Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing

Razer’s $79 Kiyo X webcam uses ring light software to replace its built-in light

By

Razer is adding to its webcam lineup with a second Kyo model. Like the original $99 Kiyo, the new Kiyo X supports 1080p video calls, but comes in at a more affordable price of $79.

In fact, both webcams boast similar features — 1080p streams at 30 frames per second (fps) or ultra-smooth 60 fps at 720p, a clip mount mechanism for easy attachments to monitors, and a compact, all-black design — with the main difference being that the newer model scraps the dedicated ring light to help keep costs down.

Razer's new Kiyo X uses a virtual ring light to illuminate your face.

Still, if you’re concerned about your appearance on videoconferencing calls or game streams, Razer states that the Kiyo X comes with software to transform your monitor into a virtual lighting source, which can help compensate for the lack of dedicated ring light hardware.

Recommended Videos

“Razer Kiyo X comes with the … Razer Virtual Ring Light software, a customizable lighting app that utilizes the PC monitor as a source of illumination for optimized lighting during video calls and streams,” the company stated. The Kiyo X also makes use of adjustable settings inside the Razer Synapse app, and it comes with the same autofocus mechanism as the original Kiyo.

Related

And for creators who need a much more advanced camera — like a mirrorless or DSLR camera — Razer also debuted its new Ripsaw X video capture card, which can capture feeds at up to 4K resolution using your dedicated hardware. The company claims that the Ripshaw X does this all with near-zero latency and maximum detail, and all that’s required is a camera with HDMI output. With a plug-and-play connection to your PC, it will work with many desktops and laptops without requiring you to open up your tower. Ripsaw X is said to be compatible with many popular video streaming programs and applications.

Both the Kiyo X and Ripsaw X will be available for purchase starting today, September 30. Razer is selling the Ripsaw X for $139 on its website. If you’re interested in the Razer Virtual Ring Light software for the Kiyo X, you’ll have to wait until next month for it to become available. And if you’re in the market for a new webcam, be sure to check out our picks for the top webcams and the most popular 4K webcams on the market today.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Chuong Nguyen
Chuong Nguyen
Computing Writer
Silicon Valley-based technology reporter and Giants baseball fan who splits his time between Northern California and Southern…
Trying to buy a GPU in 2023 almost makes me miss the shortage
Two AMD Radeon RX 7000 graphics cards on a pink surface.

The days of the GPU shortage are long over, but somehow, buying a GPU is harder than ever -- and that sentiment has very little to do with stock levels. It's just that there are no obvious candidates when shopping anymore.

In a generation where no single GPU stands out as the single best graphics card, it's hard to jump on board with the latest from AMD and Nvidia. I don't want to see another GPU shortage, but the state of the graphics card market is far from where it should be.
This generation is all over the place

Read more
HP printers are heavily discounted in Best Buy’s flash sale
The HP - OfficeJet Pro 8034e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer on a desk with a smartphone.

There’s good news in store if you’re looking to land a new printer at a discount this weekend. Best Buy is having a 48-hour flash sale on HP printers, with several that can compete with the best printers seeing some good prices. HP is almost always one of the best laptop brands, and it’s one of the same when it comes to printers. So if you’re looking for a new home or office printer, read onward on how to save on an HP printer at Best Buy.
HP DeskJet 2755e — $60, was $85

The HP DeskJet 2755e is a good entry-level printer. It’s got you covered if your printing needs are pretty basic, or if you don’t need to print in mass. This is a color InkJet printer, which makes it good for almost all uses. It can also make copies and scan in color, and it has mobile and wireless printing functionality. You can get set up quickly and easily with the HP Smart app that guides you through the setup process, and you can also use this app to print, scan and copy documents from your phone.

Read more
This tiny ThinkPad can’t quite keep up with the MacBook Air M2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 rear view showing lid and logo.

While the laptop industry continues to move toward 14-inch laptops and larger, the 13-inch laptop remains an important category. One of the best is the Apple MacBook Air M2, with an extremely thin and well-built chassis, great performance, and incredibly long battery life.

Lenovo has recently introduced the third generation of its ThinkPad X1 Nano, one of the lightest laptops we've tested and a good performer as well. It's stiff competition, but which of these two diminutive laptops stands apart?
Specs and configurations

Read more