Razer BlackShark V2 X Gaming Headset: 7.1 Surround Sound – 50mm Drivers – Memory Foam Cushion – For PC, PS4, PS5, Switch – 3.5mm Audio Jack – Black

A (Really) Great Entry Level Wired Headset
For what it costs, I had relatively low expectations of this headset. I came from a Corsair Virtuoso SE wireless headset that had a great mic and very good sound, but the connection with my PS4 was never very solid and I would notice relatively frequent dropouts in audio. Friends with PS4s swore by using the 3.5mm jack on the controller and I decided to use this to test.Build QualityWhen you pick up the headset the first thing you notice is just how light it is. It feels somewhat solid, but also it’s clear that this is not a headset that prioritized premium materials. It’s also extremely comfortable because of how light it is. Although I’ve never had issues with heavier headsets and neck pain, if that is a consideration the light materials should be great for long term sessions.The pads are faux leather on the interior ring and exterior ring. The part that rests against your head feels like something a little more breathable. I don’t think I will have any issues wearing these for long sessions. The clamping force is a good moderate level where they won’t fall off accidentally, but I don’t feel like I am in a death grip.Mic QualityI made some calls using the mic and, I believe this to be a great compliment to the quality of the mic, no one thought I was on a headset. “It’s like you were actually talking through your phone.” Although they have a gamer vibe, I could definitely see using these on conference calls (as long as the video was off.) Basically, the mic is great.Audio QualityHere’s where I was expecting things to fall apart, but they really didn’t. I decided to make a completely unfair comparison between these and my pair of Sennheiser HD600s run off of an AudioQuest DragonFly Black DAC/AMP. There was clearly no contest between the two headphones in terms of vocals or detail retrieval, but the Razer wasn’t a bad headphone by any means. It had a clear and present bass, without being muddy. I do feel like the Corsair Virtuoso had a more full sound, but the spotty connection ruined it.Gaming tends to be, I think, more forgiving than listening to music … so I ran through a couple of games as a test. I tried a game that I feel focuses on background music (Unravel), which sounded great. I also tried something with more exploding (Borderlands 3) and the headset felt equally competent.Flaws (But Not Deal Breakers)The volume knob goes the opposite of the way my mind treats every other volume knob in my life. Clockwise turns the sound down?! WHY?!I would have loved an LED to remind me that I’m muted. My first attempted call failed because the mute was engaged.ConclusionThe Razer Blackshark V2 X might have a terrible name, but it’s an amazing product at the price point. I don’t play as many games online as I used to and I listen to a lot more music. For me, it makes sense to have a great pair of headphones for music and solo play as well as a cheap headset for online play with friends and conference calls. This works for me.

gaming
For what it costs, I had relatively low expectations of this headset. I came from a Corsair Virtuoso SE wireless headset that had a great mic and very good sound, but the connection with my PS4 was never very solid and I would notice relatively frequent dropouts in audio. Friends with PS4s swore by using the 3.5mm jack on the controller and I decided to use this to test.Build QualityWhen you pick up the headset the first thing you notice is just how light it is. It feels somewhat solid, but also it’s clear that this is not a headset that prioritized premium materials. It’s also extremely comfortable because of how light it is. Although I’ve never had issues with heavier headsets and neck pain, if that is a consideration the light materials should be great for long term sessions.The pads are faux leather on the interior ring and exterior ring. The part that rests against your head feels like something a little more breathable. I don’t think I will have any issues wearing these for long sessions. The clamping force is a good moderate level where they won’t fall off accidentally, but I don’t feel like I am in a death grip.Mic QualityI made some calls using the mic and, I believe this to be a great compliment to the quality of the mic, no one thought I was on a headset. “It’s like you were actually talking through your phone.” Although they have a gamer vibe, I could definitely see using these on conference calls (as long as the video was off.) Basically, the mic is great.Audio QualityHere’s where I was expecting things to fall apart, but they really didn’t. I decided to make a completely unfair comparison between these and my pair of Sennheiser HD600s run off of an AudioQuest DragonFly Black DAC/AMP. There was clearly no contest between the two headphones in terms of vocals or detail retrieval, but the Razer wasn’t a bad headphone by any means. It had a clear and present bass, without being muddy. I do feel like the Corsair Virtuoso had a more full sound, but the spotty connection ruined it.Gaming tends to be, I think, more forgiving than listening to music … so I ran through a couple of games as a test. I tried a game that I feel focuses on background music (Unravel), which sounded great. I also tried something with more exploding (Borderlands 3) and the headset felt equally competent.Flaws (But Not Deal Breakers)The volume knob goes the opposite of the way my mind treats every other volume knob in my life. Clockwise turns the sound down?! WHY?!I would have loved an LED to remind me that I’m muted. My first attempted call failed because the mute was engaged.

1. Design and Build QualityThe BlackShark V2 X sports a sleek and minimalistic design, diverging from the flashy RGB lighting that many gaming headsets feature. Its lightweight frame (240 grams) ensures extended comfort, while the headband and ear cushions are padded with plush memory foam covered in breathable fabric.Pros:Durable plastic frame with a premium feel.Lightweight and comfortable for prolonged gaming sessions.Adjustable steel sliders for a secure fit.Detachable microphone adds to versatility.Cons:Lack of RGB lighting might not appeal to some gamers.Predominantly plastic construction may feel less premium compared to metal-based headsets.2. ComfortComfort is one of the standout features of the BlackShark V2 X. The memory foam ear cushions are soft and breathable, providing a snug fit without causing overheating. The lightweight design minimizes pressure on the head, making it suitable for marathon gaming sessions.Pros:Exceptional comfort even during extended use.Rotatable earcups for a better fit.Suitable for gamers with glasses.Cons:Earcups may feel slightly small for users with larger ears.Lack of swivel design might reduce flexibility for some.3. Audio QualityThe BlackShark V2 X is equipped with Razer’s TriForce 50mm Drivers, designed to separate bass, midrange, and treble frequencies for a more balanced sound profile. The result is clear, immersive audio with punchy bass and crisp highs.Key Features:Surround Sound: Features 7.1 surround sound for positional audio, enhancing spatial awareness in games.Sound Profile: Balanced audio suitable for gaming, music, and movies.Performance in Games:FPS (First-Person Shooters): Clear footsteps and directional audio for competitive advantages.RPGs (Role-Playing Games): Immersive soundscapes for atmospheric worlds.Pros:Excellent audio clarity with distinct separation of frequencies.Positional audio enhances gaming performance.Works well across genres, including music and movies.Cons:Surround sound requires software activation, which is only available on PC.Bass may feel slightly overpowering for non-gaming audio.4. MicrophoneThe Razer BlackShark V2 X features a HyperClear Cardioid Mic, designed to focus on voice capture while minimizing background noise. The microphone is bendable, allowing for better positioning.Pros:Excellent voice clarity with minimal background noise.Flexible and detachable design.Works well for team-based games and streaming.Cons:Lacks advanced noise-canceling features found in higher-end models.No dedicated mic monitoring or sidetone functionality.5. ConnectivityThe headset uses a 3.5mm jack, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch), and mobile devices.Pros:Broad compatibility.Plug-and-play functionality with no setup required.Cons:No wireless connectivity option.Surround sound feature limited to PC users.6. DurabilityWhile the headset is primarily made of plastic, the build quality is solid, and the steel-reinforced headband adds durability. However, it may not feel as robust as more premium headsets with metal components.Pros:Decent durability for its price range.Lightweight yet sturdy design.Cons:Plastic construction could be prone to wear over time.Non-detachable cables might pose an issue if damaged.7. PricingThe BlackShark V2 X is priced affordably, offering excellent value for its features. It competes well with other mid-range headsets in terms of sound quality and comfort.Pros:Competitive pricing for the feature set.High-value proposition for budget-conscious gamers.Cons:Some features, like surround sound, require additional software for full functionality.Overall RatingDesign and Build: 8/10 – Lightweight and comfortable but slightly plasticky.Comfort: 9/10 – Ideal for long gaming sessions.Audio Quality: 8.5/10 – Balanced sound with good positional audio.Microphone: 8/10 – Clear and reliable for gaming and communication.Connectivity: 8/10 – Versatile but lacks wireless options.Value for Money: 9/10 – Excellent performance for the price.Final VerdictThe Razer BlackShark V2 X is an outstanding choice for gamers who want great sound, comfort, and compatibility at a mid-range price. While it lacks some premium features like wireless connectivity and RGB lighting, its focus on core performance makes it a reliable and worthwhile investment. Ideal for casual and competitive gamers alike, it punches above its weight in terms of value and functionality.

The Razer BlackShark V2 X Gaming Headset is an excellent choice for gamers seeking immersive sound and all-day comfort. With its 7.1 surround sound and powerful 50mm drivers, the audio quality is crystal clear and detailed, making it easy to pinpoint in-game sounds. The memory foam cushions are incredibly soft and lightweight, providing a comfortable fit even during extended gaming sessions. Its compatibility with multiple platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox, and mobile, via a 3.5mm audio jack, makes it a versatile option. The sleek black design adds a classic touch, while the build quality ensures durability. A top-tier headset for any gamer!