If the name tells you something, it’s normal: le Razer BlackShark V2 Pro they are not completely new. The Californian company had already presented them in 2020, obtaining a good response from the press and players.
So, are we trying headphones from 3 years ago?
Of course not. We got our hands on 2023 version, this time compatible with everything. Almost. You can use them su PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch e mobile. This is because the new arrivals work both with the dongle included in the package and with Bluetooth 5.2.
In short, you could potentially use them with almost every gaming platform on the market.
The question is: is it worth spending over 200 euros to buy them?
The review of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023
There’s one major absentee in the 2023 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro box: the custody.
It wasn’t even in the 2020 model but this time we are more surprised. The reason? We are talking about headphones which, as anticipated, also work with smartphones and tablets, which means that they potentially increase the chances of being used on the go or at least away from home. A case would facilitate safe transport but Razer has chosen to make a different choice.
The rest is all there: the headphones – in our case in the splendid white color -, the microphone that you can connect only when you need it, the USB dongle for wireless use on PC and PlayStation, a USB-A adapter cable, a USB-A/USB-C charging cable and manuals.
Yes but how are they made?
As anticipated, we have got our hands on the White Edition but there is also the total black variant.
What changes? Simply here the pavilions, the external arch and some elements of the microphone are white while the arches, the interior of the architect and part of the structure that connects these two elements remain black.
Obviously the black version makes them a little less flashy but the White Edition seemed to us elegant, original and perfectly in line with the aesthetics of PlayStation 5.
Putting aside the chromatic choice, we obviously have two identical and well-structured products.
Let’s start from plastic earcups, with the Razer logo in black which no, it is not associated with some RGB LEDs: sobriety above all. The only very small LED is the status one that we find on the left pavilion, a position in which you also find it the key to mute the microphonethe button ignition and pairing, the USB-C connector for charging and the jack for connecting the microphone; always on the left stands out the volume adjustment wheel, a large-sized ring that helps you adjust the audio on the fly. On the right, however, there is a single button that performs two functions: with a double click you pass from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi connectivity with Razer HyperSpeed technology, with a single touch you pass instead from one preset to anotherso you can choose between Game, Movie, Musica e Custom. The latter of course customizable using il software Razer Synapse. That’s not all: by holding down the switch key you can switch to profili Esports, dedicati a Apex Legends, Call of Duty, CS:GO, Fortnite e Valorant.
Then there is a further plus: you can change them all. Indeed, the program of the American company allows you to edit all 9 presets, leaving you free to build your own audio experience.
This already remarkable versatility is added the comfort. Bearings are in breathable fabric and memory foam, which allowed us to wear them for hours without problems, whether it was for gaming, work, listening to music, streaming on Twitch or some TV series.
The bearings and general structure of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro guarantee good sound insulation, enough to eliminate a running washing machine or keyboard noise while you work. There is no active noise cancellation but we honestly didn’t feel the need for it.
The structure it exploits is also promoted reinforced steel and metal brackets for adjusting the reach. The pavilions do not rotate a lot but enough to adapt to different heads.
The headband, on the other hand, is padded, in memory foam, with the inside in fabric and the outside in imitation leather, embellished with the Razer writing.
The weight – 320 grams without microphone – is optimally distributedo: you won’t forget you’re wearing them but we’re close.
If necessary, you can connect the special headset microphone which can also count on a screen cover that is perhaps too loose. Don’t worry, you can always remove it if you ever find it annoying.
What is missing? Well, an audio jack to use them in wired mode in case of low battery. Once dry, you’ll have to use them while they charge with the USB-C cable or wait for them to have some juice again.
Is it a flaw? Well, you won’t be able to use them on the plane, with the inflight entertainment system, but hey, they’re not meant for that.
And then they have 70 hours of battery life which is really a lot.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review: How does it feel?
The BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 they rely on driver Razer TriForce da 50 mm in titaniohave a range from 12 to 28,000 Hz and support THX spatial audio.
All of this translates into a really interesting acoustic experience: the sound is clear, the volume is high, the bass – when you select the right equalization profile – is absolutely felt.
You can exploit them satisfactorily for any activity, taking advantage of the ability to customize the experience great to the Razer Synapse 3 software, compatible with Windows 10 and 11. This obviously means that the PC is indispensable for the punctual setup of these wireless headphones. Without it you would not exploit the full potential of this product.
The program is also essential for testing and activating THX spatial audioa kind of simulated surround that adds three-dimensionality to the sound.
In addition you have the possibility of associating the audio preset to each game already installed on your PCso you don’t have to change it from time to time.
He tab Enhancement of Synapse allows you to activate a number of additional options:
- Do Not Disturb block calls on mobile devices while playing games;
- Sound Normalization normalizes the sound to avoid annoying peaks;
- Bass Boost boost bass;
- Voice Clarity improves voice quality during calls in apps that support it.
At your disposal, therefore, you have all the tools you need in everyday life and even something more, so you will be sure to get the best out of these headphones.
And the microphone?
Razer’s software will also come in handy for the microphone. In fact, from here you manage the volume, take advantage of it the equalizer and activate it volume normalizationthe function Vocal Clarity e noise cancellation. Be aware though that together they can distort your voice a bit while disabling them all will have you a rendering faithful to reality and quite satisfying.
In our opinion it cannot replace a stand-alone microphone for activities such as online streaming but it is more than adequate for talking on Discord, in-game or during any video call, personal or work.
What autonomy!
70 hours is a lot. However, measuring them accurately is really difficult.
But we can tell you that we used them for two weeks before needing to charge them. And, just to be precise, two weeks during which we used them 2-3 hours a day from Monday to Friday and much more intensely during the weekends. In short, perhaps it will not be 70 but the autonomy is really excellent.
Then download once get back on track with just a few minutes of charging.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 review: conclusions
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 improve what was already proposed in 2020.
They are not yet perfect: they lack a useful case, however, it is not possible to use them with the jack and the only way to set them is the PC although they were born to get along with almost every platform available on the market. However, they are comfortable, versatile, simple to use, full of features and options suitable for the most demanding users, enriched by truly satisfying audio and supported by an above average battery. If you are looking for something that can go well with all your gaming devices, they could really be for you. However, know that this adaptability and the aforementioned characteristics come at a serious cost: 229,99 €.
PRO
- Very comfortable
- Intuitive controls
- complete software
- Good audio performance
- Excellent autonomy
AGAINST
- No custody
- The PC is essential for setting
- No wired use with 3.5mm jack