Razer is no stranger to online game streaming which is why the announcement of their new entry-level screen capture cared is not too surprising. That card dubbed Ripsaw HD goes on sale today for $159 comparing directly with the Elgato HD60 S card but ten dollars cheaper.
While direct recording and broadcasting at 60 frames per second (FPS) at full HD are welcomed, it's the addition of 4K 60 FPS passthrough that is really exciting. That makes Ripsaw perfect for high-end PCs or the Xbox One X, which have more sophisticated screen capabilities.
Additional features include a simple design, USB 3.0 connection (Type-C), and microphone and headset jacks for audio. Those audio bits allow for native audio mixing for the player's game and microphone with no latency or syncing delays.
For setups, users can go simple with the easy plug-n-play design or go all-out with a dual-PC configuration with a dedicated box for gaming and a secondary for streaming with the Ripsaw in between.
Razer Ripsaw HD screen capture card
Full HD streaming, 4K passthrough
Razer's entry-level Ripsaw capture card packs all the features we want in streaming hardware in 2019 at a price that will make its opponents envious. With a sleek design and easy setup no matter your hardware Ripsaw should tear through the competition.
Razer Ripsaw HD specifications and features
- Max capture resolution: Uncompressed 1080p 60 FPS.
- Interface: USB 3.0 only.
- Video Input: Digital – HDMI 2.0.
- Audio Input: Digital – HDMI.
- Audio Mix-in Input: 3.5 mm Mic-in / 3.5 mm Aux-in.
- Video Output: HDMI 2.0.
- Maximum Supported Pass-Through Resolutions: 2160p60.
- Other Supported Resolutions: 2160p, 1080p, 1440p, 720p, 480p.
- Includes: USB3.0 Type C to Type A cable, HDMI 2.0 Cable, 3.5 mm Audio Cable.
- $159.99 USD / 169.99€ MSRP.
- Razer.com – April 8th, 2019.
- Worldwide - Early Q2, 2019.
Ripsaw HD works with Open Broadcaster Software, Mixer, Streamlabs, XSplit, Twitch & YouTube and lets users stream from any hardware including PC, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Razer Phone and more.
The look and feel with the Ripsaw HD places nicely within Razer's other entry-level streaming accessories like the Razer Seiren X microphone and Kiyo webcam.
Our short time with the Razer Ripsaw HD leaves us impressed (even if there's no Chroma lighting). The small, boxy design and simple setup for any of our systems makes us happy and that ever-so-slightly cheaper price tag compared to Elgato's offering is good for all consumers.
Look for the Ripsaw HD to hit Razer.com, Gamestop, and more retailers starting today with global sales beginning in the coming weeks.
Razer Ripsaw HD screen capture card
Full HD streaming, 4K passthrough
Razer's entry-level Ripsaw HD capture card packs all the features we want in streaming hardware in 2019 at a price that will make its opponents envious. With a sleek design and easy setup no matter your hardware Ripsaw HD should tear through the competition.
Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.
