Compare Razer BlackShark V3 Pro vs Asus ROG Cetra Open

Reviewers broadly praised the headset for strong gaming sound, with several calling it fantastic or greatly improved, while a few found it less convincing for music or all-around use.

Sound quality is good for many gaming-focused users, especially for dialogue and positional cues, but it is not a universal win. Some reviewers hear clean, detailed audio while others describe the presentation as thin, compressed, or harsh.

Passive isolation was mixed because the cloth pads and fit can leak noise, though one reviewer thought passive isolation was enough for typical gaming.

Passive isolation is essentially nonexistent by design. That is useful for awareness, but it makes noisy environments and fully immersive gaming poor fits.

ANC drew strong praise from many reviewers for blocking fans, AC, transit, or household noise, but some found it weaker or dependent on seal and pad design.

Immersion Mode only softens steady background noise and is nowhere near full ANC. A few users notice a small benefit, but most reviewers treat noise reduction as secondary to the open-ear design.

Bass was generally viewed as punchy and useful for games, though some reviewers said it was only above average, too boosted, or not a true bass-monster.

Bass is the most divisive part of the tuning. Phantom Bass can add useful punch, but many reviewers still hear weak sub-bass or thin impact compared with sealed earbuds, while a smaller group finds the low end surprisingly satisfying.

Mic noise reduction was highly variable, from excellent background suppression to complaints about weak rejection or EQ/noise tools changing the voice tone.

Noise suppression works well in many tests, keeping speech understandable while reducing fans, background media, and ambient chatter.

Soundstage impressions were mostly positive for gaming, with reviewers hearing wider or more open presentation, though one found it narrower and another said it was not open-back wide.

The open design generally creates a spacious presentation, with several reviewers praising the wide soundstage and stereo image.

Frequency response was seen as improved but imperfect, with good tonal accuracy or enjoyable tuning offset by V-shaped balance and treble/bass issues.

Default tuning was described as reasonably clean and usable, though one reviewer still preferred the flatter EQ setting.

Spatial audio was usually positive for immersion and positional depth, though some reviewers preferred stereo for competitive play or found ANC narrowed the presentation.

Positional performance is strong for games, especially footsteps and directional cues. A few tests find rear localization or Dolby Atmos rendering less convincing.

Audio-video sync evidence was limited but excellent, with SoundGuys reporting no noticeable delay on the low-latency wireless connection.

Low-latency gaming is one of the clearest strengths. The 2.4GHz dongle repeatedly delivers near-wired responsiveness and excellent sync for shooters, rhythm games, handhelds, and console play.

Cable quality had one clear negative note: the USB-C-to-3.5mm cable produced distracting cable noise when brushing clothing.

The included charging cable received a positive mention and was viewed as a useful part of the package.

Maximum-volume clarity was mixed: one reviewer heard off-sounds at higher volume or peaks, while another heard no crackle or distortion even very loud.

At high levels, clarity can break down with sharp treble or bass distortion. The earbuds have plenty of headroom, but pushing them hard is not their best use.

Sidetone adjustment was mixed: some reviewers found it fuzzy or unpleasant, while others liked its real-time performance and usability.

The open design provides a very natural ability to hear your own voice during chat, which one reviewer particularly appreciated.

Preset EQ evidence was negative from SoundGuys, especially for the Music preset, which they said worsened balance and listening quality.

Presets and Phantom Bass can improve the listening experience, but results vary. Some users call Phantom Bass essential, while others find presets subtle or dislike the default communication profile.

Dongle feedback was the clearest hardware complaint: most reviewers disliked the wired/bulky dongle, though one praised its technology and range.

The 2.4GHz USB-C dongle is central to the appeal, delivering excellent low-latency gaming and useful passthrough charging. A few units show disconnects or awkward port blocking, so reliability is not universal.

Multi-platform compatibility had limited but very positive evidence, with one reviewer saying it could cover an entire gaming ecosystem.

The dongle works across a wide range of PCs, handhelds, phones, and consoles, but platform-specific quirks appear on Steam Deck, Mac, and PS5 in some reviews.

Included accessories had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer appreciating the included 3.5mm cable for passive use.

The dongle and charging cable are useful additions, while the reflective neck strap is more mixed because some find it stiff or uncomfortable.

Stability was mixed: one reviewer had game-audio reliability issues, while another praised the wireless range and signal performance.

Physical fit is highly secure for most users. The hooks stay put during running, workouts, and active movement, though a few ear shapes struggle with fit.

Transparency or ambient mode had limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer valuing it for hearing surroundings while wearing the headset.

The open-ear effect was judged more natural and effective for hearing surroundings than typical electronic transparency modes.

One reviewer found the available volume headroom initially disappointing until changing PC audio settings.

The earbuds get very loud, but the volume curve is uneven. Several reviewers complain that even low settings are too loud, while others appreciate the strong headroom.

Portability was weak because the headset does not fold or rotate flat and is not ideal for travel or handheld setups with the dongle.

Portability is a recurring weakness because the charging case is unusually large and thick. Several reviewers say it is barely pocketable or not pocket-friendly at all.

The added swivel/rotation was welcomed as a comfort and fit improvement, even if the headset still does not rotate fully flat.

The rounded arm allows useful rotation around the ear, making it easier to dial in a comfortable position.

Midrange comments leaned positive, with reviewers noting natural voices, present mids, and improved accuracy compared with earlier tuning.

Mids are usually a strength, with clear dialogue, vocals, and footsteps. A few reviewers hear lower-mid thinness, but speech intelligibility remains strong.

Treble was the most repeated audio caveat: several reviewers found harshness, distortion, spiky peaks, or fatiguing high-end energy despite some tunability.

Treble is another polarizing area. Some reviewers praise crisp detail, but many hear excessive brightness, sibilance, or piercing highs at louder levels.

Instrument separation and detail were praised, especially by reviewers who heard clearer instruments, better tonal separation, and less congestion than older models.

Game-audio separation is consistently strong. Reviewers can distinguish footsteps, dialogue, and competing sounds clearly enough for competitive play.

Design and aesthetics were highly praised for the aviation-inspired look, premium finish, sleek styling, and recognizable BlackShark identity.

The styling splits opinion. Some like the flashy gaming look and RGB accents, while others call the buds chunky, angular, oversized, or unattractive.

Build quality was strongly praised across reviews, with comments on sturdiness, premium finish, improved robustness, and well-built construction.

The earbuds themselves are generally seen as solid or premium, but impressions are less consistent around the plastics. Several reviewers think the materials feel good, while others say parts of the package feel cheaper than the price suggests.

Weight comfort was generally good because the headset does not feel too heavy, though a few reviewers noted lighter alternatives or extra weight from new features.

Low weight is consistently praised and helps the earbuds disappear during long sessions despite their visibly chunky shape.

Comfort was one of the strongest consensus positives, with many reviewers wearing it for long sessions without fatigue, pressure, or discomfort.

Comfort is the product’s strongest consensus advantage. Most reviewers can wear the buds for hours without ear-canal pressure, though a minority experience cartilage pain or poor fit depending on ear shape.

Clamp comfort evidence was limited but positive, with one reviewer appreciating the reduced clamp force for longer wear.

The ear-hook design applies little pressure for at least one reviewer, helping the buds stay comfortable during long sessions.

Value was sharply split: some reviewers said the premium was justified or competitive, while others preferred cheaper V2 or non-Pro alternatives.

Price is the most consistent purchasing objection. Even positive reviewers often call the $230 class price steep, and several experts say cheaper gaming earbuds or headsets offer better overall value.

Multipoint and simultaneous audio reliability was mostly strong, with reviewers noting calls and dual-device mixing worked well; one found the switching implementation clunky.

Multipoint is excellent when it works, with fast switching and useful dual-device behavior. Several reviews, however, criticize unpredictable switching or the lack of simultaneous audio in certain setups.

The companion apps and software were useful for EQ and mobile/PC control, but one reviewer found the app workflow awkward in simultaneous mode.

Gear Link is polarizing: several reviewers love the browser/mobile flexibility and deep controls, while others find it buggy, hidden, web-dependent, or awkward during firmware setup.

Bluetooth was consistently valued for simultaneous or extra-device audio, with reviewers calling it a huge win or a blessing despite some implementation quirks.

Bluetooth works well for ordinary listening in several reviews, but reliability is inconsistent. Some owners report slow pairing, disconnects, or worse sound than the 2.4GHz dongle.

Software/setup simplicity was mixed to negative: setup could be easy, but Synapse and mode switching were described as finicky, clunky, or buggy.

Setup experiences vary sharply. Some users get simple plug-and-play operation, while others encounter hidden apps, multiple utilities, web-only controls, or convoluted firmware update steps.

Physical controls were generally useful and snappy, but reviewers disagreed on usability, with some loving them and others finding buttons hard to distinguish or unintuitive.

Physical buttons are easy to find and tactile, but the default multi-press scheme is contentious. Four presses for volume and three presses for mute or assistant functions feel unnecessarily cumbersome to several reviewers.

EQ customization was a major strength, with reviewers praising onboard EQ, 10-band controls, Synapse depth, and game-specific tuning flexibility.

The EQ is highly useful and often materially improves the sound. Several reviewers say tuning or Phantom Bass turns a mediocre out-of-box presentation into something much better.

Call and chat mic quality was split: PCMag praised Discord clarity after EQ, while other reviewers found it muffled or merely usable.

Mic quality is mixed but generally usable. Many reviewers find voice chat clear and good for earbuds, while several customers report thin, robotic, or poor-sounding voice transmission.

Battery life was mostly praised as long or solid, though some reviewers noted feature use can reduce runtime and that the 70-hour claim is not always the whole story.

Battery life is usually strong, often lasting through long gaming sessions and in some tests approaching the advertised figures. Heavy use of RGB, Immersion Mode, Phantom Bass, or the mic can cut runtime substantially.

Android use is generally workable, though one test still found the volume curve aggressive. The earbuds remain usable on Android without the sharper low-volume problem being quite as severe as on iOS.

The case draws mixed reactions. Some owners like its quality and dongle storage, but many reviewers criticize its bulky size, plasticky feel, or missing premium touches.

Connectivity versatility was a major selling point because reviewers valued Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB, analog, simultaneous audio, and broad device flexibility.

Detachable microphone convenience had limited evidence and was mildly negative because one reviewer disliked detachable mic design as a personal preference.

Ear cup padding was praised for breathability, sweat control, and softness, though one reviewer found the pads getting warm after about an hour.

Game/chat balance control was praised as an extremely welcome and practical control, especially for quickly shifting focus between chat and gameplay.

Glasses compatibility is consistently excellent, with thin hooks and low pressure working well alongside frames. One expert also found the fit comfortable with hats and sunglasses.

Headband adjustment had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer finding the sliding earcup mechanism refreshingly different and effective.

The built-in microphones are considered decent for an earbud design, especially for casual chat rather than broadcast-quality recording.

Microphone quality was the most divisive feature: some reviewers found it clear or excellent, while others saw it as muffled, stuffy, or a downgrade from V2 Pro.

Overall opinion is polarized but leans positive for the right niche. Fans love the comfort, awareness, and gaming responsiveness, while critics are pushed away by price, sound compromises, or software instability.

One customer received a unit that appeared used or refurbished, with misaligned protective films and a dead earbud.

Replaceable earpads had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer noting the pads are user-serviceable.

Replaceable ear plates were viewed as easy and potentially cool, but some reviewers considered them limited or not very useful out of the box.

Wear detection is a useful convenience, automatically stopping playback when the earbuds are removed.

Situational awareness is nearly universally praised. Reviewers can hear conversations, doorbells, traffic, children, and room activity without removing the earbuds.

One video describes the controls as responsive and intuitive, giving them a very positive usability assessment.

USB-C implementation is excellent where discussed, particularly the case-friendly dongle plug and passthrough charging that keeps handhelds or phones powered.

IPX5 earbud protection is viewed as well suited to workouts, sweat, and light rain, supporting the product’s gaming-and-fitness crossover use.

Wireless latency was one of the strongest technical positives, repeatedly described as ultra-low, imperceptible, and among the fastest available.

Xbox support is absent, which one reviewer flags as a concrete platform limitation even while noting the broader USB-C ecosystem constraint.

Charging is a strong part of the package, especially the USB-C passthrough on the dongle and quick top-ups. One defective unit failed to charge, but most reviewers praise the convenience and speed.

AAC and SBC are considered adequate for the gaming-focused use case, though one expert would have preferred higher-bandwidth codec options.

ASUS acknowledged a reported Steam Deck issue and said it was being investigated, but did not promise a fix.

Earpad replacement evidence was limited but mildly positive because removable pads support repairability, even if the clip mechanism could be better.

Fit and seal were mixed: one reviewer liked the seal, while SoundGuys found the yoke and fabric made a reliable seal difficult.

Reliability is the biggest technical concern. Multiple customer reviews report disconnects, one-sided audio, distortion, failed updates, beeping, or erratic behavior, although some users find later firmware dramatically improves performance.

Footstep scaling divided reviewers: some liked it as a competitive extra, while others found it gimmicky, game-dependent, or disruptive to other sounds.

Positional audio was a standout strength, with reviewers repeatedly locating footsteps, gunshots, enemies, and environmental cues accurately.

Leakage is better controlled than some open-ear designs, though nearby people may hear faint audio in quiet rooms or at higher volumes.

Hinge durability evidence was mixed: reviewers noted smoother or reinforced parts, but one still wished the earlier weak spot had been better addressed.

RGB controls are extensive and easy to personalize, with effects, brightness, and colors available. Some reviewers enjoy the style, while others see lighting as garish or unnecessary battery drain.

Manual voice-assistant activation via a triple press was viewed as redundant and not a good use of the control scheme.