Razer’s BlackShark series has been beloved in the gaming headset market for the past five years due to its excellent performance. Particularly, since the BlackShark V2, it has gained attention from many gamers with its distinctive sound, performance, and reasonable price.
The newly launched BlackShark V3 lineup is built on the successful formula of the V2 but features a completely new design. The V3 lineup consists of three models: the most affordable X HyperSpeed, the mid-range BlackShark V3, which we will review today, and the high-end Pro.
The BlackShark V3 does not include the active noise-canceling feature found in the Pro version, but it is equipped with the Razer™ 2nd Gen TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers and a detachable Razer™ HyperClear 9.9mm wideband microphone, offering outstanding performance.
Let’s take a closer look at this product.
Specifications and Components
Key Specifications
Drivers: 50mm TriForce Titanium Drivers
Connection: 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, Wired
Frequency Response: 12Hz – 28,000Hz
Microphone: 9.9mm Detachable HyperClear Wideband Microphone
Battery: Up to 70 hours (approximately 30 hours in 10ms latency mode)
Weight: 270g
Virtual Surround: 7.1 Surround Sound
Bluetooth Codec: Supports AAC, SBC
The package includes the headset itself, a HyperSpeed wireless dongle, a USB-A to USB-C connection cable, a detachable microphone, and a simple user manual. Unlike the Pro version, a dedicated case is not provided, but considering it’s a mid-range model, this is understandable.
Design and Features
The first impression of the BlackShark V3 is its clean and sturdy feel. The overall design is similar to the previous generation, but there are differences in the detailed finish. Currently, it is only available in black, and unfortunately, the white color offered in the Pro version is not an option for the standard model.
The most impressive aspect is its lightweight of 270g. This is almost 100g lighter than the previous generation BlackShark V2 Pro, making it one of the lightest headsets among Razer’s offerings. The reduced weight significantly lessens the burden on the neck and shoulders during long gaming sessions.
The control button layout is very intuitive. On the left earcup, there is a large physical volume knob that allows for easy volume adjustment even during gameplay. Additionally, the power button and microphone mute button are also located on the left, enabling all operations with one hand. The right earcup features a connection switch button and a customizable auxiliary dial, enhancing user convenience.
Unlike the previously reviewed BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, the volume knob is attached to the front of the housing, allowing for more intuitive volume control, which is a significant advantage.
The battery can last up to 70 hours in normal mode and supports fast charging, allowing up to 6 hours of use with just 15 minutes of charging. However, activating the 10ms ultra-low latency mode reduces the battery life to about 30 hours, but it still offers much longer usage time than typical wireless headsets.
The ear cushions and headband are made of hybrid fabric and synthetic leather. This combination provides a more luxurious feel than the fabric mesh used in the previous V2, and the parts that touch the skin are soft to the touch. Especially, the memory foam in the ear cushions comfortably surrounds the ears while providing excellent sound isolation.
The biggest advantage of the Razer BlackShark V3 is the newly tuned 2nd Gen TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers. Using a titanium-coated diaphragm, it not only delivers excellent sound quality but also allows for precise expression of in-game sounds like footsteps. According to overseas reviews, the actual sound quality difference from the Pro version’s bio-cellulose diaphragm is almost imperceptible.
The detachable Razer™ HyperClear 9.9mm wideband microphone applies a Super Wideband pickup pattern, unlike the traditional cardioid method. This allows for capturing a broader frequency range of voice, delivering more natural and clear voice transmission.
Connectivity and Software
The connectivity options are very diverse. It supports Razer 2nd Gen HyperSpeed wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB wired connections, offering 10ms ultra-low latency with 2.4GHz wireless connection. Additionally, it can use 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth simultaneously, allowing you to receive notifications or calls on your smartphone while gaming, which is a significant advantage.
The new Synapse 4 is much more intuitive and user-friendly than previous versions. All functions for headset settings are logically categorized, making it easy for first-time users to adapt.
In the sound menu, you can set the audio to your preference through a 10-band equalizer. Presets for gaming, movies, and music are provided, each optimized for the respective content. The gaming preset emphasizes footsteps and gunshots, while the music preset offers a balanced sound overall.
In the enhancement menu, you can activate the 10ms ultra-low latency mode through the 2nd Gen Razer HyperSpeed dongle, set up simultaneous wireless and Bluetooth connections, and amplify specific audio bands through audio enhancement.
The microphone menu offers volume control and microphone monitoring features. The side-tone function allows you to hear your voice in real-time, enabling immediate confirmation of microphone volume and voice quality. This is particularly useful for live streaming or online meetings.
Additionally, the microphone enhancement menu allows you to activate microphone noise canceling. This feature uses AI-based algorithms to effectively eliminate ambient noise, significantly reducing background noises like keyboard sounds or air conditioning noise.
The power menu allows you to extend battery life through the wireless power-saving feature. By setting the idle time, it automatically switches to power-saving mode, maximizing the 70-hour battery performance.
In addition to PCs, you can manage various settings and EQ profiles through the Razer Audio mobile app. You can easily change settings on your smartphone, providing a consistent audio experience when switching between different devices.
THX Spatial Audio supported on Windows 11 enhances the immersion of games. In Synapse, you can directly experience stereo and THX Spatial Audio’s 7.1.4 channel surround sound.
Sound Test
The performance of the new TriForce Titanium drivers was truly impressive. In battle scenes with various sound effects or music with multiple instruments playing simultaneously, each sound was clearly separated without being muddled.
For sound quality testing, I played various genres of music. From K-POP to rock music, it delivered a balanced sound across all genres. The bass was deep and solid without being overwhelming, and the high frequencies were sharp yet not piercing.
In sound tests through actual gameplay, the advantages of this product were clearly evident. The excellent spatial awareness allowed for accurate perception of distance and direction, greatly aiding in identifying enemy positions in games like Valorant or PUBG.
Especially, through the Synapse software, you can adjust the footstep booster feature. When activated, the frequency band for footsteps is enhanced, making it easier to detect enemy movements. However, setting it too high can disrupt the overall sound balance, so it’s important to adjust it to an appropriate level.
User Experience
Over the past week, I used the BlackShark V3 as my primary gaming wireless headset. The first thing I noticed was the difference in comfort. Thanks to its lightweight of 270g, I hardly felt any burden on my neck or shoulders even after long gaming sessions.
The hybrid material ear cushions were really soft and comfortable, with excellent sound isolation that effectively blocked external noise. The cushioning on the headband also evenly distributed pressure across the head, securing it stably without any discomfort.
The 2nd Gen HyperSpeed wireless connection supports a 10ms ultra-low latency mode, making it so that I didn’t experience any difficulties in identifying enemy positions due to audio delay in FPS genres like Valorant or PUBG. Footsteps and reloading sounds were very clear, and in MMORPGs, the rich background music and clear voices enhanced the game’s immersion.
The simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection feature is very useful in practice. While gaming on a PC, you can receive KakaoTalk notifications or calls on your smartphone, allowing you to check important contacts without disrupting your gaming immersion.
You can apply various game-specific EQ profiles directly tuned by Razer’s esports pro players. The settings for FPS games are tuned to make footsteps and gunshots more distinct, and profiles for RPG or adventure games are optimized for each game genre.
Conclusion
The Razer BlackShark V3 is an attractive product that deserves a top spot on any mid-range headset recommendation list. Its newly tuned 2nd generation TriForce Titanium drivers deliver exceptional audio quality for the price, providing rich and detailed sound not only for gaming but also for video watching and music listening.
The lightweight 270g design with hybrid materials reduces fatigue during extended wear, while the impressive 70-hour battery life eliminates the biggest concern when using wireless headsets. Additionally, the simultaneous Bluetooth connection feature allows you to take calls during gaming or flexibly adapt to various situations, making it highly practical.
While it lacks active noise cancellation, when considering overall performance and price comprehensively, the BlackShark V3 delivers performance comparable to higher-end models. It’s truly an all-around headset that provides satisfying experiences across all uses, from FPS games like Valorant and PUBG to video watching and music listening.
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