gaming headphones

2023-07-15 18:01:03

After several iterations, Razer expands its line of wireless gaming headphones with the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed. This new reference, capable of operating in Bluetooth and via a USB C dongle, is notably equipped with a new box with wireless charging.

Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed headphones are aimed at gamers looking for a compact, low-profile, and cross-platform solution. These headphones true wireless are logically compatible with Bluetooth 5.3 and also have a dongle USB-C for minimal latency on all platforms.

Equipped with RGB lighting, action buttons and active noise reduction, these new in-ear headphones come with a case now equipped with wireless charging. The noise reduction is also adjustable, to adapt to all environments and needs.

More and more players are turning to headphones and this model available at a price of 230 euros could well cover all needs thanks to its dual connectivity, which covers mobile use and gaming in excellent conditions.

Technical sheet

This test was performed with headphones loaned by Razer.

Relatively classic in-ear headphones

Like many other benchmarks on the market, the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed headphones come with a charging box that doubles as a carrying case. The set is constructed entirely of black plastic, with a rough coating for the case and a glossy black for the headphones.

Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

Quite logically, headphones are real magnets for fingerprints and dust. Their imposing size, combined with the relative lightness of the whole, gives a somewhat “toy” appearance to the kit, especially if compared to traditional Apple AirPods. However, the quality of manufacture seems to be there and the magnetic closure of the case always has its little “satisfactory” effect.

The case’s battery can be charged using the traditional USB C port, but it also has Qi wireless charging. The earphones are recharged as soon as they are installed in the box. Finally, an indicator LED logically takes place at the front, to indicate the charge level of the case.

Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

The headphones adopt a relatively classic format, although a little imposing. The stem, which integrates the battery and the microphone, facilitates their installation in the hollow of the ear while accommodating the discreet power connectors used by the case.

We are here faced with “hybrid” in-ear headphones since they retain the shape of classic headphones to ensure a better fit. Three sets of silicone tips are provided in the box to adapt to the morphology of each. Once the right size has been chosen, they fit perfectly in the ear and are generally comfortable, without creating too much pressure within the ear canal.

Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

A gaming product requires, the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed are equipped with a customizable RGB logo whose usefulness is still questionable. Razer has also not seen fit to use this lighting to indicate the availability of the user as is the case on certain headsets dedicated to audio conferencing.

Complete functionalities thanks to a dedicated application

Despite the presence of a dongle USB C in the box, it is indeed towards the mobile that it will be necessary to turn to configure and personalize the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed headphones. The Razer Audio mobile app offers a clear and intuitive interface while allowing you to check the correct fit of headphones and ear tips.

The latter remains however limited in its functionalities with a simplistic management of the active noise reduction, a customization of the lighting effects as well as the presence of a ten-band equalizer. Note also the presence of a “Do not disturb” mode, to block Bluetooth calls when the 2.4 GHz link is used. Finally, we appreciate the possibility of activating a low latency Bluetooth link, to reduce the very significant sound image lag with this connection.

Finally, the mobile application has an essential functionality: the customization of the touch button present on each earphone. Beyond the choice of functionalities, this page above all allows you to have a reminder at hand, as the list of actions is long, complex to remember and it is not uncommon to trigger them involuntarily.

There are a total of six different actions in classic use and another six in appeal. The headphones are able to pick up single pressure, double (and triple) pressure and mixtures associated with long pressure. Interestingly, the functions of each earphone can be changed independently, allowing you to skip to the previous song with the left earphone and to the next with the right earphone.

Finally, we will appreciate the automatic stopping and resuming of playback when the headphones are removed or replaced, regardless of the connection used.

Decent battery life and dual connectivity

The autonomy of headphones depends on too many factors to be able to give an absolute value. Indeed, the type of connection used, the activation or not of noise reduction and RGB lighting are all factors that will have a significant impact on autonomy.

Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

In the classic case, in Bluetooth, without RGB lighting, with active noise reduction and at an average volume, the autonomy per earphone is of the order of four hours. A very correct value, even if they are not the best students on the market today. The box will allow him to obtain fifteen additional hours.

Under the same conditions, the 2.4 GHz connection has a greater impact on battery life and it will then be necessary to count on a lifespan of the order of three hours. Deactivating active noise reduction can, in both cases, extend battery life by about an hour. This is one of the main faults of these headphones, which we

Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

Razer’s Hyperspeed technology can be used here using a dongle USB which is reminiscent of that of the ROG Strix Go 2.4. This addition makes the headphones virtually compatible with all platforms, whether PC or console.

The use of Bluetooth is logically not recommended in-game, although the “Low latency” mode makes it possible to limit the latter in an interesting way on mobile. It is logically towards the 2.4 GHz link that you will have to turn to take full advantage of the games, without delay. This is convincing, since there is no latency, while offering a very correct range allowing you to move around without difficulty in a dwelling of approximately 60 m2 without losing the connection.

Good audio performance, coupled with active noise reduction

On a purely audio level, the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed headphones deliver a convincing performance. The sound is detailed, relatively balanced and will help to fully enjoy the vast majority of content. The bass is present, even if the format of the headphones does not allow them to express themselves as precisely as expected.

More generally, it is a slight feeling of tightness that is felt when listening, both when listening to music and when gaming. The headphones do not manage to offer a soundstage as wide as headphones and that is completely normal. We nevertheless benefit from good stereophony, which is always important for localizing sounds in games.

Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

The active noise reduction is frankly not the best on the market, but nevertheless ensures that a good part of the ambient sounds are reduced. Compared to the one that equips the Sony headphones that we usually use, certain sounds are not covered as well and Razer still has a little work to do to bring itself up to the competition.

It also tends to generate white noise in low-noise environments, even at a low setting. On the other hand, the transparency mode is effective, even if we would like to be able to activate it automatically or at least more quickly. In short, the ANC is a welcome addition, but still room for improvement.

Finally, let’s not forget that these headphones include microphones, which can be used both in 2.4 GHz and in Bluetooth. In this second case, they will only be good for making phone calls as the quality of capture is average. It’s a little better when connected to a computer, but it’s still far from what gaming headsets can offer, especially in terms of capturing ambient noise.

????️ Capture via 2.4 GHz link