Gaming headphones usually attract attention for having a striking design and, above all, for having RGB lighting. For many, the latter is essential for it to be gaming. However, this time, Razer has opted for the opposite when launching the Razer Barracuda X. These headphones are rather compact, they have a minimalist design and they lack Chroma RGB lighting. Also, they work on PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Android.
One of the last headphones we were able to try was the Razer Kaira Pro and they left a very good taste in our mouths. If you want to know more, I invite you to take a look at the analysis that we published at the time. From our point of view they are a very interesting option to consider, especially if you play on Xbox Series X | S. Well, this time it is the turn of the Razer Barracuda X. It is the newest of the brand and everything seems to indicate that they promise a lot if we take into account some of their characteristics. But first, I want to thank Razer for letting me try these headphones for a few weeks to do the analysis.
Technical specifications
Razer Barracuda X – Compatibility First
I will start by talking about the box, but without going into much detail since there is nothing special to highlight either. It maintains the design and colors that characterize the brand. It is quite compact and, when we open it, the first thing we find is the user manual. Next are the headphones, well protected in a compartment where they fit perfectly.
Once we take out the Razer Barracuda X there is another compartment where the cables and the microphone are. One of the cables is used to connect the headphones to a 3.5 mm jack input. Then there is a USB Type-C to USB 3.0 cable to charge the battery. Lastly, comes a little USB Type-C dongle which is indispensable for connecting headphones wirelessly. Accompanying the dongle is another cable that is very useful in case your computer does not have a USB type C port, since it acts as an adapter / extension cord.
When you take the headphones out of the box and hold them in your hands they feel very light, and is not for less. According to Razer, they weigh about 250 grams and are the lightest they have released to date. The materials used have a lot to do with it here. Don’t expect aluminum parts. Both the headband and the speakers are made of plastic, although it seems that they have used two types. By the way, the headband is padded with a material that is quite pleasant to the touch. As for the pads, they are very soft and fresh. In addition, they exert just enough pressure so that they do not end up being uncomfortable. This is perfect for those who use the headphones during long gaming sessions.
It is time to talk about the controls and connections. Here everything is in the back of the left earbud and is easily accessible. To highlight a small LED that reports the status of the Razer Barracuda X. There is also a button that is used to mute the microphone. The volume is controlled by a small wheel on the top.
Something that I have mentioned before is the absence of Chrome RGB lighting. Well, in this sense if we take a look at the speaker part, which on the other hand it is worth mentioning that they are 40 mm, we can see that on the outside there is only the Razer logo. In fact, depending on the distance, it goes unnoticed. So, in general, they are headphones with a more sober design, but no less attractive for that.
The Razer Barracuda X adapt very well to virtually any head size as it can be adjusted in several levels. Now, when talking about speakers whose internal level has a measurement of 60 x 40 mm, the outer part is rather on the small side, so in those people who have large heads, it also gives the feeling of being small. . For the rest, say that once you put them on they are very ergonomic and although it is hot, the pads are not annoying. This is something that caught my attention. Normally, when I use headphones, I cannot have them for many hours since in the end my ears get very hot, to the point of having to take them off. However, this has not happened to me with these headphones.
The strong point of the Razer Barracuda X is that they are wirelessly compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Android. You just have to connect the USB Type-C dongle to the corresponding port and turn on the headphones. It is done! There is nothing to configure. In fact, they are not compatible with Razer Synapse, although to enjoy 7.1 surround sound you must install the THX Spatial Audio software (PC only). If you are wondering what about PlayStation 5, I have good news, are fully compatible with Tempest 3D.
At the sound level, the quality is quite good and it does not have nothing to envy to other high-end headphones of the brand. Here it has a lot to do that the frequencies have been adjusted individually. The highs, lows and mids differ very well from each other. This helps immersion when you are playing. When you listen to music, regardless of the type, it also lives up to the mark and meets expectations.
When talking about gaming headphones, a very important aspect is the microphone. It can be easily removed and put on, it weighs little and is flexible to put it on however you want. The quality is good, at least that’s what they told me when I was testing it while playing online. There was no no echo trace, no background noise and my voice didn’t sound metallic.
Playing without having to connect a cable is a pleasure, especially when playing on a Nintendo Switch or smartphone. According to Razer, the battery offers autonomy of up to 20 hours of continuous use. Well, the truth is that I did not check, stopwatch in hand, if it is true or not. I can only say that I had to charge it every four days or so and used the headphones for about three hours a day.
Conclution
From my point of view and after testing the Razer Barracuda X for a while, Razer has released a round product. It won’t have RGB lighting or premium materials, but on the whole, it is a very balanced product that in the sound section it is rather in the high range, but that in finishes it may stay in the mid-range. On the latter, I do not put it as a negative point. After all, these headphones They have a RRP of 99.99 euros, so they are somewhat cheaper than other models of the brand that, when we talk about finishes, are a step above.
If I have to define the new headphones in one word, it would be versatile. Thanks to the USB Type-C dongle it is a hoot to be able to use the Razer Barracuda X on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation and Android devices. On the other hand, they are very light and the autonomy, when you use them wirelessly, is more than acceptable. In short, they are one more option worth considering If you are looking for a headset to use on various platforms.