Cover Image for Superior Surround Sound: The Razer Barracuda X Chroma Offers More Than Just Eye-Catching Lights.
Fri Dec 20 2024

Superior Surround Sound: The Razer Barracuda X Chroma Offers More Than Just Eye-Catching Lights.

A gaming headset that offers excellent sound quality, ideal not only for gaming.

The Razer Barracuda X Chroma has generated some curiosity since its launch, especially as it is marketed with RGB lights as one of its main attractions. When I received the headset for review, my expectations were cautious. However, I soon discovered that this device goes beyond simply offering an eye-catching design, as its sound performance is remarkable across various applications, even surpassing my Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 headphones, which are my favorites for daily music listening.

Build and Comfort

One of the first things I noticed when I picked up the Barracuda X Chroma was its surprising lightness, despite being similar in size to other gaming headsets. Most of its structure is made of plastic, but this lightweight construction does not imply weakness or a sense of low quality. The flexible headband allows for pleasant and satisfying adjustments, while the memory foam ear cushions and the padded underside of the headband indicate a touch of superior quality. The buttons have a solid feel when pressed, and the swiveling ear cups have ergonomic angles that naturally fit my head, which is slightly larger than average. Weighing in at 285 g, the Barracuda X Chroma is very comfortable to wear for long periods.

Thanks to the flexibility of the headband, there is no discomfort even after hours of use. The memory foam ear cushions hug my ears without applying too much lateral pressure.

RGB Lights: A Striking Extra

The Chroma feature, which includes RGB lighting, feels more like a novelty than an essential product aspect. Although its design is attractive, it quickly recedes into the background during use since it is out of sight when wearing the headset. Razer allows users to customize the light effects through its Synapse software, although this requires an additional download. For some, this may not be an effort worth taking, but it is interesting to be able to turn off the lights to save battery.

Sound Performance

Regarding sound quality, the Barracuda X Chroma delivers remarkable performance, especially in gaming. With support for 7.1 surround sound, it provides clear immersion in titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, where spatial awareness is crucial. The accuracy of positional audio was vital during my review, helping me identify the direction of footsteps or gunfire, which improved my performance in the game. Razer also includes the option to upgrade to THX Spatial Audio for greater customization.

When it comes to music, the headset does not disappoint either. Its wide soundstage and balanced frequency response handle different genres with ease. EDM or rock tracks sound particularly dynamic, while atmospheric melodies feel expansive.

The detachable microphone was also a pleasant surprise. Its cardioid pattern captured my voice clearly and warmly, both during intense gaming sessions and informal calls. I appreciated that it filtered out most background noise, maintaining clear communication. The option to remove the microphone is a thoughtful detail for those who prefer a cleaner design when not in use.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The Barracuda X Chroma supports three connectivity options: wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz via an included dongle. Both wireless modes proved stable during my usage, with no disconnections on Bluetooth. Switching between devices was smooth, which is a benefit for those who alternate between different platforms.

Battery life is another advantage. While Razer advertises up to 70 hours of use with the RGB lights off, this time decreases when using Chroma, making it more practical to use the headset without lighting for extended listening sessions.

Conclusion

My experiences with the Barracuda X Chroma have been very positive. Its lightweight design, great comfort, and solid sound performance make it a balanced choice for both gamers and casual users. In its main use case, gaming, it stands out for its clear spatial audio and robust connectivity options. Although the RGB lighting is a minor aspect, it adds an aesthetic touch for those who enjoy visual customization. Priced at RM749 (USD 129.99 in the U.S.), the Barracuda X Chroma manages to balance functionality and style, making it a contender for those seeking a gaming headset that meets essential needs without sacrificing a touch of distinction.