The Mutalk 2, a $200 voice-muffling Bluetooth mask, debuted at CES 2026, promising total call privacy while making its wearer resemble a cyberpunk platypus.
At a Glance
- Japanese firm Shiftall unveiled a $200 mouth-and-nose microphone that isolates your voice from bystanders
- Demonstration showed a caller 10 feet away heard only faint mumbling while the recipient heard clear audio
- Device straps around the head or can be hand-held and pairs via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm jack
- Why it matters: Gamers, parents, or late-night callers could chat without waking anyone, but the eye-catching design may deter public use
Shiftall’s second-generation Mutalk tackles a simple annoyance: overheard phone calls. The lightweight plastic oval seals against the face with a removable rubber gasket, creating a mini sound booth that blocks outward chatter. During a noisy trade-show demo, I slipped it on, dialed a colleague, and spoke normally. My partner on the line reported crisp audio, yet nearby spectators caught only muffled syllables.
How it works
Inside the shell, a directional mic captures speech before internal foams and baffles absorb escaping waves. A quick-release strap system balances the unit so it neither digs into cheeks nor drags downward. The gasket peels away for washing, addressing hygiene concerns raised by the original model.
Connectivity is straightforward: pair through Bluetooth 5.3 or plug a standard 3.5 mm cable into phones, tablets, or controllers. Latency in game chat hovered low enough that console teammates registered no noticeable lag. Battery life was not disclosed, yet a USB-C port sits on the lower edge for top-ups.
Design trade-offs
There is no subtle way to wear the Mutalk 2. The protruding oval, vent slots, and head straps evoke a lightweight gas mask, guaranteeing stares on trains or coffee shops. Still, the aesthetic serves a purpose: the oversized chamber provides space for acoustic dampening while keeping the wearer’s lips hidden, defeating lip-reading snoops.
Shiftall embraces the sci-fi vibe. Company reps dubbed the look “cyberpunk chic,” noting that RGB-laden face wear like the Razer Zephyr found buyers despite similar bulk. The Mutalk 2 ships in matte black or white, with optional skin decals for further flair.
Real-world scenarios
Privacy seekers have alternatives. Throat microphones rest below the ear, picking up vibrations rather than airborne sound, but they cost more and can feel clinical. Noise-suppression software in phones helps, yet fails in quiet settings where even whispers carry.
The Mutalk 2 targets a narrower niche:
- Late-night gamers coordinating raids without waking partners
- Parents on conference calls while infants nap
- Apartment dwellers who share thin walls
- Streamers seeking isolated voice tracks free of room echo
Price and availability
Shiftall will sell the Mutalk 2 globally starting March 2026 for $200. Pre-orders open next month through the firm’s web store and select retailers. The package includes the mask, three gasket sizes, a soft carrying pouch, and USB-C cable.
At two Benjamins, the device undercuts high-end USB condenser mics and competes with premium gaming headsets, though it adds no speakers of its own. Buyers must supply headphones or rely on their phone’s earpiece.
Quick impressions
After five minutes of use, the Mutalk impressed with comfort and efficacy. The inner foam did not irritate skin, and the 120-gram frame disappeared once straps were cinched. Voice came through on the call with clarity equal to a desk mic, while ambient hall noise vanished for listeners.
Drawbacks surfaced quickly. Breathing sounds amplified inside the chamber, requiring conscious mic-distance control. The rubber seal trapped warmth, hinting that long sessions could feel stuffy. Finally, the social barrier remains real; commuters may prefer texting over donning conspicuous headgear.
Bottom line
Shiftall’s Mutalk 2 fulfills its core promise: private conversations without headphones. Whether $200 is worth the fashion sacrifice depends on environment and tolerance for gawkers. For streamers, new parents, or stealth gamers, the utility may outweigh the oddity. Everyone else can keep searching for subtler solutions-or embrace their inner cyberpunk platypus.
