Razer Nommo Chroma

AN UNCONVENTIONAL PAIR OF COMPUTER SPEAKERS.

IF YOU’RE IN the market for a new pair of computer speakers, there’s a slim chance you’ll find anything as cool as the Nommo Chromas. The result is a good-sounding pair of speakers that don’t break the bank. The Chromas are dripping with Razer’s distinctive aesthetic. They have a matte-black plastic finish, and that’s not even mentioning the RGB lighting that pulses underneath the speakers’ stands — a fun, quirky addition that will be hated and loved in equal measure. The lightshow can be controlled via the Synapse app, and helps set the speakers apart from the dull competition, plus you also get a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) that boosts the sound from your PC media player.

Above the glowing bases on the right speaker are two knobs — one that controls the volume and another that raises and lowers the amount of bass response. Around the back, you’ll find a 3.5mm auxiliary input that enables you to connect your phone, tablet or MP3 player, as well as a headphone jack. You also get a cable that runs from the right speaker to the USB port on your computer — yes, sadly, it requires both power from the wall and the PC. The biggest compromise of the design is that it doesn’t feature Bluetooth, which would have made it easier to connect to some devices and reduce the clutter of cables.

If you can get over the fact that there’s some very clear catering to the bass-loving crowd here, the Nommo Chroma speakers actually sound great — good clarity in the mids and highs, and a powerful (if somewhat muddy) bass response that can cater to your tastes. Sure, there are some issues with voices not coming through as clear as they should, but the speakers are more than capable of holding their own.

If traditional speakers aren’t your style, then the Nommo Chromas are a set of well-designed alternatives.