While a desktop PC and its components are incredibly important for a great gaming experience, I’d argue that accessories are just as crucial. Your chair is essential for limiting strain, mice and keyboards need to be functional and stylish, and extras beyond that can make your setup even better. One extra I personally aim to always incorporate is a camera. Whether hopping on calls for work or with friends, I’ve found plenty of use for my camera over the years.
There are a lot of options in the market, and while you can easily find a webcam for dirt cheap, these models likely don’t fit your setup aesthetically and offer limited resolution/frame rates. Thankfully, many of the biggest PC accessory manufacturers have solid camera options out there. I’ve been using the Razer Kiyo Pro for a few years now, and I’ve had very few complaints. There are times when I’d find the low-light adjustments not up to par, but beyond that, I’ve appreciated the ability to tinker with the camera in Synapse to my liking.
Last Fall, Razer officially released the Kiyo V2 and Kiyo V2 X, two new camera models that refresh the Kiyo line with new features and capabilities. The company recently released new color variants, and I’ve had both of these cameras in White for the last month and extensively thrown everything I could at them: Discord chats, Teams calls, video recordings, and even interviews. Overall, I’m quite satisfied with each model: the Kiyo V2 is a very solid 4K camera, and the Kiyo V2 X feels like a really great deal for everything it offers at $99.99.
The Kiyo V2 Is A Solid 4K Camera
Right from the get-go, you’ll immediately notice how much smaller the Kiyo V2 is compared to its predecessor. The Kiyo Pro was a bulky, heavy camera that put all its internals behind the lens itself. With the Kiyo V2, while this isn’t a small camera by any means, Razer has opted to place a rectangular bar behind the lens, dropping the bulk. It feels a bit more minimal, and I like the overall design more than the Pro. Aesthetics for the win.
In the box, you’ll get a USB-C cable and the camera itself. Previously, Razer packed in a plastic privacy shutter you’d manually throw onto the Kiyo Pro, but this time, it’s built right in. The privacy shutter on the Kiyo V2 is activated by turning the outside of the lens, and it feels excellent. There’s a seriously premium feel to how the three individual pieces of the shutter click into place.
Beyond design, the key difference lies with what’s supported: while the Kiyo Pro had support for 1080p60, the Kiyo V2 makes the big jump to 4K, which is fantastic in practice. The image here is crisp, vivid, and overall extremely clear. There’s support for 1080p60 still in place as well, which is more than enough for most scenarios. Kiyo V2 is equipped with an 8.3MP Sony STARVIS sensor that makes this all possible, and you’re also getting a 93° field of view, 3.0mm focal length for a zoomed-out, “wider” look. HDR is also supported, which is a huge plus.
Unfortunately, even though the camera looks great in 4K, it sadly only supports 4K30, not 4K60. This feels a little strange when looking at the Kiyo V2 X, especially, which supports a native 1440p60 and is priced for $50 less. I’m aware that manufacturing costs, latency, bandwidth, and price point are likely the main culprits for this (it also gets pretty hot, though Kiyo Pro did too), but it is a bit of a downer that there is a difference in frame rate between the two resolutions. Still, I’ll take a 4K camera for $150 any day.
That being said, I’m very happy with the picture quality of the camera, and I found multiple instances where it was very noticeable to another party. A few weeks back, I had a series of interviews through Microsoft Teams, and I got a question about what camera I was using to call with, as “it looked fantastic.” Any average user is going to see quite a noticeable increase from any standard webcam, even at 1080p. The STARVIS sensor makes a real difference in my experience.
I do have a few gripes with the Kiyo V2, however. Occasionally, there can be a really strange auto-focus issue where the camera blurs in and out, almost trying to find a subject to focus on. This never really occurs when you’re in a well-lit environment, but I found that the camera often struggles for a bit when sitting in my office without the lamp or overhead light on. The background does actually end up coming through quite well, but the Kiyo V2 just struggles with focusing occasionally with faces. It’s not something that will make or break the experience, as I did not encounter this in every instance of low light, but it is frequent enough to be noticeable.
Additionally, the device requires you to use your PC’s USB-C port directly in order to make use of 4K capability. Razer specifically cites this as a result of the need for “high bandwidth to transmit the data.” While this is by no means a dealbreaker, you might need to mix and match some cables around. My PC, for example, has two USB-C ports on the motherboard, so I ended up moving one device over to make room for the Kiyo V2.
At $149.99, this is a premium webcam option, but it isn’t near the top of that category, with some alternative options sitting at $199.99 and beyond. The price is fair, but I think whether you pick between the Kiyo V2 or the Kiyo V2 X depends on just how much you need support for 4K. Don’t get me wrong—the image quality and clarity are noticeably better on the Kiyo V2. However, you’re getting almost all of that with the V2 X. The V2 does include a free license for Camo Studio, which has many more options than Synapse, but not everyone will need that for daily use.
Overall, I do think the Kiyo V2 is a great camera. There are a few things here and there that hold it back from being fantastic, but it’s something I can confidently recommend to those wanting to unlock 4K camera capture for their setups. If I were in the market for a 4K camera, I would absolutely give the Kiyo V2 a hard look.
The Kiyo V2 X Is A Good Value
Now, moving to the Kiyo V2 X. This camera is priced at $99.99, potentially making it more intriguing for those aiming to maximize savings. Design-wise, you’re getting the same thing as the Kiyo V2 with the thin lens centered and rectangular housing for internals. The fantastic privacy shutter that is featured on the premium model is also seen here, so great stuff there.
The Kiyo V2 X supports 1440p 60FPS, with options for 1080p 60/30/24 and 720p 60/30 as well. Image clarity, while still solid, is a noticeable downgrade from the Kiyo V2, as the V2 X utilizes a 3.7 MP Sensor instead of the V2’s 8.3MP Sony STARVIS sensor. The field of view is also smaller than that of the V2, sitting at 80 degrees. However, this is configurable with software like Synapse, so you can adjust it as you see fit. This is still a large FOV that will be a noticeable improvement over most generic webcams.
One key difference when comparing the two cameras side by side is the wired cable for the Kiyo V2 X. Unlike the V2, this cable cannot be removed, as it is part of the back housing itself. Keep that in mind if you were hoping to separate the unit from the cable for storage, moving, or whatever else. The cable itself is solid, but it is somewhat disappointing to see wired in 2026.
In use, the Kiyo V2 X performs quite well in most cases. I found the picture quality to be solid, capturing most detail in my environment and keeping focus well. This camera does struggle a bit more than the V2 in low-light environments, but it was still able to keep enough light on my face in calls. I did not encounter any moments where my face or environment seemed too dark or out of focus.
Above all else, I do appreciate the 1440p60 target here. Razer could have opted for 1440p30 (or even 1080p60) and made this model a bit pointless, but at 1440p60, it does at least carve out a place for itself compared to the 4K30 Kiyo V2. Image quality is more than enough for a noticeable level-up on streams or YouTube videos, but you may have a harder time noticing the difference at 1080p. This is in contrast to the Kiyo V2, as the image quality is noticeably better even at lower resolutions, thanks to HDR support and the sensor.
Regarding audio quality, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the microphones on either of these cameras, but they are more than enough for calls at work, interviews, or just chatting with friends. It’s not the worst microphone I’ve heard, but it isn’t particularly great. I would anticipate most users will use a USB or XLR microphone, so this shouldn’t be a make-or-break issue for many.
When it comes to the Kiyo V2 X, I see this as a model that most will likely gravitate toward unless 4K is an absolute necessity. This camera is more than capable of being a great companion for streaming, video calls, and whatever else you’d need it for.
Easy to Recommend for Most PC Users
Overall, it’s fairly easy to recommend either of these cameras. If you’re looking for something of quality that you won’t need to spend hours setting up and tinkering with, either of these is a good option. At $99.99, I feel most will gravitate to the V2 X, especially since generally not many PC users are in absolute need of 4K. The 1440p60 support is plenty, and the only real drawback beyond clarity is the wired cable.
Regarding the Kiyo V2, this camera is a very solid option if you’re in the market for a 4K camera. I appreciate the $149.99 price point, as it stands apart from much of Razer’s competition as a cheaper 4K option, but the limited 4K30 max output could be a deterrent to some. The sensor packed in does a great job of bringing out detail in any area, but do be aware that some occasional searching may be done for focusing. The addition of Camo Studio is really nice for those without camera software, and it can help lessen the blow of the asking price if you’re really wanting 4K but tempted by the V2 X.
In my eyes, the extra $50 is well worth it for the Kiyo V2, considering you get a largely superior sensor and access to Camo Studio. Software can transform your camera setup in a flash, and Camo Studio offers a lot more to users than Synapse does for these Kiyo models. Plus, the Sony STARVIS really does look great—those around you will notice the difference.
Regardless of whether you opt for the Kiyo V2 or Kiyo V2 X, you’re getting a solid camera option that is easy to use and integrates into your existing PC ecosystem seamlessly, especially if you already have Razer products. The new colorways are a great way to add some color to your setup or match the existing aesthetics. I’m looking forward to what’s next for Razer and the Kiyo line, but for now, I’m satisfied with the offerings of the Kiyo V2 & V2 X.
Disclaimer: Razer provided a Kiyo V2 and Kiyo V2 X for review purposes.
