Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Review: The Ultimate Esport Headset Unveiled!

The BlackShark V3 Pro gaming headset is Razer’s latest premium model aimed at the esports market. Known for its solid reputation, the BlackShark series has carved out a notable place among gamers since its revival in 2020, focusing on a simple promise: comfort and performance.

This new “Pro” version retains the design of the 2023 model but includes several ergonomic tweaks and numerous internal improvements. Notably, the headset features upgraded transducers and microphone, introduces active noise cancellation, and completely overhauls its connectivity features.

These upgrades come with a significant price increase; the Pro version is launched at 270 euros. The standard and HyperSpeed versions are available at 170 euros and 110 euros, respectively.

Razer BlackShark V3 ProTechnical Specifications

Razer BlackShark V3 ProDesign and Ergonomics: Minor Yet Meaningful Changes

The overall design of the BlackShark range is maintained in the V3 Pro, yet Razer has made some subtle adjustments to enhance its ergonomics. The headband, closer in design to the V2 Pro than the V2 HyperSpeed, remains well-padded and is topped with a synthetic cover featuring the embossed brand logo. However, it has been slimmed down from previous models, giving it a slightly lighter visual appearance.

A welcome and notable improvement is the introduction of a hinge connecting the headband to the forks that hold the earcups. This allows the earcups a generous vertical movement, enabling perfect adjustment to the user’s head shape. Unfortunately, the pivot is still too limited for comfortable neck placement.

The slender rods that make up the forks appear to have been reinforced, making the BlackShark V3 Pro seem sturdier than its predecessors. The sliding adjustment system is still somewhat loose but provides adequate fit for all head sizes. The connection to the earcups benefits from the same system, offering significant horizontal adjustment to ensure a tight seal around the ears.

Once positioned, the BlackShark V3 Pro fits snugly thanks to its numerous articulations and is generally comfortable despite its relatively hefty weight of 370 g. While it stays securely in place, the clamping force is slightly too strong for my liking but should naturally adjust over time. The earcups, although covered with fabric and well-padded, tend to get warm with prolonged use.

The BlackShark V3 Pro is even more generous when it comes to buttons and controls. The left earcup houses the typical volume control potentiometer of the series, along with the power button and a microphone mute button. On the right, a traditional dial adjusts the game/chat balance and is accompanied by a button that switches between different headset functions. Importantly, a button for controlling the integrated active noise cancellation is also present.

The detachable microphone is installed on the right and consists of a convincingly flexible arm ending in a sizable capsule, covered by a similarly generous windscreen.

Like SteelSeries, the external casing of the earcups is now removable, thanks to a magnetic system. It’s likely that Razer will soon offer themed or custom covers. This also provides almost direct access to the battery, which can thus be easily replaced.

Razer BlackShark V3 ProComprehensive Connectivity

The BlackShark V3 Pro offers extensive connectivity options. Besides its USB C port for digital and analog connections (via a jack cable), it comes with a new HyperSpeed Gen-2 dongle. It can also pair via Bluetooth, allowing simultaneous audio over both wireless connections—a truly versatile setup!

The HyperSpeed wireless connection was flawless during our tests, maintaining a stable link even at several meters from the computer. With this connection, the battery life was quite decent, aligning with Razer’s claims. Expect about forty hours of use away from a power source with noise cancellation activated.

Razer BlackShark V3 ProPotent Bass and an Outstanding Microphone

If you’re a fan of deep bass, you’ll likely enjoy the BlackShark V3 Pro. Razer has equipped it with new 50 mm TriForce Bio-Cellulose drivers, replacing the titanium ones used in the V2 Pro, which are now reserved for the standard model.

As with previous iterations of the BlackShark series, the first listen highlights a continued emphasis on the lower end of the sound spectrum. This is typical for gaming headphones, enhancing the explosive sounds common in FPS games. This strong emphasis does not overly detract from the rest of the sound spectrum, which, while not perfectly balanced, does not exhibit any major flaws.

With its level of detail, the BlackShark V3 provides good immersion into game soundscapes, offering convincing stereo sound that accurately locates the direction of sounds. For pure music listening, the bass might be too overpowering and lack precision, which could mar the listening experience on some tracks. However, this isn’t a dealbreaker, especially since the equalizer accessible via Synapse can be adjusted if needed.

THX Spatial Audio continues to be featured, offering virtual surround sound that can be useful in certain scenarios. During our tests, this feature did not impress with its sound quality. In movies, especially, the audio felt overly metallic and significantly degraded in quality.

Also noteworthy is the introduction of active noise cancellation, which includes a transparency mode. While we found this feature to be somewhat anecdotal, it does help attenuate (emphasis on attenuate) the noise from an overly loud PC without completely eliminating it. The ANC does, however, excel at cancelling lower frequencies. It’s an interesting addition, but not as effective as hoped.

The new microphone that accompanies the BlackShark V3 Pro deserves special mention. Let’s not prolong the suspense: it is simply excellent! Voice capture is exceptionally clear, among the best on the market at the time of writing. The only downside is its noise reduction, which tends to pick up surrounding noises and breathing too readily. That said, it can easily replace a standalone microphone.

Razer BlackShark V3 ProSettings for PC, Console, and Mobile

Synapse remains a hub for extensive customization of the BlackShark V3 Pro, starting with a ten-band equalizer accompanied by numerous profiles tailored to specific games. A pleasant surprise: up to nine equalization profiles can be stored in the headset’s internal memory. The application also distinguishes between stereo profiles and those compatible with THX Spatial Audio.

Beyond the equalizer, Synapse also allows for the adjustment of headset volume and the game/chat balance. However, these adjustments can also be made directly from the headset via dedicated dials. A subtle feature: the game/chat balance dial can be reconfigured to increase the volume of footsteps in games with a single motion. Various other enhancements are available in a separate tab. These include an ultra-low latency mode, customization of Bluetooth source mixing, and adjustment of active noise cancellation.

The excellent microphone also has its own settings. Beyond gain adjustment, it includes a ten-band equalizer and allows for adjusting the level of the sidetone. The “microphone enhancements,” however, remain as anecdotal as ever. The noise cancellation is frankly poor compared to what competitors offer, making it almost regrettable to provide such non-pertinent settings for such a high-quality microphone.

Introduced a few years ago, the Razer Audio app allows access to all the functionalities of Synapse directly from a mobile device. Console players will be particularly pleased as there’s no need for a PC to configure the headset. Even better, on Xbox, a dedicated app can be installed directly on the console.

Razer BlackShark V3 ProPrice and Availability of the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Headset

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro headset is available at a recommended price of 270 euros.