▶Razer Barracuda Review | Technological radar

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Razer Barracuda Review | technological radar

Razer Barracuda: two minute review

The Razer Barracuda is the mid-range model in Razer's latest line of headsets, leveraging hybrid design and functionality to tap into the ever-growing market of casual gamers in need of a versatile, versatile headset.

While the Barracuda offers a significant step up from the more entry-level Barracuda X, it doesn't benefit from the active noise cancellation (ANC) features and sound quality that the higher-end Barracuda Pro offers.

However, it benefits from the same comfortable ear cushions and headband, 40 hours of battery life, and a sleek, simple design, making it a surprisingly well-positioned entry into Razer's lifestyle market.

There are huge benefits to including this level of versatility in a helmet, but also some downsides; that is, it simply can't compete with the sound quality of some of the best PC gaming headsets. Still, for most people considering the Barracuda range, that's not the priority, and where these helmets shine is in simplicity, style and function.

After spending a week with the Barracuda in a variety of settings, it's clear that Razer has put in the time and seriously thought about how the headset will perform against the competition, but skipped some really basic steps that would have brought this headset next. nivel - un gran ejemplo es que este casco no es plegable para la portabilidad.

Still, if you manage your expectations about the kind of sound and microphone quality you can get from this type of hybrid headset, you'll be impressed with the Barracuda. Sleek, simple and relatively technologically sophisticated, we're impressed with this first attempt at more casual peripherals from Razer.

Razer Barracuda

(Image credit: future)

Razer Barracuda: prices and availability

Price: € 159 / € 159 / AU € 279
Availability: Available now at Razer.com and various online retailers.

The Razer Barracuda is the standard mid-range headset in the Barracuda range and sits nicely between the Barracuda X and Barracuda Pro at $159 / £159 / AU$279. While it's not as hard to find as its smaller sibling expensive, it's still not as widely available as the Barracuda X, which can be found at many online retailers, including Amazon.

Unlike the Barracuda Pro, this headset sadly doesn't come with a case, unless you count the foam-lined box it arrives in (which we don't). It's a real shame and a missed opportunity; especially since it doesn't come with a stand either, so you'll want to consider getting both above the base price.

However, the box includes a 3,5mm headphone cable, a USB-C wireless transmitter, a USB-A to USB-C adapter cable, and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable.

Razer Barracuda: Design

Comfortable to wear, even long term.
Elegant, soft and stylish.
Can pass for a non-gaming headset
not foldable

The design is easily one of the best parts of the Razer Barracuda. If a few years ago orange was the new black, Razer proves that black is the new black again with this headset, combining that elegant color with an understated but deliberate shape.

Razer Barracuda Key Features

Here are the Razer Barracuda specifications sent to TechRadar for review

Connectivity: Dual Wireless SmartSwitch (2,4GHz and BT) and 3,5mm analog
Controllers: TriForce Titanium 50mm
Ear cups: memory foam cushions
Weight: 300g
Battery life: 40 hours
Charging port: USB-C
Features: Passive Noise Cancellation, THX Spatial Audio, Two Built-in Noise Canceling Microphones

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Razer has ditched its gaming aesthetic altogether, were it not for the subtly glowing logos on the ear cups and the telltale neon green accent visible when using the mute function; otherwise, the headphones are incredibly inconspicuous.

Lined with memory foam, the headband and earcups are wonderfully padded to accommodate even the most demanding users, and the material-covered earcups mean overheating is much less of an issue than with other headphones. The earphones are fine for us, but have not been tested on people with larger ears, who may find them too comfortable.

At the bottom of each earbud is a set of buttons. On the left, from back to front, you'll find the mute button, volume wheel, power button, 3,5mm analog headphone jack, and USB-C port. On the right is the SmartSwitch button. Both headphones have a built-in microphone on the front. Once you've got the hang of the Barracuda, those well-spaced, intuitive controls provide an easy, airy experience that's hard to nail down on helmets.

One big missed opportunity is the portability of this headset: you can't fold it up for storage when you're on the go. To be fair, many of the best wireless earphones on the market are also starting to move away from foldable form factors, but that's a real shame when you consider that earphones work in such a unique space that they wouldn't take advantage of portability, especially when it does not come with a case

Razer Barracuda

(Image credit: future)

Razer Barracuda: features

App compatibility is good
SmartSwitch is not so smart
no antenatal care

Compared to the Pro, the standard Razer Baraccuda is much more of an everyday device when it comes to features, and the features it does have are nice but not essential or great performers.

SmartSwitch is the main culprit here, offering, in our personal experience, little to no functionality. We tried in several different scenarios to mimic the smooth, effortless transitions shown in Razer's promotional materials, but only got a few minutes of awkward silence (and mild panic) when the headset refused to connect to anything.

The Razer Audio app support is a nice added bonus and offers an extra degree of customisation, which is always nice to see. From the app, you can change sound settings, mute incoming calls, adjust microphone noise cancellation, and check battery level.

Razer Barracuda

(Image credit: future)

Razer Barracuda: Performance

Mic quality is pretty good, but beware of USB-C conversion issues
Great sound quality
Gaming-focused features win

If we start to see a more competitive hybrid gaming headset market, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Razer Barracuda right at the top of the leaderboard. Its audio quality, for what it is, is wonderful, and while it doesn't have ANC, its passive noise isolation is pretty strong, meaning you can really get caught up in your gaming session. .

You also have plenty of time to dig; the Razer Barracuda has a fantastic 40-hour battery life, so recharging is the least of your worries. While the Barracuda X offers a bit more in this department, the Barracuda makes up for it with an increase in power and sound quality.

While the design seems to stray away from a gamer's delight in RGB and neon, Razer has stayed true to its roots with the inclusion of the game mode for the Barracuda line. By switching to a shorter range connection, the headset can offer a low latency mode, great for serious gamers.

The Barracuda uses Razer's 50mm titanium Triforce drivers, which Razer says are designed to deliver exceptional highs, mids and lows - and we agree, for the most part. However, the lows may be a bit oversold; however, we would expect that from a lifestyle helmet. However, the sound is wonderfully crisp and clear, and THX Spatial Audio makes a big difference to standard surround sound.

Usually the built-in dual ECM and noise-canceling beamforming mics work pretty well, but nothing beats a boom mic when it comes to gaming headsets.

However, microphone connectivity is where the Barracuda gets a bit chewy, to our eyes. Quality using the dongle and through the 3,5mm audio cable was good, but when we tried using USB-A to USB-C, the microphone quality dropped significantly. It may have been something on our end, but it's not a problem we've encountered before.

This was particularly prevalent when we tested on a PlayStation 5, where the only viable connection was via the dongle.

Where does the Razer Barracuda fit into the market?

Along with its Barracuda siblings, the Razer Barracuda currently occupies an interesting place in the headset market. While the Barracuda Pro leans toward features industry giants see more often in the headphone space like ANC, the more modest Barracuda feels like a natural evolution of PC gaming headsets as we know them. .

Should you buy a Razer Barracuda?

Buy it if...

Do not buy if...

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