different and that I sounded a lot clearer.” The microphone itself is crisp and natural, avoiding the tinny or compressed quality that plagues many cheaper headsets. The flexible boom arm is another excellent design choice, allowing you to position the microphone perfectly for optimal voice pickup and then bend it out of the way when not in use. While it may not rival a dedicated, studio-quality USB microphone, for in-game chat and Discord calls, it is exceptionally clear, reliable, and a significant step up from the competition.

Build Quality and Cross-Platform Versatility

To achieve its incredible lightness and affordable price, Razer constructed the Kraken X Lite entirely from plastic. While this feels sturdy enough for daily use, it’s also the product’s most significant potential weakness. The headband has a good amount of flex, but it doesn’t inspire the same confidence as a steel-reinforced alternative. We’ve seen feedback from a long-term user who experienced their headset snapping at the headband after about a year and a half of use. This suggests that while it is durable enough for careful owners, it might not withstand rough handling or being tossed into a backpack without care.

On the flip side, the headset’s greatest strength is its simple, universal 3.5mm connection. This makes the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset a true jack-of-all-trades. We seamlessly switched from our PC to a PlayStation 5 by plugging it directly into the DualSense controller, then to a Nintendo Switch for some handheld gaming, and even to a smartphone for listening to music. The experience was plug-and-play on every device. For PC users, the included splitter cable is essential. However, we were able to corroborate a specific user complaint: the included splitter did seem to slightly muffle the audio compared to a higher-quality third-party splitter we had on hand. It’s a minor issue, and many may not even notice it, but it’s something for discerning PC audiophiles to be aware of. If you’re looking for a single, affordable headset that can serve your entire gaming ecosystem, this level of compatibility is hard to beat.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we scoured user feedback to get a broader picture of the long-term experience with the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, especially concerning its core strengths. Many users, like us, highlight the incredible comfort as a primary reason for their satisfaction. One gamer noted, “I’ve worn for hours on end and my head never gets sore,” a sentiment particularly appreciated by those who wear glasses. Another common point of praise is the microphone quality, with one happy customer reporting, “my friends instantly noticed that my mic sounded different and that I sounded a lot clearer!!!” which lines up perfectly with our findings.

However, the feedback also reinforces our two main points of caution. The most significant concern is long-term durability. One detailed review stated that after a year and a half of use, they “went to pick them up the other night and they fully snapped.” This highlights that the all-plastic construction, while essential for its lightweight nature, is a trade-off. The second issue, mentioned by a technically-minded user, is the PC splitter. They found that “the included splitter can make the sound muffled,” but that switching to a different one “cleared them right up,” confirming our own observations. These points don’t detract from the headset’s excellent value, but they are important considerations for potential buyers.

How Does the Razer Kraken X Lite Compare to the Competition?

The Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset carves out a strong identity in a crowded market, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against some popular alternatives. Depending on your budget and priorities, one of these might be a better fit for you.

1. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset 300-Hour Battery

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless represents a significant step up in both features and price. Its primary advantages are its massive 300-hour battery life and the freedom of a wireless connection. It also boasts a more premium construction with a durable aluminium frame, addressing the main durability concern of the Kraken X Lite. However, this comes at a much higher cost and with a heavier build. This headset is the ideal choice for a PC-centric gamer who wants to cut the cord, values premium build quality, and has a significantly larger budget to invest in their audio setup.

2. Corsair HS55 SURROUND Lightweight Gaming Headset

The Corsair HS55 SURROUND is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Razer Kraken X Lite. It’s similarly lightweight, wired, and offers virtual 7.1 surround sound (via Dolby Audio) in the same price range. The choice between them often comes down to brand preference and subtle design differences. The HS55 features a flip-to-mute microphone, which some users may prefer over the Kraken’s detachable design. It’s a fantastic alternative for gamers who are already invested in the Corsair iCUE ecosystem or simply prefer the aesthetic and fit of Corsair’s design language. Both offer exceptional value for lightweight, wired gaming.

3. IMYB A36 Gaming Headset with Microphone

The IMYB A36 sits firmly in the ultra-budget category, often priced significantly lower than the Kraken X Lite. While it offers the basic functionality of a multi-platform headset with a microphone, it serves to highlight the value of the Razer product. The IMYB will likely fall short in terms of audio fidelity, microphone clarity, comfort, and the polished software experience (like 7.1 surround) that Razer provides. This headset is best suited for the most budget-conscious gamer or a parent buying for a young child, where basic functionality is the only requirement and breaking the bank is not an option.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset?

After extensive hands-on testing, the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset emerges as a true champion in the entry-level gaming space. Its killer feature is, without a doubt, its supremely lightweight and comfortable design, making it the perfect companion for gamers who regularly engage in marathon sessions. It effectively eliminates the fatigue and discomfort that plague so many of its heavier rivals. This exceptional comfort, combined with clear microphone performance and impressive 7.1 virtual surround sound on PC, creates a package that delivers outstanding value for its price.

Its primary weaknesses are direct trade-offs for its strengths: the all-plastic construction, while enabling its lightness, raises valid concerns about long-term durability, and the included PC splitter cable can be a minor weak link in the audio chain. Despite this, we wholeheartedly recommend it to any PC or console gamer looking for a versatile, high-performing, and, above all, comfortable headset that won’t break the bank. It proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a competitive and enjoyable audio experience.

If you’ve decided the Razer Kraken X Lite Ultralight PC Gaming Headset is the right fit for your gaming setup, you can check its current price and purchase it here.