• TWEAK
• Hardware
• Headset

Razer Blackshark v2 Pro (2023)

Translate from : Razer Blackshark v2 Pro (2023)

Specifications:

• HEADPHONES
• DRIVERS: Razer™ TriForce Titanium 50 mm Drivers
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 12 Hz – 28 kHz
• IMPEDANCE: 32 Ω
• SENSITIVITY: 100dBSPL/mW at 1KHz by HATS
• MICROPHONE:
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 100 Hz – 10 kHz
• SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO: ≥ 60 dB
• SENSITIVITY: -42 ± 3 dBV/Pa,1kHz
• PICK-UP PATTERN: Unidirectional
• POP FILTER: Internal & External
• CONNECTIVITY: Wireless via Type-A dongle or Bluetooth 5.2
• BLUETOOTH CODEC: AAC, SBC
• SURROUND SOUND: THX Spatial Audio – Only available on 10® 64-bit (or higher)
• BATTERY LIFE: Up to 70 hours
• INNER EAR CUP DIAMETER: 62 x 42 mm
• APPROX. WEIGHT: 320g

When shopping for the new headset, one should be aware that what we are looking at today is an updated version of the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro set from 2020, which has the exact same name.

There are, however, a few technical updates that we will be covering in this test.

A Tour Around the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro (2023)

If you are familiar with the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro set from before, you have to look closely to spot the differences between the new 2023 version we see today. The exterior design is, as the name suggests, almost exactly the same.

The Razer Blackshark v2 Pro (2023) comes in both a black and a white version.

This is a classic headset design, reminiscent of what we know from airplanes and similar places. The design is subdued and, somewhat unusually for a Razer product, completely without RGB lighting or other frills.

The color of our test sample is a matte black all around. There is a very subdued Razer logo on each ear cup. The ear cups are of a reasonable size with a diameter of 62x42mm, and a sensible depth that means it fits comfortably on my head.

The pillows are made of soft memory foam with a fabric surface that feels comfortable. It also did not cause any issues or irritation for the wearer of glasses.

On the right earcup there is a single button used to switch between different EQ settings. There are nine different EQ settings available, five of which are specifically FPS tuned profiles. The five profiles were created in collaboration with top players from the various games they cover.

There are profiles for Apex Legends, Call of Duty, CS:GO, Fortnite, and Valorant. There is a pleasant voice that conveniently informs you which profile you are on when you switch between them. All profiles are stored locally on the headset, so they come with you even if you don't have Razer's software installed.

The EQ button is also used for Bluetooth pairing if held for seven seconds. The addition of Bluetooth is, by the way, one of the updates for the 2023 version compared to the 2020 version of the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro.

On the left earcup, there is a dial to control the volume. It is supplemented by a power and mute button, as well as a USB C port for charging the set. USB C is also an upgrade from the Micro USB port that was on the 2020 version.

The Razer Blackshark v2 Pro (2023) comes with a detachable microphone, which is located on the left ear cup. It looks just like the previous version, but has been updated. Previously, it was a Razer HyperClear SuperCardioid Mic with a Wideband - 16 kHz sampling rate, which on the 2023 version has been updated to a Razer HyperClear Super Wideband Mic with a Super Wideband - 32 kHz sampling rate.

The microphone is mounted on a very flexible and adjustable microphone arm, which means it is easy to get into the optimal position. We will take a closer look at the sound quality a bit later in the test.

What is not immediately visible from the updates is an improved battery life, which Razer now states can last up to 70 hours, compared to the 24 hours that could be expected before. Razer states that you can get about six hours of battery life from a 15-minute charge.

At the same time, Razer has also improved and strengthened the components of the headset, on the headband and the adjustable sliders.

This set comes with a 2.4 GHz USB dongle for a wireless connection. There is also a USB A to C cable for charging, and a USB A to A extension cable for optimal placement of the dongle. All cables have a comfortable and flexible fabric surface.

Software

The settings on the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro (2023) can be controlled, like all other Razer products, through their Synapse software.

It is a central piece of software where Razer collects all of their devices. So if you have more than one Razer device, they can all be controlled from here.

In this case, Synapse software allows for quick viewing of battery status and changing of sound and microphone settings.

With Synapse, you have access to quickly switch between the available EQ profiles. There is also the option to create your own custom EQ setting.

In addition, there is also the option to make use of THX Special Audio, which is a virtual surround sound technology.

Here, there is no option to use the customized FPS EQ profiles, but you can choose between the regular GAME, MOVIE, MUSIC and CUSTOM.

There is also a great selection of options for customizing the microphone. It has its own EQ area where you can adjust things to your preference. There are four standard profiles to choose from, and you can create your own custom version. All profiles can be adjusted as desired.

Overall, I would say that there are good opportunities for customization down to the smallest detail. Of course, it is a matter of taste how one prefers their sound. With the options for customization through Synapse, however, it should be possible for everyone to choose a profile that suits their taste.

At the same time, I think it's great to see that there are specifically tuned profiles. Razer does not reveal who they have collaborated with in relation to these profiles, but as I will discuss later, the ones I tested worked well.

Testing

I have had the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro (2023) visiting for a few weeks now, and have used the headset for a good mix of general desktop use, spiced up with a good portion of gaming.

Primarily, it has been Call of Duty mixed with a bit of Cyberpunk 2077.

Throughout the test, both the fit and overall comfort have been pleasant for me, even during extended periods of use. The relatively light weight means that the set has been comfortable to wear.

As with most over ear headsets, it can get a bit warm after a while. However, it has not been particularly pronounced here, and I think the soft cushions are quite breathable.

I would say that the battery life of around 70 hours is also fairly accurate. Throughout my testing, I have not had to charge the set.

The range of the 2.4 GHz dongle is reasonable, and better than I expected for everyday use. I could move freely around the house without any problems, and even go from the ground floor to the first floor without losing connection.

When looking at the sound profile, with all settings at default, the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro (2023) set performs incredibly well, with a well-balanced soundscape. The distribution between bass, mid and high tones is well-tuned, and the two 50mm Razer TriForce Titanium drivers do a great job.

Even the smallest details in the sound come through clearly, and I never experienced a muddled soundscape, even at higher volume settings.

As I mentioned before, there are plenty of options to customize the sound through software. Personally, I clearly prefer the stereo setting when it comes to music. As we can see from the specially tailored profiles, this is also where the professional players lay their preferences.

For movies and more cinematic games, there may be something to gain by using the THX Spatial Sound option. It provides a more open soundscape, which is more engaging.

It is not optimal for FPS games, where details such as the placement of opponents, footsteps, etc. can be more difficult to place. However, THX does a great job for the immersive cinematic experience, and adds an extra dimension to the soundscape when watching movies or moving around the cityscape of Night City.

The microphone is one of the things that has been updated in the new 2023 version. It does the job really well, providing one of the best experiences I have ever had with a non-dedicated microphone.

Listen to the sound test here. Please be aware that I have been suffering from a cold for a while, which may have affected the recording a bit :P .

Price

The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro (2023) has just been released, so I currently have no online prices to go by. However, Razer has stated the price in their press material, which we have received prior to this test, to be just over $255 USD. That is around $75 USD more than what you can currently get in the 2020 version online.

Conclusion

Razer has created a great headset with their Razer Blackshark v2 Pro (2023). I have no personal experience with the 2020 version of the set, so I cannot say how much it has improved from the previous version.

For myself, it is clearly one of the better headsets I have tested. It is lightweight and comfortable, even for extended periods of time, and it is wireless with a long battery life.

The sound profile of both the headset itself and the detachable microphone handle the task very well for both media content and gaming.

By combining it with on board sound profiles, and a solid software solution, you end up having all the customization options you could need.

The price is on the higher end, but when we compare to other wireless headsets, it is very much in line with what is available on the market.

We give a final rating of 9 for this super solid and comfortable wireless headset with great hardware and nice features.

Good

• Light and comfortable
• Good sound profile
• Strong microphone
• Good materials
• Long battery life
• On board EQ profiles
• Flexible connection

Bad:

• The price