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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =  
|name = Pimax Crystal Light
|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 Play
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Creator = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax Innovation]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Announcement Date = April 2024
|Announcement Date = April 2024
|Release Date = May 2024
|Release Date = 2024
|Price = $699 USD
|Price = $699
|Website = https://pimax.com/products/pimax-crystal-light
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Requirements = NVIDIA RTX 2080 minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended
|Versions = Pimax Crystal Light
|Display = 2× LCD with local dimming
|Requires = VR-ready PC (RTX 2080+ minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended)
|Resolution = 2880×2880 per eye (16.6 million pixels total)
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Refresh Rate = 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz (variable)
|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)
|Field of View = 115° (up to 130° diagonal)
|Horizontal FoV = 115°
|Horizontal FoV = 115°
|PPD = 35 PPD
|Vertical FoV = ~105°
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (manual adjustment)
|Average Pixel Density = 35 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = 35 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (Fixed 2.0)
|Optics = Glass aspheric lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Glass aspheric lenses
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (manual)
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras, SLAM) or SteamVR Lighthouse
|Adjustable Diopter = Optional (diopter lens inserts)
|Eye Tracking = No
|Passthrough = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out or SteamVR Lighthouse)
|Foveated Rendering = Fixed 2.0
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz IMU
|Audio = 3.5mm jack, 2× microphones
|Base Stations = Optional (SteamVR Lighthouse compatible)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort
|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
|Weight = 815g
|Material = Premium plastic
|Headstrap = Modular headstrap
|Haptics = Controllers only
|Color = Black
|Color = Black
|Sensors = IMU, inside-out cameras
|Input = SteamVR controllers, Pimax controllers
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Pimax Crystal Light''' is a high-resolution [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], released in May 2024. It is a streamlined, budget-friendly version of the [[Pimax Crystal]], offering the same 16.6 million pixel resolution at a significantly lower price point. The Crystal Light is notable for using glass aspheric lenses instead of the more common pancake lenses, which Pimax claims results in only 1% light loss compared to around 90% with pancake optics.
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 ==
== History and Development ==


The Pimax Crystal Light was announced alongside the [[Pimax Crystal Super]] at Pimax's annual Frontier keynote in April 2024. While the Crystal Super represented Pimax's flagship offering, the Crystal Light was designed as an affordable entry point to high-resolution PCVR, stripping away non-essential features while maintaining core display specifications.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/blogs/blogs/pimax-reveals-two-new-high-end-vr-headsets-at-its-annual-frontier-keynote |title=Pimax reveals two new high-end VR headsets at its annual Frontier keynote |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Pimax Heritage ===
Company evolution:
* Chinese VR pioneer
* Wide-FOV specialty
* High-resolution focus
* Enthusiast market


The Crystal Light serves as a "pure PCVR" headset with no battery, no XR2 processor, and no standalone capabilities—it requires a connected PC at all times.
=== Previous Products ===
Product line:
* Pimax 8K (wide-FOV pioneer)
* Pimax 5K series
* Pimax Crystal ($1,599)
* Crystal Light (2024)


== Design and Hardware ==
=== April 2024 Announcement ===
Product reveal:
* Pimax Frontier event
* $699 pricing
* Crystal display technology
* Accessible premium VR


=== Display ===
=== Crystal Super ===
Sibling product:
* Crystal Super (ultra-premium)
* Micro-OLED option
* Higher-end target
* Complete lineup


The Crystal Light features dual LCD panels with local dimming, delivering 2880×2880 resolution per eye (16.6 million pixels total). Display specifications include:
== Design Philosophy ==


* 35 pixels per degree (PPD) for sharp visuals
=== Accessible High-End VR ===
* Variable refresh rate: 72 Hz, 90 Hz, or 120 Hz
Value proposition:
* 115° field of view (up to 130° diagonal depending on face shape)
* $699 (vs $1,599 Crystal)
* Local dimming for improved contrast<ref name="vrcompare">{{cite web |url=https://vr-compare.com/headset/pimaxcrystallight |title=Pimax Crystal Light: Full Specification |publisher=VRcompare |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Same 16.6MP display
* Premium visual quality
* Enthusiast pricing


=== Glass Aspheric Lenses ===
=== 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


Unlike most VR headsets which use Fresnel or pancake lenses, the Crystal Light employs glass aspheric lenses:
== Connectivity ==


* Thinner, flatter, and lighter than traditional lenses
=== PC Requirements ===
* Better light penetration and clarity
Minimum specifications:
* Only 1% light loss vs. ~90% with pancake lenses
* NVIDIA RTX 2080 (minimum)
* Excellent edge-to-edge clarity
* NVIDIA RTX 3070+ (recommended)
* DisplayPort 1.4
* USB 3.0


However, unlike the original Pimax Crystal, the Crystal Light does not feature interchangeable lenses.<ref name="gamingnexus">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/14068/Pimax-Crystal-Light/ |title=Pimax Crystal Light Review |publisher=Gaming Nexus |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Connections ===
Physical ports:
* DisplayPort 1.4 (video)
* USB 3.0 (data/power)
* 3.5mm audio
* Tethered operation


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


The Crystal Light uses inside-out tracking with four cameras and SLAM algorithm, eliminating the need for external base stations. Optionally, users can add SteamVR Lighthouse base stations for higher precision tracking.
=== Platform Support ===
Compatibility:
* SteamVR native
* Pimax Play software
* OpenXR
* Wide game support


The headset includes Fixed Foveated Rendering 2.0 for performance optimization, though it lacks eye tracking for dynamic foveated rendering.
=== Pimax Play ===
Configuration software:
* Display settings
* FOV adjustment
* Refresh rate selection
* Performance tuning


=== Audio ===
== Use Cases ==


The Crystal Light includes:
=== Sim Racing ===
* 3.5mm audio jack for headphones
Racing applications:
* Dual microphones for voice chat
* iRacing
* Assetto Corsa
* Gran Turismo
* Wide peripheral vision


No built-in speakers are included—users must supply their own headphones.
=== Flight Simulation ===
Aviation applications:
* Microsoft Flight Simulator
* DCS World
* X-Plane
* Cockpit clarity


== Differences from Pimax Crystal ==
=== General VR ===
Broad use:
* SteamVR library
* Social VR
* VR cinema
* Enthusiast applications


The Crystal Light is a streamlined version of the original Crystal with these key differences:
== Comparison with High-End PC VR ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Feature !! Crystal !! Crystal Light
! Feature !! Crystal Light !! Pimax Crystal !! Bigscreen Beyond !! Valve Index
|-
| Price || $699 || $1,599 || $999 || $999
|-
|-
| Price || ~$1,599 || $699
| Resolution || 2880×2880/eye || 2880×2880/eye || 2560×2560/eye || 1440×1600/eye
|-
|-
| Resolution || 2880×2880 || 2880×2880 (same)
| PPD || 35 || 35 || 32 || 11.5
|-
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes || No
| FOV || 115-130° || 115-130° || 90° || 130°
|-
|-
| Standalone Mode || Yes (XR2) || No
| Refresh Rate || 72/90/120Hz || 72/90/120Hz || 90Hz || 80/90/120/144Hz
|-
|-
| Battery || Yes || No
| Lenses || Glass aspheric || Glass aspheric || Pancake || Fresnel
|-
|-
| Interchangeable Lenses || Yes || No
| Eye Tracking || No || Yes || No || Optional
|-
|-
| Auto IPD || Yes || Manual only
| Weight || 815g || ~980g || 127g || 809g
|}<ref name="pimax-compare">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/pages/pimax-crystal-series-comparison-crystal-og-light-super |title=Pimax Crystal Series Comparison: Crystal OG, Light & Super |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
|}


== System Requirements ==
== Strengths and Limitations ==


* '''Minimum:''' NVIDIA RTX 2080 or equivalent
=== Strengths ===
* '''Recommended:''' NVIDIA RTX 3070 or higher
* High resolution (2880×2880/eye, 16.6MP)
* High-end CPU for optimal performance
* 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


== Reception ==
=== 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


'''Praise:'''
== Technical Specifications Summary ==
* "Affordable PCVR Clarity" - excellent value at $699
* Same high resolution as more expensive Crystal
* Glass aspheric lenses provide excellent clarity
* Flexible refresh rate options (72-120 Hz)
* Wide field of view
* Inside-out tracking simplifies setup


'''Criticism:'''
{| class="wikitable"
* Heavy at 815g
|-
* No built-in audio
! Specification !! Details
* No eye tracking (fixed foveated rendering only)
|-
* No standalone capability
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED
* Requires high-end GPU
|-
* Non-interchangeable lenses<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/pimax-crystal-light-review-affordable-pcvr-clarity/ |title=Pimax Crystal Light Review: Affordable PCVR Clarity |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
| Resolution || 2880 × 2880 per eye (16.6MP)
 
|-
<ref name="pcgamer">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/vr/pimax-crystal-light-review/ |title=Pimax Crystal Light review |publisher=PC Gamer |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
| 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]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super 8K Micro-OLED]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[SteamVR]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Wide-FOV 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:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:Wide-FOV VR]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Pimax_Crystal_Light"