Razer’s Zephyr mask aims to bring its characteristic over-the-top RGB aesthetics to your face alongside N95 particulate and contagion protections for the COVID-19 era. While that might seem like a somewhat niche product, it hasn’t stopped its first stock from selling out quickly, nor has it stopped scalpers from leaping at the opportunity to mark up resales by ridiculous amounts.
As reported by IGN, online auction houses have been flooded by listings for the Zephyr mask that go as high as $500. Considering Razer is listing them for just $99, the scalpers are trying to get between 2.5x and 5x return on flipping the masks. People are buying these listings, too, as a search for sold masks returns dozens that have been purchased for way over normal asking price.
Scalpers take advantage of scarcity–artificial or real–in essentially any market; the supply chain issues and general shortages across industries have resulted in scalping becoming a bigger issue in the last couple of years. In this case, Razer opened more stock today (which also sold out nearly immediately) and states that there’ll be more restocks coming.
In addition to being powered by Razer Chroma, the company’s RGB standard, the mask also has internal lighting that can illuminate your face. Two built-in fans also help assist with ventilation through the N95 filters. You can sign up on Razer’s website to be notified about when you can buy the mask.