Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Evaluation: Premium Gaming Sound

Our editors at WIRED independently choose the products we feature. However, we may earn a commission when you purchase through some of the retail links included in our content.

Score: 8/10

I must confess that my skills in video games could use some improvement. I would not say I am terrible, but I usually end up in the gold ranking in most ranked multiplayer games, ranging from one genre to another.

The BlackShark V3 Pro doesn't seem to care about that. As a headset built for esports, it offers exceptionally precise spatial audio supported by active noise cancellation and boasts an outstanding boom mic that my friends have definitely appreciated hearing.

While it hasn't significantly boosted my kill/death ratio in competitive play, it's clear why serious gamers might opt for the BlackShark V3 Pro. Even those who game leisurely might find it provides an elevated audio experience worth the extra investment.

Spot-On Sound Placement

What sets the BlackShark apart is its mastery of spatial audio, enhanced with THX Spatial Audio, which supports more sound channels, including four directly above. The differentiation between these channels is incredibly crisp, making it fantastic for tracking opponents' movements above you in high-tension games where accuracy is crucial.

However, in games where exact sound localization isn't as pivotal, this feature's intensity can sometimes be startling. In games like those involving relaxing activities, such as fishing, the amplified environmental sounds can occasionally be surprising but they bring incredible detail to any game world.

Active noise cancellation combined with excellent sound isolation greatly enhances this spatial audio clarity. The technology is ideal for drowning out the noise of a packed arena, though, in my case, I don't typically play in noisy environments.

Fit and Feel

To include such robust features, the BlackShark 3 is noticeably heftier compared to other headsets I've tested. The Pro version featuring ANC weighs in at 367 grams, significantly more than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3, which is only 260 grams. The standard model without ANC closely matches the lighter SteelSeries at about 270 grams, which might be preferable for those who primarily game solo.

Despite the added weight, the headphones don't become uncomfortable over extended periods, owing much to the ear cups with their soft mesh exterior and cushioned interior. Razer mentions a layer of synthetic leather to assist noise canceling, though it remains unnoticed during use, avoiding the overheating common with pleather.

I do miss the kind of head strap that many SteelSeries models employ, which effectively distributes headset weight. This feature is especially helpful during lengthy sessions or for larger heads, contributing positively to wearer comfort. Even the similarly weighted Arctis Nova Pro, previously my top recommendation, has a more comfortable feel at the top.

Heavier weight also translates to a larger battery capacity. With active noise canceling engaged, I recorded nearly 50 hours of use, and around 60 hours without. In practice, charging the BlackShark V3 Pro once a week sufficed to keep it operational. During a gaming session when the battery dipped low, I charged it during an 8-minute break, boosting it from 4% to 11%, sufficient for the night. The headset can be a bit finicky when charging through a connected computer while in use; an external charger works seamlessly.

Top-Notch Microphone

I frequently try out different gaming headsets, often seeking feedback on the microphone's quality. Many headsets tend to have microphones that impart a characteristic, slightly metallic sound. However, when I used the BlackShark V3 Pro with my weekly gaming group, they immediately noted how precise and clear my voice came through.