Quick take
The Razer Blackshark V2 is an ultra-comfortable wired gaming headset with a crystal-clear microphone that rivals much more expensive options. I enjoyed my time with the Blackshark V2. Thick memory foam ear cushions and headband let you game for hours without feeling fatigued, and the headset’s sound quality enhances the experience of most competitive games. The Blackshark V2 would benefit from a more durable build quality, and listening to music leaves something to be desired. However, the headset remains a viable option in an incredibly cutthroat price range.
- Lightweight
- Comfortable headband and ear cushions
- Crisp audio
- Non-detachable audio cable
Table of Contents
Headset specs
- Connectivity: Wired
- Design: Closed-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 50mm
- Weight: 262 grams
- Frequency Response: 12-28,000 Hz
- Microphone: Detachable boom
- Battery life: n/a
Alternative headsets
Logitech G Pro X
The Logitech G Pro X is a premium wired headset with an esports-tuned sound mix. The G Pro X is an excellent option for playing competitive games like Valorant and Fortnite because it can enhance your ability to listen for footsteps and other vital audio cues.
HyperX Cloud II
The HyperX Cloud II is one of the most popular gaming headsets ever made because of its winning combination of comfort and sound quality. The Razer Blackshark V2 has more padding in the ear cushions and headband than the Cloud II, but the Cloud II has better audio for gaming.
Astro A40 TR
The Astro A40 TR is a durable open-back gaming headset with precision-tuned audio for gaming and esports. The A40 TR is built to last with replaceable parts, like the headband cushion, ear cups, microphone, and audio cable.
Ergonomics
Ear cups
The ear cups on the Blackshark V2 are some of the best we’ve tested, thanks to an intelligent combination of design and materials. The Blackshark’s simple matte-black ear cups feature a closed-back design with the green Razer serpent logo printed on each side. Each oval-shaped ear cup is spacious enough to fit my ears, with plenty of room to spare.
The Blackshark V2’s ear cushions are soft memory foam covered in synthetic-weave fabric that Razer calls FlowKnit. The ear cushion memory foam is ultra-thick and comfortable, and the synthetic material prevents heat buildup during extended play sessions. I prefer Razer’s synthetic weave to any leatherette ear cushions I’ve used.
Headband
Razer continued its triumphant ergonomics in the Blackshark’s headband. The Blackshark’s headband features a generous amount of memory foam covered in the same synthetic weave material used in the ear cushions. The ample headband cushioning and the headset’s light weight make it feel like a pillow resting on your head.
The headband’s core is made from metal, with thin metal arms the diameter of a coat hanger holding each ear cup. The thin metal arms are a potential weak spot on the headset, each one feeds into a plastic joint, and you have to be extremely careful not to bend them. Even though the arms save weight, I wish Razor had opted for a more durable design.
Clamping Force
The Blackshark V2 has a medium to weak clamping force. The headset doesn’t clamp tightly enough to be used during physical activity but should stay put for most gaming applications.
Audio
| Driver Size (mm) | Wired Frequency Range (Hz) | Wireless Frequency Range (Hz) | Nominal Impedance (ohms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 12-28,000 | n/a | 32 |
Gaming
The Blackshark V2 has good enough audio for competitive gaming. Still, I wasn’t blown away by the quality compared to similarly priced options like the Logitech G Pro X. The spacious synthetic weave ear cups help facilitate an open soundstage. Still, the default audio mix can sometimes sound muffled.
Some games sounded better than others when testing the Blackshark V2. In Escape From Tarkov, the Blacksharks displayed strong directional audio and clear distinction between sounds. The headset struggled in Warzone 2, where I had difficulty distinguishing footsteps from background audio.
Music
There are better options than the Razer Blackshark V2 for listening to music due to a lack of bass and an overall dull sound profile. Some of my favorite tracks, like Blinding Lights by The Weeknd, sounded uninspired and didn’t invite you to keep listening. Still, the sub-par music quality is not a deal breaker for this headset since we’re guessing most people will primarily use the Blacksharks for gaming.
Features
Tech
The Razer Blackshark V2 is a straightforward headset without notable onboard tech features. Check out the Blackshark’s big brother, Razer Kraken V3 Pro, if you want a more feature-heavy gaming headset.
Software
The Blackshark V2 is compatible with the Razer Synapse companion software on a PC with the USB sound card plugged in. Razer Synapse features a sound mixer with customization options for THX Spatial Audio, EQ customization, and a microphone equalizer with tuning presets and enhancements.
Pro tip
Check out our guide to the best Razer mouse to see more peripherals compatible with the Razer Synapse software.
Carrying case
The Blackshark V2 ships with a soft, black drawstring pouch to store and protect the headset from dust and scratches. We would advise caution when traveling with the Blackshark V2; the headset’s thin metal components could be damaged easily if carelessly stored in a bag or suitcase.
Controls
The Blackshark V2 features an oversized volume dial and mute toggle button on the left ear cup. Extra controls for features like mic monitoring and sound normalization can be adjusted in the Razer Synapse software.
Connectivity
Connections
| 3.5mm (wired) | USB (wired) | Bluetooth (wireless) | 2.4 GHz (wireless) | Dual Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
The Blackshark V2 features a non-detachable braided 3.5mm audio cable with a USB sound card adapter for PC. The non-detachable audio cable is a weak spot of the headset; it makes the Blackshark V2 awkward to store, and the cord can’t be replaced if it frays or breaks over time.
Compatibility
| PC | Mac | PS4 | PS5 | Xbox One | Xbox Series X/S | Switch | Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Blackshark V2 is compatible with almost any device thanks to its 3.5mm and USB wired connections. Be aware that the Razer Synapse software and its features are only available with the USB sound card plugged in.
Microphone
The Blackshark V2 features a detachable boom microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern and an optional foam pop filter. The Blackshark V2’s boom microphone sounds incredibly clear with little audible background noise, making it one of the best mics you can buy for voice calls or chatting with teammates. Judge the Blackshark’s microphone quality by listening to the recording below.
In the box
- Razer BlackShark V2 headset
- USB sound card
- Detachable boom mic
- Soft pouch
- Razer stickers
- Manuals
