Razer doesn't hide the fact that they constantly look at Apple for reference, while building its own identity in the highly competitive lifestyle gaming market, where the biggest challenge is to convince users accustomed to having the latest technology and features for the lowest possible price, to embrace the notion of "premium" products. And Razer has been successful doing that, creating brand-loyalty even in extremely difficult categories such as laptops or gaming smartphones. Now, Razer raises the brand's flag even higher into the crowded true wireless space.
As with its previous Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds, the new Pro model features convenient touch controls and voice assistance compatibility, a customized low latency Bluetooth connection and extended battery life with the recharging case. A comfortable, secure fit with enhanced noise isolation is guaranteed by a familiar in-ear design and the inclusion of premium memory foam Comply ear tips. And the Hammerhead True Wireless Pro earbuds are also IPX4 rated for sweat and splash protection.
"The Hammerhead True Wireless Pro earbuds are a superior mobile accessory for everyday users and mobile gamers who demand quality audio and customizable fit," says John Moore, Head of Sales & Marketing, Growth Peripherals at Razer. "Users will enjoy incredible fit, premium audio, and undisturbed low latency sound for movies, music, games, as well as voice and video calls – all in a tiny package that fits in your pocket."
But the key differentiating feature for the Hammerhead True Wireless Pro design is its advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancellation circuit, which is intended to offer the ultimate effectiveness using with 4 dedicated ANC mics (2 external feedforward + 2 internal feedback). This hybrid ANC design intends to nullify unwanted noises, combined with an enhanced passive noise isolation solution to deliver the intended sound in crystal clear fashion.
As Razer explains, the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro makes use of the same, highly effective hybrid ANC implementation already seen in the Razer Opus headset. With microphones externally and internally facing, the earbuds are able to nullify most ambient noises from human speech to frequencies found in urban environments. And the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro leverages this usually more expensive technology at $199.99 USD versus competing products at $250 USD and above.
And the other feature for this TWS design is obviously the sound quality. Razer worked with the THX engineering team on most of its audio products, since it acquired the company in 2016. For example, with gaming headsets such as the new Razer BlackShark V2, THX Spatial Audio provides positional accuracy for 7.1 channels and beyond. Products that specialize in producing high fidelity sound such as the Razer Nommo Pro speakers, Opus headset, and now the Hammerhead True Wireless Pro earbuds are all put through the THX Certification process, a globally recognized assurance program of quality, consistency, and performance.
The certification program gives special attention to frequency response, low distortion, and exceptional noise isolation. As Razer highlights, THX operate as a separate individual entity and there’s no special treatment for Razer when it comes to receiving certification. "In fact, the development of Razer’s THX Certified products required many costly revisions in order to meet THX specifications and pass their multitude of tests," Razer notes. But having access to best practices such as required by the THX Headphone Certification program, means that Razer designs are able to provide a reference headphone listening experience.
The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro uses 10mm dynamic drivers - as large as they are able to fit in the design. This ensures an expanded frequency response to 20kHz, will ample merging for careful response tuning, given that gamers will value clear dialog and impactful bass, things that aren't always easy to reconcile when using a single driver design. "The Hammerhead True Wireless Pro earbuds join the Razer Opus headphones in achieving the gold seal of THX Certification," says Peter Vasay, head of THX Certification, THX Ltd. "We evaluate and optimize the headphones to ensure a high-quality sound experience delivering a rich, balanced soundstage, clear vocals and deep impactful bass perfect for music, games, and movies."
The THX Certification process also demands great sound isolation and Razer addressed that aspect with customized levels of comfort and acoustic options provided by Comply black premium foam ear tips or from one of the six sets of silicone tips included in various sizes and materials.
But users also have ways to customize its sound for different applications through the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless mobile app, available on both iOS and Android. The app allows users to quickly toggle between various equalizer presets or create their own custom EQ, remap touch gestures, perform earbud fit tests, and much more. EQ Profiles include a THX mode by default, as well as presets for "Amplified" (increase loudness), Vocal, Enhanced Bass, and Enhanced Clarity modes. With the touch-activate Gaming Mode enabled, the customized Bluetooth 5.1 connection reduces latency to just 60ms during gameplay, so users can achieve 50%+ quicker reaction time by providing audio and video that is more in sync.
The touch-enabled controls on the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro allow users to toggle between ANC and Quick Attention Mode, control their music and calls, and activate their smartphone’s voice assistant with a few easy taps.
And the Hammerhead True Wireless Pro earbuds achieve up to 20 hours of total battery life, with 4 hours per charge on the earbuds and up to 4x recharges from the included USB-C charging case. To carry the new wireless earbuds in style, an optional protective Razer THS durable TPU carrying case with carabiner clip is also available from Razer.
The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro sells for $199.99 USD, while the optional Hammerhead True Wireless Pro THS Carrying Case sells for $29.99. A very strong contender in this space.
www.razer.com
