If you want a wired Switch headset with cooling gel-infused cushions and a retractable noise-isolating microphone, choose Razer Kraken Gaming Headset; if you need adjustable earcups and customizable spatial audio options for Switch, choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. Both connect through a 3.5 mm jack, so neither asks you to manage a wireless connection or headset battery during play. For this steelseries vs razer headset comparison, my opening call is Razer for comfort and straightforward chat controls, SteelSeries for fit adjustments and audio customization.
Razer Kraken Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 at a Glance
• Razer Kraken’s biggest strength: Cooling gel-infused ear cushions, a flexible aluminum frame, and a retractable microphone; its trade-off is that surround sound is software-enabled only on 64-bit Windows 10.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1’s biggest strength: Height-adjusting, rotating earcups and software-based sound customization; its trade-off is that some of its audio tools depend on software.
• Razer Kraken is for: Switch players who want a wired over-ear headset with simple onboard volume and mic-mute controls.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 is for: Players who want an adjustable fit, 360-degree spatial audio features, and broad 3.5 mm device compatibility.
• Both are wired over-ear headsets with 3.5 mm connections, but they emphasize different comfort designs and audio options.
The Razer Kraken’s clearest appeal is its combination of physical comfort features and simple wired controls. The oval ear cushions are infused with cooling gel, and the design is intended to reduce heat buildup and pressure during longer sessions. That makes the Kraken a sensible choice for someone who expects to wear a headset through a lengthy game, rather than taking it on and off between short rounds. Its flexible bauxite aluminum frame also gives it a more substantial structural design than a headset built around an all-plastic frame.
For Switch play, the practical point is compatibility through a 3.5 mm headphone jack. You can connect it as a wired headset, use the analog volume wheel, and mute the microphone with the in-line switch. The retractable cardioid microphone is useful if you want to move it into position for team chat, then tuck it away when you are not speaking. Razer also describes its 50 mm drivers as custom-tuned for clear sound and a wide gaming soundscape. Its 7.1 surround feature is software-enabled and listed as available only on 64-bit Windows 10, so I would not treat that feature as a Switch-specific advantage.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
I’d choose the Kraken if the gel-infused cushions, retractable mic, and direct controls line up with how you play. Its trade-off is that the surround-sound software feature has a stated Windows limitation, while the fit details are less adjustable than the SteelSeries design. Skip it if adjustable earcup height and rotation are priorities for you.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1: Who It's For
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 puts more emphasis on fit flexibility and audio adjustment. Its ComfortMAX system includes height-adjusting and rotating earcups, along with a stretchy band. Those details give you more ways to position the headset than a design described mainly by its cushions and frame. AirWeave memory cushions are part of the comfort setup, while its lightweight form is intended for extended wear. The stated product weight is 1.2 pounds, so I would focus on the adjustable design rather than assume it is lighter than the Razer based on the product descriptions.
The Nova 1 also has a 3.5 mm connection for Switch and other compatible devices, plus headset controls for volume and muting. Its high-fidelity drivers are paired with 360-degree spatial-audio features, and the headset is described as compatible with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound. Sound customization through Sonar Software includes a 10-band parametric EQ, giving users who want to tune audio more options to explore. That software is a meaningful part of the feature set; it is not the same as a simple adjustment made solely with the headset’s onboard controls.
For voice chat, the Nova 1’s noise-cancelling microphone is designed to reduce background sounds when used with Sonar Software’s AI features. The mic can retract into the earcup, which keeps it out of the way when you are not chatting. I’d favor this headset if you value adjustable positioning and want to tailor audio with software. Its trade-off is that some of its headline audio and microphone capabilities rely on software rather than being just plug-in-and-adjust features. Skip it if you want the simplest possible setup without depending on software tools.
• Best fit adjustment → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. Its earcups adjust in height and rotate, and the stretchy band adds another fit element.
• Best cushion feature for long sessions → Razer Kraken. Its oval cushions use cooling gel and are designed to help reduce heat and pressure buildup.
• Best for quick physical audio and mic controls → Razer Kraken. The in-line setup has an analog volume wheel and a mic-mute switch.
• Best for experimenting with sound → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. Sonar Software offers a 10-band parametric EQ, and the headset supports 360-degree spatial audio features.
• Best if you want a retractable mic → Tie. Both products describe a microphone that retracts when you do not need it.
• Best for Switch through a wired connection → Tie. Both support connection through a 3.5 mm jack, so the core connection method is similar.
• Best if Windows 10 surround support matters → Razer Kraken, with a caveat. Its 7.1 surround feature is software-enabled and specified for 64-bit Windows 10; don’t assume that feature carries over to Switch.
• Best for PS5 spatial-audio compatibility → SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. Its listed compatibility includes Tempest 3D Audio for PS5.
Buying Considerations
Think about what you will adjust most often. The Kraken’s in-line wheel and mute switch make its controls easy to identify in the product description. The Nova 1 places volume and mute controls on the headset and adds software options for people who want to shape their audio. Neither approach is automatically better: physical simplicity may matter more in a casual setup, while software control may appeal to someone who likes to fine-tune sound.
Microphone needs also deserve a closer look. Both microphones retract, which is convenient when you want to move the mic away from your face. Razer describes its mic as cardioid and noise-isolating, while SteelSeries describes AI-powered noise cancellation through Sonar Software. Those are different approaches, and the SteelSeries noise-reduction feature has a software component. If you mainly play solo, microphone differences may matter less than comfort and fit. If you regularly use team chat, consider whether you prefer the Kraken’s in-line mute switch or the Nova 1’s software-assisted noise handling.
Parents comparing the two as possible best kids headphones for Switch should focus on practical fit and controls rather than assume either model is specifically made for children. The supplied descriptions identify both as adult headsets, and neither sheet gives a child-specific fit range. The Nova 1 offers adjustable and rotating earcups; the Kraken offers gel-infused cushions and an aluminum frame. Check the current price on Amazon if that is part of your decision, but choose based on the features and fit priorities that matter in your household.
I’d choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 for Switch if I wanted more ways to adjust the fit and the option to customize audio through software. Its 3.5 mm connection suits the wired setup, and its adjustable earcups are a concrete advantage for positioning. I’d pick the Kraken instead if cooling gel-infused cushions and direct in-line controls matter more to me. For my Switch-focused choice, the Nova 1 offers the more flexible fit and tuning package.
Both list Switch compatibility and use a 3.5 mm headphone jack. They are wired over-ear headsets, so their basic connection approach is similar.
The Kraken has cooling gel-infused oval cushions designed to help limit heat and pressure buildup. The Nova 1 uses AirWeave memory cushions and adds height-adjusting, rotating earcups and a stretchy band. Comfort is personal, so the design you prefer may depend on cushion feel or adjustability.
The Kraken’s 7.1 surround feature is software-enabled and specified as available only on 64-bit Windows 10. The supplied information does not establish that this feature works on Switch, so don’t buy it expecting Windows surround processing on Nintendo’s console.
Both have retractable microphones. The Kraken’s cardioid mic is described as noise-isolating and pairs with an in-line mute switch; the Nova 1’s AI-powered noise-cancelling feature uses Sonar Software. Your preference may come down to direct controls versus software-assisted microphone processing.
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