To think that the Razer BlackShark V2 X only costs R1,399 is quite an achievement. From the get-go, the headset delivers some impressive quality when it comes to design and sound performance. Sure, you’re not getting a crazy RGB device here with wireless technology and crazy audio mixer capabilities. However, what you do get is an affordable, durable and versatile headset that should be considered for anyone looking for a gaming headset.
Comfort and Design
The first thing I noticed when I opened up the Razer BlackShark V2 X was just how light it was. I’m not sure how they did it but the headset is one of the lightest I have ever used. Its “aviator” design theme is seen throughout the device from the earcups to the microphone. Now when you think about pilot headset you think big and bulky but this is actually the complete opposite. The round earcups are replaced with a pair of comfortable oval cups and connecting them both is an iconic Razer neon green cable. They are adjustable up and down to a certain limit and the headband is made of a thin and light metal band and cushion.
When it comes to comfort, the headset is fantastic. The memory foam is covered in a breathable material that matches the style of the headset. The headband includes a soft pleather headset with a cushion and the earcups, while large and bulky-looking, are far from it. I have a huge head and throughout my long gaming periods, the headset did not disappoint.
When it comes to the connectivity of the device, the Razer BlackShark V2 X is just as simple as the rest of the device. There is a 3.5mm headphone cable and a detachable boom microphone. Unfortunately, the 3.5mm audio cable is attached to the device and cannot be removed at all. As for buttons and dials, the headset includes a large volume dial on the one side of the earcup and a mute switch on the edge. These two buttons are easy to get to and felt quite naturally interacting with. The headset also comes with a few goodies inside including a 3.5mm connector to split a microphone adaptor and a carry bag for when you travel with the headset.
Performance
When it comes to the performance, the Razer BlackShark V2 X knocks it out of the park most of the time. The 3.5mm audio jack means the headset is compatible with almost everything including console, PC, Switch and mobile (if you still have a phone with a headphone jack).
The app goes hand-in-hand to improve the already-great device. Here I could adjust the audio settings, enable sound equalizers and tweak the microphone too. The software includes a range of equalizers that fit a range of categories. Of course, you have the usual Bass Boost, Noise Reduction, Voice Clarity etc. I often just leave these settings, to be honest. As for the microphone, I could adjust the Noise Reduction, my voice clarity and much more. I was surprised to see just how detailed these settings were considering the price of the headset.
We then have the 7.1-channel simulated sound which is great across the board. This delivers a 360-degree sound experience. The software helps boost the channels while blending them together to make things sound less blocky. It is hard to explain but think about the direct channels that you listen to. Each of them comes from a certain direction. The surround sound expands these directions to blend them together and enhance the spatial sound. In short, it is great.
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Gaming performance on the Razer BlackShark V2 X is great. The combination of the 7.1 channel sound and the great drivers delivered some fantastic performance on PC. When it came to a console, it was just as great. While you’re missing out on the best sound, the headset still delivers some stellar sound performance across the board. Sound effects came through clearly, bass frequencies sound powerful and give you a kick and music quality kept it all going.
When it comes to the microphone it too performed quite well. It is not too sensitive and often my friends asked me why I was so soft. I had to have the microphone positioned quite close to my mouth in order to have the best level of sound in a chat party. In addition, the microphone comes with what I believe are the best default settings out of the box. This means if you don’t have means to tweak the output you can just leave it as is.
Verdict
It is hard to no recommend the Razer BlackShark V2 X. There are a lot of other headsets on the market that cost more and do less. It is nice to see Razer dropping a great device at a great price. As I said, there’s no RGB here and the features are a little limited but out of the box, it is a comfortable and versatile headset that you can’t go wrong with. Keep in mind that if you want the THX Spatial Audio feature then you need to look for the model that includes the USB adaptor. I am not sure why it is not a standard in the range.
