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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 = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], Pimax Play
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Creator = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax Innovation]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Announcement Date = April 2024
|Release Date = 2024
|Release Date = 2024
|Price = $699 (base) / $799 (local dimming) / $899 (with controllers)
|Price = $699
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Versions = Pimax Crystal Light
|Requires = VR-ready PC (RTX 2080+ minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended)
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
|Display = QLED + Mini-LED
|Operating System = [[Windows 10/11]] (SteamVR)
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye
|Chipset = Host PC dependent
|Combined Resolution = 5760x2880
|CPU = Host PC dependent
|PPD = 35 PPD
|GPU = NVIDIA RTX 2080+ minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended
|Refresh Rate = 60/72/90/120 Hz
|HPU =
|Field of View = 115°
|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°
|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
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (manual)
|IPD = Adjustable (58-72mm)
|Adjustable Diopter = Optional (diopter lens inserts)
|Audio = Integrated speakers
|Passthrough = No
|Weight = Reduced vs Crystal
|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
}}
}}


The '''Pimax Crystal Light''' is a PC [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], released in 2024 starting at $699. A more affordable version of the Pimax Crystal, the Crystal Light features the same 2880x2880 per eye resolution (16.6 million pixels) with QLED and Mini-LED display technology, 35 PPD clarity, 115° field of view, variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz, and inside-out 6DoF tracking. By removing eye tracking, battery, and other features, Pimax reduced weight by approximately 310 grams while maintaining the Crystal's visual fidelity.
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 ==


Pimax announced the Crystal Light in April 2024 as a budget-friendly alternative to the Pimax Crystal. The headset targets PC VR enthusiasts seeking high-resolution visuals without the premium price of the full Crystal. By eliminating features like eye tracking, integrated battery, cooling fans, and motorized IPD adjustment, Pimax significantly reduced cost and weight while preserving the core visual experience.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light |title=Pimax Crystal Light |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Pimax Heritage ===
Company evolution:
* Chinese VR pioneer
* Wide-FOV specialty
* High-resolution focus
* Enthusiast market


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Previous Products ===
Product line:
* Pimax 8K (wide-FOV pioneer)
* Pimax 5K series
* Pimax Crystal ($1,599)
* Crystal Light (2024)


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


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


* '''2880x2880 per eye''' resolution
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''5760x2880 combined'''
* '''QLED + Mini-LED''' technology
* '''35 PPD''' (pixels per degree)
* '''Local dimming''' (optional)
* '''HDR capable'''
* Wide color gamut
* Minimal screen-door effect
* 16.6 million pixels total


=== Refresh Rate ===
=== Accessible High-End VR ===
Value proposition:
* $699 (vs $1,599 Crystal)
* Same 16.6MP display
* Premium visual quality
* Enthusiast pricing


Variable refresh options:
=== 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 ==


* '''60 Hz'''
=== QLED + Mini-LED ===
* '''72 Hz'''
Panel specifications:
* '''90 Hz'''
* '''Technology''': QLED with Mini-LED backlight
* '''120 Hz'''
* '''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
* User selectable


=== Optics ===
=== Color Performance ===
Visual quality:
* Wide color gamut (QLED)
* HDR capability
* Local dimming
* Vibrant colors


* '''Glass aspheric lenses'''
== 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
* Large sweet spot
* '''115° field of view'''
* Glass aspheric design
* Crisp edge-to-edge clarity
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* Comfortable viewing


=== Tracking ===
== Optics ==


Inside-out system:
=== Glass Aspheric Lenses ===
Lens design:
* '''Type''': Custom glass aspheric
* '''Light Loss''': Only 1%
* Lighter than Fresnel
* Premium optical quality


* '''6DoF tracking'''
=== Pancake Comparison ===
* '''Inside-out tracking'''
Lens efficiency:
* No external base stations
* 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
* 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


=== IPD ===
=== Headstrap ===
Fit system:
* Modular headstrap
* Adjustable fit
* Counterweight option
* Extended comfort


* '''Manual IPD adjustment'''
== Audio ==
* '''58mm – 72mm range'''
* Wide user compatibility


=== Build ===
=== Audio Jack ===
Sound system:
* 3.5mm audio jack
* Interchangeable
* Use any headphones
* Flexibility


Lightweight design:
=== Microphones ===
Voice input:
* Dual microphones
* Voice chat
* Communication
* VR social


* '''~310g lighter''' than original Crystal
== Connectivity ==
* No integrated battery
* No eye tracking hardware
* No cooling fans
* No heatsink
* Fully adjustable headband


== Configurations ==
=== 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"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Configuration !! Features !! Price
! 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
|-
|-
| Base || Crystal Light HMD || $699
| Lenses || Glass aspheric || Glass aspheric || Pancake || Fresnel
|-
|-
| Local Dimming || HMD with local dimming || $799
| Eye Tracking || No || Yes || No || Optional
|-
|-
| Full Kit || HMD + controllers || $899
| Weight || 815g || ~980g || 127g || 809g
|}
|}


== Features Removed (vs. Crystal) ==
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
Cost reduction measures:


* No integrated battery (PC-tethered only)
=== Strengths ===
* No eye tracking
* High resolution (2880×2880/eye, 16.6MP)
* No cooling fans
* 35 PPD visual clarity
* No heatsink
* Wide 115-130° field of view
* No motorized IPD (manual instead)
* QLED + Mini-LED with HDR
* No standalone capability
* Glass aspheric lenses (1% light loss)
* Variable refresh (72/90/120Hz)
* Affordable at $699 (vs $1,599 Crystal)
* Inside-out + Lighthouse tracking options


== PC Requirements ==
=== 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


High-end system needed:
== Technical Specifications Summary ==
 
* '''GPU''': RTX 3070 or better recommended
* '''CPU''': Modern multi-core
* High VRAM beneficial
* DisplayPort connection
 
== Technical Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 129: Line 386:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 2880x2880 QLED Mini-LED
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED
|-
|-
| Combined || 5760x2880
| Resolution || 2880 × 2880 per eye (16.6MP)
|-
|-
| PPD || 35
| PPD || 35 pixels per degree
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60/72/90/120 Hz
| FOV || 115° (up to 130° diagonal)
|-
|-
| FOV || 115°
| Refresh Rate || 72Hz / 90Hz / 120Hz
|-
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out 6DoF
| Lenses || Glass aspheric (1% light loss)
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out + SteamVR optional
|-
|-
| IPD || 58-72mm (manual)
| IPD || 58-72mm (manual)
|-
|-
| Price || $699-$899
| Weight || 815g
|-
| GPU Required || RTX 2080+ min, RTX 3070+ recommended
|-
| Price || $699
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* 2880x2880 per eye excellent
* 35 PPD high clarity
* $699-899 affordable for specs
* QLED Mini-LED quality
* 120Hz option smooth
* 115° FOV wide
* No base stations needed
* Lighter than Crystal
* Large sweet spot
* Same visual quality as Crystal
'''Criticism:'''
* PC-only (no standalone)
* No eye tracking
* Manual IPD vs motorized
* No wireless option
* Still requires powerful PC
* No foveated rendering
* Build quality questions
* Pimax software learning curve<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/pimax-crystal-light-review-affordable-pcvr-clarity/ |title=Pimax Crystal Light Review |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pimax]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax 8K X]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[SteamVR]]
* [[Wide-FOV VR]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[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"