Razer's Vibrating Project Esther Cushion Becomes A Real Product

Every year, Razer surprises the tech world with its innovative concepts, like the memorable Project Hazel face mask adorned with RGB lights. This time, they’re introducing Project Esther, which has turned into a tangible product named Freyja. Razer touts it as the world’s first high-definition haptic gaming cushion. While this niche market isn’t exactly booming, Razer is undoubtedly the right company to explore this new territory.Razer has made past attempts to incorporate haptic feedback for your back and rear, but Freyja appears to offer a more practical solution compared to earlier designs such as the Enki Pro HyperSense chair. This cushion can be easily placed over most tall-backed chairs, whether they bear the Razer brand or not. Though it requires power, Freyja features a clever single-cable system with a quick-release connector, eliminating the hassle of a tangled setup should you accidentally roll over the cable.

Quick release connection on the Razer Freyja. — Razer

The haptic cushion is divided into six zones, a reduction from the original concept’s 16 zones, with each section capable of activating independently based on your activity. In gaming, Freyja will feature certain native integrations, ensuring that the haptics are tailored to specific games. For other titles, the cushion will simulate haptic feedback derived from the game’s audio, utilizing sound direction and distance to create immersive sensations. Additionally, if you own devices equipped with Razer Sensa haptics, they will function in sync with Freyja.

Haptic zones on the Razer Freyja gaming cushion. — Razer

Although designed primarily for gaming, the haptics are versatile enough to enhance virtually any audio experience. You could feel the vibrations from a movie, music, or even the ambiance of a live concert streamed online. However, the accuracy of the feedback might vary, especially when it solely relies on audio cues. As seen with Razer’s Kraken HyperSense headset, haptic feedback doesn’t always deliver a consistent experience. Different media have unique audio mixes, leading to varying intensities in haptic feedback.

If you’re interested in trying out the Freyja, it’s now available for purchase, albeit at a steep price tag of $300.

Freyja was unveiled during RazerCon, an event where the company made several significant announcements, including the introduction of the Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless keyboard, the Kraken V4 Pro headset, and Razer’s first laptop cooling pad, which boasts a temperature reduction of up to 18%.