Razer released another pair of Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds, so it falls onto me to review it and see how it compares to the 2019 model.
The Hammerhead Earbuds specs include Chroma RGB lighting, feed-forward ANC with dual environmental noise cancelling (ENC) microphones, and in-ear silicone tips have been added while maintaining Razer’s ultra-low latency gaming mode (60ms).
With that brief explanation out of the way, let’s dive into this review of the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless (2021).
Technical Specs
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
Impedance | 16 Ω |
Sensitivity | 91 db @ 1 mW / 1 kHz |
Input Power | 5 mW (maximum input) |
Drivers | 10 mm |
Connector | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Battery Life | 32.5 hours (6.5 + 26) with lights off / ANC off 27.5 hours (5.5 + 22) with lights on / ANC off 22.5 hours (4.5 + 18) with lights off / ANC on 20 hours (4 + 16) with lights on / ANC on |
Cable Length | N/A |
Weight | 53 g |
Microphone Pickup Pattern |
Omnidirectional |
Microphone Signal To Noise Ration |
64 dB |
Microphone Sensitivity | -26 dBFS |
Compatibility | Devices with Bluetooth audio capability Smartphone app available for Android and iOS |
Supported Codecs | SBC, AAC |
Sleek yet comfortable design
The 2021 Razer Hammerhead True Wireless comes in a larger case than its older predecessor. Despite that, it will still fit into your pockets, so it is not really an issue.
The earbuds themselves retain Razer’s signature RGB chroma backlight. Like the previous model, you can easily control the earbuds functions by tapping on the back of the earbud(s). However, one immediate improvement I realise is how comfortable these earbuds are.
Whereas the 2019 model only fits halfway into the ear, the 2021 variant fits snuggly into my ears. Its design is so comfortable, I can easily forget that they were even in there. They stay in the ear very well and do not fall off easily, even when I was running around or shaking my head vigorously.
Performance
One of the best new features that come with the new Razer Hammerhead True Wireless is the ANC (ambient noise cancellation) feature. This feature, which was not present in the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless X (read our review here), is something that I never realised how badly I wanted until I had 2021 True Wireless. At the 2-second press of the earbud, ANC activates and cancels ambient noise. It is really effective. I can no longer hear sounds like air-conditioners, laptop fans, ceiling fans and even the wind against me while I run. Its only issue is not being able to effectively mask the sound of rain, but other than that, it is an incredibly useful feature.
As for the sound, the clarity of the audio is there. Whether it is listening to music or enemy footsteps in PUBG, the earbuds get the job done. My only issue is not being able to tell the difference between Normal Mode and Gaming Mode, both modes deliver sounds quickly and clearly. Note that you might be able to get a better audio experience from tweaking the Hammerhead True Wireless with the Razer Audio app (further elaborated below in the review).
As Bluetooth earbuds, there is a limit to how far you can be from your device while using it. Walls or any object in between the earbuds and the device it is connected to can interfere with the connection and cause sound to be laggy or choppy. While I can be standing around 8 m away from the connected device and sound is still delivered, if I was standing in a different room with the door closed, the audio will start to get choppy.
Like the True Wireless X, the earbuds also have a lot of convenient functions. From answering or declining calls to pausing or changing tracks, everything is handled by tapping or pressing the back of the earbuds. I find this very convenient while exercising and best of all—the earbuds are pretty sweat resistant.
To review the battery performance, I realised that the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless varies pretty wildly depending on whether you have the RGB lights and/or the ANC on. For example, with both lights and ANC on, the earbuds last about 4 hours by themselves. With both features off, the battery lasts 6.5 hours, an increase of over 50%. Note that the charging case provides about 4 full charges before needing to be charged itself.
Razer Audio App
Like what I noted in my Hammerhead True Wireless X review, the Razer Audio app lets you play around with all the earbuds’ settings. It turns an already good pair of earbuds even better thanks to all the customisation options it offers.
Want more bass or treble? Adjust it in the app. Want to turn on ANC with a tap instead of a 2-second press? The app has you covered. Want to change the colour of the RGB lighting? You can, too!
Note that for changing the RGB colour, you will be prompted to download the Razer Chroma RGB app which lets you change just that. Both apps are free on the Play Store and App Store.
Closing Thoughts
The 2019 Razer Hammerhead True Wireless was solid, but the 2021 model is better in basically every single way, except for one thing—price.
Understandably, it is more expensive at $129.99 USD / RM629. Regardless, the comfort it provides and its ANC feature really feels like a worthwhile upgrade. The battery life is great and you will be hard-pressed to find earbuds more comfortable than this.
For more information on the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless, visit its page on Razer’s website.