Accessories

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) non-eSports player review

I suck at first-person shooters

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I already own one of the best pairs of cans from the last 3-4 years – the Sony WH-1000XM4. But I prefer having that on-hand and ready to go when I’m out and about. Greedy as I am, I also wanted over-ear headphones that can stay on my work desk. Thankfully, Razer came knocking with the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) in hand. 

An eSports headset

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

Razer made these headphones specifically for the type of gamer that I am not – a gun-slinging, slick-swervin’, first-person shooter. I felt it was important to declare that from the get-go as I had neither bandwidth nor interest to try the specific games it was made for.

That said, I still did use it playing the games I like. Those being RPGs, some action games, and NBA 2K. 

So, this isn’t a review of the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) for eSports players. This is a review by someone who is everything but. 

2020 vs 2023 

The particular unit I have isn’t the first version of the BlackShark V2 Pro. The first one actually came out in 2020. Here’s a table to show what’s different. 

BlackShark V2 Pro 2020

2023

Connectivity USB-A Dongle

Bluetooth (with SmartSwitch)

USB-A Dongle

3.5mm Analog

Microphone Razer HyperClear Super Wideband Mic Razer HyperClear Supercardioid Mic
Driver 50mm Drivers 50mm Drivers
Surround Sound THX Spatial Audio THX Spatial Audio
Audio Profiles Pro-tuned FPS Profiles

On-Headset

Via THX Spatial Audio
Weight 320g 320g
Ear Cushion Type FlowKnit Memory Foam FlowKnit Memory Foam
Ear Cushion Dimensions 62mm x 42mm 65mm x 40mm
On-Earcup Controls Volume up/down

Mic mute on/off

SmartSwitch button

Audio Profiles switcher

Volume up/down

Mic mute on/off

Lighting No No
Color Options Black, White Black, White, Six Siege Editon
Battery Life Up to 70 Hours Up to 24 hours
Charging USB Type C
15 minutes charge for 6 hours of play
Micro-USB

On paper, the upgrades seem minimal. But looking at it now and basing on my couple of weeks with the device, the improvements are focused on quality of life things that make a huge difference in the long run. 

Audio Profiles

By default, the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) has four audio profiles. Each profile is tuned slightly differently to cater to a specific listening activity. The profiles are: Game, Movie, Music, and Custom. These profiles are pretty straightforward. 

The custom one has a flat equalizer or EQ which you can tune when you connect the device via Razer’s Synapse desktop app. More on this later. 

Holding the Audio Profiles button will shift the selection from the general profiles to the eSports one. These are: Fortnite, Valorant, Apex Legends, Call of Duty, and CS Go. Again, these are pretty straightforward. Just pick the profile for the game you’re playing and it should be optimized for that particular game. 

I didn’t get to play these particular games during testing for a couple of reasons. One, I don’t really play them because I am terrible at these games. Two, my windows laptop was under repair for the majority of the review period. 

But I did play. 

Game 

I am primarily a PlayStation gamer. And most of my game time using the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) was split between two games: Final Fantasy XVI and NBA 2K23. I did try a couple of other games for good measure. These include Returnal, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered. The first two are games I often go back when testing accessories. Returnal is especially good for audio. The other two, coincidentally from Insomniac Games, are titles I feel are easy to hop back into. 

Anyway, on Game profile with the included USB-A dongle connected to the PS5, the BlackShark V2 Pro delivered clear, crisp, and full sounds. I dare say 3D Audio was in effect too. In Final Fantasy XVI, there is plenty of side chatter from NPCs. Depending on where you position main character Clive relative to NPCs having a lively banter, that’s where you’ll hear the sound from. 

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

Let’s be real. Yes, I was just pretending to play here.

This was even more true with Returnal. I regard this game as the best for testing audio accessories with the PS5. Its sound design is top notch and actually helps you with identifying the general location of enemies. I imagine this is how it goes with the eSports audio profiles. 

For the rest of the games, I got the same clear, crisp, and full sound.

Music, Movie, and Custom 

Other than gaming, I used the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) mostly to listen to music. On days that I worked out of a café I just cycled through a few R&B and mellow tracks like Jesse Barrera’s “Strawberry Soju,” “Flower” by Johnny Stimson, and even “Thirsty” by aespa. I like to feel smooth while I work. 

The Music audio profile doesn’t sound too different from Game quality-wise. For some reason, it does sound a little louder and you tend to hear higher sounds better. The audio still sounds clean and tracks with great mixing tickle your ears like any good headphones do. 

I tried the Movie profile but during a game. It only mildly boosted the dialogue parts. It’s my least favorite audio profile. Even when just watching YouTube videos, I shifted to the default which is Game. 

Custom, like I mentioned earlier, is just a flat EQ. And this is something I found out only after I was able to finally connect the headphones to Synapse. 

Synapse and PC-isms

The Razer Synapse apps is software that’s used to configure Razer’s hardware lineup. Connect your Razer device to the computer where Synapse is open and it’ll detect it. Eventually. 

I primarily use a MacBook Pro daily. That’s where I do most of my work. And as I mentioned earlier, my Windows laptop was under repair for the majority of my review time with the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023). Unfortunately, the version of Synapse that works on Macs isn’t compatible with the headphones. 

Fast forward to when I finally got my windows laptop back. I was excited to fire it up, pair the headphones and see what settings can be tweaked. But I ran into what I will call PC-isms. 

PC-isms is my personal catch-all term for all the inconvenience I have to deal with in setting up a PC. It took me until the wee hours of the morning just to get everything ready. And by that time I was too tired and sleepy to tinker with the headphones. 

BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

I don’t have a picture that matches the narrative so here’s this instead.

The following day, I finished some work and got to tinkering. Except, the BlackShark V2 Pro just wouldn’t show up on Synapse right away. It took around three to four restarts before I got the thing to work. Perhaps PC users will have more patience in this regard, but for someone like myself who juggles a lot in his schedule, this was a non-starter. 

That said, I still managed to make it work. But I skipped the Audio profiles altogether and went ahead to test the mic. 

Talk to me

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

I hopped on three different calls to test the mic. Which, by the way, is one of two accessories that are easy to misplace. The other one being the USB-A dongle.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

I’ll do my best to not lose these accessories.

Anyway, the first two calls all happened before I got my Windows laptop. So, the mic was just set to default. I got two different feedback. 

The first call was with the headphones connected to my MacBook Pro. I was told my voice was audible but sounded muffled. 

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

The second call, the headphones were connected to my phone. This time around, I was told I sounded clear. 

Lastly, the third call was connected to the Windows laptop with me switching among the different voice equalizers. And the general feedback are:

  • Default — Is loud but does sound a little muffled
  • Mic Boost — Likely the best at every call scenario. Boosts the voice and overall clarity.
  • Broadcast — Sounds almost like Mic Boost but less loud and more clear. 
  • Conference — Sounds literally like being on one of those conference phones in corporate offices. Skip this one. 

Since then, I’ve had the mic on Mic Boost. Personally, I feel it works best in most settings. 

Let’s get physical 

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

I am absolutely in love with all the physical buttons on the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023). My personal favorite is the volume knob. It’s easy to grab and turn for instant volume control. It rotates fully and just beeps if you’re at the lowest or highest volume option. 

It’s such a welcome change coming from headphones and TWS earphones that are purely touch controls that can be hit or miss. In some cases, the TWS ones don’t even have volume control at all. 

It isn’t the best looking since it sticks out like a sore thumb. But functionally, I am absolutely in love with it. I need better volume controls in other headphones now. 

The power button sits on the left cup and is hard enough to press that you won’t mistake it for the mute button sitting right above it. That one’s a lot more tactile, making it easy to toggle between mute and unmute. 

Still on the left cup, you’ll find the slot for the mic. It looks like a 3.5mm jack, but I had trouble using it with my desktop mic. If you’re hoping on quick calls, just use the included mic to make sure. And as you can see, alongside it is the USB-C port.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

On the right cup, you’ll find the Audio profiles switcher. By default, you have the general selection. Hold it down and when you hear a beep, you’ll switch over to the eSports profiles. 

Stay on longer

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

 

In my one week with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023). I only ever charged it once. And that’s from zero all the way to 100% too. I couldn’t take note of the charging time but I’m pretty sure I had plugged in for at least about an hour. 

But going back to charging it only once, that’s with using it for about 4-5 hours daily. This thing lasts long and can more than keep up with you in extended play or listening sessions. 

Should non-eSports players get the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)?

The BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) retails for US$ 199.99 in the US and PhP 13,990 in the Philippines.

If you plan to use these Razer headphones for plenty of gaming – whether on PC, PS5, or even mobile – I think you’re gonna get your money’s worth. It’s lightweight, sounds great, and is made for extended play sessions. That’s true whether you play any of the especially tuned eSports titles or not. The eSports features, to me, function as sort of an icing on top of what is already a delectable cake. 

For general lifestyle, music, and movie use. Perhaps you’re better off getting something else. But if it’s gaming along with all the activities I mentioned, this is a fine set of cans to own.

Accessories

CASETiFY Match: Finding the right case for your Galaxy Z8 Series phone

Cases that match your personality

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CASETiFY cases for Galaxy Z8 series phones

A phone case can be more than protection. It can also be a way to show off your interests, personality, and the little things that make you, well, you.

For our CASETiFY Match for the Galaxy Z8 Series, we asked the team one question: Why was this CASETiFY design your Match?

From Spider-Man fandom and capybara obsession to feline-inspired art and snake motifs, here are the designs that found their way into our team’s everyday carry, plus a couple of bonus picks worth checking out.

Rodneil: A little New York energy for a certified web-head

If it wasn’t obvious enough, I’m a certified web-head. I love anything and everything Spider-Man, especially the iconic red-and-blue motif. Though, if we’re being honest, I’m more partial to the red.

I had my eyes on the Spider-Man suit design for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and the Spider-Man Mask Snappy Grip Stand. Unfortunately, those designs aren’t available for the Galaxy Z Fold8.

So, I went with a design that gives off a bit of New York energy instead. It still pairs nicely with the Spidey Snappy Grip Stand, letting me bring a little of that Spider-Man vibe to my everyday setup.

V: Keeping it cool with capybaras

I’ve been a capybara stan since 2020, long before the world finally caught up with just how cute and chill these animals are. Seeing them get the recognition they deserve has been a source of much excitement.

Finding cool and cute capybara cases and accessories for the phones I use every day, however, hasn’t always been easy.

That’s where Deville Dewil’s capybara collection comes in. It fills that gap while making my Galaxy Z Fold8 feel like an even more personal accessory.

At this point, I’d like to identify as a capy/bara.

Luigi: A cat design that’s playful without being too loud

There’s no shortage of cat-themed cases out there. If you’re a cat lover like me, chances are you’ve considered one at some point.

The tricky part is finding a design that isn’t too whimsical or loud. I love the little furballs, but I still want something sleek and clean.

CASETiFY’s cat collection speaks to that balance. In particular, this design by Catwheezie blends artistry with a touch of whimsy. It lets me show off my personality without being too flashy.

MJ: A little reputation energy

I’ve always had a soft spot for snake motifs, and CASETiFY’s Transparent Kingsnake case gives me Taylor Swift’s reputation era energy.

I love how snakes symbolize transformation. As someone who’s always evolving and never afraid to reinvent himself, that meaning feels personal.

The black-and-white design also brings a sleek, rebellious edge. Paired with my Galaxy Z Flip8, it’s giving statement accessory with a little bite.

Bonus Match: Sunglasses at Night

Sometimes, keeping it simple is the way to go. The Sunglasses at Night design is tasteful and understated, letting me show off the actual color of my phone without competing with it.

Bonus Match: Pink Weekly Planner

For the girls (and gaes) who plan their days–and life–ahead. And of course, for when they need to keep their Wednesdays pink.

Find your Match

There’s no single way to find a phone case that feels right. It might be a favorite character, an animal you’ve loved for years, a piece of art, or a symbol that means something to you.

For our team, the right CASETiFY design is the one that brings a little more personality to a device we carry every day.

So, which design would be your Match?

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Accessories

Bose acquires Skullcandy

But both are still separate brands.

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As one of the wisest sages of the 2000s once said, “He was a punk, she did ballet. What more can I say?” Sometimes, opposites attract. Now, two of those opposites in the audio space are coming together: the punk Skullcandy and the ballet-loving Bose.

Today, Bose has announced its acquisition of Skullcandy. The latter will continue to operate as a separate brand but now officially under the Bose umbrella. Although, it’s not a new collaboration as the two brands have previously worked together on devices before. Skullcandy will just have more access to Bose’s technologies moving forward.

Alternatively, Bose will now have access to Skullcandy’s more varied audience. Compared to Bose’s focus on premium products, Skullcandy caters to more alternative lifestyles. Though the brand has since mellowed from its more radical roots, it is still known as one of the alternative brands.

Bose, on the other hand, is still a household name for home audio and noise-cancelling headphones. The new relationship between two polar opposites might be seen as a weird one, but it’s ultimately beneficial to both parties. Besides, both brands were very strong in the 2010s. Keeping both brands going is a boon to audiophiles of the past decade.

SEE ALSO: Sony unveils three premium Walkman music players

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Fujifilm’s new instax Pal 2 and Link WIDE 2 make room for more creative memories

A new pocket camera and a collage-making printer join the instax family.

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Seeing a memory take shape beyond your screen changes how it feels. A favorite photo becomes a print you can tuck into a journal or pin beside your desk, and the everyday moments you capture get a little more room to live.

That was the spirit of Fujifilm’s instax Playhou2e launch in Makati, where visual artist Jill Arteche brought her signature illustrations into the event space.

Her artwork surrounded the latest additions to the instax family, the instax Pal 2 and instax Link WIDE 2. Both devices treat photography as a form of personal expression, from the snapshots you take throughout the day to the printed memories you want to keep close.

A pocket-sized camera that goes wherever you do

The original instax Pal made the case for carrying a camera without a full-sized setup. Its successor, the instax Pal 2, builds on that with a refreshed design and improved image quality.

The palm-sized camera is built for everyday adventures and can capture angles that are awkward to get with a smartphone. Its compact body also makes it easy to bring along if you like documenting your day as it happens.

Fujifilm gave the Pal 2 a semi-matte finish. A new monitor on top lets you review shots right after you take them, and the added viewfinder, control dial, and lever give it a more tactile feel to shoot with.

The specs have moved up, too. The Pal 2 captures 10-megapixel images, double the original’s five megapixels, and its internal storage holds up to 100 images compared with 50 before. A separately sold microSD card adds more room.

The creative options are where the Pal 2 gets playful. It offers 30 effects, so you can give images different moods without editing each one from scratch. Its instax Animation mode strings up to 10 consecutive shots into a flipbook-style animated video.

Transferring your photos is straightforward. The Pal 2 supports wireless Bluetooth transfers, and a USB Type-C connection offers faster transfers to compatible smartphones. From there, you can edit the images and post them to social media or keep them in your camera roll.

Because the Pal 2 is part of the instax ecosystem, its digital photos can also be printed on instant film through compatible instax printers. That means you can shoot first and decide later which moments deserve a physical copy.

Turning your camera roll into something worth keeping

Taking photos is only half the fun. The other half is deciding what to do with the hundreds of images that pile up on our phones.

The instax Link WIDE 2 is Fujifilm’s answer for anyone who collects travel photos or documents celebrations. As the brand’s WIDE-format smartphone printer, it prints at twice the image area of the instax mini format, which leaves more space for group photos and landscapes.

Its biggest new feature is Photo Mixer, which builds scrapbook-style collages from multiple images you pick in the dedicated app. Instead of printing a single photo, you can combine highlights from a trip or a gathering into one larger keepsake.

The app suggests layouts based on your chosen photos and adjusts image sizes, angles, text placement, and fonts to keep the design cohesive. You can then add your own text and stamps. A cutout function identifies people and objects in your photos so you can layer them into the collage.

With Photo Mixer, printing becomes part of the creative process, and your camera roll turns into material for building a visual record of an experience in a single print.

The Link WIDE 2 also gets a design refresh, with two-tone finishes in Duo Beige and Duo Blue. The light and dark surfaces give it a polished look on a shelf or desk, and an illuminated instax logo glows while it prints.

Connectivity has expanded, too. Beyond smartphones and tablets, the printer works with PCs, Fujifilm X Series cameras, and the instax Pal 2, so digital artwork and other compatible images can become physical prints.

A more personal way to keep your memories

The instax Pal 2 and Link WIDE 2 share the idea that photography is a way to express yourself. The Pal 2 makes it easy to capture moments as they happen, and the Link WIDE 2 gives those images a place in the physical world.

Jill Arteche’s artwork at the launch backed that idea up. Her illustrations filled the space with personality and showed how photos and art can make an environment feel more personal. The event also made a case for revisiting and reinterpreting the images we collect.

Taking a photo takes seconds, and printing one can make the memory feel more special. The instax Pal 2 and Link WIDE 2 bring that into everyday life and give your snapshots room for creativity, from the moment you press the shutter to the moment you find a place for the print.


In the Philippines, the Fujifilm instax Pal 2 retails for PhP 10,599, while the Fujifilm instax Link WIDE 2 is priced at PhP 10,999. Both devices are now available on Fujifilm’s authorized stores and retailers nationwide.

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