Just because audiences who watch gaming streams mostly focus on the gameplay, it doesn't mean the player has any excuse to slouch and not look presentable. Razer's new webcam takes care of that.
The company has launched two new products aimed directly at streamers on Friday, Oct, 20: A portable microphone called the Razer Seiren X, and the Razer Kiyo webcam that has its own ring light. The new accessories act as Razer's latest attempt to appeal to players on the prowl for new streaming gear. Instead of going to Logitech, where players almost always buy their gear from, they can get it from Razer instead.
Razer Kiyo Webcam
The adjustable ring light on the Kiyo webcam is fitted with 12 white LEDs, which offer 12 levels of brightness control. The camera itself features a 4-megapixel sensor capable of recording 1080p video at 30 fps, or 720p at a smoother 60 fps. It's also compatible with popular livestreaming programs such as XSplit and Open Broadcaster Software. All that for $99.99.
The Kiyo webcam sounds appealing enough on paper, but the most popular streamers probably have sophisticated lighting setups already and might not need an additional ring light. Also, Razer doesn't really have a strong enough reputation for its camera gear — just look at the original Razer Seiren Elite, which, as The Verge notes, didn't exactly have the best quality.
Razer Seiren X
Razer's new microphone, on the other hand, is USB-connected and mechanically fastened to avoid unwanted audio vibrations. It comes with a removable desk stand and features zero latency to prevent audio lag. Like the Kiyo webcam, the Seiren X costs $99.99.
Made For Streamers
Both of Razer's new products are clearly tailor-made for streamers, and the company admits as much, saying it sought some of the top YouTube and Twitch streamers for input and offered them the chance to test early prototypes. Notably, both devices look extremely portable, which is perfect for gamers who intend to game on the go whenever they please and want to have a complete streaming gear on hand.
If not used for streaming, the Kiyo could also be a decent all-around webcam for videoconferencing, and that ring light is a nice bonus.
Both the Seiren X and Kiyo are now available for purchase on Razer's online store and will hit shelves globally at the end of 2017. Thoughts about either of them? Do you think they could act as decent entry-level streaming equipment for novices and other players just beginning to kickstart their streaming channel? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
