The Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation is the newest premium, high-end headset from the hardware titan for Sony's systems. The Kaira headsets have been available for Xbox users for some months, but the wait for the PS4 and PS5 versions has now ended. I was excited to see how the next premium PlayStation headset from the serpent-logoed hardware business would match up after seeing some of the top competitors among the best PS4 headsets – my go-to PS4 headset for years was a Razer Thresher – In summary? It's one of the best PS5 headsets on the market, as well as one of the greatest gaming headsets in general, and it adds haptic feedback to boost immersion. Nice. But bear with me while I explain...
Design and characteristics of the Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation
Unsurprisingly, the Kaira Pro for PlayStation follows in the footsteps of previous Kaira models in terms of form and aesthetics. Overall, the design is streamlined, and the black and white colour scheme is stunning.
The titanium brackets that sit where the headband joins the earcups on either side are the only thing that breaks up the monotony. These also hold the sliders that allow you to fine-tune your fit. The metal ratchet provides assurance that it will not only maintain the slot and fit you've chosen, but also that it will withstand a few knocks at this typical weak point on a headset.
When you pick up the headset, the cups swing about as they see fit, which is an exception to the robust structure. This has nothing to do with structural instability, but it's inconvenient, especially if you're holding a controller in your other hand and attempting to put them back in a drawer, position them on anything, or just take them off and put them on with one hand. A bit extra rigidity and stability would certainly help to balance things out.
Inside the cups are 50mm drivers from Razer's new TriForce Titanium series, which have been used in a number of Razer headsets over the previous few years and have established provenance and quality. The controls and, most importantly, the RGB branding are located on the exterior of the cups. These are great small extras that are turned on by default but can simply be turned off using a PC or the Razer audio or Chroma apps. (Turning them off can also help you obtain more power from your battery.)
The power button, volume dial, and mic mute button are located on the left cup, while the multi-function button, game/chat audio mix dial, and hypersense haptics control button are located on the right cup - more on that below. It's worth mentioning that the headset has dual connection, allowing you to connect wirelessly to the dongle as well as couple it with a phone through Bluetooth, allowing you to smoothly accept calls while playing. This increased connectivity is a plus, and the ability to switch between game audio and phone conversations is convenient.
Finally, the mic is one of Razer's new HyperClear Supercardioid microphones, which is removable and perfect for when you're not speaking with friends and teammates. There's nothing worse than having additional parts on your headset while you're not using it.
Review of the Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation: performance
Where better to begin the breakdown of the performance than with the haptics? This will very certainly be the main selling point for players searching for a premium, unique headset, and it will be a wonderful unique selling feature for the headset in general. In summary, it's a huge success - with one little flaw.
The key to its success is that it adds extraordinary amounts of added immersion to whatever game you play. The rumbling of shooting is very lifelike, and when the haptics are turned up to their maximum potential, it's quite amazing. It may also be very subtle, with distant rumbles being less intense than close-range shooting from your own weapon. In essence, it takes everything the Nair Ultimate has to offer and improves on it, as well as adding some flexibility with the option to switch between four different levels of feedback (including 'off').
One minor flaw is that you can't utilise the haptics in co-op games where you're conversing with your colleagues and pals. Because the haptic technology hasn't progressed far enough to distinguish between game and chat audio, I was not only bombarded with the booming sounds of my weaponry in Far Cry 6, but my head was also rocked when my friends inquired about my day. We'll be cooking on gas if the next generation of haptic feedback in headsets can distinguish between game and conversation sounds.
This problem, combined with the fact that a vibrating headset isn't for everyone, may deter some individuals from purchasing the Kaira Pro for PlayStation. However, let me assure you that the overall sound quality is well worth the money, and it more than compensates for the lack of a fancy haptic function.
Every detail is clear and sharp, rich, and with amazing depth, regardless of what you're playing. Every sound is a treat to hear, from the rustle of forests in Assasin's Creed Valhalla to the frantic gunfights in Far Cry 6, the balance between the engines of Formula 1 vehicles, and the voice of your pit contact in F1 2021. The surround sound is also excellent, allowing players to locate adversaries and friends in Outriders while also ensuring that the whole soundscape, from shrieking creatures to the thud of footfall, is distinct and not muddled by the other noises. This is truly excellent audio for PlayStation players in the Kaira Pro, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
The mic isn't as good as those on our list of the best gaming mics, but it's adequate. However, it took a while for it to 'warm up': when I initially booted up and went on with my pals using the Kaira Pro on PS5, they said I was trebly, muffled, and a little tinny. Over time, this became less of an issue, and it wasn't even raised in following sessions.
Should you buy the Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation?
The Kaira Pro for PlayStation is an incredible belter that will prove it was worth the wait if you've been waiting for Razer's foray into the top end of PS5 wireless headphones. On PS5 and PS4, it will rock your jungle, shake your tree, and raise the action, music, and game immersion to new heights. If you don't have a PS5, the haptics are still a nice choice for PS4, since they feel nearly like you're receiving a new-gen feature on a headset while still playing on the somewhat older system.
It'll also give you a terrific alternative on PC, as its features combine to create a package that might compete with the top PC gaming headsets. However, PC gamers should turn to Razer's recently updated Kraken V3 line for something even more tuned in for their gaming demands. It's not a cheap gaming headset by any means, but it's one of the finest PS5 headsets on the market right now, as well as one of the best wireless gaming headsets.
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