Review of Razer Aether Standing Light Bars: Falling Short of Expectations

When I got my first glimpse of the Razer Gamer Room, I was seriously impressed with how smoothly Razer had ventured into the smart home space.

Razer’s initial series of Aether smart lights provided a fantastic user experience through their own software, while also meshing perfectly with the smart home ecosystems people are already familiar with.

They deliver quality lighting, endless customization options, and straightforward setups, making them an easy recommendation for anyone. Now, a new addition has arrived that largely maintains this commendable path.

Enter the Razer Aether Standing Light Bars. They are just as captivating as their counterparts when it comes to adding vibrant lighting to your home. But, like many of Razer’s Gamer Room products, they feel a tad on the pricey side.

That sticker shock becomes more noticeable when you consider that, among the lineup, these bars actually feel like the least expensive component by a considerable margin. And this is before you even question if you’ve got the available power outlets or ports for everything the Gamer Room offers.

As an expert reviewer, my role is to dive into a wide range of devices—from laptops and desktops to handhelds and monitors—and not just stop there. It extends into scrutinizing peripherals, accessories, and even smart lights for aspects like quality, value, ease of use, and unique features.

This particular review was made possible through a review sample from Razer, and while they provided the device, they had no influence over the review’s content.

Let’s delve into the pricing and specifications of these Standing Light Bars. You’re looking at a price tag of $99.99 for a pair that are connected by a singular cable.

Within the extensive Razer Gamer Room family, these are the sixth product (seventh if you count the extender). They support Razer Chroma RGB lighting and integrate seamlessly with platforms like Google Home and Alexa.

Sold exclusively in black, these light bars are powered by a 3-meter USB Type-C cable. They carry a 25,000-hour LED life rating, showcasing their durability. However, the lack of a white version is a minor setback for those who prefer options.

Setup is incredibly straightforward. Simply plug them in and sync them with the Razer Gamer Room mobile app, or the Razer Synapse PC app, and you’re good to go.

The good news continues with how these lights allow for individual customization despite being connected as a pair. The design is sleek, and the RGB lighting is consistent and vibrant.

Even as Razer’s Chroma engine evolves, these light bars are set to improve further, potentially offering more intricate features, solidifying their place in your setup.

Setting them up is child’s play, as Razer’s Gamer Room ecosystem makes the process seamless. Just plug them in, fire up the mobile app, and they’re all set. The same ease carried over from the rest of the Gamer Room, which I found pleasantly surprising compared to competitors like NanoLeaf.

While setting them up, though, balance is key. Too little power, and these bars can’t shine as bright as they’re meant to. A satisfying ambient glow or an intense wash of color can be achieved, depending on your setup preference.

On the downside, despite their stunning looks, the Aether Standing Light Bars can feel a little cheap to the touch. They’re lightweight with bases that don’t grip well, which makes them prone to tipping over.

Another gripe is that colors aren’t always consistent across products in the lineup. And with so many devices now part of the ecosystem, managing outlets becomes increasingly tricky.

Despite these criticisms, if you’ve already invested in Razer products, these light bars are a fantastic addition. They’re ideal for anyone looking to enhance their setup with vibrant RGB lights.

If you’re stretched for power outlets or struggle with port availability, you might look elsewhere, as these don’t offer much flexibility in terms of setup utility.

Overall, the Razer Aether Standing Light Bars fit right into the smart home ecosystem that Razer has crafted. They bring an array of lighting options and excellent integration, despite the occasional hurdle with physical build quality and power needs.

You can purchase the Razer Aether Standing Light Bars for $99.99 over at Amazon, expanding or beginning your journey into the Razer Gamer Room ecosystem.