You don't need to have the fans on to use the mask, but 'low' is imperative for long-term comfort, thanks to how securely the plastic gasket fits around the nose and mouth. They operate at two speeds 'low' makes a mildly noticeable whine, while 'high' is loud enough to sound like a tiny leafblower attached to your face. This is where the pair of internal fans comes into play. To make lips visible, the Zephyr's internal lighting needs to be set at a high, steady brightness, which creates noticeable heat inside the mask. Why would Razer do this? Presumably because the plastic front's shape distorts your lips just enough so that your mouth looks like it's sitting in a tiny, attached TV. Razer has applied a darkish tint to this part of the mask, and the whole set is molded in such a way that manually replacing this part with a clearer option isn't feasible. But in practice, that translucent plastic creates more issues than it does lip-reading opportunities.

AdvertisementĪt the right angle, a photo of the Razer Zephyr-with its translucent plastic and internal lighting-can look clear enough to allow for lip-reading. Though I'll never know how the original model actually performed, the current model definitely doesn't live up to my accessibility hopes. And clearly, something had to give, whether it was weight, heat, or cost.

Still, I was concerned that such an overengineered mask might lead to too much weight or heat. I was particularly optimistic about its mix of lights, microphones, speakers, and translucent plastic, especially because I have a few friends who are hard of hearing (normal masks muffle sounds and prevent lip-reading). The original pitch made me think that Razer understood some of the common issues with face masks.

Out of all those proposed 'Project Hazel' features, only three didn't make the final cut, as denoted by asterisks. An ultraviolet sanitation and charging stand **.An array of interior microphones and exterior speakers **.The 2021 CES version advertised the following: The Zephyr's originally teased vision was tantalizing, even if it looked like a prop from that classic 'cybergoth rave' GIF of old. So my Razer Zephyr mask has mostly been tucked in my bag, to be shown off as a party trick or worn as an experimental lark. But its spot in my bag is right next to my KN95-rated masks, and I'm always eager to switch back to those as soon as I can.

Razr zephyr pro