Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed Review: A Gamer Needs It!
The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed is a set of gaming earbuds that offers a plethora of attractive features. While the $200 price tag may seem steep to some, the earbuds provide a range of unique functionalities that make them stand out among their competitors.
When comparing the Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed to other flagship earbuds like Apple AirPods Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds, it is evident that they are in the same price range. Therefore, one would naturally expect exceptional features for the price paid. Fortunately, the Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed delivers on these expectations.
First and foremost, these earbuds boast superior active noise canceling technology, allowing users to immerse themselves in their games or music without being distracted by external sounds. Additionally, they support wireless fast charging, ensuring convenience and ease of use.
What truly sets the Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed apart from the competition are the included 2.4 GHz dongle and USB-C compatibility. The dongle can be plugged into any device with a USB-C connection, granting the earbuds a significant advantage over traditional Bluetooth connectivity. This eliminates latency issues, providing a seamless and lag-free audio experience, especially during gaming sessions.
Furthermore, the adapter permits simultaneous connection to two devices, offering the flexibility to toggle between them effortlessly. This functionality is particularly useful for individuals who frequently switch between multiple devices, such as a gaming console and a smartphone.
| SPECS | Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| IMPEDANCE | 16 Ω |
| SENSITIVITY | 95 db |
| INPUT POWER | 5 mW (max input) |
| DRIVERS | 10 mm |
| CONNECTOR | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless via USB-C dongle |
| WEIGHT | 6 g – per Earbud |
| 46 g – Charging Case | |
| NOISE CANCELLING | App adjustable hybrid ANC |
| MICROPHONE | Advanced ENC beamforming |
| MICROPHONE SENSITIVITY (@1KHZ) | -26 dBFS |
| BLUETOOTH | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| SUPPORTED CODECS | SBC, AAC |
| LIGHTING OFF / ANC OFF | 6.5 hours on earbuds + 24 hours from case |
| LIGHTING ON / ANC OFF | 5.5 hours on earbuds + 20 hours from case |
| LIGHTING ON / ANC ON | 3 hours on earbuds + 11 hours from case |
| CHARGING | USB-C, Wireless charging case |
| IPX RATING | IPX4 |
Unboxing
The packaging of the Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed not only serves as a means of protection and presentation but also embodies the brand’s dedication to catering to the gaming community.
From the eye-catching black and green color scheme to the inclusion of essential accessories, every aspect of the packaging is thoughtfully designed to cater to gamers and their specific needs. The RGB lighting, diverse ear tip options, charging case, and USB-C RF dongle all contribute to creating a complete and immersive gaming audio solution.
Design
The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed features a design that may appear familiar, as it draws inspiration from Apple’s AirPods. However, it introduces ovoid-shaped nozzles for the earbuds, which provide a better chance of comfortably fitting various ear shapes compared to traditional cylinder-shaped ones. This design choice has been well-received by users.
The stem of the earbuds serves a dual purpose, housing the battery and the microphone. This design facilitates easy installation in the ear while accommodating discreet power connectors used by the charging case. It ensures a streamlined and ergonomic fit.
The Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed can be considered “hybrid” in-ear headphones, as they retain the shape of classic headphones while providing a better fit. The package includes three sets of silicone tips, allowing users to choose the right size for their ears. Once the appropriate size is selected, the earbuds fit securely and comfortably in the ear.
It is worth noting that the headphones may attract fingerprints and dust due to their design. The relatively light weight and imposing size of the kit can give it a somewhat “toy” appearance, especially when compared to the sleek aesthetics of traditional Apple AirPods. Nevertheless, the overall manufacturing quality seems to be satisfactory, and the magnetic closure of the case adds a satisfying touch.
The headphones feature a customizable RGB logo, although its practicality may be questionable. Unlike certain headsets dedicated to audio conferencing that utilize lighting indicators to show user availability, Razer has not implemented this feature on the Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed.
The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed comes with a charging case that also serves as a carrying case. The entire set is constructed from black plastic, with a rough coating for the case and glossy black for the headphones, adding a touch of style.
The case’s battery can be conveniently charged via the traditional USB-C port, and it also supports Qi wireless charging. As soon as the earphones are placed in the case, they begin recharging. An LED indicator located at the front of the case displays the charge level, providing users with a clear indication of the remaining battery life.
Connection
The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed stands out from its competitors with its unique selling point: the ability to connect to devices through a USB-C port. While the earbuds typically use Bluetooth and support SBC or AAC codecs for connection to most sources, the inclusion of a USB-C dongle introduces a 2.4GHz RF connection that significantly reduces latency compared to Bluetooth.
For the average music listener, latency might not be a noticeable concern. However, for gamers, even the smallest fractions of a second can make a significant difference in gameplay. In genres like deathmatch or first-person shooter (FPS) games, where split-second reactions are crucial, minimizing audio delay becomes paramount. By using the USB-C dongle, the Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed allows for lower latency wireless listening, providing gamers with a competitive advantage.
This feature distinguishes the earbuds as an ideal choice for gamers seeking a competitive edge, ensuring that they can react swiftly to in-game events and maintain their competitive prowess.
Razer Audio App
The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed offers a convenient and feature-rich mobile app called Razer Audio. This app not only provides a clear and intuitive interface but also allows users to check the correct fit of the headphones and ear tips.
The app is essential for maximizing the features that make the Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed stand out. For example, it enables users to control the lighting effects, run an automatic fit test to ensure optimal comfort and audio quality, and adjust the level of active noise canceling (ANC). Additionally, the app allows simultaneous connection to the phone and the USB-C dongle, expanding the versatility of the earbuds.
One notable feature of the app is the “Do Not Disturb” mode, which blocks Bluetooth calls when the 2.4 GHz link is in use. This ensures uninterrupted gaming or immersive audio experiences without any disruptions. Furthermore, the app offers the option to activate a low-latency Bluetooth connection, minimizing sound image lag that can be noticeable with standard Bluetooth connections.
The mobile application also provides essential functionality for customizing the touch button present on each earphone. With a variety of actions available, including single and double presses, long presses, and combinations, users can tailor the earbuds’ controls to their preferences. It’s worth noting that the functions of each earphone can be customized independently, allowing for personalized control configurations.
Another convenient feature of the app is the automatic stopping and resuming of playback when the headphones are removed or replaced, regardless of the connection type being used. This ensures a seamless and hassle-free audio experience, whether transitioning between listening sessions or taking breaks.
Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed: Sound and microphone quality
The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed headphones offer a convincing performance, delivering detailed and relatively balanced sound that enhances the enjoyment of various types of content. While the bass is present, it may not be as precise as some might expect due to the limitations of the headphone format.
When listening to music or gaming, there is a slight sense of tightness in the soundstage. This is to be expected, as headphones typically cannot replicate the wide soundstage of larger over-ear headphones. However, the Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed still provides good stereophonic sound, allowing for effective sound localization in games.
The active noise reduction (ANC) feature, while not the best on the market, does reduce a significant portion of ambient sounds. However, when compared to competing brands such as Sony, some sounds may not be as effectively covered, indicating that Razer still has room for improvement in this area. Additionally, in low-noise environments, the ANC may generate some white noise even at a low setting. On the positive side, the transparency mode is effective, although it would be desirable to have automatic or quicker activation options. Overall, the ANC feature is a welcome addition, but further refinements are needed.
The headphones also include microphones, which can be utilized in both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth modes. When connected via Bluetooth, the microphones are primarily suitable for phone calls, as the capture quality is average. The performance improves slightly when connected to a computer, but it still falls short compared to dedicated gaming headsets, particularly in capturing ambient noise.
The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed headphones offer a convincing sound performance that allows for an immersive audio experience. While there are minor limitations in areas such as bass precision and ANC effectiveness, these headphones deliver enjoyable sound quality for a variety of content. The inclusion of microphones provides added convenience for calls, but they may not meet the standards of dedicated gaming headsets.
Battery life
The battery life of the Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed headphones can vary significantly depending on several factors. The type of connection used, whether active noise reduction is activated, the presence of RGB lighting, and the volume level all impact the overall battery performance.
In typical usage with Bluetooth connection, no RGB lighting, active noise reduction enabled, and average volume, each earphone will provide approximately four hours of battery life. The charging case can extend the total usage time by providing an additional fifteen hours of charge.
When using the 2.4 GHz link, which has a lower latency but higher power consumption, the battery life is reduced compared to Bluetooth. In similar usage conditions as mentioned above, users can expect around three hours of battery life per earphone.
Deactivating the active noise reduction feature can slightly extend the battery life by approximately an hour in both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz modes.
Overall, it should be noted that the battery life of the Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed is on the lower end compared to other true wireless earbuds on the market. This can be considered one of the main drawbacks of these headphones, particularly for users who require longer uninterrupted listening or gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed: Conclusion
The Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed offers a range of features and capabilities that make it an appealing choice for gamers and audio enthusiasts alike. The headphones excel in providing a convincing sound performance, delivering detailed and balanced audio that enhances the overall listening experience.
The inclusion of a USB-C RF dongle enables low-latency wireless listening, offering a significant advantage for gamers who rely on precise audio feedback. The dual connectivity capability further adds to the versatility of these headphones, allowing them to replace both traditional headphones and dedicated gaming headsets.
While the battery life may be on the lower end compared to some other options, the Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed compensates with its advanced features and customization options. The mobile application provides additional control and convenience, allowing users to adjust settings, customize touch controls, and even run an automatic fit test.
It’s important to note that the active noise reduction, while present, may not match the performance of some competitors. However, the overall sound quality and versatility of these headphones make them a compelling choice for those seeking a multi-purpose audio solution.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in the Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed will depend on individual preferences and priorities. If you prioritize low-latency gaming, detailed sound quality, and the ability to replace both regular headphones and gaming headsets, then the Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed is worth considering. Despite a few limitations, these headphones offer an attractive package for gamers and audio enthusiasts who value versatility and immersive audio experiences.
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