A headset optimized for esports – Razer BlackShark V2 / BlackShark V2 X

Dubbing itself the definitive esports gaming headset, we have the Razer BlackShark V2 duo: in the V2, and the cheaper BlackShark V2 X. The original BlackShark sees an update, while retaining its design and the features that made it renowned in the first place. This time, it’s also paired with THX Spatial Audio, introducing THX Game Profiles for the first time, for custom-tuned profiles specifically designed for your favourite titles.

AT A GLANCE

The Razer BlackShark V2 comes with these key features:

• Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers
• Razer HyperClear Cardioid mic
• Advanced passive noise cancellation
• Ultra-soft breathable memory foam ear cushions
• THX Spatial Audio
• Cross-platform compatibility

HEADSET IN USE

The first time you connect the BlackShark V2, it will open up Razer Gaming Software, which will let you select the apps that are compatible with the headset, which would include Razer Chroma, Synapse, and the like. There isn’t any RGB lighting with the BlackShark V2, however, so the RGB options are unnecessary. The Synapse menus would be the only consideration to have in this case, to fiddle with the equalizers according to your needs. The audio is well-balanced with its automatic settings, and you’re still free to customize the levels as you want.

The design itself is kept nice and minimalistic, with tasteful green highlights in the wires and iconic Razer logo and entirely in black otherwise. As promised, the headset is very comfortable, with one problem: the earcups. Depending on your ears, the foam can be too large and your ears can sink into it, turning the breathable foam into something muggy and uncomfortable. You might need to fold your ears some if yours are too big. The headband isn’t a problem at all, being easily adjusted to the head.

With the fit out of the way, we come to the main part: the sound quality. To put it very simply: it’s crystal clear. It’ll be hard to describe it much further, but you can listen to the sample with THX Spatial Audio below:

THX GAME PROFILES

THX Game Profile is the latest feature to be added to THX Spatial Audio, an add-on service to provide you custom-tuned profiles designed accordingly to the games you play. Two modes are available:

• THX Environmental Mode – realistically places sound around you based on each game’s environment to maximize your immersive experience and transport you into the game.
• THX Competitive Mode – maximizes spatial awareness allowing you to better locate friend and foe relative to your position. This can give you an unfair advantage in combat scenarios.

You can get a taste of this sound optimization for yourself below:

Through the THX App, audiophiles can have a field day to tweak every little setting to their exacting preferences. As such, general hobbyists can just slip on the BlackShark V2 (or its X variant) and let the automatic settings give them their best soundscape yet, or enthusiasts and pros can fine-tune the equalizer for their min-max requirements.

VERDICT

Razer knocks it out of the park once again with an incredible set of gaming headphones. If you have the budget to spare, at RM599, the regular BlackShark V2 is an easy pick, or the X version RM349. The only problem is pretty much the earcup material, which you would have to judge for yourself. The Razer BlackShark V2 will be available from 3 August 2020 in stores.