Razer BlackShark V2 Review: A lightweight gaming headset with excellent sound quality
The main content of the Razer BlackShark V2 evaluation is that this is one of the best gaming headsets.
You can choose the connection method; it can be connected via USB or 3.5 mm audio cable, making it one step higher than the cheap V2 X because it makes it compatible with almost all devices from PC to Mac and most consoles. The headset also has a 50mm driver and a titanium diaphragm, which can be customized as well as THX Spatial Audio.
Combine these with a lightweight design, soft ear cushions, a detachable microphone, and an included USB sound card, and this headset will always be the champion.
Razer BlackShark V2 is similar to a pair of earphones you might find on a helicopter. It is a minimalist earphone with a minimalist design, at least according to gaming hardware standards. This approach may not win any aesthetic awards, but it means that the headset is lightweight and comfortable-essential for those hours-long gaming sessions.
The fabric-covered memory foam on the earmuffs and headband ensures a comfortable fit, while the size can be adjusted a few inches on both sides. The earphones are beautiful and easy to adjust, but the wireframe that connects the earmuffs to the headband doesn’t feel as sturdy as other earphones in this price range. We are worried that the BlackShark V2 will stand up after years of regular use.
We also want to see the number or some other form of scale used to adjust the fit. As it is best to make the headset as small as possible, then put on and pull down the earmuffs until it fits, instead of hoping to adjust it before putting it on. We also hope to see more rotational movement in the earmuffs to accommodate all head shapes and sizes.
Considering these small shortcomings, we are happy to say that BlackShakr V2 is very fit and comfortable after several hours of continuous use. The lightweight does help maintain the headset’s comfort, and we predict that most users will forget it or even be there without feeling excessive pressure anywhere on the headband and earmuffs.
We suspect that playing games in a warmer room may cause some discomfort because the material covering the memory foam does not seem to be exceptionally breathable and retains more heat than some other gaming headsets we have used.
The headset is equipped with a detachable microphone, allowing you to quickly turn BlackShark V2 into a pair of ordinary headsets when you are not playing games. The woven fabric audio cable is hard-connected to the headset to reduce unnecessary noise and should prove to be durable.
A volume knob on the left jar will click when it passes 50% to help you calculate the current volume level. Next to it is a simple button to mute the microphone. Although completely beautiful, we like the leatherette details on the top of the headband, with stitching and embossed Razer logo.
It’s easy to set up the headset, plug the audio cable into our PlayStation 4 controller, and it will work immediately. However, although the headset usually works when connected with the included USB sound card, the microphone volume is significantly reduced.
When connected to a PC or Mac, Razer’s Synapse software can be used to choose from a range of audio defaults or to fine-tune the settings according to your preferences.
The accompanying USB sound card can be the most prominent feature of BlackShark V2, but it is completely unnecessary for some users. As we mentioned above, plug the headphones into the headphone jack of the controller.
If you want to use the included USB sound card and its THX Spatial Audio credentials, you need to obtain Razer’s Synapse app and make sure you are playing a game compatible with THX Spatial Audio. Supported games include “Apex Heroes,” “Call of Duty: War Zone,” and “Red Dead Redemption 2”.
With THX Spatial Audio enabled, the headset is designed to create simulated 7.1 surround sound. Some gamers will like this; the enhanced surround sound helps identify the enemy’s location and adds more acoustic immersion to the game. Some prefer to keep it simple and stick to the stereo defaults. Each compatible game has two modes: to make the game sound as immersive as possible, and the other is to optimize for online games.
In our opinion, you can record all of these under the “I’m glad to have” column instead of basic functions. This is because the sound of BlackShark V2 is excellent even without additional software and a USB sound card.
Its 50mm driver ensures powerful sound, providing rich, detailed, and completely undisturbed sound even when turned to maximum volume. We spent a night on the Gran Turismo Sport on PS4 and immediately felt the fun of the game, accurately heard the opponent’s position based on the opponent’s car sound, and stayed completely comfortable throughout the night of the game.
We may want the headset to provide a larger maximum volume, but the functions provided by BlackShark V2 are sufficient for most situations. It does not provide impressive bass, but it is not necessary when playing online and when you need to communicate clearly with others.
In clear communication, the Synapse app allows you to turn on the option to hear your voice through the speaker, but not when playing on the console.
The noise isolation is very good. There is no active noise reduction, but the passive physical isolation provided is better than some other high-end headphones on the market, which means that your game dialogue will not be disturbed by external noise. Similarly, the closed earphone itself has almost no noise leakage.
This headset is most suitable for dedicated gaming because it does not perform well when listening to music or watching movies. It’s not terrible, but you shouldn’t buy this headset, expecting it to work as well as all types of media; it’s optimized for games, and the music lacks details.
