Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 vs Razer Blackshark V2 Pro. These two headsets, the Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 and the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro, are both highly recognized in the gaming community for their unique designs and high-quality build.
Both headsets are known for their unique design and build quality, but they have their different characteristics. We are here to compare these two models in detail, making it easier for you to decide which one suits your gaming needs.
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Design: Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 VS Razer Blackshark V2 Pro
When comparing the design and build quality of the Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 and the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro, there are several notable differences to consider.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 and Razer BlackShark V2 Pro both have a stylish and recognizable design. While the SteelSeries uses less plastic, possibly to reduce weight, the Razer feels more sturdy and durable. The SteelSeries features a ski-band type headband, whereas Razer opts for a traditional headband with cushion and pleather, which many find more comfortable.
In terms of overall build quality, the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro feels sturdier and more durable compared to the Steel Series Arctis Nova 7. Both headsets have adjustable features, but the Steel Series Arctis Nova 7’s two-way adjustment system can be finicky and less intuitive to adjust. The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro, although simpler in design, struggles to hold its position well.
The Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 has swivel ear cups, allowing for a better fit and positioning on the ears. The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro, while lacking swivel, compensates with yolks that mold to the shape of your head.
However, it’s worth noting that the Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 falls short in terms of ear cup depth, resulting in some discomfort for users whose ears come into contact with the plastic. In contrast, the Blackshark V2 Pro has deeper ear cups with thick padding, minimizing any discomfort from ear contact.
In terms of design and build quality, the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro takes the lead with its sturdier construction, more comfortable fit, and intuitive adjustment mechanism. However, the Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 offers unique features like swivel ear cups, which can be beneficial for users with specific preferences.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro edges out slightly over the SteelSeries. The Nova 7’s cushions are soft, but they lack adequate clamping force, causing them to move or fall off with sudden head movements. The Razer’s tight clamping force, combined with its padding, makes it feel like “pillows against the ears,” which is favorable for long gaming sessions.
The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro takes the lead with its sturdier construction, comfortable fit, and intuitive adjustment mechanism. The Steel Series Arctis Nova 7, on the other hand, offers unique features like swivel ear cups that can be beneficial for users with specific preferences.
Controls and Features
Both headsets offer controls on the ear cups. The Razer includes headphone volume, mic mute, EQ change, and power button. In contrast, the Nova has two dials for game-chat mix and headset volume, plus buttons for power and Bluetooth. A notable difference is in the microphone design SteelSeries features a retractable mic with a light indicator, whereas Razer’s mic is removable.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro uses 50mm Titanium TriForce drivers, providing a warm and full sound with thick bass. The Nova 7, on the other hand, uses a 40mm driver and tends to scoop out a lot of bass, yet retains punchiness. While the Nova 7 offers more detail in the highs and mids, the Razer balances its sound profile better, making it suitable for immersive gaming.
The Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 and the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro offer distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences. The Blackshark V2 Pro delivers a warm and full sound with thick bass, providing an immersive experience, especially in games with explosions and impactful sounds. On the other hand, the Arctis Nova 7 scoops out a significant amount of bass while still maintaining punchiness and a decent bass response. It excels in delivering detailed highs and mids, offering clarity and precision in sound reproduction.
In terms of detail and clarity, the Arctis Nova 7 has an edge over the Blackshark V2 Pro, particularly in the highs and mids. However, in games with a lot of simultaneous audio cues, the Blackshark V2 Pro’s emphasis on bass can sometimes result in the loss of clarity in the top end of the mids.
Overall, both headsets offer good directional awareness and can be suitable for competitive play, with the Arctis Nova 7 providing a more balanced sound profile and the Blackshark V2 Pro offering a more immersive and bass-rich experience.
Microphone Quality
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7: Comes with a retractable microphone, which is decent but not extraordinary.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: Features a removable microphone, known for its excellent sound quality.
Battery Life
The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro provides an impressive 70-hour battery life, while the Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 provides up to 38 hours using 2.4 GHz and 26 hours using both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz.
Both headsets offer convenient charging methods, with the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro featuring a USB-C charging port and the Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 utilizing a standard charging cable.
Connectivity
Both headsets use 2.4 GHz wireless technology through a USB dongle for a reliable and lag-free connection. The Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 utilizes a USB-C dongle with a light indicator, while the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro uses a USB-A dongle.
The Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 also offers simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, which the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro does not have.
Software
The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro uses the Razer Synapse software, which offers a range of features including an 8-band EQ, side tone adjustments, THX spatial sound, and mic settings.
The Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 utilizes the GG and Sonar software, providing a 10-band EQ, four EQ presets, side tone adjustments, spatial sound, and mic settings.
Price
When it comes to price, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 $154.99 which is generally less expensive than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro which $199.99. This makes the Nova 7 a better value proposition for those looking for a balance between quality and price.
Key Differences
- Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 features a ski band type headband, while Razer Blackshark V2 Pro has a traditional cushioned and pleather headband.
- Razer Blackshark V2 Pro offers superior build quality compared to Steel Series Arctis Nova 7, known for its sturdiness.
- Arctis Nova 7 includes swivel ear cups for better fit adjustment, whereas Blackshark V2 Pro has yolks that mold to the user’s head.
- Blackshark V2 Pro’s ear cups are deeper with thick padding, reducing ear discomfort, unlike the shallower ear cups of Arctis Nova 7.
- Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 supports simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, a feature not available in Razer Blackshark V2 Pro.
- Razer Blackshark V2 Pro boasts a long 70-hour battery life, outperforming Arctis Nova 7’s 38 hours on 2.4 GHz and 26 hours with dual connectivity.
- For software, Razer Blackshark V2 Pro uses Razer Synapse, while Steel Series Arctis Nova 7 is compatible with GG and Sonar software.
Conclusion!
Choosing between the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro depends largely on personal preference and specific needs. If comfort and microphone quality are your top priorities, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a great choice. However, if you are looking for flexibility in connectivity and a more budget-friendly option, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is an excellent alternative.
Based on the factors mentioned above, the overall winner is the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro. It offers a sturdier build quality, a more comfortable fit, and a longer battery life. Additionally, the Razer Synapse software provides a range of features for customization.
