Razer Blackshark v2 pro 2023 Review, Headset, Gaming, wireless
Razerthink – When it comes to competitive gaming, the need for the best device is not only for the mouse or keyboard. A qualified audio product is equally important, considering that playing games is an activity that prioritizes a visual response and an audio response. This time I will review one Razer Blackshark V2 Pro gaming headset unit. In your opinion, how good is this headset dubbed as “The Sound of Esports”?
| Price | $199.99 / £199.99 |
| Connection | 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Driver | 50mm Razer TriForce Titanium |
| Frequency response | 12hz – 28kHz |
| Microphone | Unidrectional Razer HyperClear Super Wideband with 32kHz sampling rate |
| ANC | No |
| Controls | Volume, mic mute power, profile/Bluetooth, |
| Battery | Up to 70 hours |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, mobile |
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 premium features.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro offers several premium features alongside excellent build quality for the price. Consumers who like competitive gaming or those looking for the highest level of audio quality for a more immersive experience. By offering a wireless version of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro. It looks, feels, and sounds as good, if not slightly better, than the wired BlackShark V2, only cordless. However, at $199.99, it costs almost twice as much as the BlackShark V2.
No matter the price, quality always comes first – frankly, the company has never disappointed in this massively. This trend continues with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, which Razer has positioned as its definitive esports headset. It’s a bold claim, but one that is more than substantiated by what is, frankly, excellent gear for both hardcore and casual gamers.
First
The microphone has been improved. I’m now looking at super wideband microphones with a sampling rate of 32khz. This means that this new version of the Razer HyperClear microphone is twice as powerful as its predecessor and, on paper, can pick up your voice better than its competitors and delivers excellent, rich sound quality.
Furthermore
There is a big improvement in battery life. Razer claims you’ll get up to 70 hours from the 2023 version compared to 24 hours on the original V2 Pro. For most of us, that’ll be more than we’ll need – cruel when it comes to battery life; most people want something that can last for two or three long sessions at a time before having to charge it again. However, the BlackShark series is largely pitched and marketed by Razer as an esports-focused series. So, if you’re competitive, you can charge it once, throw it in your bag, keep it over a weekend for travel tournaments, and add a fast charging feature.
There are also major changes to profile audio.
The headline is that you can now load profiles onto the headset without relying on software. Therefore, you can use one of the custom-made FPS profiles, change other EQ presets, or create your own and load it into the headset so it stays there – even if you change platforms or never boot Synapse. Again. Given that Synapse can be a little demanding at times, this light reliance on apps or software is welcome, and the ability to customize the headset to your liking and know that it will be the same on PS5 or another platform is great.
Design
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 has a similar design to its predecessor. The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro resembles the Editor’s Choice award-winning Razer Blackshark V2 without cables. It has the same oval matte black plastic earmuffs connected to the headband via a Y-shaped support made of rigid wire. With a cylindrical mount that allows each cup to slide freely up and down to adjust its fit.
It has the same memory foam earpads wrapped in breathable fabric. As well as the same memory foam-lined cushioning on the bottom of the headband with faux leather on the top. This results in a lightweight and comfortable garment that is easy to wear for extended gaming.
In terms of inputs and connections
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro maintains a minimalist feel. You’ll find the information for charging the headset USB-A to USB-C charging cable next to the two buttons for muting the microphone and turning the headset on or off. The microphone is detachable, meaning you can take it out when you’re not involved in online multiplayer for a better fit.
The boom microphone is a foam-coated capsule mounted on a flexible black metal arm and looks almost identical to the Razer BlackShark V2 microphone. Razer provides an upgrade, however, with the company’s 9.9mm HyperClear Supercardiod microphone. The headset has a larger capsule than the microphone on the Razer BlackShark V2 and rejects more outside noise, according to Razer.
Control
Power button:
- Press once: Play and pause audio. Also, answer and end calls.
- Double press: Skips to the next track. Also, exchange calls and reject incoming calls.
- Triple press: Skips to the previous track.
- Press and hold for three seconds: Turn the headphones on and off.
- Press and hold for five seconds (when off): Activates Bluetooth pairing mode.
Microphone mute button:
- Press once: Mute and unmute the microphone.
Razer Smart Switch:
- Press once: Switch between different EQ presets.
- Press and hold for seven seconds (when on): Activates Bluetooth pairing mode.
Software and Bluetooth
Razer Synapse is amazing. The software offers 10-band graphic EQ, presets, and gaming profiles. These are created to keep specific settings related to the game, bass enhancement, and sound normalization. If you want to fine-tune your mic, there’s also EQ, sound gating, volume normalization, vocal clarity, mic noise cancellation, and sidetone. You can also take advantage of features like volume control and Do Not Disturb mode, which eliminates sounds from audio sources like notifications while gaming.
Note: See our post, follow the steps we have written about How to install Razer Synapse 3
NOTE: It is recommended to check for the latest version of the software on the Razer website to ensure you have the most up-to-date features and bug fixes for your Razer Gear.
Bluetooth
- Bluetooth Version: 2
- Multi-Device Pairing : Bluetooth + Console/Non-BT Wireless
- NFC Pairing: No
- Line Of Sight Range: 83 ft (98.40 m)
- PC Latency (SBC): 226 ms
- PC Latency (aptX): N/A
- PC Latency (aptX HD): N/A
- PC Latency (aptX-LL): N/A
- iOS Latency: 21 ms
- Android Latency: 88 ms
Non-Bluetooth Wireless
- Non-BT Line Of Sight Range: 276.57 ft (84.30 m)
- Non-BT Latency: 63 ms
App Support
- App Name: Razer Synapse
- iOS: No
- Android: No
- macOS: Yes
- Windows: Yes
- Equalizer : Graphic + Presets
- ANC Control: No
- Mic Control: Adjustable Level
- Room Effects: No
- Playback Control: No
- Button Mapping: No
- Surround Support: Yes
Microphone
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro’s microphone is excellent; recordings sound crisp and clean, without blur or noise, which works well for streaming, recording, and podcasting.
Performance
Changes made from the 2020 model in bold:
- 50mm titanium drivers
- Memory foam earmuffs
- THX Spatial virtual surround sound
- Razer Hyperspeed 2.4GHz Wireless + Bluetooth 5.2
- Detachable microphone
- HyperClear Wideband microphone with 32kHz sampling rate
- USB Type-C charging
- 70-hour battery life (15-minute charge for 6 hours)
- Pro-tuned FPS profile on the headset
Connectivity
Connectivity is another important change for the 2023 model, as it has been improved and expanded. The BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 now offers 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 instead of 2.4 GHz on the original version. There’s also now a USB-C port instead of micro USB. Both changes are welcome improvements for gaming in 2023. The headset will work well with PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, and mobile compatibility-wise.
Whatever. A few taps of the EQ button can quickly adjust to a smoother, full-range sound better suited to movies or music. In that mode, we can find the V2 Pro more than capable, and if you’re the type of listener who wants bass that rocks your ears, then this headset is definitely up to the task. The lack of active noise cancellation means these headphones are less suited to long train journeys than more well-equipped dedicated Bluetooth headphones, but that’s not a problem for this design. After all, it focuses on PC gaming.
The equalizer can, of course, be specially set in Razer Synapse. You can set specific profiles to launch with specific programs or games, with or without virtual surround sound enabled. But there is a more interesting function: pre-programmed settings for popular shooters created with the biggest names in e-sports. These profiles are preloaded into the headset firmware itself—no need to dive into Synapse.
Hold the EQ button for three seconds, and you can switch to these hardcoded profiles, then tap once to switch between Valorant, Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike: GO, and Fortnite. These can be further customized in Synapse, but since you’re paying a premium for predefined profiles by the “pros,” you might as well try them out first.
Music
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro offers substantial power and a solid bass response for music. Bass notes come out with a definite bang, though not low enough to make you think you’ve got a subwoofer strapped to your head. Even at maximum (and unsafe) volume levels, the headset does not distort.
Wired 9.5
- Analog Audio: Yes
- USB Audio: No
- Detachable: Yes
- Length: 4.50 ft (1.37 m)
- Connection : 1/8″ TRRS
- Analog/USB Audio Latency: ms
The opening acoustic guitar strum has a strong resonance and gets a bit of string texture, but not much finesse in the higher frequencies to bring out the plinking. When the track gets in the right, the bass gets a lot of presence, while the vocals and drums manage to share the spotlight right behind it.
Games
Gaming with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is just as good as its predecessor. The headset is a little heavier—because of the battery, no doubt—but it’s still comfortable even after hours of gameplay sessions. Played on PC, the THX Spatial Audio option works fine.
In terms of drivers, this headset uses the same 50mm TriForce Titanium option found on the previous BlackShark V2 model, and as such, you can expect the same level of quality with a decent mix of treble and bass.
They pack a severe punch over all areas, trying to nail down enemy footsteps in a heated Call of Duty game: Warzone. A titanium-coated diaphragm has been implemented to improve vocal clarity. Whether it’s coming from teammates in-game or essential characters in a sprawling RPG. Everything sounds crystal clear, and noise-cancelling allows for sound elements otherwise lost to distractions.
PC Compatibility
Analog : Audio + Microphone
Wired USB: No
Non-BT Wireless: Audio + Microphone
PlayStation Compatibility
PS4 Analog : Audio + Microphone
PS4 Wired USB: No
PS4 Non-BT Wireless: Audio + Microphone
PS5 Analog : Audio + Microphone
PS5 Wired USB: No
PS5 Non-BT Wireless: Audio + Microphone
Xbox Compatibility
Xbox One Analog : Audio + Microphone
Xbox One Wired USB: No
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless: No
Xbox Series X|S Analog : Audio + Microphone
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB: No
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless: No
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Sound.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro generally features accurate audio output throughout the midrange, emphasizing bass response up to around 200Hz.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro has average isolation for a gaming headset. It will do well in most home situations, but considering that its predecessor, the Razer Blackshark V2, was the best in its class in this regard, it isn’t enjoyable.
Sound Profile
Bass Amount : 1.47 dB
Treble Amount : -2.26 dB
Frequency Response Consistency 6.1
Avg. Std. Deviation : 0.91 dB
Bass Accuracy : 6.7
Std. Err. : 5.28 dB
Low-Frequency Extension : 14.14 Hz
Low-Bass : 2.62 dB
Mid-Bass : 4.89 dB
High-Bass : 8.13 dB
Mid Accuracy 7.9
- Std. Err. : 2.81 dB
- Low-Mid : 3.96 dB
- Mid-Mid : -0.02 dB
- High-Mid : 0.18 dB
Treble Accuracy 7.3
- Std. Err. : 4.03 dB
- Mid-Treble : 5.73 dB
- Low-Treble : 0.6 dB
- High-Treble : -8.63 dB
Razer Blackshark V2 Pro Battery
Razer claims the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro’s battery will last up to 24 hours on a single charge, and we found that to be mostly true. Many people have tested that the headset lasts 24 hours and 40 minutes on a single order with a consistent output of -75dB. Synapse also offers a sleep mode feature to turn off the headset after inactivity. More than 24 hours is already a great result, but you may find it lasts longer than that.
Battery
- Battery Type: Rechargeable
- Continuous Battery Life: 23.2 hrs
- Additional Charges: N/A
- Total Battery Life: 23.2 hrs
- Charge Time : 3 hrs
- Power-Saving Feature: Auto-Off Timer
- Audio While Charging: No
- Passive Playback: Yes
- Charging Port: micro-USB
Razer Blackshark V2 Pro Battery 2023
The battery performance is excellent. The manufacturer advertises it to last 70 hours, and we tested it. Remember that battery life may vary depending on usage, such as volume levels and Bluetooth codec. They charge in just two and a half hours and have an auto-off timer to help preserve battery life. Unlike the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2020, you can’t use it passively.
- Battery Type : Rechargeable
- Continuous Battery Life :3 hrs
- Additional Charges: N/A
- Total Battery Life : 3 hrs
- Charge Time: 6 hrs
- Power-Saving Feature: Auto-Off Timer
- Audio While Charging: Yes
- Passive Playback: No
- Charging Port: USB-C
Price
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is now available on the Razer website for US$199.99
Overall
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is an excellent wireless headset based on its predecessor. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro offers all the benefits of a wired BlackShark V2, such as powerful audio performance, crystal clear microphones, and THX Spatial Audio.
Plus, wireless connectivity and very clear sound when playing games or listening to music and other conveniences. Whether that wireless benefit is worth the extra $80 compared to the Razer BlackShark V2 is up to you, but it’s an excellent performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 worth it?
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is worth a gaming headset refresh, as you can see here. This incredible device has been taken to new heights with nearly unrivaled audio, brilliant battery life, an excellent microphone, and useful onboard profiles for added flexibility and customization.
Is the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro microphone quality?
Our Razer BlackShark V2 Pro features a wireless eSports gaming headset with one of the best microphones I’ve ever used, solid audio quality, and custom game presets for the popular first-person shooter. Read on to discover why it earned the 2023 Editor’s Choice Award here at Techaeris.
Is the Razer BlackShark V2 good for 2023?
Our verdict. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 is decent for its neutral sound. In-person, these headphones deliver extra warmth and punch, thanks to their over-emphasized bass. However, they differ midrange, making vocals and instruments sound harsh.
Is the BlackShark V2 Pro good for gaming?
If you’re a PC gamer on a budget of around $200, the Blackshark V2 Pro headset is a top choice thanks to its excellent sound quality, clear microphone, and comfortable design. It easily earns our Editor’s Choice award. But other options are also worth considering.
