Razer has been supplying us with high-quality peripherals for years, but the manufacturer has not yet succeeded in making a really big hit with headsets, despite several attempts. The wired version of the Razer BlackShark V2, however, made a good impression, and the manufacturer is now adding a wireless version and some optimizations. Is it worth spending almost 200 euros or is the competition still ahead?
It should be clear from the outset that the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro with its proud price of $199.99 is not a bargain. Even when unpacking, the headset leaves a good first impression. Fabric bag, USB charging cable, USB dongle, detachable microphone arm with pop filter and a 3.5 mm jack cable as well as a soft fabric bag for storage leave little to be desired.
Visually, the BlackShark V2 Pro hardly differs from its wired little brother, which we recently had in the test deficiency. The same pilot look of the auricles, the same, at least visually somewhat questionable-looking wire suspension of the auricles. In addition, the subtle, matt black look and the soft head and ear pads covered with breathable fabric – nothing to complain about on this page. The upholstery and construction ensure a high level of comfort, the headset is neither particularly heavy nor does it squeeze during longer sessions and even wearers of glasses shouldn’t have any problems.
The headset is quite economical in terms of controls. Power switch, microphone button and volume control – you control everything else via the Synapse software. Razer limits itself to the bare minimum, and that’s a good thing. Using a USB dongle, the headset can be used wirelessly on PC and PS4, although the PC connection should be preferred due to the additional options such as THX Spatial Audio. Thanks to the optional jack cable, the headset can also be used on the console gamepad or mobile device if necessary.
Wireless operation via dongle leaves little to be desired. Here, too, Razer uses the in-house HyperSpeed technology in the 2.4 GHz range and it also works flawlessly and flawlessly with this headset, at least up to a range of 10-12 meters. There is no BlueTooth option, but due to its latency it is not the first choice for gamers anyway. The battery life of up to 24 hours is also one of the better of its kind.
Once switched on, the headset surprises with a clear, differentiated and balanced sound. The new TriForce Titanium drivers made a good impression on the cable variant, and this is reinforced by an additional speaker chamber in the wireless variant. These are 50 mm drivers with a strong frequency range of 12 to 28,000 Hz – significantly more than is usual for gaming headsets. The frequency separation of highs, mids and bass is successful. The bass is powerful but not overdone, the mids have a good punch and the highs remain clear and undistorted.
The sun really rises when you use the Synapse software on your PC. There you can activate and configure THX Spatial Audio, even to the extent that you assign the use to certain programs. There are predefined presets for games, films and music, but you can also create your own profiles. THX Spatial Audio gives the sound more breadth and three-dimensionality, which audibly improves directional perception.
Overall, the BlackShark V2 Pro made a very good impression on us. Especially on the PC, the headset was able to convince us both in terms of sound and comfort. There were no problems with the wireless connection, the presets are useful and only need minimal optimization for your own taste, the microphone does a good job and there is nothing to complain about about the battery life.
