The tech wizards at Razer have revisited their Blackshark V2 Pro wireless gaming headset for 2023, but should you think about upgrading?
When Razer released its BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset, it delivered a popular unit that did well not just to cater to a competitive esports-focused crowd, but the more casual gamer as well. A great marriage of fashion and function.
Skip forward a couple of years and now the technology maestros have revisited the classic headset via a new 2023 edition of the BlackShark V2 Pro. And after a week of testing, its clear that this new and improved model is nothing to sniff at.
Rip the BlackShark V2 Pro out of the box and you’ll notice that it doesn’t look all that different from its predecessor. That’s because Razer has stuck with a tried and true design profile, but for good reason. The soft Flowknit memory foam cushions are wonderfully soft (especially if you’re wearing glasses) during long sessions and the improved seal does remarkably well for a non-ANC device. The steel-reinforced adjustment slider, on the other hand, continues to help the unit feel like a reliably sturdy device that should be able to endure some traditional wear and tear.
Internally you’ve still got Razer’s TriForce Titanium 50mm Drivers doing the heavy lifting, which during my sessions with Diablo IV and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, did pretty well to pump out a decent level of audio across the highs, mids, and lows, even though the bass still feels a little lacking.
The biggest upgrade to this 2023 iteration of the BlackShark V2 Pro though is its microphone. Razer has put a lot of stock in its fresh HyperClear Super Wideband Mic and the proof is in the pudding. According to Razer, the theory is that by covering a wider frequency range of sound, the microphone is able to capture and transmit more detail than ever before, and the good news is that its not just sales talk. I was truly impressed with how clear audio recordings with the microphone were, so much so that it’s not just perfect for voice chatting with friends or competitive teams, but could even double as a proper podcasting/streaming mic in a pinch.
The biggest downside to this upgraded BlackShark V2 Pro is the removal of the 3.5mm jack. While most gamers won’t be too bothered from the omission, it does mean that if you’re an Xbox fan, this headset unfortunately isn’t for you. For everybody else, you’re free to enjoy the pretty great 70-hours of wireless gaming – PC players able to tinker even further with the headset’s esports-specific audio profiles via Razer’s Synapse software.
Love Gaming?
Get the latest Gaming news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
Available for $349 at Amazon, the 2023 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a well-priced, full-featured headset that is led by its strong battery life and even better microphone. Even if you’re not planning on becoming an esports champion, it’s well worth a look.
For more on this topic, follow the Gaming Observer.
