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Razer Kitsune: One-minute evaluation
Leverless controllers tailored for combating video games are typically a sight costlier than normal pads, and the Razer Kitsune definitely isn’t doing something to alter that. In truth, it’s one of many costlier choices obtainable within the premium leverless bracket, coming in hotter than each the Corsair Novablade Pro and Victrix Pro KO.
It’ll put a severe dent in your checking account, so I positively can’t suggest the Razer Kitsune to anybody desirous to dip a toe into leverless waters for the primary time (the a lot cheaper 8BitDo Arcade Controller is good for that). Thankfully, those that do make the leap might be rewarded with one of the crucial luxurious leverless controller experiences round.
What instantly surprised me concerning the Razer Kitsune was its weight – or lack thereof. It’s not a lot heavier than lots of the best PS5 controllers, and manages this whereas presenting distinctive construct high quality and a remarkably razor-thin profile. Even in comparison with different impressively slim fashions just like the Novablade Pro, the Kitsune can be the discuss of the city at a Weight Watchers assembly.
The controller’s discreet nature makes it very portable-friendly, and thus ultimate for taking to a buddy’s home for some informal 1v1s, and even to native tournaments if you happen to’re the aggressive kind. That discreetness carries over to the Kitsune’s buttons, that are whisper-quiet and – as you’d hope – instantly responsive.
There are a few notable points I’ve with the Kitsune. There’s no PS4 compatibility right here, by way of {hardware}, in contrast to nearly all of its PlayStation-facing rivals. Instead, if you wish to play older PS4 titles like Ultra Street Fighter 4 or Tekken 7, you’ll want a PS5 for that. You are getting PC compatibility right here as properly, on the very least.
I’m additionally not eager on the utilization of Razer Chroma RGB lighting right here. While not overly flashy or intrusive, it feels a bit tacked on and pointless, and possibly drove up the worth of the gadget all in all. And whereas I do want there was a wi-fi connectivity possibility, I can see why Razer has stored the Kitsune strictly wired to permit for optimum responsiveness.
Overall, it’s a fantastic leverless controller if you happen to’re keen to pay a premium for it. Its sturdy Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions (SOCD) cleansing choices are additionally particularly welcome, guaranteeing that you just gained’t flub directional inputs within the warmth of the second.
Razer Kitsune: Price and availability
- List worth: $299.99 / £299.99
- More costly than different mid-range to premium leverless choices
- Some designs are unique to Razer’s retailer, and price much more
The Razer Kitsune is available for purchase now for $299.99 / £299.99 in its normal black colorway. A Razer retailer unique ‘Esports Green’ variant can also be purchasable for $10 / £10 extra, and that is the one I obtained for testing and evaluation functions. Though actually, I’d give this one a miss; it’s a fairly ugly shade of inexperienced.
That’s notably costlier than a lot of its leverless rivals, together with the Corsair Novablade Pro and Victrix Pro KO, each of which retail for $249.99 / £229.99. Even the Hit Box, one of many extra common and famend choices within the leverless house, could be had for less expensive.
Razer Kitsune: Specs
|
Price |
$299.99 / £299.99 |
|
Weight |
1.8lbs / 0.82kg |
|
Dimensions |
11.7 x 8.3 x 0.8in x 296 x 210 x 19mm |
|
Compatibility |
PS5, PC |
|
Connection kind |
Wired |
|
Battery life |
N/A |
|
Software |
Razer Chroma RGB |
Razer Kitsune: Design and options
- Super spectacular light-weight design
- Solid aluminum face plate
- Customizable 12-button format
Purely from a design and construct standpoint, the Razer Kitsune may be the nicest leverless controller I’ve ever used. It’s astonishingly discreet, being lower than 2cm thick and coming in below a kilogram in weight. It’s noticeably smaller than a lot of its rivals, too, whereas nonetheless providing loads of house to relaxation your fingers on throughout play.
This compact design additionally doesn’t include compromise. Build high quality is – as I’ve come to count on from Razer – immaculate. The Kitsune is constructed from high-quality supplies, fitted with a sturdy aluminum plate and a textured rubber grip mat on the underside for non-slip gaming.
That high quality extends to the controller’s buttons. The Razer Kitsune has a 12-button format that’s fairly normal for leverless controllers. Though you’ll additionally discover a DualSense-like touchpad, and shortcut buttons for L3, R3, in addition to Home, Menu, and Share inputs.
Rounding out the highest of the controller are two small switches. One permits you to toggle the Kitsune’s SOCD cleansing choices (extra on that within the efficiency part beneath), and the opposite switches compatibility between PS5 and PC. Be certain to have this one switched into the best place relying in your platform of selection.
At the top-rear of the controller, you’ll discover a USB cable lock, which once more is pretty normal for wired leverless gadgets. It merely does what it says on the tin; locking your cable in place so it gained’t find yourself being indifferent throughout play.
My solely actual gripe with the Kitsune’s design is its Chroma RGB lighting. It’s not that I hate a bit of additional aptitude on a controller; RGB is one thing that helps a few of my favourite controllers just like the GameSir Kaleid and 8BitDo Ultimate 2 stand out, nevertheless it simply feels just a little pointless right here, particularly for such a competitive-focused controller. I get that Razer loves juicing up its merchandise with RGB lighting every so often, nevertheless it appears tacked on this time.
Razer Kitsune: Performance
- Immaculately responsive buttons
- Button presses are whisper-quiet
- Plenty of SOCD cleansing choices
The Razer Kitsune’s buttons function by means of low-profile linear optical switches. In quick, which means you’re getting whisper-quiet, fast, and correct presses. There’s no loud clickiness right here, and whereas there’s a little bit of tactility misplaced there, the controller nonetheless stays extremely responsive and satisfying to play with.
I examined the Razer Kitsune throughout all kinds of combating video games in each on-line and offline environments, together with Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, and Capcom Fighting Collection 2, and I discovered it to be a wonderful match for all these titles. There had been no compatibility points to talk of by any means throughout PS5 or PC.
One main characteristic I’m an actual fan of with the Kitsune is its sturdy SOCD cleansing choices. Short for ‘Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions’, SOCD cleansing helps forestall misinputs when reverse instructions are pressed concurrently; both by chance or on objective.
The Kitsune has 4 SOCD cleansing modes obtainable, which you’ll be able to swap between by holding the Share and Home buttons and urgent a course. Neutral mode, for instance, makes it in order that no inputs are registered when an SOCD enter happens. ‘Absolute Up Priority’ mode, in the meantime, ensures that solely the up enter is registered when urgent up and down concurrently. You can then toggle the lock swap to maintain your most well-liked mode in place, with no hazard of swapping it round throughout play.
It’s a disgrace that the Razer Kitsune isn’t suitable with the PS4 console, regardless of being an formally licensed PlayStation product. As talked about above, you’ll should play your outdated PS4 video games on PS5 if you wish to play them with the Kitsune, which is a slight disgrace for these with entry to the older {hardware}.
Should I purchase the Razer Kitsune?
Buy it if…
Don’t purchase it if…
Also take into account…
If the Razer Kitsune isn’t pushing the best buttons for you, positively try the next two alternate options.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
Razer Kitsune |
8BitDo Arcade Controller |
Corsair Novablade Pro |
|
Price |
$299.99 / £299.99 |
$89.99 / £75.99 |
$249.99 / £229.99 |
|
Weight |
1.8lbs / 0.82kg |
2.42lbs / 1.1kg |
3.9lbs / 1.8kg |
|
Dimensions |
11.7 x 8.3 x 0.8in x 296 x 210 x 19mm |
11.9 x 7.9 x 0.9in / 301 x 201 x 22mm |
12.6 x 9.1 x 1.2in / 320 x 231 x 30mm |
|
Compatibility |
PS5, PC |
Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (Switch and Xbox fashions offered individually) |
PS5, PS4, PC |
|
Connection kind |
Wired (USB-C) |
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
|
Battery life |
N/A |
Around 20 hours |
Around 40 hours |
How I examined the Razer Kitsune
- Tested for one week
- Played all kinds of combating video games throughout PS5 and PC
- Compared with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller and Corsair Novablade Pro
I spent roughly one week testing the Razer Kitsune for this evaluation. In that point, I racked up a number of hours of playtime each on-line and offline throughout a number of combating video games. These included Street Fighter 6, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Tekken 8, and compilations like Capcom Fighting Collection 2.
As a leverless controller, I endeavored to check it in a number of play environments. That included at my desk with the controller each on my lap and on my desk, in addition to sitting down on a chair to play on PS5. In all situations, I discovered the Razer Kitsune’s mild weight and small profile to make for an especially comfy play expertise.
I did choose the design and efficiency of the Razer Kitsune in comparison with different controllers I’ve examined, together with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller and Corsair Novablade Pro. That largely comes all the way down to design and construct high quality, in addition to the quiet nature of the Kitsune’s buttons. That stated, I’d nonetheless wholeheartedly suggest these different leverless controllers if you happen to’re after a top quality combating recreation expertise, albeit for much less money.
First reviewed February 2026