Razer Barracuda X Chroma Review – Versatile Quality

Razer Barracuda X Chroma Headset Review

I happen to think that a quality headset isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Especially for those gamers without a monster audio system, a good headset can make a huge difference in a game’s impact and presence. A decent microphone is an equally important consideration for cooperative or competitive gaming. But what if you want to listen to music or a video stream somewhere other than in front of your PC or console? Razer’s Barracuda X Chroma Headset intends to be the answer to most of your headset needs.

Quite the Lineup

Razer’s Barracuda line of wireless headsets are all geared to multi-use scenarios. From the high-end Barracuda Pro to the entry-level Barracuda X, the mission statement is the same. All feature both Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, so the headsets can be used in just about every situation. All aim to be lightweight and comfortable to wear around for extended periods, and all have good to exceptional battery life.

Specs and features for the Barracuda X Chroma are similar to the Barracuda X, with one important exception. The X Chroma features TriForce 40mm drivers and a Hyperclear detachable cardioid microphone. It switches instantly between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless and can be connected to both simultaneously. The Barracuda X Chroma weighs in at 285 grams. Razer claims 70 hours of battery life (without the RGB turned on) on one full charge. I didn’t have the headset long enough to confirm this, however.

So what’s the twist? As implied in the name, the Barracuda X Chroma includes six zones of RGB lighting, programmable through the Razer Audio App or Razer Synapse. X Chroma is the only headset in the Barracuda lineup with RGB. To be totally honest, I’m not entirely certain why a headset needs RGB, since, you know, you can’t actually see the lights while you’re wearing the headset. Maybe it adds to the light show sitting on the desk. In any case, it’s there if you want it, or if you’re a streamer and want some extra flair. It’s also a drain on battery life.

The Sound of Fury

Specs are great on paper but the experience of actually using the device is what counts. The Barracuda X Chroma’s fabric-covered memory foam ear cups are breathable and overall, the headset is comfortable to wear for extended periods. Unless the room or environment is very warm, I prefer over-the-ear headsets for their inherent noise reduction. That’s good, because the Barracuda X Chroma does not feature any actual noise-cancelling capability. That comes with higher-end models in the Barracuda line. For an all-plastic construction, the headset feels pretty solid, but it has a fairly bulky look.

In terms of audio quality, it’s in line with the $129 price point. Meaning, that it’s perfectly acceptable for gaming, casual music listening, and chat or phone. The sound is overall crisp and well separated but the low end is fairly anemic. There are built-in EQ curves for music, movies, and gaming but you can also use the Razer audio app to create a custom EQ. The detachable mic sounds clear for in-game chat or phone calls but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for recording, podcasting, or YouTube streams. I did have some issues getting the mic to seat correctly. There’s no click to let you know it’s in place.

The headset’s RGB can be programmed using the Razer Audio app or its well-known Synapse software. The former’s controls are pretty basic, so if you want real customization or to pair it with other Razer peripherals for a coordinated light show, you’ll need to use Synapse. The X Chroma is the only headset in the Barracuda line with RGB. The “base model” Barracuda X has slightly lower battery life, and no RGB, but comes in five colors. It retails for $99.

Headset to Headset

I don’t envy Razer trying to find a niche for the Barracuda X Chroma. There’s almost no segment of the tech gear market as saturated as headsets and headphones, from entry-level to high-end. That said, the Barracuda X Chroma has a target: customers looking for a reasonably priced headset that can be used in almost every situation. It might not be an audiophile’s dream but it’s comfortable for extended periods and has easy connectivity. The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is a go-anywhere, do-anything headset that’s definitely worth checking out.

***Razer Barracuda X Chroma provided for review***