MostRazer headsetsare primarily used in gaming rooms. However, theBarracuda lineis an exception since it’s made for mobile and at-home gaming. The headset features low-latency RF and Bluetooth connectivity with an effective integrated mic. Now discounted, the Barracuda saves gamers from buying multiple headsets or headphones.
The Barracuda showcases large oval earcups with a subtle Razer snake logo. While the black version is on sale, gamers can find the headset in other colors too, like white and pink. If you demand more flash, Razer recently debuted theBarracuda X Chromawith RGB lighting. The Barracuda is built with a stainless steel headband, but its earcups adjust to fit most heads. Keeping its mobile intentions in mind, the headset is fairly lightweight at 300 grams. The Barracuda is sturdy enough to withstand regular travel without reducing its portability.
Razer Barracuda Gaming Headset
Razer’s Barracuda gaming headset features the company’s SmartSwitch technology that can connect the device with high-speed and low-latency 2.4 GHz connectivity and convenient Bluetooth. This allows easy switching between gaming PC or consoles and mobile devices.The headset comes with an integrated beam-forming noise-canceling microphone, which allows crystal-clear sound by reducing unwanted background noise. The dynamic and balanced audio is delivered through Razer’s 40 mm TriForce drivers. Razer promises 40 hours of listening time, and charging happens with a reversible USB Type-C cable.
Even though it’s more portable than other Razer options, the Barracuda doesn’t lack stellar sound quality. 50 mm TriForce Titanium drivers produce a soundscape balanced between low, mid, and high tones. The earpads utilize memory foam covered with a Flowknit material that prevents sweaty earlobes. Razer also trimmed the headband with leatherette, so even long listening sessions are painless.
Why is the Barracuda So Versatile?
As expected with a gaming headset, explosions rattle eardrums when using the Barracuda. THX Spatial audio makes approaching footsteps audible, and movies are heard with dynamic cinematic audio. Instruments in a full orchestra are identifiable, allowing the Barracuda to rival thebest headphonesfor music.
The Barracuda’s SmartSwitch functionality is critical to its versatility. The headset ships with a USB-C dongle that works with PCs and PlayStation consoles. With a physical button, gamers seamlessly toggle between PCs, consoles, and Bluetooth sources. At home, competitive gamers experience the same low-latency audio as the much pricierKraken V4 Pro I reviewed. The headset is also convenient for mobile gaming when on the road. A maximum 40-hour battery life is sufficient for multiple days, boosted by fast recharging capabilities. The headset also includes wired connectivity to avoid any disappointments.
Many gaming headsets have external boommics for the best recording quality. To make it easier to pack in bags, the Barracuda relies on dual internal beamforming microphones. This choice results in more than acceptable performance. Even if voices sound a bit hollow, the mics block out the background noise in cafes or city streets. Gamers can adjust noise cancellation levels using the mobile Razer Audio App to best suit their surroundings.
The Razer Barracuda hits the sweet spot between lightweight headphones and chunkier gaming headsets. Still, Razer manufactures other Barracuda models to accommodate different budgets. TheBarracuda Prois anactive noise-cancelling headsetthat thrives in chaotic environments. With a higher price comes bio-cellulose drivers to reduce distortion further. At about $100 less, theBarracuda X Chromais also a strong value as a lighter headset with a detachable cardioid mic.
