In the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to try Razer Freyjaan unusual peripheral that represents the definitive version of a project that Razer has been pursuing for about two years.
First shown at CES 2024 with the name of Project EstherRazer Freyja is a cushion equipped with 6 coil vibration motors powered by Razer Sensa HD Haptics. In essence, the goal of Freyja is to bring immersion to a new level thanks to “physical” feedback that is transmitted to the user’s back and legs.
I must admit that upon presentation, the cushion simply left me skepticistic. However, after a long test that involved not only video games, but also multimedia content, Freyja literally managed to amaze me and, without exaggeration, the enjoyment of some productions without the Razer peripheral appears neutered.
I suppose that a touch of skepticism has also developed in those who read, so let’s stop talking and let’s see why Freyja is one of the best innovations seen so far for the entire entertainment industry.
Packaging e Design
The Razer Freyja arrives in a rather generous box, but whose contents are quite essential. Inside the package we find the pillow, a power supply with adapters for different connection standards, a dongle for wireless connectivity, a set of stickers and a first setup guide.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Freyja is undoubtedly the design. It’s very similar to the classics padded seat covers and has specific bending points so it can adapt to practically any seat. Of course, it finds its ideal position on gaming chairs that take the shape of a car seat, but in fact It also adapts very well to office armchairs or racing stations.
The materials do not stand out for their value, extensive use of polyester and padding that immediately tends to maintain creases. However, after an intense test during which I assumed different positions on the chair (even cross-legged), the cushion always proved to be extremely comfortable.
With the right weight distribution, it is impossible to even notice the haptic engine boxes. In summary, the Freyja is definitely comfortable even just as a cover for your chair in case we have to carry out activities for which it is not useful, but we don’t want to constantly remove it. A feature that I appreciated quite a bit given that I mainly use the PC for working.
As for the 6 coil motors, four are integrated into the backrest and two into the seat. In particular, the four of the backrest are distributed in an optimal manner: as we will see later they will guarantee rather precise directionality.
How does it work?
Before proceeding to the actual test, it is important to understand how Freyja works. Many will think that it is designed and compatible exclusively with video games: nothing could be further from the truth. Freyja reacts to sound and, in particular, low frequencies to generate a sensation that emulates that of bass on the body.
This means that any track you play on your PC is compatible with Freyja. Of course, some video games are optimized for the Razer cushion ensuring greater effectiveness than sounds from other sources, but in general it performs well with any content.
It is no coincidence that the pillow is also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity which allows, for example, you to listen to tracks from your smartphone using Freyja. From this point of view, the device is extremely versatile and you can use it with any sound content.
A new dimension for films and TV series
Assuming Freyja is at her best in video games, where she really surprised me was with multimedia. Naturally, The quality of the audio track plays a fundamental rolebut watch the Normandy landings in “Save Private Ryan“It was an incredible experience. Hearing the bullets whistling behind your back is a sensation that can only be understood by experiencing it.
The explosions were also engaging, since the cushion also manages to convey the idea of the distance from which these occur. In essence, the Razer Freyja performs the task for which it was designed very well: offering greater immersion to the viewer.
Great at games, with some reservations
So let’s get to the heart of this review: video games. In this case, the Razer Freyja shows all its strengths, but also some weaknesses. In particular, it is when the voice chat also intervenes that the pillow begins to show some hesitation.
Starting from the games, the most fascinating experience was undoubtedly with the racing simulators. Engine and curb vibrations are transmitted excellently giving an immersion that emulates – with the necessary limitations of course – that of decidedly more expensive systems.
With shooters, however, the situation changes a bit. The immersion level still remains high, but directionality is shaky. Sometimes the origin of a shot or explosion is clear, other times it is confusing. However, the youth of the product must be kept in mind.
It is, in fact, the first iteration of the pillow and it is clear that it still needs some optimization. As mentioned above, Freyja’s limitations are especially evident with voice chat. Reacting to audio playing on your PC, often it also tends to vibrate with the voices of teammates by mixing the haptic feedback and making everything result in a homogeneous and constant vibration.
Razer Synapse needs more options
We have therefore arrived at the software. Many of you will probably already know Razer Synapse, so we will focus on the opportunities provided by the Freyja that result rather limited.
Concretely, the software allows you to simply adjust the intensity of the feedback: the general one on 6 levels and the specific one for each engine on a scale ranging from 1 to 100. Undoubtedly an excellent starting point since it is possible to manage the feedback in an optimal way by adjusting the values in accordance with your body and your sensations.
However, based on what was said previously, I would like to have a submenu in which to select the sources to interact with the pillow. In this way, for example, we could exclude Discord, Team Speak or the media player – in case we were in the habit of listening to music during gaming sessions – obtaining optimal feedback in gaming.
Conclusions
With a price of 299 euroin my opinion, Razer Freyja is one of the most valuable products in Razer’s entire catalog. It is first of all an innovation, the American manufacturer is the only one (for now) to offer a similar product and credit must be given to him.
However, it is not just novelty as an end in itself, it’s a peripheral that does what it says on the tin in most use cases. Freyja guarantees a superior level of immersion and, in the cases mentioned, well above my expectations.
Would I recommend purchasing it? Absolutely yes, it’s an incredible experience that I didn’t expect and I deeply hope that Razer continues the development of the project with new iterations and software improvements.
Freyja’s real strength is the ability to adapt to any context, from music to video games, providing immersion never felt before, but without any significant change to your gaming station. In short, you can continue to play, watch films or listen to music comfortably from your chair as you always have, but with the addition of decidedly engaging haptic feedback..
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to try it with a VR headset as I don’t have one, but judging from what was shown, I can only think that combined with virtual reality the Freyja is without a doubt a “must have”.
I just have to congratulate Razer for introducing a product into the peripherals sector that is not only innovative, but worthy of great attention. Freyja is comfortable, immediate and functional, a device worth seriously considering purchasing.
Source: gaming.hwupgrade.it
