Razer BlackShark V2 X gaming headset review

In friendly competition or on the highest Esports stage, quality sound and audio is a must. The Razer Blackshark V2 X gaming headset claims to deliver a triple threat for Esports enthusiasts with clear audio, clean voice chat, and excellent noise cancelling. Will this headset give you the competitive edge you need?

The multiplatform Razer Blackshark V2 X 

Since the Razer Blackshark V2 X is a wired headset, it works across pretty much every platform. This includes PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and mobile. It’s definitely a good choice if you need something compatible across many consoles and devices.

However, its important to note that this headset only offers 7.1 surround sound on PC. Everywhere else you’ll just get normal 2-channel stereo sound. In this light, the “Esports” appeal diminishes significantly when it comes to console gaming.

In particular, the lack of 7.1 surround on consoles makes it more difficult to pinpoint where sound is coming from. For example, when I gather sound-emitting crafting nodes in DC Universe Online, I rely on surround sound to help me locate them when in close proximity. Without it, I can usually tell if the node is to the left or right, but not above or below.

This is definitely something to consider if you are playing competitive games like Fortnite or Call of Duty on console. Spacial awareness is often crucial in games like these. It really helps to know when those footsteps are directly above you or on the same level when your life is on the line.

Great audio with clear highs and booming lows

Of course when connecting the Razer Blackshark V2 X to my PC, the 7.1 surround sound function delivers excellent in-game sound. Furthermore, even without its benefit, the sound quality is great on both PC and console. The deep, low-end bass of an explosion really rumbles, and the high-end treble cuts in with crisp clarity.

I tested the headset while playing a recent private demo for Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory on PlayStation 4. Here the Razer Blackshark V2 X definitely performs admirably. As a rhythm game where the incredible soundtrack drives the experience, this headset does not disappoint.

Bouncing back to PC, my next test involves the upcoming Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. Once again I find the overall sound quality to be excellent given the price range of this headset. The audio enhancements really come through, and the soundtrack pumps through the ear cups with much appeal.

Crystal clear chat and sound isolation

The Razer Blackshark V2 X definitely succeeds at making voice chat a breeze. Large group raids with my guild in DC Universe Online run smoothly with easy communication thanks to the built-in Razer Hyperclear Cardioid Mic. Specific optimizations to Razer’s Hyperclear technology help pick up your voice while eliminating outside noise.

I also like the adjustability of the mic itself. The arm of the mic is malleable enough that it is easy to position wherever you need it. Yet it’s also still firm enough that it stays in place once adjustments are made.

The Razer Blackshark V2 X also incorporates passive noise cancellation. Naturally this is a big feature for Esports players looking to block out distractions. The passive noise cancellation does a fairly decent job of reducing persistent noise, such as one might experience from the hum of a crowd.

The over-ear seal that the ear cups form help eliminate some external noise as well. However since the noise cancellation is only passive, it won’t do much to block out louder and more spontaneous sounds. Once again though, for the mid-range price of this headset it performs relatively well.

The Razer Blackshark V2 X tips function over form

Overall the Razer Blackshark V2 X is a comfortable headset that feels solid and durable. The plush ear cups and headband are soft and without significant weight, so the headset rests easy and won’t contribute to fatigue over long play sessions.

However, from an aesthetic standpoint I find the Razer Blackshark V2 X a bit less appealing. For example, the metal connections on each ear cup that allow for size adjustments work well and stay in place. Yet their appearance sort of reminds me of a cheap wire coat hanger.

The volume knob is a bit bulky and protrudes quite far out from the left ear cup. This makes it easy to locate and adjust, but takes away a bit from the aesthetic style of the headset. Once again, great function, but lacking form.

Finally, the rubber coating on the headphone wire is a bit bulky and tends to bunch up at awkward, distracting angles. I’d love to see something a bit more flexible here. Of course materials like braided wires tend to be more common in higher-priced headsets, but there are definitely headsets in the same range as the Razer Blackshark V2 X with less stiff wires.

The Razer Blackshark V2 X is an affordable multiplatform headset that gives its best performance on PC

While the Razer Blackshark V2 X gaming headset incorporates many features of particular interest to Esports players, it definitely utilizes them best on PC (which allows for 7.1 surround sound functionality). It a bit tougher to think of this headset as ideal for truly competitive console Esports with only stereo sound.

That said, the overall sound quality is excellent. So long as acute spatial awareness isn’t at the top of your list on consoles, this headset makes a great multiplatform option. You’ll get booming bass and clear treble across your Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and more. The Razer Blackshark V2 X is definitely a headset I’d recommend to someone looking for a mid-range headset at a mid-range price that’s compatible with all their systems.

The overall style won’t exactly take your breath away. I find the wire adjustment configuration and the large volume knob a bit visually unappealing, and the stubborn rubber wire lacks flexibility. Still, these features are built solid and work well, so if you concern yourself more with ease and durability over flair, this may just be a plus in your books.