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Razer gets found out with misleading 'N95 grade' marketing claims for its Zephyr and Zephyr Pro face masks

Neither the Razer Zephyr or Zephyr Pro are N95 grade masks. (Image source: Razer)
Neither the Razer Zephyr or Zephyr Pro are N95 grade masks. (Image source: Razer)
Razer has been caught red-handed over the marketing of its Zephyr and Zephyr Pro face masks. Previously, the company marketed both as being 'N95 grade'; it has been selling the Zephyr since October 2021. Neither are 'N95 grade' and nor has Razer received any certifications to make such claims.

Razer debuted the Zephyr Pro at CES 2022 last week, a slight upgrade on last year's Zephyr mask. Retailing for US$150, the Zephyr Pro has built-in speakers for amplifying your voice and Chroma RGB accents. Additionally, Razer stated that the Zephyr Pro supported N95-grade filters, implying that the mask is at least medical-grade. However, that is not the case.

Following research by PCMag and Naomi Wu, Razer has backtracked on its claims, which it has been using since October 2021 in the case of the original Zephyr. Writing on Twitter, Razer explains:

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.

Additionally, Razer has set out the third-party laboratory testing behind what it now calls 'air purification filters'. It is worth noting that Razer does not claim that its masks are certified by authorities. Instead, the company reports that it 'took guidance from regulatory agencies' to establish its testing protocols.

Razer may not have gotten off the hook quite yet, though. So far, Wu has complained to the Centres for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) in US. Razer has not publicly commented any further beyond its two tweets on January 8. Incidentally, it was happy to endorse Engadget's decision just 24 hours before to endorse the Zephyr Pro as the 'Best Wearable of CES 2022'. According to Engadget, Razer removed its 'N95 grade' terminology:

to avoid any confusion...[it will] directly reach out shortly to existing customers to clarify.

Razer now reports that the Zephyr Pro is not a N95 mask or respirator. (Image source: Razer)
Razer now reports that the Zephyr Pro is not a N95 mask or respirator. (Image source: Razer)
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2022 01 > Razer gets found out with misleading 'N95 grade' marketing claims for its Zephyr and Zephyr Pro face masks
Alex Alderson, 2022-01-11 (Update: 2022-01-11)