Razer BlackShark V2 Review: Premium headset, good worth
“The sound profiles are easily the best feature of this headset.”
Sound profiles and simple customization
Solid audio
Superior mic efficiency
Photo courtesy of RazerThe Razer BlackShark V2 — and by extension, the cheaper V2 X — affords distinctive efficiency at an distinctive worth. The BlackShark V2 combines high quality audio with the a lot rarer strong mic efficiency.
THX Game Profiles are simply the most effective characteristic of this headset.
The $100 base worth additionally makes this headset an excellent worth. There are loads of cheaper fashions, together with the $60 V2 X, however few pack as many options because the BlackShark. Many of Digital Trends’ high gaming headset picks go for greater than double the worth of the BlackShark.
Sound profiles
THX Game Profiles are simply the most effective characteristic of the BlackShark V2, permitting you to tweak the EQ settings for each sport individually. It comes preset with profiles for a number of fashionable video games, together with Apex Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Valorant. Not each sport has a preset profile, however the Razer Synapse app makes it simple to vary the settings regardless; you’ll simply need to do extra of the work your self.
The cheaper V2 X omits THX Spatial Audio out of the field, however you possibly can add it on utilizing the app for $20. Considering the full value of $80 for the headset and app, it’s not a nasty deal, and also you’ll get many of the flagship V2’s greatest options at a slight low cost. It additionally works a lot better than among the spatial audio we’ve seen, which tries and infrequently fails to imitate the sensation of encompass sound.
Numerous {hardware} and accent makers play up how a product will enhance the “immersion,” or feeling of actually being inside the sport. Most instances, that’s simply advertising and marketing, however this actually feels unimaginable. For occasion, the EQ settings allow you to dial up the extent of footsteps in first-person shooters, or the music and setting sounds in a sport like Death Stranding. Of course, this doesn’t translate to consoles, but it surely’s a incredible expertise on PC. But the best audio gear could make a distinction on consoles as effectively, and the BlackShark V2 definitely did. I used to be thrilled besides up Ghost of Tsushima and hearken to the wind rustle, or Resident Evil 3, the place I’ve loved utilizing sound as a technique.
The triple drivers are supposed to isolate treble, bass, and midtones, the final of which regularly will get ignored. It’s a small distinction, however I definitely seen the additional particulars.
Photo courtesy of RazerMic examine
It’s simple to disregard the significance of a headset’s mic high quality — in any case, how usually do you hearken to your self? But you’ve in all probability felt the frustration of a muddy-sounding teammate, or somebody drowned out by background noise, particularly when competing with sport sounds.
The mic may be very versatile, and I discovered it simple to place into an optimum place, in order that my AC blaring within the background was much less of a problem. The foam mic cowl additionally smooths out the sound, avoiding harsh consonant sounds. This is particularly essential when you additionally wish to use the BlackShark for streaming, the place small particulars can imply getting a brand new follower or having a viewer click on off.
The mic can also be removable, which is a pleasant bonus for storage or journey, and it’s extra accessible for doable substitute. I additionally discover that removable mics are often longer and extra versatile than built-in ones that must fold up or coil again into the headset.
Working from house, my most well-liked gaming headset of the second usually pulls double obligation. I discover myself reaching for a headset for Zoom calls, Spotify periods, and gaming breaks as soon as I just about clock out. Audio is much less essential for work conferences, however I’ve had individuals touch upon how clear I sounded on a video name, along with in video games.
Photo courtesy of RazerMirror fashions
My greatest qualm exists in each headsets: The look.
The BlackShark V2 and V2 X are very related. They could be too related. Both are very snug, have good mic and audio high quality, and are simple to make use of, however the higher-priced V2 does every thing barely higher. The cheaper V2 X has considerably much less superior foam for its ear cushions, the cable is rubber quite than threaded, it solely connects by way of a 3.5 mm jack, and it doesn’t have “advanced mic control features.”
What issues, although, isn’t the listing of particulars. It’s how they really feel to make use of. And, fairly frankly, the variations really feel comparatively minute in follow. That’s not a knock on the V2 a lot as it’s a testomony to the V2 X. For anybody in search of a well-rounded entry-level headset, it’s value looking at.
Still, I discovered myself gravitating towards the total V2. As small as these variations are, they’re nonetheless there. So when you’re keen to drop the $100, don’t settle when you don’t need to.
My greatest qualm exists in each headsets: The look.
I really feel like a helicopter pilot sporting them. And it’s not simply the mic, the cushion on which definitely provides to that impact, a reality I’m keen to place up with for the elevated audio constancy. The headsets can solely be described as bulbous. And I’m certain a part of that’s laborious to keep away from. Razer did emphasize the triple drivers the BlackShark has, that are supposed to supply that incredible sound. But I nonetheless didn’t all the time like sporting them for that purpose. The headsets aren’t heavy, however they appear clunky and awkward. And whereas I’d care much less if my gaming mouse isn’t probably the most aesthetically pleasing, others can see my headphones.
Our take
The Razer BlackShark V2 and V2 X are each strong headsets with a superb price ticket. The V2 is definitely higher, however these seeking to spend a bit much less received’t be upset with the V2 X, both.
Is there a greater different?
There are so many headsets accessible that you could possibly simply paralyze your self with alternative. Yes, there are different good headsets at this worth level, however the BlackShark V2 is healthier than common. And it really works effectively throughout gadgets.
How lengthy will it final?
Despite the development variations between the 2 fashions, each are sturdy. They’re well-built and will final fairly some time. The BlackShark V2’s THX Spatial Audio and sport profiles are additionally a pleasant contact. I wouldn’t be stunned if we see extra iterations of this characteristic sooner or later.
Should you purchase it?
If you’re out there for a superb entry- to mid-level headset with high quality audio and mic, undoubtedly. It works very effectively when you’re into perform over type. If aesthetics are a should, perhaps it’s not for you.
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