PSA: Razer’s Zephyr Masks Aren’t Certified


Don’t assume they’ve been thoroughly vetted.

Today’s subject of interest is Razer, a company that seems batting for some public relations trouble with the unveiling of the Zephyr Pro that apparently amplifies your voice. But the voice amplification isn’t what is causing the problems, rather the issue is from Razer’s rather sneaky wordplay regarding the N-95 certification of the mask.

In short, the mask is not N-95 certified, and it’s drawn accusations of fraud.

Now for the record, Razer’s Zephyr mask has N-95 grade filters. But having those filters does not make for an N-95 certified mask. The website claims that they have “adopted standards” of N-95, but without official certification the average person has no way to actually confirm that. Razer claims the Zephyr mask has a 99% bacterial filtration efficiency and the website has a whole list of test results. Despite their alleged safety, Razer seems to have sneakily covered itself by noting that the masks are not for use in medical or clinical settings, and despite the comments orbiting around personal protective equipment are not actually PPE masks.

Please observe your local safety regulations and mask guidelines or consult your local public health authorities for potential usability of these products under applicable law. The Razer Zephyr and Zephyr Pro are not medical devices, respirators, surgical masks, or personal protective equipment (PPE) and are not meant to be used in medical or clinical settings. These products are intended to be used only with Razer Zephyr Filters.

So for more information, we turned to China’s #1 tech and DIY YouTuber Naomi Wu who confirmed that no the Zephyr is not certified, calling the use of N95 in its advertising fraudulent. Her analysis goes on to pinpoint design flaws in the mask that would result in leaks.

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Razer’s proprietary N-95 esque filters are of course disgustingly overpriced, at the cost of $30 for one month’s worth of protection as each filter is only good for three days. Keeping the Zephyr supplied will cost over $300 per year as the filters only last three days, as opposed to standard N-95 filters that would be much cheaper and last longer. MMO Fallout sourced several retailers and found general prices for N-95 filters ran about $1-2.

In a lengthier video on YouTube, Wu goes into further detail on the Zephyr being “useless.” She notes that a mask having N-95 material does not mean that it offers N-95 protection and that without a certification, the mask should not be using N-95 advertising on any of its packaging or advertising material. Wu also describes the mask as like “breathing through a straw.”

Whatever the intent, Razer has certainly led to numerous press outlets making fraudulent claims about the Zephyr, such as that the mask is N-95 rated (it isn’t), certified (it isn’t), and various other claims that don’t actually apply to Razer’s Zephyr.

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Ultimately the Razer Zephyr seems best suited for people who want to cosplay as being protected and are willing to pay an exorbitant upcharge for the privilege. If you’re looking for actual protection, there are a million cheaper and officially certified ways to do so.

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