Razer recently launched its refreshed Esports gaming headset, the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023, and there really is an emphasis on the word “refreshed”. From a physical viewpoint, the headset is a far cry from its predecessor, integrated with some modern features, while still retaining its design.
What Is It?
The Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 is a pair of wireless gaming headphones, designed by Razer primarily for Esports players. They are available in two colour options, White and Black.
Much of the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023’s design is a carry-over from its 2020 predecessor; the earcups and headband are padded with the same breathable, ultra-soft flowknit memory foam cushions, while retaining the same sliding, steel-reinforced yoke design. Not only that, but the earcups also provide the same passive noise isolation that works quite well. For that matter, the cups are also using the same 50mm Triforce Titanium as before, and the microphone is also detachable.
Additional features of the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 include 7.1 surround sound, courtesy of Spatial Audio.
Is It Any Good?
So, with the familiar parts out of the way, let’s jump right into the changes and improvements Razer has made with the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023. Firstly, the headset is now charged via USB-C, officially signaling the departure of the microUSB port that its predecessor used. This may seem like a small issue to some of you but believe me when I tell you that this is an absolute boon – it is so much easier to charge, especially since virtually all of the devices on my person are tethered to the medium.
Moving on, the detachable microphone of the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 has been upgraded as well, from a Supercardiod to a Wideband microphone. Additionally, the mouthpiece is double padded, with the same removable foam found on the inside of the mouthpiece. On another note, the power button and microphone’s mute button has swapped places, with the former now between the latter and the USB-C charging port. There is also the volume knob of the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023. Unlike its predecessor and its two-step knob, this knob is now fully rotatable and gives you full control of the source’s master volume.
Another feature that is new with Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 is Dual Switch mode, and it symbolises Razer’s decision to make these headphones fully wireless. Unlike its predecessor, the new gaming headset has the ability to switch between the standard 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2. All it takes is a double-tap of the button on the right earcup, and presto, you’re switching between modes. For that matter, pressing the same button once allows you to cycle through the different audio modes provided by Spatial Audio, but this hinges on the feature being turned on.
Speaking of Spatial Audio, the audio quality of the Blackshark V2 Pro is decent, but it’s not a groundbreaking experience when I sit down and listen to music. Again, this headset was primarily designed for gaming and not a where-have-you-been-all-my-life music experience, so some management of expectations is necessary here. Last but not least, its advertised 70-hour endurance is real – I can go a week plus a couple days with this headset, before I have to find a charging point.
The Bad Stuff. Tell Me.
Earlier, I mentioned that the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 and its detachable Wideband microphone supports noise cancellation. One of the caveats is that, in order to activate it, it has to be done via the dedicated Razer Synapse software. Likewise, it’s the same story with Spatial Audio – the feature can only be toggled via Synapse and the worst part is that sometimes, the app bugs out and I have to restart not the program, but the entire PC before it can work as intended.
The other setback of the Blackshark V2 Pro is that it’s not cheap. Off the shelf, these wireless gaming headphones retail for RM1029.
Should I Buy It?
At RM1029, there are other wireless gaming headsets on the market that I can recommend, more so if Spatial Audio or 7,1 Surround sound isn’t high on your list immersion checklist. And if you’re a devout Razer follower and you’re looking to trade-up from last-gen’s V2 Pro, you’ll simply be switching up for the features, and not so much the audio experience.
Having said that, the Blackshark V2 Pro sits on my list as one of the most comfortable headsets I have tested. The flowknit memory foam, coupled with its passive noise isolation design, doesn’t fatigue me as much as some other headsets do, which is a major plus point for me, since I tend to sit in front of my PC over prolonged periods. So, as always, if you’ve got the disposable income to spare or if you’re hot and heavy into Esports, then consider these headphones as an option.
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