Razer Balckshark V2 Review , Razer, Headset, Gaming
Razerthink – As a gaming headset, the Razer Balckshark V2 has a reasonably simple design. This is also not too different when compared to non-gaming headset designs. The gaming headset that will be reviewed here is the Razer Blackshark V2, equipped with a USB Sound Card to promise better sound when playing games compared to a conventional 3.5 mm port. Read on to find out how it performs.
The overall impression of this gaming headset symbolizes Razer’s products. As a gaming headset, the Razer Blackshark V2 doesn’t have a too big design. The Razer Blackshark V2 is also not too different compared to non-gaming headset designs. The small metal frame joints between the driver unit and the headband make it look compact.
However, the driver connecting wires on the left and right cups are not inside the little metal. This cable looks across to the driver unit. which is green, so it contrasts with the black color of the headset. The metal connecting mechanism is adjustable in length, and the cable is flexible in size.
Razer Balckshark V2 Tech Specs
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 12 Hz – 28 kHz |
|---|---|
| IMPEDANCE | 32 Ω (1 kHz) |
| SENSITIVITY | 100 dB (1 kHz) |
| DRIVER SPECIFICATIONS | 50 mm |
The mechanism is accessible enough to adjust the head’s size.
The sliding mechanism to change this is not too complex, so it’s easy. On the other hand, the sliding joint between the metal and the driver unit will not easily slide on its own when worn. The earpads feel comfortable to use. They are equipped with very soft and absorbent material. If you are a person who wears glasses, these earpads will adjust the stem of the glasses. Thus the forehead will not be too depressed and can avoid discomfort.
The headset’s more granular controls and additional features. Like surround sound, are handled by Razer Synapse 3, the company’s universal (sort of) companion app. Synapse works well enough—the app’s latest iteration is better laid out than most gaming headset apps, but it’s still a little clunky, similar to pretty much every other app like it.
The software lets you customize your EQ and mic settings, and soon after launch, it will include a suite of THX-tuned game profiles to tailor your sound to games like Apex Legends, Valorant, and more. These features are nice, but you won’t miss much if you skip Synapse, especially if you’re not interested in games that use surround sound.
Design
From the outset, it’s clear that the Razer Balckshark V2 isn’t your typical gaming headset, opting for a more sophisticated look characterized by its matte black and wired metal construction. The Razer Blackshark V2 is lighter and a bit less bulky than Razer’s Kraken and Nari headsets. More conventional oval earcups replace the signature big, circular earcups with black plastic shells. While it’s certainly sturdy and well-built, I can’t help but think it’s missing the usual looks that gamers might crave.
Razer’s usual design cues of voluminous padding, RGB lighting, and the standard bulk other headsets have (like their famed Kraken line) are notably absent from the Razer BlackShark V2, but this isn’t a bad thing. The earpads are soft memory foam covered in breathable fabric, with matching fabric-covered padding on the headband’s underside (the headband’s top side is faux leather).
Because the headset is so light and breathable, it’s pretty comfortable to wear even on more oversized heads and is suitable for extended gameplay sessions. Going for a more straightforward design with minimalistic coloring means the Razer BlackShark V2 has been designed with not just the hardcore gamer in mind.
Compared to its competitors.
One of the first things to note about the Razer BlackShark V2 is the lack of padding. The present padding makes them nice and soft, especially around the headband. But they feel slightly lost – even with the headband on its tightest setting. Something a little bit snugger would’ve been better.
There are only a couple of onboard media controls, which are certainly easy to access, given the size of the protruding volume knob out of the left earcup and a small but tactile mute button. A six-foot, fabric-wrapped cable is permanently attached to the bottom of the left earcup and terminates in a 3.5mm plug. A port before the cable accepts the removable boom microphone, a foam-covered capsule on a flexible metal arm.
As is traditional with headsets these days.
A mute mic button sits right behind the headset cable, and a large volume dial sits on the back panel of the earcup (the volume works separately from your device’s volume levels). The mic’s build quality is still good, even with more plastic construction than the headphones. The permanently connected cable is disappointing, as a removable cable is much easier to replace than an entire headset.
The Razer Blackshark V2 has a 7.1-channel USB sound card, which is downright tiny. The card is a 1.75-by-0.6-inch (HW) rectangular plastic module on a short, two-inch fabric-wrapped cable that terminates in a USB plug. A green LED on the module indicates when it’s plugged in and functioning, and a 3.5mm headset port sits opposite the USB cable. The headset also comes with a black fabric drawstring carrying bag.
This headset connects wirelessly to a 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle that can be plugged into various devices. The dongle has a small black rectangular body perpendicular to the USB-C plug, letting it stay flush with your phone or Switch. It appears to be automatically paired with a headset.
Razer Blackshrak V2 Performance
- Audio & Performance – Bass-driven sound powered by excellent software
- Balanced audio with some emphasis on lows and highs
- Good passive noise isolation
- Software integration is done well
Software
Razer’s downloadable Synapse software allows you to customize Blackshark v2 functionality by assigning or changing commands and modifying what the device’s Command Keys can do. You cannot remap the Command Dials but enable four additional functions turned off by default. You can also set up and edit the five onboard profiles in Synapse or switch between saved configurations. However, all shapes will remain locked in Synapse itself, so you won’t be able to export them anywhere else.
Because Razer Blackshark V2 uses a 3.5mm connection, it can work with gaming devices, computers, phones, and tablets. However, to get the most out of the headset, you need to use the included sound card, designed for PC use, with a sound card connected. You can use Razer Synapse to adjust various Razer Blackshark V2 audio settings and enable THX Spatial Audio simulated surround. The software offers access to a 10-band EQ with many presets, along with customizable and customizable Bass Boost, Sound Normalization, and Voice Clarity features. Then there’s THX Spatial Audio, accessible via the Mixer tab in Razer Synapse. The USB sound card already provides its own 7.1-channel simulated surround sound.
Note: See our post, follow the steps we have written about How to install Razer Synapse 3
Music performance
The Razer Blackshark V2 offers a powerful bass response when playing music. The electric bass sounds punchy and complete when the song plays, while the strummed guitar, drums, and vocals are all given enough attention to differentiate in a busy mix. While the guitar riffs get a high enough frequency presence to keep the song sounding energetic, the screaming vocals stand out against the cacophony, demonstrating a solid balance that gets enough attention to every element in the mix.
Game Performance
Playing games with the Razer BlackShark V2 has been easy for a long time. This headset is compatible in one way or another with almost all gaming platforms; remove the USB sound card and plug it into your PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, or Xbox One via 3.5mm. On PC, Razer BlackShark V2 on games like Valorant and Overwatch all sound fantastic with BlackShark V2. Choosing directional audio cues like footsteps and gunshots is accessible in all of these games. You never feel like you don’t have at least a rough sense of where the sound is coming from.
How does the Razer BlackShark V2 compare to its competitors?
The Razer BlackShark V2 lacks the fancy features like noise cancellation or versatile connectivity I found in my pick for the best overall gaming headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. But this headset excels in important ways: It produces great audio and is very comfortable. This headset works with all major platforms via a nifty 3.5mm headphone jack, and while you’ll probably keep a USB dongle in the box, it’s there if you want some extra features on board. Computer.
I weighed the Razer BlackShark V2 headset against other gaming headsets under $150, and I preferred this model’s balance of price and performance over models like the HyperX Cloud Alpha. Offers a wireless connection and excellent battery life, but the sound isn’t as great as the BlackShark V2’s, plus it doesn’t work with Xbox. I also considered the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X, neither of which sounded as detailed as the BlackShark V2. The audio quality of the Razer BlackShark V2, plus cross-device compatibility, put it ahead of the competition as the best-value headset.
Price
The Razer Razer BlackShark V2 is now available on the Razer website for £99.99
Overall
The Razer BlackShark V2 delivers the comfort, audio quality, and features that headsets around its price aim for. Comfortable gaming experience, Even with minimal padding. The BlackShark V2 is still one of the most comfortable headsets for its price. The memory foam earpads and lightweight build keep your head from feeling as heavy as heavier headsets.
Given the cable, the BlackShark V2 is ideal for those who want a headset that can work with every device with a 3.5mm audio jack. This makes it perfect for consoles and computers. It’s a space filled with excellence. Powerful options that pair accurate audio with lots of great features. With the BlackShark V2’s weakest point being its microphone, it’s probably best to stick with it for solo gaming. There’s well-balanced sound and excellent passive noise isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Razer BlackShark V2 worth it?
The BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is Razer’s most focused e-sports headset and could be considered expensive, but its much better microphone, battery life and dedicated EQ profile make it worth the purchase.
Is the BlackShark V2 good for gaming?
The Razer BlackShark V2 is a gaming headset that provides many benefits. Audio quality is excellent across most frequencies, and having THX Spatial Audio is a great way to enhance your favourite gaming experience, even if the overall sound quality suffers slightly.
Does the Razer BlackShark V2 have a good microphone?
The Razer BlackShark V2 is perfectly adequate for phone calls. A detachable boom microphone can make your voice sound clear and easy to understand, even in noisier environments, although your voice may sound a little thin. You can further customize microphone settings using Synapse 3 software.
Does the Razer BlackShark V2 have Noise Cancellation?
The Razer BlackShark V2 has excellent isolation compared to any gaming headset we tested. There’s no active noise cancellation (ANC) here, but the headset still blocks much noise.
