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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Pimax 5K Plus
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Play]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Experience]]
|Creator = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Release Date = 2018
|Announcement Date = September 2018
|Price = ~$699 USD
|Release Date = November 2018
|Price = $699 (headset only)
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Versions = Pimax 5K Plus, Pimax 5K Super, Pimax 5K XR
|Requires = Gaming PC, SteamVR Tracking
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 4K]]
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 4K]]
|Successor = [[Pimax 5K Super]]
|Successor = [[Pimax 8K X]]
|Display = 2x LCD (CLPL)
|Operating System = [[Windows]]
|Resolution = 2560x1440 per eye (5120x1440 combined)
|Chipset = N/A (tethered PCVR)
|Refresh Rate = 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz, 144 Hz
|CPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|Field of View = 200° diagonal, 170° horizontal
|GPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|IPD Range = 55-75mm (manual)
|HPU =
|Storage = N/A
|Memory = N/A
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual LCD (CLPL)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = ~100 nits
|Resolution = 2560 × 1440 per eye (5120 × 1440 combined)
|Pixel Density = ~15 PPD (center)
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 200° (diagonal), 170° (horizontal)
|Horizontal FoV = 150°-170° (adjustable)
|Vertical FoV = ~115°
|Average Pixel Density = ~12 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~15 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Custom aspherical lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Custom angled lenses
|IPD Range = 60-75mm (mechanical adjustment)
|Tracking = 6DoF (SteamVR Lighthouse 1.0/2.0)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|Eye Tracking = No (optional add-on)
|Passthrough = No
|Hand Tracking = No (optional add-on)
|Tracking = 6DoF outside-in (SteamVR/Lighthouse)
|Controllers = SteamVR compatible (sold separately)
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz (base stations)
|Audio = 3.5mm jack, optional MAS
|Base Stations = Required (sold separately)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB
|Eye Tracking = Optional (Droolon module)
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Optional (Leap Motion compatible)
|Body Tracking = Via VIVE Trackers
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = Up to 144Hz
|Tracking Volume = Lighthouse 1.0/2.0 supported
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <25ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = No built-in (MAS/DMAS upgrades available)
|Microphone = No (without audio strap)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 2.0
|Ports = DisplayPort 1.4, USB, 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = Yes (DisplayPort)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = USB powered
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A (tethered)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = ~260mm × 140mm × 130mm
|Weight = ~470g (headset only)
|Material = Plastic
|Headstrap = Modular (basic strap, MAS, DMAS, KDMAS)
|Haptics = Controller haptics (via SteamVR controllers)
|Color = Black
|Sensors = Lighthouse tracking photodiodes, IMU
|Input = SteamVR controllers (Valve Index, VIVE), Pimax controllers
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Pimax 5K Plus''' ('''Pimax 5K+''') is an ultra-wide field of view [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], released in 2018. The headset pioneered consumer-accessible 200° diagonal field of view—marketed as "the closest to human vision of any commercially available product"—featuring dual 2560x1440 LCD displays with up to 144 Hz refresh rate. The 5K Plus established Pimax as the leader in wide-FOV VR headsets, offering nearly double the field of view of competitors like the Vive Pro and Valve Index while maintaining high resolution and refresh rates.
The '''Pimax 5K Plus''' (also styled as 5K+) is a high-end [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], announced in September 2018 and released in November 2018 at a price of $699 for the headset only. The 5K Plus was born from Pimax's highly successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $4.2 million, promising to deliver ultra-wide field of view VR at an accessible price. Featuring dual LCD displays at 2560 × 1440 per eye with RGB stripe subpixels and Pimax's signature 200° diagonal field of view (approximately 170° horizontal)—far exceeding the ~110° of competitors—the 5K Plus became the enthusiast's choice for flight and racing simulation where peripheral vision is crucial. Supporting up to 144Hz refresh rate and SteamVR Lighthouse tracking, the 5K Plus offered a compelling alternative to standard FOV headsets at a price below the HTC Vive Pro.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


Pimax launched the 5K Plus in 2018 following a successful Kickstarter campaign that promised ultra-wide FOV VR. The 5K Plus launched alongside the Pimax 8K, sharing the same chassis but using native 2560x1440 panels instead of upscaled 4K displays. The 5K Plus became popular among sim racing and flight simulation enthusiasts who valued peripheral vision over maximum resolution. It was succeeded by the [[Pimax 5K Super]] which offered higher refresh rates.<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/pimax-5k-plus-vr-headset,5990.html |title=Pimax 5K Plus Review: Another Look at the Ultrawide VR Headset |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Kickstarter Success ===
2017 campaign:
* Over $4.2 million raised
* World's widest FOV promise
* 8K and 5K variants
* Strong backer interest


== Design and Hardware ==
=== 5K Evolution ===
Design iteration:
* Original 5K scrapped
* 5K Plus replaced it
* RGB stripe vs PenTile
* Better text legibility


=== Display ===
=== Backer Fulfillment ===
Delivery timeline:
* Initial delays common
* November 2018 shipping began
* Backer units prioritized
* All backers fulfilled by July 2019


Wide dual LCD panels:
=== Retail Availability ===
Post-backer sales:
* $699 retail price
* Competitive with Vive Pro
* Wider FOV advantage
* Enthusiast market


* Dual CLPL (Custom Low Persistence Liquid Crystal) panels
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''2560x1440 resolution per eye'''
 
* 5120x1440 combined resolution
=== Maximum Field of View ===
* RGB subpixel layout
Core differentiator:
* Reduced screen door effect
* 200° diagonal claimed
* High color accuracy
* 170° horizontal practical
* Peripheral vision included
* Immersion priority
 
=== Canted Displays ===
Optical approach:
* Displays angled outward
* Extends horizontal FOV
* Unique geometry
* Trade-offs in rendering
 
=== RGB Stripe Display ===
5K Plus distinction:
* Full RGB subpixels
* Better text clarity
* Replaced original 5K
* User preference
 
=== Enthusiast Target ===
Market positioning:
* Sim racing community
* Flight simulation
* VR enthusiasts
* Early adopters
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== Dual LCD Panels ===
CLPL displays:
* '''Resolution''': 2560 × 1440 per eye
* '''Total''': 5120 × 1440
* '''Type''': CLPL (Custom Low Persistence Liquid Crystal)
* '''Subpixels''': RGB stripe


=== Refresh Rate ===
=== Refresh Rate ===
High refresh options:
* 90Hz: Standard mode
* 120Hz: High refresh
* 144Hz: Maximum (reduced FOV)
* User selectable
=== RGB vs PenTile ===
Display arrangement:
* Full RGB for clarity
* Better text legibility
* Reduced screen door
* 5K Plus advantage
=== Visual Quality ===
Image characteristics:
* Wide peripheral view
* Good center clarity
* Some edge softness
* Trade-off for FOV
== Field of View ==
=== Ultra-Wide FOV ===
Pimax signature:
* '''Diagonal''': 200°
* '''Horizontal''': ~170° (Large mode)
* '''Vertical''': ~115°
* Near-human FOV
=== FOV Settings ===
Adjustable modes:
* '''Large''': ~170° horizontal
* '''Normal''': ~150° horizontal
* '''Small''': ~120° horizontal
* Performance trade-offs
=== FOV Impact ===
User experience:
* Peripheral vision immersion
* Sim racing advantage
* Flight sim peripheral awareness
* More present feeling
=== Peripheral Distortion ===
Wide FOV challenges:
* Some edge distortion
* Software corrections
* Individual perception varies
* Improved over time
== Optical System ==
=== Canted Display Geometry ===
Unique design:
* Displays angled outward
* Custom lens design
* Extended viewing area
* Complex rendering
=== Custom Lenses ===
Aspherical optics:
* Wide-angle coverage
* Good center clarity
* Some edge softness
* Typical for ultrawide
=== IPD Adjustment ===
Physical lens movement:
* '''Range''': 60-75mm
* Mechanical adjustment
* Software offset available
* Wide accommodation
== Tracking System ==
=== SteamVR Lighthouse ===
External tracking:
* Base stations required
* Not included
* 1.0 and 2.0 compatible
* Sub-millimeter accuracy
=== Base Station Requirements ===
Additional purchase:
* Minimum 2 stations
* Valve or HTC compatible
* Significant additional cost
* Standard SteamVR setup
=== Controller Options ===
SteamVR ecosystem:
* Valve Index controllers
* VIVE Wand controllers
* Pimax Sword controllers
* Full ecosystem access
== Audio ==
=== No Built-In Audio ===
Modular approach:
* 3.5mm jack only
* Headphones required
* Various upgrades available
* Weight savings
=== Audio Strap Options ===
Upgrades available:
* '''MAS''': Modular Audio Strap
* '''DMAS''': Deluxe Modular Audio Strap
* '''KDMAS''': Premium off-ear audio
* Improved comfort with audio
== Physical Design ==
=== Distinctive Shape ===
Recognizable form:
* Wide angular design
* Large front housing
* Unique appearance
* Function over form


Multiple options:
=== Weight ===
Reasonable for features:
* ~470g headset only
* Audio strap adds weight
* Comfortable for size
* Good distribution


* 72 Hz
=== Comfort ===
* 90 Hz
Extended use:
* 120 Hz
* Basic strap included
* '''144 Hz''' maximum
* Audio strap recommended
* Variable by FOV mode
* Various face gaskets
* Individual fit varies


=== Field of View ===
=== Materials ===
Construction:
* Plastic housing
* Adequate build quality
* Modular design
* Upgrade path


Industry-leading ultra-wide:
== PC Requirements ==


* '''200° diagonal FOV''' (Large mode)
=== High-End Hardware ===
* '''170° horizontal''' (Large mode)
Demanding specifications:
* "Closest to human vision"
* '''Recommended GPU''': GTX 1070 / RTX 2070+
* Multiple FOV modes:
* '''Minimum GPU''': GTX 1060
** Large: 200° diagonal
* '''CPU''': i5-4590 equivalent+
** Normal: 170° diagonal
* '''RAM''': 8GB+
** Small: 140° diagonal
* Nearly 2x competitors (Vive Pro: 110°)
* Enhanced peripheral vision


=== Optics ===
=== Performance Optimization ===
Managing demands:
* Parallel projection option
* Per-game profiles
* Resolution scaling
* FOV adjustment


* Custom angled lens design
=== Parallel Projection ===
* Canted displays
Compatibility feature:
* Manual IPD adjustment (55-75mm)
* Required for some games
* Physical slider
* Performance impact
* Large sweet spot
* Canted display compensation
* User configurable


=== Tracking ===
== Software ==


SteamVR Lighthouse compatibility:
=== PiTool ===
Original software:
* Device configuration
* Firmware updates
* Settings management
* Game profiles


* '''6 Degrees of Freedom''' (6DoF)
=== Pimax Experience ===
* SteamVR Tracking 1.0 support
Newer interface:
* SteamVR Tracking 2.0 support
* Streamlined setup
* External base stations required (sold separately)
* Automatic optimization
* User-friendly
* Continued development


=== Build ===
=== SteamVR Integration ===
Platform support:
* Full SteamVR compatibility
* Steam library access
* OpenVR support
* Standard ecosystem


Large form factor:
=== Content Compatibility ===
Platform access:
* SteamVR games
* Oculus (via Revive)
* PiHome
* Wide library


* ~11.5 inches (29.2 cm) wide
== Use Cases ==
* 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) tall
* 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) deep
* Comfortable foam padding
* Adjustable head strap
* Wide facial interface


=== Audio ===
=== Flight Simulation ===
Ideal application:
* Peripheral instrument view
* Wide situational awareness
* Cockpit immersion
* Community favorite


* 3.5mm headphone jack
=== Racing Simulation ===
* Optional Modular Audio Strap (MAS)
Sim racing benefits:
* No built-in speakers (base model)
* Mirror visibility
* Peripheral awareness
* Track boundaries
* Competitive advantage


== System Requirements ==
=== VR Enthusiasts ===
General use:
* Immersive experiences
* Exploration games
* Social VR
* Wide FOV preference


=== Minimum ===
== Variants ==
* GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1070 or equivalent
* CPU: Intel i5-4590 or equivalent
* RAM: 8 GB
* Ports: DisplayPort 1.4, USB 2.0/3.0


=== Recommended ===
=== Pimax 5K XR ===
* GPU: RTX 2080 or higher
OLED alternative:
* High-end system for Large FOV mode
* OLED panels
* Better blacks
* Same FOV
* Different trade-offs


== Technical Specifications ==
=== Pimax 5K Super ===
Later upgrade:
* Up to 180Hz refresh
* Same resolution
* Improved performance
* Premium option
 
== Comparison with Competitors ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Specification !! Details
! Feature !! Pimax 5K Plus !! HTC Vive Pro !! Valve Index
|-
|-
| Display || LCD (CLPL)
| Price || $699 (HMD) || $799 (HMD) || $499 (HMD)
|-
|-
| Resolution || 2560x1440 per eye
| Resolution/eye || 2560×1440 || 1440×1600 || 1440×1600
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 72-144 Hz
| FOV || ~170° || ~110° || ~130°
|-
|-
| Field of View || Up to 200° diagonal
| Refresh Rate || Up to 144Hz || 90Hz || Up to 144Hz
|-
|-
| IPD Range || 55-75mm (manual)
| Audio || None || Integrated || Integrated
|-
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR 1.0/2.0
| Tracking || Lighthouse || Lighthouse || Lighthouse
|}
|}


== FOV Modes ==
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
=== Strengths ===
* Widest consumer FOV
* High refresh rates
* Competitive pricing
* SteamVR ecosystem
* RGB stripe displays
* Active community
 
=== Limitations ===
* Base stations not included
* No integrated audio
* Peripheral distortion
* Software maturity
* Support challenges
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Mode !! FOV (Diagonal) !! GPU Load
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Dual LCD, 2560 × 1440 per eye
|-
| Total Resolution || 5120 × 1440 (5K)
|-
| FOV || ~170° horizontal (Large mode)
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90/120/144Hz
|-
| Subpixels || RGB stripe
|-
|-
| Large || 200° || Highest
| Tracking || SteamVR Lighthouse
|-
|-
| Normal || 170° || Medium
| IPD || 60-75mm mechanical
|-
|-
| Small || 140° || Lower
| Audio || None (3.5mm jack)
|-
| Weight || ~470g
|-
| GPU Requirement || GTX 1070+ recommended
|-
| Price || $699 (HMD only)
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* 200° FOV revolutionary for consumer VR
* Enhanced peripheral vision immersive
* 5120x1440 resolution sharp
* 144 Hz refresh rate smooth
* Multiple FOV modes flexible
* Excellent for sim racing/flight sim
* SteamVR Lighthouse compatible
* RGB LCD reduces SDE
* Manual IPD wide range
* Price competitive for features
'''Criticism:'''
* Large, heavy headset
* Distortion at FOV edges
* Requires powerful GPU
* Controllers sold separately
* Base stations sold separately
* Software can be finicky
* IPD adjustment imprecise
* Some edge warping<ref name="pcgamer">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/i-tried-pimaxs-5k-and-8k-vr-headset-with-200-degree-field-of-view/ |title=I tried Pimax's 5K and 8K VR headset with 200-degree field of view |publisher=PC Gamer |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pimax |title=Pimax |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pimax 5K Super]]
* [[Pimax]]
* [[Pimax 8KX]]
* [[Pimax 8K X]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[SteamVR]]
* [[Lighthouse Tracking]]
* [[Wide FOV VR]]
* [[PC VR]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:2018 in technology]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:Wide FOV]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
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