Review: Razer BlackShark V2 — Esports Gaming Headset
Razer’s BlackShark V2 stays popular because it solves three problems at once: it is comfortable for long sessions, it makes in game cues easy to hear, and its detachable boom mic actually sounds clear on PC with the included USB sound card. It avoids flashy extras to keep weight down and focuses on performance you notice in every match.
Who It Is For
If you split your time between competitive shooters, co op sessions, and voice chat, the BlackShark V2 hits the right notes. It is wired, so there is no battery anxiety. It is light and stable on the head, so three hour sessions do not feel like a chore. And on PC, the included USB card gives you simple, effective control of both game audio and your microphone chain.
Design and Comfort
The headset keeps a low profile look with oval cups, suspended metal yokes, and memory foam pads that seal without clamping too hard. The headband padding spreads pressure evenly, and the fabric pads breathe better than leatherette in warm rooms. If you wear glasses, the pads compress around the frames without creating pressure stripes.
Isolation and Daily Use
Closed back cups passively block a good chunk of room noise. You do not get ANC, but you also do not need it in most bedrooms and living rooms. Physical controls are exactly where you want them: a large volume wheel and a deflection friendly mic mute on the left cup. The non detachable cable is flexible enough that it does not tug when you lean or turn.
In the Box and Setup
You get the headset with a 3.5 mm cable, a detachable HyperClear cardioid boom mic, and a tiny USB sound card for PC. Consoles and handhelds work immediately via 3.5 mm. On PC, the USB card unlocks playback EQ, per app mixing, and mic processing. Setup is simple: plug the card, select it as the default device, and run a quick test to dial in your mic level.
Game Audio: Clarity First
The drivers are tuned for positional clarity. Footsteps, reloads, shield breaks, and distant shots cut through the mix without brittle treble. Explosions have punch for immersion but do not drown the detail you need to react. If you want a warmer or brighter tilt, the five band EQ presets in software take seconds to adjust, and once you dial them in you can forget about them.
Music and Streams
For music, the V2 is lively and controlled. Bass is present but not boomy, mids carry dialog cleanly, and the top end has energy without sizzle. Streams and podcasts sound clear. Game plus chat balancing on PC keeps your team audible during loud scenes without squashing the game.
Microphone Quality
With the USB card on PC, the boom mic is a cut above typical gaming headsets. A simple chain with a gate, limiter, and high pass filter cleans up room noise and keeps your voice consistent. Positioned correctly, it rejects keyboard clatter better than most. On pure 3.5 mm, quality depends on the device input, but it remains intelligible and free of obvious artifacts.
Software and Profiles
Razer’s app provides playback EQ, per app mixers, mic processing, and optional spatial modes. Many competitive players stick to stereo and a light EQ; single player fans may enjoy spatial for cinematic missions. Profiles save to the USB card so your setup follows you between PCs without re configuring.
Comfort Over Time
The biggest compliment is that you stop noticing the headset. After hours, the pads keep their seal, the band does not create hot spots, and your jaw joints do not feel compressed. If you need even softer pads, replacements are easy to find and swap. The microphone detaches cleanly for storage between sessions.
Platform Notes
On consoles and handhelds, the 3.5 mm path works immediately with the same tuning. You will not have access to the PC processing chain without the USB card, but the headset still sounds balanced and the mic remains clear enough for party chat. On PC, the card is the recommended path because it gives you consistent results across different motherboards and laptops.
Pros
- Comfortable and light for long sessions
- Clear positional cues without harsh treble
- Detachable boom mic with useful processing on PC
Cons
- Wired only
- No ANC; can run warm in hot rooms
Alternatives
If you want wireless, look at the BlackShark V2 Pro for 2.4 GHz and battery life. If you prefer a looser fit or a different tonal balance, compare HyperX and SteelSeries headsets to see which clamp and treble profile you prefer.
Verdict
For competitive and co op players who want comfort, clarity, and comms over flash, the BlackShark V2 gets the fundamentals right. It is a headset you can wear all evening and not think about, which is exactly what you want during a long session.
Where to Buy
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