Whether you’re playing online or immersing yourself in a single-player adventure, the right headset can make all the difference. It’s important to find something that not only sounds good but is also comfortable enough to wear for long periods. There are also aesthetics to consider. Do you want something sleek and minimalist or something more flashy? There are plenty of options out there to suit your needs, preferences, and budgets.
Razer is well-known for producing high-quality gaming peripherals and software and is particularly popular within the e-Sports community. In this review, I’ll be discussing the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro. It’s not the flashiest headset on the market, but it doesn’t need to be as it excels in almost every other area.
There are a couple of different versions available, so you’ll need to do your research to avoid disappointment. The version I received is compatible with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Android. It’s not compatible with Xbox consoles, though there is another version that is. This wasn’t a big issue for me since I mainly use PC and PlayStation, but it does mean I’m holding onto my old headset for when I do use the Xbox.
What’s in the Box:
- Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Headset
- Removable Razer HyperClear Super Wideband Mic
- Wireless USB dongle
- USB Type A Adapter cable
- USB Type A to Type C charging cable
- Product information guide
Build and Quality
In terms of design, the BlackShark headset is sleek and minimalist. It’s available in black and white and has a pretty simple design for a gaming headset. I don’t mean that negatively, though. With no chunky, angular lines or RGB lighting, it could almost pass for everyday headphones – the kind you wouldn’t mind wearing during your morning commute. The only decorative element is the Razer logo on each ear cup, but it looks good, proving that less can be more.
The headset is primarily made from plastic, with faux leather on the outside of the headband and soft cushioning on the inside. It has a steel-reinforced headband and slider, so I expect it to handle moderate day-to-day use without any issues. It’s not too heavy either, so I was able to wear it comfortably for long periods. 
On top of its lightweight design, the BlackShark features ultra-soft FlowKnit memory foam cushions designed to keep your ears cool. And let me tell you, they feel great, even during longer gaming sessions. The headband itself can’t be adjusted, so you’ll need to adjust the ear cups using the metal sliders, but I didn’t find this to be an issue. The ear cups clamped down just enough to create a good seal and provide some noise isolation without feeling too tight, though some people might find the adjustability lacking.
The controls on the BlackShark are simple enough. On the left ear cup, there’s a volume dial, a Power button, and a Mute mic button. On the right, there’s the smart switch/EQ button, which I’ll discuss later. The microphone is detachable, so you don’t have to worry about it getting in the way when it’s not in use.
Battery and Connectivity
The BlackShark V2 Pro boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 70 hours depending on usage. A 15-minute charge provides up to 6 hours of battery life, which is great for those times when you’re about to game with friends and realise your headset is dead. As an improvement on the earlier 2020 model, which for some reason shares the same name, the current BlackShark V2 model features a USB-C charging port rather than a micro-USB. – a welcome addition with USB-C being the norm these days.
Once I plugged the dongle in for the first time, I was prompted to install the Razer Synapse app and update the headset – this only took a few minutes. You can connect the BlackShark to compatible devices either via the included 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth. For the most part, I used the dongle, but it was nice to be able to seamlessly switch between my PC or PlayStation and phone.
While it already offers two forms of connectivity, I would have appreciated the inclusion of a 3.5mm jack for a wired option. Still, with Bluetooth included, the 2023 model is an improvement over its predecessor.
Sound Quality
Of course, the most important factor when buying a new headset is sound quality. It doesn’t matter how comfortable it is if it doesn’t have a quality sound profile to back it up. The headset’s Triforce titanium 50mm drivers provide excellent clarity that allowed me to pinpoint enemy footsteps in shooters while also delivering a balanced soundscape in RPGs. It sounds good when playing music too, though it’s obviously not going to be as effective as specialised headphones.
There’s no active noise cancellation, but as I’ve already mentioned, the ear cups clamp down enough to provide some noise isolation. This was sufficient for me. Once I had the headset on, most background noise was blocked out, so unless you’re in a particularly noisy environment, this isn’t too much of a drawback.
The mic, however, does offer noise cancellation, which you can turn on, off, or adjust through the Synapse software to prevent too much background noise from being picked up. In terms of quality, the mic is very impressive. When chatting with my friends, my voice came through crisp and clear, so I can’t fault it.
Features
The BlackShark V2 is compatible with Razer’s Synapse software, which allows you to utilise THX Spatial Audio (PC only) for supported games rather than standard stereo. Within the app, you can switch between preset 10-band EQs. There are standard audio profiles designed for games, movies, and music, and more specialised ones for competitive games such as Call of Duty and Fortnite. These have been tweaked with the help of esports professionals.
If you want something more specific, you can even customise your own audio profile. The headset stores these settings, so you can cycle through them using the EQ button on the headset for use on PlayStation, Switch, or mobile.
In addition to audio profiles, there are several enhancements you can play around with. You can boost the bass, turn on sound normalisation, adjust the mic, and more. It’s worth playing around with the software to see what works best for you and the games you’re playing.
Final Thoughts
With a quality mic, Triforce 50mm drivers, and memory foam padding, the BlackShark V2 Pro is an impressive headset that excels in both comfort and sound quality. The inclusion of THX Spatial Audio at no extra cost and its compatibility with the Razer Synapse app make this headset a solid choice for those looking for a high-end option at a reasonable price. While it lacks active noise cancellation, the tight seal provided by the ear cups was enough to make up for this and offer an immersive gaming experience.
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