Debuting as ‘Project Hazel’ at the CES trade show earlier this year, Razer’s wearable air purifier and face mask is now a genuine product called the Zephyr that retails for £99. The idea here is to provide a constant supply of air in and out, purified to an N95 standard to help prevent the spread of viruses, while also providing a distinct look complete with RGB lighting. Razer very kindly sent me one of the few units earmarked for the UK press ahead of its full reveal as part of RazerCon 2021, and so I’ve been testing it for the past few days to see whether it really lives up to the hype.
Looking at the Zephyr, the design here is quite similar to dual-filter half masks used for painting or working in similarly noxious environments, with fans on each cheek drawing air through circular filters, before expelling through another filtered grille at the base of the mask. Medical-grade silicone creates a seal around your nose and mouth, while a pair of straps (one adjustable, one not) go around the back of your head to hold the Zephyr in place.
1 of 8 Caption Attribution The Razer Zephyr, modelled by the author. Photo by Dawei Hou.
Other elements of the design are more novel, including a transparent and illuminated mouth cover intended to make your words and expressions visible; a small bottle of anti-fog spray is also included in case the airflow alone isn’t sufficient. There’s also RGB lighting encircling each circular intake. Power, Bluetooth pairing and fan speed can be controlled via a single button on the side of the right air intake, while the Zephyr smartphone app allows you to choose lighting colours and effects for each of the two lit zones. Lighting can also be disabled entirely.
Actually wearing the Zephyr is surprisingly comfortable. The half-mask weighs about as much as a lightweight gaming headset, around 237 grams all-in, and the straps do a good job of keeping the Zephyr stable on your face. I wouldn’t go jogging or start head-banging with this on, but it’s certainly fine for walking and other gentle movement.