The Razer Kiyo V2 is Razer’s latest attempt in the webcam segment and it comes with a clear statement: 4K resolution, AI-supported features and a significantly more modern design. And all this at a price that is lower than most of its direct competitors. Can the new 4K webcam take on the strong competition from the OBSBOT Tiny 3 (our test) or Insta360 Link 2 Pro (test)? Find out in our detailed test.
Technical data of the Razer Kiyo V2
| Model | Kiyo V2 |
| dimensions | 74 x 65.3 x 116 mm |
| Connection port | USB type C |
| Max. Video resolution | 4K/30 frames per second |
| HDR | Yes |
| Lens | Sony STARVIS sensor (8.3 MP) Field of view: 93 degrees |
| Software | Razer Synapse, Camo Studio |
| Compatibility | Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS 10.13 or higher |
| Microphones | Stereo microphones with AI noise cancellation |
| Mounting bracket | Clamp; 1/4-inch thread |
| price | € 144.58 * |
Razer Kiyo V2 review: Fresh design for the 4K webcam
The most striking thing about the Kiyo V2 is the design break with the past: Razer says goodbye to the iconic round single-lens look of the Kiyo series and instead opts for an elongated landscape format housing. A form factor that is already familiar from the Logitech MX Brio 4K (our test). This is a matter of taste.
I find the new shape more pragmatic, even if the old circle look had more personality. The housing is made of matt plastic and impresses with its excellent build quality. The dimensions of 116 × 74 × 65.3 mm and a weight of 255 grams are quite generous for a webcam. By comparison, the Logitech MX Brio weighs just 137 grams. Anyone mounting the camera on a laptop display should keep this in mind – the weight is hardly noticeable on a large desktop monitor.
The camera arm is permanently attached to the housing and allows both vertical tilting and a full 360-degree rotation. The rubber surface at the base of the holder holds the monitor securely in position without scratching it. A real plus point: there is also a tripod thread with a 1/4 inch standard thread on the underside so that the Kiyo V2 does not necessarily have to be perched on the monitor.
The built-in privacy shutter is one of the device’s most sophisticated functions. A simple twist of the textured ring around the lens snaps the shutter securely over the lens, protecting against unwanted camera shots. The click provides clear haptic feedback. The cable is now detachable, a clear improvement on previous Kiyo models which had a fixed cable.
The only downside is that the supplied cable is only USB-C to USB-C. If you don’t have a free USB-C port, you will need an adapter or an additional cable. Neither is included.
Features of the Razer Kiyo V2
The technical heart of the Razer Kiyo V2 is an 8.3-megapixel Sony STARVIS sensor, which enables 4K recordings at 30 FPS and 1080p at 60 FPS. The field of view is 93 degrees and the focal length corresponds to a 20 mm full-frame equivalent. HDR is also supported.
The aperture is f/2.0, a solid value for webcam conditions, which benefits the camera in low light. The autofocus works phase-based and should theoretically react quickly, more on this in the image quality section. The built-in dual stereo microphone records omnidirectionally, works with 16 bit and 48 kHz and has automatic noise suppression. The advantage of the elongated housing is that the two microphones are located at the extreme ends of the housing and therefore benefit from a greater distance between them.
In terms of connectivity: The connection is exclusively via USB-C, a 1/4-inch tripod thread is integrated and the camera supports both Razer Synapse 4 and Camo Studio – including a lifetime Camo Pro license in the scope of delivery. The latter is an important factor when comparing prices with the competition, making the Kiyo V2 much more attractive on paper.
Commissioning and software
The Kiyo V2 works as a plug-and-play device. Simply plug it in and you’re done. For the full range of functions, however, you need the right software.
The first port of call is, of course, Razer Synapse. In Synapse, the field of view can be adjusted using digital zoom (up to 4x magnification), while autofocus, exposure and white balance can be controlled manually or automatically.
Practical for streamers: various zoom presets can be saved and called up via a shortcut to quickly switch between image sections during a stream. Software-based functions such as HDR, dynamic noise reduction and low-light compensation round off the range.
But the really interesting thing comes with Camo Studio. If you want to use the Kiyo V2 seriously, you should concentrate on Camo Studio – Synapse is more of a backdrop. Camo Studio Pro, whose lifetime license is included with purchase, offers AI-supported auto-framing that keeps the user centered in the image, background blur, background replacement and branding overlays for streams.
AI face retouching, cinematic blur and spotlight effects are also available. ISO, shutter speed and white balance can be adjusted manually for advanced users. The interaction between the two programs is well thought out: the Camo Studio interface is intuitive – even beginners will quickly find their way around. There is one limitation: the software is primarily designed for Windows. macOS users should check in advance whether all functions are fully supported. And the fact that you really have to download and use two software solutions for the maximum is not an ideal solution in my opinion.
Picture and sound quality of the Razer Kiyo V2
The Kiyo V2 delivers a convincing performance in well-lit environments. White balance and automatic exposure work almost perfectly. The white balance matches skin tones very well by default: natural without appearing oversaturated. If you want to get even more out of it, you can adjust the exposure manually in Synapse to achieve an even more harmonious image.
In practice, the 93-degree field of view shows more of the room than some might like. However, this can easily be narrowed down using the digital zoom in Synapse. What I miss are convenient functions within the app that other current webcams offer. Such as the option to record screenshots and videos directly from the app or voice or gesture control.
The Kiyo V2 also does not always use the ideal settings in the automatic settings. With perfect lighting, for example, the cam selects an ISO value of 800, although ISO 100 would easily be possible. Competitors such as OBSBOT Tiny 3 or Insta360 Link 2 Pro work much more intelligently here.
In low light, the Kiyo V2 also shows its limits very clearly. In dark environments, the image can become significantly grainy. Even with full 4K output at 30 FPS. The camera also tended to slightly redden skin tones in the test. The Kiyo Pro Ultra is still ahead in terms of overall image quality, but the Kiyo V2 keeps up well for its price.
The autofocus is an ambivalent subject. It can appear choppy at times and react overzealously to small movements. Those who sit and shoot statically will hardly have any problems. If you move around a lot, you should consider switching to manual focus, which provides a more stable and predictable image.
The microphones on the other hand can surprise positively. The Kiyo V2 filters out background noise better than many competitors and keeps the voice clear and full. The microphones actually deliver more depth and clarity than other webcam microphones in the comparison. For professional streaming setups, however, a dedicated microphone remains the first choice.
Razer Kiyo V2 test: Conclusion
The Razer Kiyo V2 is a very strong 4K webcam, which is characterized above all by its software package and the relatively low entry-level price. The image quality is good, the workmanship is impressive and the combination of Razer Synapse and Camo Studio offers a number of advantages. But even in this price range, the webcam has to fend off strong competition.
While even the slimmed-down models of the current webcam generation around OBSBOT Tiny 3 Lite and Insta360 Link 2C Pro are still significantly more expensive than the Kiyo V2, it has to admit defeat to the Insta360 Link 2C or Tiny 2 Lite (i.e. the previous generation) in terms of image quality and autofocus, for example, which are ahead in terms of features, image quality and autofocus performance. With good illumination and especially in the low-light range.
What remains in the end is a good and comparatively inexpensive 4K webcam with USB-C compatibility, which is particularly interesting for those who are at home in the Razer ecosystem. With a little fine-tuning in the software, the image quality can be noticeably improved. However, the Razer Kiyo V2 doesn’t really stand out either.
PROS
- Fair price
- Good 4K image quality
- Tripod mount
- Privacy shutter
- Good microphones
CONS
- Non-removable mount
- Relatively large
- Problematic autofocus
- USB-C required
- Low-light performance could be better
Conclusion
Compelling 4K webcam at a surprisingly attractive price point that delivers solid image quality and performance. However, autofocus issues and software integration requiring two separate apps are notable drawbacks.
