Razer Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 Review: Great Audio for Action-packed Games!
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is the latest iteration of Razer’s popular gaming headset. Although it may appear similar to its predecessor released in 2020, this new version boasts several significant upgrades that enhance the overall gaming experience.
It has the enhanced microphone, Bluetooth connectivity, pre-set onboard EQ profiles, and improved battery life make the new version so much better to use when playing your favorite games.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated esports enthusiast, this headset offers enhanced features that elevate your gaming experience to new heights.
Razer Blackshark V2 Pro 2023: Video Review
Design
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) maintains the same design as its predecessor, featuring a sleek and stylish aesthetic. The headset’s top section showcases a padded leatherette headband with the iconic Razer branding, providing comfort and a premium look. The stainless steel headband slider has been reinforced this year, adding durability to the design. However, some concerns exist regarding the thinness of the sliders, as they might be prone to bending or warping if not handled with care or stored improperly.
The majority of the headset is made of plastic, including the earcups, buttons, and volume dial located on the side. The earcups, though, offer a pleasant tactile experience with pressure-relieving memory foam material that is soft and comfortable. Extended usage of over four hours for work or gaming did not cause discomfort, and the headset stayed securely in place even during moments of sweating.
One drawback is that the earcups do not rotate, which can make taking the headset on and off a bit cumbersome. However, Razer has focused on refining the clamping force of the headset to enhance the overall fit and comfort.
On the left earcup, you’ll find various connectors and buttons. This includes the volume dial, a USB-C charge port, a power button, and a microphone mute button. Additionally, a small button is placed on the right earcup, allowing users to switch between different types of connections.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is exceptionally lightweight, weighing around 320 grams, which contributes to a comfortable and barely noticeable wearing experience. It is available in both black and white color options, allowing users to choose their preferred style.
The microphone is included as a separate accessory and can be disconnected according to personal preference. Compared to the previous model, the microphone on the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) offers increased flexibility and can be easily positioned near the mouth for optimal audio capture.
Razer Blackshark V2 Pro 2023: Audio quality
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) pleasantly surprised us with its audio quality, especially considering it is a gaming headset. Razer, known for its expertise in sound, has delivered an excellent audio immersion experience, particularly for action-packed games. The headset performs admirably in competitive games that require precise perception of subtle sound details, as the base sound is well-optimized and allows for clear audibility of intricate audio cues.
While the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) may not surpass specialized headphones in terms of music listening, it still offers a great experience for games that prioritize storytelling and demand immersive audio. It particularly shines in games like Zelda, Stray, or Red Dead Redemption 2, where the presence of bass enhances the understanding of sounds during intense firearm clashes.
Moreover, the Razer Synapse software provides an equalizer that enables you to customize the sound according to your personal preferences. It offers the flexibility to set individual equalizer profiles for chat channels and game channels, allowing for optimal audio balance during different scenarios.
However, it’s important to note that before starting your music or game, it is crucial to check the volume levels on both Windows and the sound dial of the headset. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) can produce extremely loud sound, so adjusting the volume appropriately is essential to avoid any discomfort or potential damage to your hearing.
One highly appreciated feature is the presence of a sound control wheel directly on the headset. This offers optimal responsiveness, especially in scenarios where players may be shouting into their microphones, such as in games like CS:GO. The convenience of having quick access to sound control on the headset itself enhances the overall gaming experience.
Microphone quality
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) impresses with its built-in microphone, which boasts excellent quality that rivals even mid-range external microphones. One practical feature is its detachable design, allowing users to remove it from the headset when not in use. However, it’s worth noting that the microphone cannot be completely stowed away, rolled up, or folded up, which may be a consideration for those who prefer a more compact design.
The microphone is equipped with a windscreen, serving as a protective barrier against unwanted noise and wind interference that could potentially degrade audio quality. The effectiveness of the windscreen ensures that your voice comes through clearly and without distortion, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
The microphone’s quality truly shines during testing, even when simply plugging it into a compatible device like the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733Z without any additional equipment. The audio captured by the microphone is excellent, providing clear and crisp voice transmission for seamless communication with teammates or during online conversations.
For those looking to further enhance the microphone’s audio quality, it is possible to connect the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) to a Creative Soundblaster X5 or similar audio equipment. This additional setup allows for fine-tuning and customization, enabling you to optimize the microphone’s performance to meet your specific preferences and requirements.
Connectivity
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) offers improved connectivity compared to its 2020 predecessor. In addition to the existing 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, the new version also incorporates Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. This expanded connectivity options allow for seamless compatibility with a wide range of devices, making it easier to use the headset with all of your devices.
However, it’s worth noting that Razer has removed the 3.5mm audio jack from the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023). This means that you can no longer use an AUX cable to connect the headset to devices that do not have Bluetooth capability. While this removal may be a disappointment for those who relied on wired connections, it is becoming less of an issue as most devices nowadays are equipped with Bluetooth functionality.
One limitation to be aware of is that the headset can only handle one connection at a time. This means that you cannot simultaneously use the headset for a phone call and gaming. While this might be a drawback for users who require multitasking capabilities, it’s important to consider that the primary focus of the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is gaming, and its features are optimized for that purpose.
Razer Synapse app
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) headset is fully compatible with the Razer Synapse software, which is Razer’s proprietary tool for configuring and customizing their peripherals. Upon downloading the software, an automatic update ensures seamless integration of the headset with the software for optimal performance.
Once you access the Razer Synapse software, you will discover five dedicated tabs specifically designed for managing the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) headset. The first tab allows you to adjust the headphone volume and toggle the noise cancellation mode. While these settings are already easily accessible directly on the headset, the inclusion of a separate tab for them may seem redundant.
The second section of the software is focused on the headphone mixer parameters. Here, you can control audio modes, enable spatial mode for an immersive experience, and select the desired audio mode for each specific application or game. This allows for fine-tuning audio settings based on personal preferences and the requirements of different applications or games.
The third tab offers advanced sound management functionality. Within this section, you can adjust bass levels, enhance voice clarity, and take advantage of a precise equalizer suitable for a wide range of audio uses. This customization enables you to tailor the audio output to your liking and optimize the headset’s performance based on your specific audio preferences.
The last two tabs are dedicated to microphone management and audio quality, as well as headphone power options. These settings provide practical control over microphone settings, ensuring optimal voice communication quality. Additionally, the audio quality and headphone power options can be adjusted to suit individual preferences and needs.
Autonomy
Battery life is a standout feature of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) headset. Users can enjoy worry-free gaming sessions, as the headset boasts an impressive battery life. With casual gameplay each day, the headset can last for more than a week on a single charge. This aligns with Razer’s claim of up to 70 hours of battery life, demonstrating the headset’s long-lasting performance.
In addition to its extended battery life, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) offers a convenient quick charge feature. Even if the battery runs low, a mere 15-minute charge can provide up to six hours of playtime. This is particularly useful when you need to quickly charge the headset before diving back into your gaming session or other activities.
With such impressive battery performance, this headset is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a reliable and long-lasting wireless experience.
Razer Blackshark V2 Pro 2023: Conclusion
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is a notable upgrade to its predecessor, offering several improvements that enhance the gaming experience. While the design remains largely unchanged, the headset still exudes a sleek and comfortable aesthetic.
One of the standout features of the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is its excellent audio quality. Razer’s expertise in sound engineering shines through, providing immersive audio for action-packed games and accurate sound detail for competitive gameplay.
The built-in microphone is of exceptional quality, rivaling mid-range external microphones. Its detachable design and windscreen protection contribute to clear and distortion-free voice transmission.
The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity in the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) adds versatility and freedom of movement. The headset’s improved battery life ensures extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharging. The quick charge feature is a welcome addition, providing several hours of playtime with just a short charging period.
Overall, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) delivers an impressive gaming experience with its audio quality, microphone performance, Bluetooth connectivity, and long-lasting battery life. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, this headset offers the necessary features and enhancements to elevate your gameplay.
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