Helmet gamer Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, despite the absence of a “Pro” name, does not seem so far from the 2023 model that we had the opportunity to test. In fact, its arrival in the range of the snake brand is somewhat surprising, as it seems similar in every way to its elder.
Built like all other BlackShark headsets, this new model replaces the fabric with imitation leather, its removable microphone with a fixed stem and now allows wired use thanks to its USB connector. It is 40 g lighter and that is not the only thing that is decreasing since its recommended price is “only” 150 euros, where the Pro model was offered at 230 euros.
In short, it is a slightly redesigned BlackShark V2 Pro, but which retains all the advantages of the latter. With this welcome price drop, we may have here an excellent gaming headset at a more than fair price.
Technical sheet
| Model | Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed |
|---|---|
| Format | Wireless Headset |
| Removable battery | No |
| Microphone | Yes |
| Active noise reduction | No |
| Autonomy announced | 70 hours |
| Connector type | USB-A |
| Cable length | 180cm |
| Weight | 280g |
Product sheet |
This test was carried out using a product lent by the brand.
An almost unchanged design
Still as similar to a construction site noise-cancelling headset, this new BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed does not really change the recipe of the range. The typical design of helmets esports from Razer is still there, which is not necessarily a bad thing, as the comfort is there.
A feeling of comfort which is all the more accentuated by the reduction in the overall weight of the product which loses no less than 40 g and therefore weighs no more than 280 g. This is very noticeable once the helmet is screwed onto the head and it gives a little more of the impression of having a toy in the hands due to the very plastic appearance of the latter.
The construction nevertheless remains neat, despite the omnipresence of white plastic on our test model. The headband has been slightly reworked and is simply covered in imitation leather over its entire surface, both interior and exterior. The padding also seems a little more generous than on the Pro version. Razer now ignores the stitching and embossing and settles for an imposing logo printed in black.
In terms of adjustment, these are always very thin metal rods which allow the extension of the headband. Practical to use and guaranteeing a large amplitude, they nevertheless still appear fragile due to their finesse and their mounting system. However, so far I have not had any problems with the solidity of the Pro model, which I have been able to use for several months.
The shell of the earcups is slightly thinner to leave more room for the much thicker ear cushions. Here again, the fabric is replaced by a faux leather covering which, although better padded, is not as breathable although the area in contact with the skin is made of fabric. Generally speaking, the feeling of comfort nevertheless remains very similar between the two models.
Razer also made some adjustments to the headset’s buttons. On the left earpiece, the one dedicated to deactivating the microphone now remains in position when activated. The protruding volume control wheel now sports a dotted texture and is slightly softer. The power button is still positioned a little further down, near the USB C connector. Finally, switching between equalizer profiles is still ensured by a dedicated button on the right earcup.
Notable difference brought by the HyperSpeed version: the microphone is no longer removable. If overall its construction does not change and allows simple and stable positioning, it can no longer be removed when not in use. In addition, the capsule, sheltered under a windshield, has also lost volume, which risks having an impact on the quality of the capture, but we will come back to this later.
Razer seems to have well understood the expectations of players and the strong points of its BlackShark range in terms of ergonomics. In this respect, this new model remains as comfortable as ever and although it loses a little of its splendor due to certain choices of materials, it remains a very convincing model.
Progress on autonomy and connectivity
This new version retains the excellent HyperSpeed connection, which allows the headset to be used wirelessly, without real latency and with impeccable stability. Surprisingly, Razer modified the dongle supplied with the headset since it is now closer to what we find with the brand’s mice. It is therefore essential to use a cable (provided) to connect the USB adapter.
In addition to Bluetooth, fortunately still present, the headset can also, and this is new, be used wired directly using its USB port. Please note, however, that despite the presence of Bluetooth, it is impossible to use both wireless connections simultaneously.
In terms of autonomy, things are improving slightly and the HyperSpeed version therefore does slightly better than the Pro version of 2023. The raw autonomy is around 70 hours, which suggests one to two weeks of use. Fast charging is still available and allows you to recover several hours of battery life in just 15 minutes of charging.
Slightly behind performance
Despite its new name, the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed is equipped with 50 mm “Triforce” transducers. Already convincing on the Pro version, they offer a similar reproduction here, even if slightly less natural. The bass is a little less present, while the middle of the spectrum gains breadth. The highest part of the spectrum is less bright.
The sound reproduction is therefore less “neutral”, without being bad, especially for video game use. We enjoy using it on games where atmosphere and immersion are important, as well as more demanding titles such as FPS. If it does slightly worse than the Pro, we must also put the respective prices of these two models into perspective. In fact, and also because the rendering remains adjustable via the Synapse equalizer, this HyperSpeed version seems almost more recommendable.
The sound performances are different here for two reasons: probably different sound processing due to the dongle HyperSpeed, but also a significant modification of the earcup cushions. Without becoming bad, this new helmet simply does better than its predecessor.
On the microphone side, Razer offers us very clear voice capture. Despite the more compact capsule, we tend to prefer the recording from the latter. It’s simple, in this price range and wirelessly, the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed doesn’t really have any competition.
Recording using the built-in microphone
Always complete features
The features offered by the Synapse driver are perhaps one of the only things that haven’t evolved. The ten-band EQ is still present, with the same presets. Different options related to sound reproduction are also offered and essentially act as secondary equalizers, thus making it possible to boost low frequencies or vocal clarity. The default equalizer settings are also accessible without Synapse being launched thanks to the dedicated button on the right earpiece.
The microphone also has its ten-band equalizer and several improvements and optimizations whose aim is to reduce parasitic noise or significantly improve the rendering of the voice. Razer offers here a relatively complete tool which is close to what certain competing solutions such as those from Logitech can offer.
Finally, the arrival of a dongle more imposing makes the customization of the integrated LED relevant. This can be used to know the status of the connection, but especially of the battery. Likewise, Synapse allows it to be turned on only when battery life becomes critical. A good idea that will make sense if the dongle is positioned on the desk.
Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed headset price and availability
The Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed headset is available at the recommended price of 150 euros.
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