Razer Blackshark V2 vs SteelSeries Arctis 1 - Where are the differences?

Let's take a closer look at the differences between the Blackshark V2* and Arctis 1* gaming headsets.

What year are the headsets from?

The release year is of course important when comparing two headsets. After all, the release date has an influence on the state of the art and usually also affects the price. The Razer Blackshark V2 is from the year 2020 and thus newer than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. This one is from the year 2019. Which puts about a year between the two models.

Connection options

Let's start with the connectivity options from Razer Blackshark V2 and SteelSeries Arctis 1. Both give you the option to be wired. A wired connection reduces connection problems and interference, which is an advantage. In return, the cable can possibly interfere.

Radio offers the disadvantage that there can be interference in the verdinbung. In addition, with radio you are usually dependent on a battery, which can also go flat during use. Neither the Razer Blackshark V2 nor the SteelSeries Arctis 1 can be connected wirelessly. So a wireless connection is not possible. However, often the wireless headsets also offer the additional option to connect the headset via cable.

Cable

The cable can be removed neither with the Razer Blackshark V2, nor with the SteelSeries Arctis 1. This would be especially handy for transport or even wireless use. With a length of 1,8 m the Razer Blackshark V2* has a longer cable. The cable length of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is 1,2 m. With a USB sound card additional cable can be added.

Audio

With a driver size of 50 mm, the Razer Blackshark V2 offers more at this point. The SteelSeries Arctis 1 has a driver size of 40 mm. A larger driver helps reproduce especially low frequencies better and louder. However, it is only one of several factors.

For the Razer Blackshark V2 the frequency range starts at 12 Hz. For the SteelSeries Arctis 1 the value is at 20 Hz. The end is at Razer Blackshark V2 for the 28000 Hz and at SteelSeries Arctis 1 for the 20000 Hz. What is really important here is the range between 50 Hz and 10,000 Hz, which is covered by just about every headset nowadays.

The higher the impedance, the more power a speaker can produce. Also the sound becomes clearer. With a value of 32 Ω both models are equal here.

Dolby Atmos is a special feature of the SteelSeries Arctis 1*. The system is not to be confused with 7.1 surround sound. Dolby Atmos is the next generation, which can additionally provide sound effects from above. As a rule, a driver or adapter is necessary for this.

Microphone

Of course, both headsets have a microphone built in, which is also adjustable. Additionally, the microphone can be detached for both the Razer Blackshark V2 and the SteelSeries Arctis 1. If no microphone is needed or the headset is to be transported, this can be an advantage.

The SteelSeries Arctis 1 offers noise suppression in contrast to the Razer Blackshark V2. This is especially interesting for minimizing mouse or keyboard noise.

The microphone frequency range of the Razer Blackshark V2 starts at 12 Hz. The microphone of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 starts at 20 Hz. The microphone of the Razer Blackshark V2 ends at a frequency range of 28000 Hz. The frequency range from the microphone of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 ends at 20000 Hz.

Volume control and mute

Almost every gaming headset offers the possibility of volume control and mute. So it is also in this case.

Which headset has more features?

Finally, let's take a look at the equipment. Here, some models have lighting. These two headsets don't have that, but it doesn't affect the performance negatively. After all, the illumination is just a matter of taste.

Furthermore, some headsets have freely programmable buttons, as is also known from gaming mice or keyboards. But you have to do without this for the Razer Blackshark V2 and SteelSeries Arctis 1.