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{{Device Infobox | {{Device Infobox | ||
|name = Pimax Crystal Light | |||
|image = | |image = | ||
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]] | |VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]] | ||
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]] | |Type = [[Head-mounted display]] | ||
|Subtype = [[ | |Subtype = [[PC VR]] | ||
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], Pimax Play | |||
|Creator = [[Pimax]] | |||
|Developer = [[Pimax Innovation]] | |||
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]] | |||
|Announcement Date = April 2024 | |||
|Release Date = 2024 | |Release Date = 2024 | ||
|Price = $ | |Price = $699 | ||
|Display = | |Website = https://pimax.com/ | ||
|Resolution = | |Versions = Pimax Crystal Light | ||
|Refresh Rate = | |Requires = VR-ready PC (RTX 2080+ minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended) | ||
|Field of View = 115° | |Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]] | ||
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Super]] | |||
|Operating System = [[Windows 10/11]] (SteamVR) | |||
|Chipset = Host PC dependent | |||
|CPU = Host PC dependent | |||
|GPU = NVIDIA RTX 2080+ minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended | |||
|HPU = | |||
|Storage = Host PC dependent | |||
|Memory = Host PC dependent | |||
|SD Card Slot = No | |||
|Display = QLED + Mini-LED LCD | |||
|Subpixel Layout = RGB | |||
|Peak Brightness = High (HDR, local dimming) | |||
|Resolution = 2880 × 2880 per eye (16.6 megapixels combined) | |||
|Pixel Density = High (35 PPD) | |||
|Refresh Rate = 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz (variable) | |||
|Persistence = Low persistence | |||
|Field of View = 115° (up to 130° diagonal) | |||
|Horizontal FoV = 115° | |Horizontal FoV = 115° | ||
|Vertical FoV = 105° | |Vertical FoV = ~105° | ||
| | |Average Pixel Density = 35 PPD | ||
| | |Peak Pixel Density = 35 PPD | ||
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (Fixed 2.0) | |||
|Optics = Glass aspheric lenses | |||
|Ocularity = Binocular | |Ocularity = Binocular | ||
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (manual) | |||
|Adjustable Diopter = Optional (diopter lens inserts) | |||
|Passthrough = No | |||
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out or SteamVR Lighthouse) | |||
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz IMU | |||
|Base Stations = Optional (SteamVR Lighthouse compatible) | |||
|Eye Tracking = No (available in Crystal standard) | |||
|Face Tracking = No | |||
|Hand Tracking = Optional (Ultraleap) | |||
|Body Tracking = Compatible (SteamVR trackers) | |||
|Rotational Tracking = Yes | |||
|Positional Tracking = Yes | |||
|Update Rate = Up to 120Hz | |||
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale | |||
|Play Space = Roomscale | |||
|Latency = <15ms motion-to-photon | |||
|Audio = 3.5mm audio jack (interchangeable) | |||
|Microphone = Yes (dual microphones) | |||
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes | |||
|Camera = Inside-out tracking cameras | |||
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0 | |||
|Ports = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0, 3.5mm | |||
|Wired Video = Yes (DisplayPort) | |||
|Wireless Video = No | |||
|WiFi = No | |||
|Bluetooth = No | |||
|Power = PC-powered | |||
|Battery Capacity = N/A (tethered) | |||
|Battery Life = N/A (tethered) | |||
|Charge Time = N/A | |||
|Dimensions = Large-format HMD | |||
|Weight = 815g | |||
|Material = Premium plastic | |||
|Headstrap = Modular headstrap | |||
|Haptics = Controllers only | |||
|Color = Black | |||
|Sensors = IMU, inside-out cameras | |||
|Input = SteamVR controllers, Pimax controllers | |||
|Compliance = FCC, CE | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Pimax Crystal Light''' is a [[ | The '''Pimax Crystal Light''' is a high-resolution [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], announced in April 2024 at $699—representing a significant price reduction from the $1,599 Pimax Crystal while maintaining the same 16.6-megapixel display. The Crystal Light features dual QLED + Mini-LED displays with 2880 × 2880 resolution per eye, delivering exceptional visual clarity with 35 pixels per degree (PPD), HDR capability, and local dimming for enhanced contrast. Unlike many competitors using pancake lenses, Pimax employs custom glass aspheric lenses that offer a large sweet spot with only 1% light loss (versus ~90% with pancake optics), achieving up to 130° diagonal field of view depending on facial geometry. The headset supports variable refresh rates of 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz, features fixed foveated rendering 2.0, and offers flexible tracking options including inside-out tracking for quick setup or SteamVR Lighthouse tracking for maximum precision. With manual IPD adjustment from 58-72mm and compatibility with optional diopter lens inserts, the Crystal Light targets sim racing, flight simulation, and enthusiast VR users seeking maximum visual fidelity at a more accessible price point. | ||
== | == History and Development == | ||
* ''' | |||
* '''Resolution | === Pimax Heritage === | ||
* ''' | Company evolution: | ||
* '''Field of View:''' 115° | * Chinese VR pioneer | ||
* '''IPD Range:''' | * Wide-FOV specialty | ||
* ''' | * High-resolution focus | ||
* Enthusiast market | |||
=== Previous Products === | |||
Product line: | |||
* Pimax 8K (wide-FOV pioneer) | |||
* Pimax 5K series | |||
* Pimax Crystal ($1,599) | |||
* Crystal Light (2024) | |||
=== April 2024 Announcement === | |||
Product reveal: | |||
* Pimax Frontier event | |||
* $699 pricing | |||
* Crystal display technology | |||
* Accessible premium VR | |||
=== Crystal Super === | |||
Sibling product: | |||
* Crystal Super (ultra-premium) | |||
* Micro-OLED option | |||
* Higher-end target | |||
* Complete lineup | |||
== Design Philosophy == | |||
=== Accessible High-End VR === | |||
Value proposition: | |||
* $699 (vs $1,599 Crystal) | |||
* Same 16.6MP display | |||
* Premium visual quality | |||
* Enthusiast pricing | |||
=== Glass Aspheric Lenses === | |||
Optical innovation: | |||
* 1% light loss only | |||
* Large sweet spot | |||
* Wide FOV possible | |||
* Premium clarity | |||
=== Sim Racing Focus === | |||
Target users: | |||
* Racing simulators | |||
* Flight simulators | |||
* Seated experiences | |||
* Cockpit VR | |||
=== Modular Design === | |||
Flexibility: | |||
* Interchangeable audio | |||
* Tracking options | |||
* Diopter inserts | |||
* Customizable | |||
== Display Technology == | |||
=== QLED + Mini-LED === | |||
Panel specifications: | |||
* '''Technology''': QLED with Mini-LED backlight | |||
* '''Resolution''': 2880 × 2880 per eye | |||
* '''Combined''': 16.6 megapixels | |||
* '''HDR''': Local dimming support | |||
=== Pixels Per Degree === | |||
Angular resolution: | |||
* '''PPD''': 35 pixels per degree | |||
* High clarity | |||
* Reduced screen door | |||
* Text readable | |||
=== Variable Refresh Rate === | |||
Performance modes: | |||
* 72Hz mode | |||
* 90Hz mode | |||
* 120Hz mode | |||
* User selectable | |||
=== Color Performance === | |||
Visual quality: | |||
* Wide color gamut (QLED) | |||
* HDR capability | |||
* Local dimming | |||
* Vibrant colors | |||
== Field of View == | |||
=== Wide Coverage === | |||
FOV specifications: | |||
* '''Standard''': 115° | |||
* '''Diagonal Maximum''': Up to 130° | |||
* Head-shape dependent | |||
* Wider than most competitors | |||
=== Sweet Spot === | |||
Optical quality: | |||
* Large sweet spot | |||
* Glass aspheric design | |||
* Edge-to-edge clarity | |||
* Comfortable viewing | |||
== Optics == | |||
=== Glass Aspheric Lenses === | |||
Lens design: | |||
* '''Type''': Custom glass aspheric | |||
* '''Light Loss''': Only 1% | |||
* Lighter than Fresnel | |||
* Premium optical quality | |||
=== Pancake Comparison === | |||
Lens efficiency: | |||
* Pancake lenses: ~90% light loss | |||
* Aspheric lenses: ~1% light loss | |||
* Brighter image | |||
* Higher efficiency | |||
=== IPD Adjustment === | |||
Eye alignment: | |||
* '''Range''': 58-72mm | |||
* '''Type''': Manual adjustment | |||
* Wide accommodation | |||
* Optimal positioning | |||
=== Diopter Options === | |||
Vision correction: | |||
* Optional diopter inserts | |||
* Prescription lenses available | |||
* No glasses needed | |||
* Third-party compatible | |||
== Tracking System == | |||
=== Inside-Out Tracking === | |||
Self-contained option: | |||
* No external sensors | |||
* Quick setup | |||
* Portable | |||
* Convenient default | |||
=== SteamVR Lighthouse === | |||
Outside-in option: | |||
* SteamVR 1.0/2.0 base stations | |||
* Sub-millimeter accuracy | |||
* Large tracking volume | |||
* Professional precision | |||
=== Foveated Rendering === | |||
Performance optimization: | |||
* '''Version''': Fixed 2.0 | |||
* GPU efficiency | |||
* Performance improvement | |||
* No eye tracking required | |||
== Physical Design == | |||
=== Weight === | |||
Mass specifications: | |||
* '''Weight''': 815g (29 oz) | |||
* Heavier than compact headsets | |||
* Wide-FOV tradeoff | |||
* Balanced distribution | |||
=== Build Quality === | |||
Construction: | |||
* Premium materials | |||
* Durable design | |||
* Modular components | |||
* Enthusiast-grade | |||
=== Headstrap === | |||
Fit system: | |||
* Modular headstrap | |||
* Adjustable fit | |||
* Counterweight option | |||
* Extended comfort | |||
== Audio == | |||
=== Audio Jack === | |||
Sound system: | |||
* 3.5mm audio jack | |||
* Interchangeable | |||
* Use any headphones | |||
* Flexibility | |||
=== Microphones === | |||
Voice input: | |||
* Dual microphones | |||
* Voice chat | |||
* Communication | |||
* VR social | |||
== Connectivity == | |||
=== PC Requirements === | |||
Minimum specifications: | |||
* NVIDIA RTX 2080 (minimum) | |||
* NVIDIA RTX 3070+ (recommended) | |||
* DisplayPort 1.4 | |||
* USB 3.0 | |||
=== Connections === | |||
Physical ports: | |||
* DisplayPort 1.4 (video) | |||
* USB 3.0 (data/power) | |||
* 3.5mm audio | |||
* Tethered operation | |||
== Software == | |||
=== Platform Support === | |||
Compatibility: | |||
* SteamVR native | |||
* Pimax Play software | |||
* OpenXR | |||
* Wide game support | |||
=== Pimax Play === | |||
Configuration software: | |||
* Display settings | |||
* FOV adjustment | |||
* Refresh rate selection | |||
* Performance tuning | |||
== Use Cases == | |||
=== Sim Racing === | |||
Racing applications: | |||
* iRacing | |||
* Assetto Corsa | |||
* Gran Turismo | |||
* Wide peripheral vision | |||
=== Flight Simulation === | |||
Aviation applications: | |||
* Microsoft Flight Simulator | |||
* DCS World | |||
* X-Plane | |||
* Cockpit clarity | |||
=== General VR === | |||
Broad use: | |||
* SteamVR library | |||
* Social VR | |||
* VR cinema | |||
* Enthusiast applications | |||
== Comparison with High-End PC VR == | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |||
! Feature !! Crystal Light !! Pimax Crystal !! Bigscreen Beyond !! Valve Index | |||
|- | |||
| Price || $699 || $1,599 || $999 || $999 | |||
|- | |||
| Resolution || 2880×2880/eye || 2880×2880/eye || 2560×2560/eye || 1440×1600/eye | |||
|- | |||
| PPD || 35 || 35 || 32 || 11.5 | |||
|- | |||
| FOV || 115-130° || 115-130° || 90° || 130° | |||
|- | |||
| Refresh Rate || 72/90/120Hz || 72/90/120Hz || 90Hz || 80/90/120/144Hz | |||
|- | |||
| Lenses || Glass aspheric || Glass aspheric || Pancake || Fresnel | |||
|- | |||
| Eye Tracking || No || Yes || No || Optional | |||
|- | |||
| Weight || 815g || ~980g || 127g || 809g | |||
|} | |||
== Strengths and Limitations == | |||
=== Strengths === | |||
* High resolution (2880×2880/eye, 16.6MP) | |||
* 35 PPD visual clarity | |||
* Wide 115-130° field of view | |||
* QLED + Mini-LED with HDR | |||
* Glass aspheric lenses (1% light loss) | |||
* Variable refresh (72/90/120Hz) | |||
* Affordable at $699 (vs $1,599 Crystal) | |||
* Inside-out + Lighthouse tracking options | |||
=== Limitations === | |||
* Heavy at 815g | |||
* No eye tracking (Crystal has it) | |||
* Tethered only (no wireless) | |||
* Requires powerful GPU (RTX 3070+) | |||
* No integrated audio | |||
* Manual IPD only | |||
* Large form factor | |||
== Technical Specifications Summary == | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |||
! Specification !! Details | |||
|- | |||
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED | |||
|- | |||
| Resolution || 2880 × 2880 per eye (16.6MP) | |||
|- | |||
| PPD || 35 pixels per degree | |||
|- | |||
| FOV || 115° (up to 130° diagonal) | |||
|- | |||
| Refresh Rate || 72Hz / 90Hz / 120Hz | |||
|- | |||
| Lenses || Glass aspheric (1% light loss) | |||
|- | |||
| Tracking || Inside-out + SteamVR optional | |||
|- | |||
| IPD || 58-72mm (manual) | |||
|- | |||
| Weight || 815g | |||
|- | |||
| GPU Required || RTX 2080+ min, RTX 3070+ recommended | |||
|- | |||
| Price || $699 | |||
|} | |||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[ | * [[Pimax]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Pimax Crystal]] | ||
* [[VR | * [[Pimax Crystal Super]] | ||
* [[PC VR]] | |||
* [[SteamVR]] | |||
* [[Wide-FOV VR]] | |||
== References == | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
[[Category:Devices]] | |||
[[Category:VR Headsets]] | [[Category:VR Headsets]] | ||
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]] | [[Category:Head-mounted displays]] | ||
[[Category:PC VR]] | |||
[[Category:Pimax]] | |||
[[Category:SteamVR]] | |||
[[Category:Wide-FOV VR]] | |||
[[Category:2020s VR]] | |||