Razer's New Ifrit Headset Won't Mess Up Your Hair

(Image credit: Razer)

Gaming headsets aren't exactly haute couture. It's not hard to guess why--a device tasked with providing good sound quality, a decent microphone and enough noise reduction to muffle the outside world probably isn't going to be as small as earbuds. However, Razer's new Ifrit headset is supposed to offer a compromise to streamers who are sick of bulkier headsets.

Ifrit was designed to all-but-disappear when it's worn. It features over-the-ear earbuds connected by a slim band that goes across the back of your head. The headset's bulkier than most over-the-ear earbuds, not least because it also features an adjustable condenser mic, but because it's much less ostentatious than most gaming headsets. Razer was very clear in its marketing about what this means for streamers: "no headset hair."

Just watch this video with pro wrestler Kenny Omega to see Razer's commitment to the "no headset hair" pitch for yourself:

Ifrit ships with the Razer USB Audio Enhancer, which can also be purchased separately, to help improve the sound quality of those itty-bitty earbuds. The company said this digital-to-analog converter "takes audio quality up a notch while reducing static and background noise" and enables co-streaming by letting you plug in an additional headset. That should make it easier to stream an interview, for example, or a podcast.

Razer is the latest gaming company to appeal directly to streamers. Corsair bought Elgato, which makes capture cards and other streaming-related products, in June. Logitech followed that up in July when it acquired Blue Microphones, whose Yeti mic is said to be the most popular among streamers. Now we have Razer bucking the trend of bigger is better with gaming headsets by releasing something as small as Ifrit.

There's no doubt that streaming has changed the way people interact with games (and, if the number of people using Twitch emotes like "PogChamp" and "Jebaited" outside the platform are any indication, the way they communicate). Now it's clear that streamers have become a big enough market that Razer, Corsair and Logitech feel the need to appeal directly to them instead of expecting them to buy the same ol' products.

Ifrit is available now from Razer's online store for $100. The USB Audio Enhancer is also available online and costs $20.

Nathaniel Mott
Freelance News & Features Writer

Nathaniel Mott is a freelance news and features writer for Tom's Hardware US, covering breaking news, security, and the silliest aspects of the tech industry.

  • rabbit4me1
    Gezzz.. they should of opted for a true 80's hair band member. Hopefully this guys pic doesn't do a Nike for them.
    Reply
  • theyeti87
    21339433 said:
    Gezzz.. they should of opted for a true 80's hair band member. Hopefully this guys pic doesn't do a Nike for them.

    Nike's stock value today is higher than it ever has been. It took about 2 weeks for them to recover from the NFL thing.
    Reply
  • AnimeMania
    21339511 said:
    21339433 said:
    Gezzz.. they should of opted for a true 80's hair band member. Hopefully this guys pic doesn't do a Nike for them.

    Nike's stock value today is higher than it ever has been. It took about 2 weeks for them to recover from the NFL thing.

    Probably from all those people having to buy a pair of Nike shoes, so they could burn them.
    Reply
  • anghellic
    revolutionary idea razer I have never seen a headset quite like that .......
    Reply
  • alextheblue
    21339511 said:
    21339433 said:
    Gezzz.. they should of opted for a true 80's hair band member. Hopefully this guys pic doesn't do a Nike for them.
    Nike's stock value today is higher than it ever has been. It took about 2 weeks for them to recover from the NFL thing.
    Stock price != brand value. I know a lot of people that have been frustrated with companies feeling the need to inject politics (in general) in their marketing. Let alone intentionally using a highly divisive football player who does his best work on his knees. "Give up everything you suck at... to make tons of cash playing a fake martyr. JUST DO EEET."

    Now with that being said this is Nike, so they'll still remain popular. It's not like an unpopular brand trying to stay relevant. So while I don't think this will BENEFIT them long-term, I don't think it's going to hurt them much either.
    Reply
  • NamelessBryan
    This is a call center USB headset for $120. Change my mind.
    Reply
  • alan_rave
    Razer cant sell a "call center headset", thats why its a "streamer headset".
    Reply
  • audie-tron25
    So they're selling IEM's? Wow, what a revolutionary idea...
    Reply