The Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) has massive footwear to fill, given how beloved its earlier model is inside the wi-fi gaming headset area. Armed with a brand new microphone, amongst different enhancements, these headphones are actually worthy of their predecessor’s moniker.
Having spent the final week or so with it, I can fortunately say these refreshed pair of cans are distinctive for gaming, esports or in any other case. Actually, the Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) simply ranks among the many best wireless gaming headset choices available on the market at this time, offering you may settle for their one flaw.
Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) design and luxury
The Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) design is so just like the earlier mannequin that you could have already seen some Twitch streamers sporting it with out realising. Fact be instructed, I discover it tough to distinguish between the 2 even now if I’m simply taking a look at them. Reasonably than reinvent the headset, Razer has as an alternative opted to refine it. Fortunately, all of the modifications the corporate has made to the already strong construct of the BlackShark V2 Professional (2020) are positively for the higher.
The identical top quality plastic from the unique BlackShark V2 Professional returns, offering the general building of the headset with a sturdy and comparatively light-weight really feel. Likewise, the felt pads additionally stay unchanged. There’s nothing flawed with them, however I personally would’ve most well-liked to see the superb leatherette cushions discovered on the corporate’s different headsets, just like the Barracuda Professional, make an look right here for that additional diploma of consolation.
So, what’s completely different? Evaluating the 2 headsets, probably the most noticeable distinction I can really feel is the change in clamping pressure. The BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) feels far more safe on my head, however this does include a level of added stress round my ears and on the high of my head. It’s noticeable however not uncomfortable, as the headscarf cushion does a fantastic job of balancing issues out.
Razer has additionally strengthened the headscarf sliders, which stay a placing design alternative that I’m nonetheless not sure how I really feel about. I’m a stickler for the basic type of scarf changes, notably people who present measurements that will help you discover the proper match. Preferences apart, I can’t discover something objectively flawed or problematic with it.
It’s obtainable in each black and white colourways, and I’m fairly taken with the Stormtrooper-esque look of our assessment unit. Nevertheless, I do assume I’d in all probability want the stealthier choice for once I’m out and about.
Total, the refreshed design of the Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) creates a extra comfy and durable headset in comparison with its predecessor. I fortunately use it for hours at a time with no points, and my gripes are purely preferential.
Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) options and software program
Of all of the Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) options, I’m most impressed with its removable microphone. Gone is the previous 16KHz cardioid from the earlier mannequin, changed with a decidedly higher 32KHz wideband mic. It’s simply top-of-the-line I’ve heard, extra precisely capturing the high and low tones of my voice, whereas most different examples sound skinny by comparability. The arm itself has been strengthened too, and I haven’t seen any sag or weak factors but, however that’s one thing solely time can reveal.
With this refresh, Razer brings again its dependable HyperSpeed Wi-fi expertise however has additionally added Bluetooth into the combo as properly. You’ll need to use the previous for many gaming eventualities, however the latter makes the BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) simpler to make use of as a basic headphone for music or for pairing with the Steam Deck.
Sadly, there are zero wired connections current on the BlackShark V2 Professional (2023). Gone is the three.5mm jack from the 2020 mannequin, and there’s no knowledge over USB both. So, do you have to lose your wi-fi dongle, you may’t take pleasure in low-latency gaming. Razer tells PCGamesN that it’s creating a alternative receiver program that will probably be obtainable by way of its buyer help service. It’s not prepared for the launch of the headset, however we’ll replace our assessment when it arrives.
New for the BlackShark V2 Professional are the addition of sound profiles curated by esports professionals. At present, the checklist of supported titles consists of: Apex Legends, Name of Responsibility, Counter-Strike: International Offensive, Fortnite, and Valorant. I’m curious to see if this checklist will develop, as there are just a few apparent omissions, akin to Rainbow Six: Siege, and if we’ll see different genres like MOBAs be part of the ranks too.
Whereas this characteristic finally quantities to a number of bespoke EQs, they do assist sure components of every sport pop. One factor that helps me perceive the impression of every profile are the labels that relaxation beneath every frequency, which present how variables akin to ‘footsteps’ or ‘gliding’ are being emphasised. You’ll want Razer Synapse to see this and customise them for those who so selected, after all, however the BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) performs simply positive with out the software program too.
Swapping between profiles might be accomplished in Razer Synapse, nevertheless it’s a lot simpler to cycle via them with the button on the again of the proper earcup. Holding down the button for 3 seconds toggles between game-specific and basic EQs, akin to ‘music’, ‘film’, and so on. Simply keep in mind, there’s no option to toggle between stereo and THX Spatial exterior of Synapse for those who’re somebody that likes to dabble in digital encompass sound.
Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) efficiency and battery life
I’m very proud of the Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) from a efficiency standpoint. It packs the identical TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers that have been current within the 2020 mannequin, so it ought to come as no shock that this headset sounds simply nearly as good.
Out of the field, they positively place an emphasis on the low-end, making them excellent for video games and music that basically profit from a bass enhance. Nevertheless, this isn’t to say they’re overly boomy, and extra that they make for a enjoyable and playful listening expertise that doesn’t impinge on the mids or highs an excessive amount of in any respect.
Whereas gaming, the BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) made for a dependable companion. In matches of Counter-Strike: International Offensive, I used to be capable of simply choose up the place the path of photographs and footsteps have been coming from. This similar reliability interprets into extra narrative pushed video games too, like Resident Evil 4 Remake, serving to me be extra situationally conscious of enemy placements and revelling within the satisfying growth of my magnum.
Within the time I’ve had the BlackShark V2 Professional, I’ve needed to cost it very occasionally, because it’s rated for a staggering 70 hours of battery life for two.4GHz gaming. This bumps as much as a whopping 90 hours over Bluetooth too. Whereas I can’t say with an excessive amount of certainty how truthful these claims are, based mostly on my private expertise it actually looks like it’s in that ballpark.
Ought to you might want to juice up the headset, nonetheless, you received’t have to deal with the aged micro USB port discovered on the 2020 mannequin. Sure, the BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) packs a USB Kind-C improve that can provide you six hours of battery life from simply quarter-hour of charging.
Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) worth
For $199.99 / £199.99, the Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) worth feels greater than justified. In comparison with costlier choices, these cans supply nice worth and infrequently punch above their weight, notably if microphone high quality is a paramount concern.
It faces stiff competitors from different mid-range wi-fi headsets, just like the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi, which you might be able to discover for barely cheaper and retain wired connectivity.
Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) verdict
When you’re in search of the best wireless gaming headset within the area of $200 / £200, the Razer BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) is a wonderful alternative. Whereas it’s completely suited to gamers of aggressive FPS video games because of its software program options, there’s a fantastic pair of cans and implausible microphone on supply right here that any gamer could be more than pleased with.
The one actual destructive I’ve to say in regards to the BlackShark V2 Professional (2023) is the shortage of wired connectivity. I actually hope that when a V3 rolls round, Razer has the knowledge to incorporate knowledge over USB.
Execs:
- Comfy and interesting listening expertise
- Class-leading microphone
- Superb battery life
Cons:
Razer BlackShark V2 Professional assessment
An impressive microphone and strong sound high quality make the Razer BlackShark V2 Professional a superb wi-fi gaming headset, however the omission of wired connectivity stops it from being roughly excellent.
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