Razer BlackShark V2 X Mic and Comfort Issues Review

Data basis: We analyzed dozens of buyer reviews and several video demonstrations collected between 2020 and 2024, with most feedback coming from written reviews supported by hands-on videos. This mix gives a broad view of product use, setup problems, and long-term pain points reported by buyers.

Does the microphone sound unreliable or distant?

Regret moment: Buyers commonly notice poor mic clarity during the first few uses, especially in group chat and streaming.

Severity: This is a primary issue for voice quality and is more disruptive than expected for headsets at this price.

Why it happens: Reported cases appear repeatedly across written feedback and videos, and problems worsen in noisy rooms or when users move away from the mic.

Will this get uncomfortable in long gaming sessions?

• Early sign: Earcup foam feels fine at first but often compresses noticeably after one to two hours.
• Frequency tier: This is a common complaint among long-session users, though not everyone is affected.
• Cause: Cushion design provides a close seal that can increase pressure on ears during marathon play.
• Impact: Discomfort can force breaks and reduce focus during competitive play.
• Fixability: Buyers report temporary relief from swapping to third-party pads, which adds extra cost and time.

Is the surround sound and software support a hidden hassle?

• Pattern: Persistent reports mention that 7.1 surround is only available on Windows 10 64-bit, making it a platform-locked feature.
• Usage anchor: The limitation appears at setup time for console and Mac users who expect parity with PC features.
• Category contrast: This is worse than normal because mid-range headsets usually offer consistent stereo performance across platforms.
• Cause: Relying on vendor software creates a hidden requirement and adds steps for buyers who use consoles or non-Windows systems.
• Impact: Users report losing promised positional audio unless they run Windows software, which reduces the headset's cross-platform value.
• Workaround: Some buyers stick to plain 3.5mm stereo on consoles, but that removes the surround feature entirely.

Will parts fail or the cable wear out quickly?

• Early sign: Fraying or loose feeling in the cable sometimes shows after repeated daily handling.
• Frequency tier: This is a secondary but persistent issue across multiple feedback sources.
• Cause: Stress at the jack and joint areas is a common weak spot for users who unplug often.
• Impact: Cable issues can cause audio dropouts and require replacement or repair sooner than expected.
• Attempts: Buyers tried cable wraps and careful unplugging; some reported temporary improvement only.
• Fixability: Repair or replacement is possible but adds time and potential shipping cost.
• Hidden need: An Xbox One stereo adapter may be required separately for some Xbox setups, which is an extra purchase.

Illustrative excerpts (not real quotes)

Illustrative: "My teammate said my voice sounded thin and far away, even when I was close to mic." — Primary pattern

Illustrative: "After three-hour sessions, the cups feel squashed and my ears hurt." — Secondary pattern

Illustrative: "I bought it for 7.1 but I use a Switch, so I never got surround sound." — Edge-case pattern

Who should avoid this

• Competitive streamers: If you need consistent, out-of-box mic clarity, this model shows variable mic performance that can harm streams.
• Console-first buyers: If you rely on 7.1 or vendor software on consoles, the Windows-only limits will reduce the value.
• Marathon players: If you play multi-hour sessions daily, the cushioning compresses and comfort declines faster than typical rivals.

Who this is actually good for

• Casual cross-platform users: If you accept stereo sound and occasional mic tweaks, the headset provides decent audio at a low price.
• Budget PC gamers: If you run Windows and can use vendor software, you can access 7.1 and improve positional audio.
• Short-session players: If you game under an hour, the lightweight feel and initial comfort may be acceptable.

Expectation vs reality

Expectation: Reasonable for this category is solid cross-platform sound and a reliable mic without extra setup.

Reality: The headset often requires Windows software for full features and shows more mic and comfort variability than similar mid-range headsets.

Safer alternatives

• Choose a wired headset with replaceable cable: This directly reduces the cable-wear failure risk and eases repairs.
• Pick a model with platform-agnostic audio: Look for headsets that advertise consistent stereo or virtual surround on consoles without PC software.
• Prefer headsets with user-replaceable pads: That neutralizes the comfort decline by allowing easy pad swaps for prolonged use.

Bottom line: The main regret trigger is the combination of mic inconsistency and platform-locked 7.1, which creates real limitations for non-Windows or long-session buyers. If you can tolerate a variable mic and you mainly use Windows, this is an affordable option; otherwise, consider more consistent mid-range models.