Razer

Product brand

A global gaming technology brand known for high-performance hardware, software, peripherals, laptops, and gaming services.

Last updated October 26, 2026

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Overview

Razer Inc. is a Singaporean-American gaming technology company that designs, develops, markets, and supports hardware, software, and selected financial and digital services for gamers. Its portfolio includes gaming laptops, desktop peripherals, audio products, displays, controllers, gaming chairs, accessories, software utilities, and services connected through its gaming ecosystem. The brand is particularly associated with illuminated products, aggressive industrial design, performance-oriented specifications, and a community-focused identity built around esports, PC gaming, console gaming, and streaming. The roots of Razer extend to 1998, when a San Diego-based subsidiary of Kärna LLC developed and marketed the Boomslang, a high-end gaming mouse intended to provide greater precision than mainstream computer mice. Kärna ceased operations after declaring bankruptcy in 2001. In 2005, Min-Liang Tan and Robert Krakoff acquired the rights to the Razer brand and re-established the business with investment associated with Hong Kong entrepreneur Li Ka-shing and Singaporean holding company Temasek Holdings. This second phase established the Razer identity that became prominent in enthusiast PC gaming. Razer expanded from mice into a broad portfolio of input devices and gaming accessories. Its major product families include the DeathAdder and Viper mice, BlackWidow keyboards, Kraken headsets, Blade gaming laptops, and software such as Razer Synapse. The company commonly uses names drawn from predatory animals, insects, arachnids, and marine creatures across its peripheral portfolio, while the Blade and Edge names identify laptop and gaming-tablet products. The DeathAdder became one of the company’s most recognizable product lines and had surpassed 20 million units sold worldwide by June 2024, according to the referenced company history. The company also pursued diversification. It acquired the software assets of the Ouya Android microconsole in 2015 and developed the Forge TV, although that hardware initiative was discontinued. Razer acquired THX in 2016 to add audio and audiovisual certification expertise, and bought Nextbit in 2017, leading to the Razer Phone and Razer Phone 2. It entered financial technology through the planned acquisition of MOL and the Razer Pay service, but its Malaysian and Singaporean beta e-wallet operations were later shut down. Razer also experimented with game distribution, streaming-related tools, mobile devices, mainstream laptops, machine-learning hardware, and smart-city-related initiatives. Razer became a publicly traded company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in November 2017 under stock code 1337, a reference to gamer-oriented leetspeak. The company later delisted in May 2022. Its corporate footprint remains associated with both Singapore and the United States, with a major Singapore headquarters in the one-north area and a US base in Irvine, California. The Singapore headquarters opened in 2021 and includes a RazerStore and RazerCafe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Razer launched the Razer Health initiative and developed the Project Hazel mask concept, later commercialized as Zephyr. The product became controversial after questions arose over its N95-related marketing and certification language; the US Federal Trade Commission subsequently pursued refunds and other relief. Razer has continued to emphasize gaming ecosystem development, creator and streaming tools, artificial intelligence, esports, and connected software. Its present brand position combines premium gaming hardware, performance engineering, distinctive visual design, and a large international gaming community.

History

Razer's roots are connected to the development of specialized gaming mice in the late 1990s. The Razer Boomslang was introduced as a high-performance mouse for PC gamers at a time when most computer mice were marketed as general-purpose office peripherals. Although the original commercial venture encountered difficulties, the Razer name and product concept were revived in the mid-2000s. Min-Liang Tan and Robert Krakoff established Razer in 2005 and developed the brand as a dedicated gaming-technology company. During its first major growth phase, Razer concentrated on input devices. The company built recognition through gaming mice, keyboards, and headsets, with products designed around configurable buttons, high sensitivity, macro functions, and rapid response. The DeathAdder became one of the company's most recognizable mouse families, while the BlackWidow established a prominent mechanical-keyboard line. The Naga targeted massively multiplayer online games with a large grid of programmable thumb buttons. These families helped define Razer's enthusiast-oriented product strategy. Razer subsequently broadened its hardware portfolio. The Mamba and Viper lines addressed wireless and competitive mouse use cases; the Huntsman family introduced optical-switch keyboard products; and Kraken headsets extended the brand into gaming audio. Razer entered premium computing with the Blade notebook line and later expanded into desktops, monitors, graphics accessories, webcams, microphones, capture products, chairs, and other equipment aimed at streamers and gaming workspaces. Through Chroma, the company connected lighting across compatible products, turning RGB illumination into an ecosystem feature and a central part of Razer's visual identity. Software became an important complement to the hardware business. Razer Synapse provided device configuration, lighting control, profiles, and macro management. Razer Cortex offered gaming-related system and library tools, while Razer Gold and related services supported digital payments and rewards in participating markets. This combination allowed Razer to sell an integrated hardware, software, and services experience instead of relying solely on individual peripheral sales. The company developed a strong presence in gaming culture through esports sponsorships, collaborations with game publishers, community events, creator marketing, and retail activations. It positioned itself as a specialist brand for gamers and used the slogan "For Gamers. By Gamers." to distinguish the company from broader PC accessory manufacturers. The brand's black-and-green palette, three-headed snake emblem, and aggressive product naming further supported its gaming identity. Razer operated internationally from a structure associated with both the United States and Singapore. It became a Hong Kong-listed company in 2017. Public-company reporting described a business organized around hardware, software, services, and related gaming activities. The listing supported further investment in product development and geographic expansion, although the company remained particularly dependent on the competitive gaming-hardware market. In 2021, a consortium led by co-founder Min-Liang Tan and supported by CVC Capital Partners proposed to take Razer private. The transaction was completed in 2022, and Razer was delisted from Hong Kong. The company continued operating as a private gaming brand rather than disappearing from the market. Its current business remains centered on gaming peripherals and premium computers, complemented by software, digital services, streaming equipment, and gaming lifestyle products.

2022
Privatization and delisting
[1]Razer official company informationrazer.com
The privatization was completed and Razer shares were withdrawn from trading in Hong Kong.
2021
Privatization proposal
[5]Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing news databasehkexnews.hk
A consortium led by co-founder Min-Liang Tan proposed to privatize Razer.
2020
COVID-19 mask initiative
[4]Razer COVID-19 responserazer.com
Razer announced production and donation plans for surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2017
Hong Kong listing
[5]Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing news databasehkexnews.hk
Razer listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under stock code 1337.
2014
Razer introduces Chroma
[3]Razer Chromarazer.com
The Chroma ecosystem connected programmable RGB lighting across selected Razer devices and became a major visual and software platform.
2010
Razer expands into premium gaming laptops
[2]Razer gaming laptopsrazer.com
The Razer Blade line extended the brand from peripherals into premium gaming notebooks.
2006
DeathAdder enters the gaming-mouse portfolio
[6]DeathAdder enters the gaming-mouse portfoliorazer.com
The DeathAdder family became a major part of Razer's mouse business and one of its most recognizable product lines.
2005
Razer is established
[1]Razer official company informationrazer.com
Min-Liang Tan and Robert Krakoff established Razer as a dedicated gaming-hardware company.
1999
Boomslang helps establish the Razer name
[1]Razer official company informationrazer.com
The Boomslang gaming mouse was introduced as an early specialist product associated with the Razer brand and high-performance PC gaming.

Products and positioning

Premium, design-led gaming technology for PC and console players, esports participants, streamers, and gaming-focused consumers.

Gaming mouse · 2006
DeathAdder
The DeathAdder is Razer's long-running ergonomic gaming-mouse family. It is associated with a right-handed shape, programmable controls, gaming-oriented sensors, and versions designed for wired and wireless use. The line serves mainstream and competitive PC gamers and has been repeatedly updated as sensor, switch, and wireless technologies evolved.
Gaming keyboard · 2010
BlackWidow
BlackWidow is Razer's flagship mechanical gaming-keyboard family. Products in the range emphasize programmable keys, gaming-focused switch options, media controls on selected models, and integration with Synapse and Chroma lighting. The family helped make mechanical keyboards a central part of Razer's enthusiast peripheral portfolio.
Gaming mouse · 2009
Naga
The Naga family is designed around a large number of thumb-accessible buttons, making it particularly suited to massively multiplayer online games and other software with many shortcuts. Its defining feature is an expanded side-button layout that allows players to assign skills, macros, or commands without moving their hand from the mouse.
Gaming laptop · 2011
Blade
Blade is Razer's premium gaming-notebook family. It combines dedicated graphics, high-refresh displays on selected models, gaming controls, and relatively restrained industrial design in portable computers. The line broadened Razer's role from peripheral specialist to full gaming-computing brand.
Gaming headset · 2012
Kraken
Kraken is a gaming-headset family covering wired and wireless models. Products emphasize positional or spatial game audio, integrated or detachable microphones on selected versions, comfort for extended sessions, and compatibility with PC and console platforms.
Gaming keyboard · 2018
Huntsman
Huntsman is a Razer keyboard family associated with optical and opto-mechanical switch technology. It targets players seeking fast actuation and customizable controls while retaining software integration, programmable lighting, and the broader Razer peripheral ecosystem.
Gaming mouse · 2019
Viper
Viper is a lightweight, competition-oriented gaming-mouse family. It includes models with symmetrical or ambidextrous design elements, high-performance sensors, low-latency wireless options, and controls aimed at fast-paced PC games and esports use.
Lighting and device ecosystem · 2014
Chroma
Chroma is Razer's programmable lighting platform. It synchronizes lighting effects across compatible mice, keyboards, headsets, laptops, desktops, and third-party integrations. Beyond decoration, Chroma functions as a software-enabled ecosystem feature and an important component of the brand's distinctive gaming aesthetic.
Device software · 2011
Synapse
Synapse is Razer's device-management software. It enables users to configure controls, create profiles, manage macros, adjust lighting, and coordinate supported devices. It acts as the main software layer connecting much of the Razer hardware portfolio.
Digital payments and rewards
Razer Gold
Razer Gold is a digital payment and virtual-credit service for participating games and entertainment services. It extends Razer into digital commerce and rewards, allowing the company to maintain a services relationship with gamers beyond the sale of physical hardware.

Controversies

2020
Razer discloses customer data exposure
Razer confirmed that a server misconfiguration potentially exposed order details and customer and shipping information. According to reporting, the personal information of around 100,000 customers was publicly exposed; Razer stated that credit card numbers and passwords were not exposed. Razer said it fixed the misconfiguration on September 9, 2020, apologized, and would conduct a review of its IT security and systems.
Source

2020Razer COVID-19 mask initiative
Singapore · International
Razer announced that it would use parts of its manufacturing capacity to produce surgical masks and support distribution during the COVID-19 shortage. The initiative was presented as a public-health response rather than a conventional product launch.
Outcome. Razer reported donations and distribution of masks through its regional operations and subsequently developed consumer-facing mask products.
Source
2020Razer for Life
International
Razer used its community reach, content channels, and corporate resources to communicate health, safety, and support initiatives during the pandemic period.
Outcome. The program strengthened Razer's public-facing community and social-impact positioning during the pandemic.
Source

Brand decisions

2022
Completion of privatization and delistingM&A
Background
Following shareholder and regulatory processes, the privatization proposal proceeded to completion.
Action taken
Razer completed the acquisition of the shares covered by the transaction and withdrew from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Aftermath
The brand remained active in gaming hardware, software, services, and lifestyle products under private ownership.
Source
2021
Decision to pursue privatizationM&A
Background
Razer's co-founder and a financial consortium proposed taking the company private after its period as a Hong Kong-listed business.
Action taken
The consortium announced an offer to acquire the outstanding shares and privatize Razer.
Aftermath
The transaction completed in 2022, and Razer continued as a private company.
Offer price per share. HK$2.82 per share offer (2021 privatization proposal)
Source
2017
Public listing in Hong KongOther
Background
Razer sought additional capital and public-market visibility while expanding its gaming hardware, software, and services activities.
Action taken
The company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under stock code 1337.
Aftermath
Razer operated as a listed company until its privatization and delisting in 2022.
Source

Recent events

2022
Razer completes privatization and delisting[1]Razer official company informationrazer.com
M&A · Other
Razer completed the privatization transaction led by a consortium including co-founder Min-Liang Tan and CVC Capital Partners, and its shares ceased trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
2022
Razer delists from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange[9]雷蛇从香港证券交易所退市en.wikipedia.org
Other
Razer completed its delisting from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
2021
Razer proposes privatization after public listing[5]Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing news databasehkexnews.hk
M&A · Other
Razer announced a proposed privatization transaction at HK$2.82 per share, subject to shareholder and regulatory processes.
2021
Razer introduces Project Hazel mask concept[9]雷蛇从香港证券交易所退市en.wikipedia.org
Product launch
Razer introduced a high-tech reusable mask concept designed around visibility of facial cues, illumination, and filtration-related features.
2021
Razer shuts down Razer Pay beta services[9]雷蛇从香港证券交易所退市en.wikipedia.org
Other
Razer announced the closure of its Razer Pay beta e-wallet operations in Malaysia and Singapore.
2021
Razer opens expanded Singapore headquarters[9]雷蛇从香港证券交易所退市en.wikipedia.org
Other
The company opened a larger Singapore headquarters in one-north, including a RazerStore and RazerCafe.
2020
Razer launches its COVID-19 mask initiative[4]Razer COVID-19 responserazer.com
Other · Campaign
Razer announced plans to produce and distribute surgical masks in response to shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, including donations through its Singapore operations.
2020
Razer launches Razer Health initiative[9]雷蛇从香港证券交易所退市en.wikipedia.org
Other
Razer began supporting the supply and distribution of certified surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019
Razer closes its digital game store[9]雷蛇从香港证券交易所退市en.wikipedia.org
Other
The company announced the closure of the Razer Game Store as part of a business realignment.
2019
Razer ends Ouya online services[9]雷蛇从香港证券交易所退市en.wikipedia.org
Other
Razer announced that Ouya accounts and online services would be discontinued, leaving many applications dependent on the platform unusable.

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