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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Pimax Crystal
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Hybrid VR]] (Standalone + PC VR)
|Subtype = [[Hybrid VR]] (PC VR + Standalone)
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], Standalone
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Experience]]
|Creator = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Announcement Date = May 31, 2022
|Release Date = May 2023
|Release Date = May 2023
|Announcement Date = May 31, 2022
|Price = $1,599 (launch MSRP)
|Price = $1,599 USD
|Website = https://pimax.com/pages/crystal
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Versions = Pimax Crystal (QLED), Pimax Crystal Light, Pimax Crystal Super
|Requires = High-end gaming PC (PC VR mode), standalone capable
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 8K X]]
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 8K X]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
|Chipset = Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (standalone)
|Operating System = [[Pimax OS]] (Android-based), [[Windows]] (PC VR)
|Display = QLED + Mini-LED (dual)
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]] + PC VR engine
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye
|CPU = Snapdragon XR2 (standalone), PC CPU (tethered)
|Combined Resolution = 5760x2880
|GPU = Adreno 650 (standalone), PC GPU (tethered)
|PPD = 35-42 PPD
|HPU =
|Local Dimming = Yes
|Storage = 256GB
|Refresh Rate = 90/120 Hz (144/160 Hz experimental)
|Memory = 8GB LPDDR5
|Field of View = 125° horizontal / 140° diagonal
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual QLED
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = Not specified
|Resolution = 2880 × 2880 per eye (5760 × 2880 combined)
|Pixel Density = 42 PPD (center)
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz, 120Hz, 160Hz (mode dependent)
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 140° (diagonal), 120° (horizontal)
|Horizontal FoV = ~120°
|Vertical FoV = ~100°
|Average Pixel Density = 35 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = 42 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (eye-tracked)
|Optics = Interchangeable glass aspheric lenses (35 PPD and 42 PPD options)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Eye Tracking = Tobii integrated
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (automatic with eye tracking)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras) or SteamVR
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|IPD = Auto-IPD (motorized)
|Passthrough = Yes (grayscale)
|Audio = Integrated speakers + 3.5mm jack
|Tracking = 6DoF inside-out (4 cameras) + optional Lighthouse
|Weight = 845g
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = Optional (for enhanced tracking)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (Tobii, 120Hz)
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Body Tracking = Via SteamVR trackers (Lighthouse mode)
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = Up to 160Hz
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Integrated speakers (DMAS optional upgrade)
|Microphone = Yes
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 4× tracking cameras, 2× passthrough cameras
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi 6E
|Ports = DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = Yes (DisplayPort)
|Wireless Video = Yes (Wi-Fi 6E or optional 60GHz WiGig)
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 6E
|Bluetooth = Yes
|Power = Internal battery (standalone) or USB powered (PC VR)
|Battery Capacity = Internal (limited standalone use)
|Battery Life = ~2 hours (standalone)
|Charge Time = ~2 hours
|Dimensions = Large form factor
|Weight = ~960g (with battery)
|Material = Plastic, metal components
|Headstrap = Modular (standard or DMAS)
|Haptics = Controller haptics
|Color = Black
|Sensors = 4× tracking cameras, eye tracking, IMU
|Input = SteamVR controllers, Pimax controllers, hand tracking
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Pimax Crystal''' is a high-end hybrid [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], announced May 31, 2022 and released May 2023 at $1,599. A premium 6K VR headset featuring dual QLED panels with mini-LED backlighting at 2880x2880 per eye, interchangeable lens system (35 PPD standard, wide FOV optional), Tobii eye tracking with auto-IPD and foveated rendering, 125° horizontal FOV, inside-out tracking (no base stations required), and Snapdragon XR2 for standalone operation.
The '''Pimax Crystal''' is a high-end hybrid [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], announced on May 31, 2022, and released in May 2023 at a price of $1,599. The Crystal represents Pimax's evolution from their ultra-wide FOV headsets toward higher clarity, featuring dual QLED displays at 2880 × 2880 per eye (6K total) with interchangeable aspheric glass lenses offering either 35 or 42 pixels per degree—among the highest in consumer VR. Uniquely, the Crystal is a hybrid device powered by both the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 for standalone operation and a custom PC VR engine for tethered high-fidelity gaming. The headset includes Tobii eye tracking at 120Hz for automatic IPD adjustment and foveated rendering, inside-out tracking with optional Lighthouse support, and wireless PC VR capability through built-in Wi-Fi 6E. The Crystal targeted enthusiasts seeking maximum visual clarity over maximum field of view.


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


Pimax announced the Crystal on May 31, 2022, releasing in May 2023 after development delays. Positioned as their most accessible high-end headset, the Crystal introduced inside-out tracking (eliminating base station requirements), interchangeable optics, and standalone capability while maintaining Pimax's ultra-high resolution focus. Tobii eye tracking integration enables auto-IPD calibration and dynamic foveated rendering. Succeeded by Crystal Light (budget) and Crystal Super (flagship) variants.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/pages/crystal |title=Pimax Crystal |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Pimax Evolution ===
Product line progression:
* '''Pimax 4K (2016)''': First Pimax headset
* '''Pimax 8K (2018)''': Ultra-wide FOV focus
* '''Pimax 8K X (2020)''': Native 4K per eye
* '''Pimax Crystal (2023)''': Clarity-first approach
 
=== Design Shift ===
New philosophy:
* FOV to clarity pivot
* Inside-out tracking option
* Standalone capability
* Eye tracking standard
 
=== May 2022 Announcement ===
Pimax event reveal:
* QLED displays announced
* Hybrid design explained
* Eye tracking confirmed
* 2023 availability
 
=== Development Delays ===
Extended timeline:
* Initial delays common for Pimax
* Hardware refinements
* Software development
* May 2023 shipping began
 
== Design Philosophy ==
 
=== Clarity Over FOV ===
Priority shift from 8K X:
* 42 PPD peak vs 8K X's ~20 PPD
* 120° vs 170° FOV
* Higher effective resolution
* Reduced rendering demands


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Hybrid Architecture ===
Dual-mode operation:
* Standalone Snapdragon XR2
* PC VR dedicated engine
* Best of both worlds
* Flexibility for users


=== Display ===
=== Modular Lenses ===
Interchangeable optics:
* 35 PPD glass lenses (included)
* 42 PPD glass lenses (optional)
* Future lens options
* User preference


QLED + Mini-LED:
== Display Technology ==


* '''2880x2880 per eye''' resolution
=== QLED Panels ===
* '''5760x2880 combined'''
Quantum dot LCD:
* '''QLED panels'''
* '''Resolution''': 2880 × 2880 per eye
* '''Mini-LED backlighting'''
* '''Total''': 5760 × 2880 (~6K)
* '''Local dimming'''
* '''Technology''': QLED (quantum dot)
* HDR capable
* '''Color''': Wide color gamut
* True blacks


=== Pixels Per Degree ===
=== Pixel Density ===
Best-in-class clarity:
* '''Peak''': 42 PPD (with 42 PPD lenses)
* '''Standard''': 35 PPD (with standard lenses)
* Exceptional text readability
* Near-retinal center clarity


* '''35-42 PPD''' (configuration dependent)
=== Refresh Rate ===
* Industry-leading clarity
Multiple modes:
* Minimal screen door effect
* 90Hz: Standard
* 120Hz: High refresh
* 160Hz: Maximum (limited mode)
* User configurable


=== Optics ===
=== Visual Quality ===
Premium imagery:
* Sharp text and details
* Wide color gamut
* Good HDR support
* Minimal screen door


Interchangeable system:
== Optical System ==


* '''Glass aspheric lenses''' (standard)
=== Interchangeable Glass Lenses ===
* '''35 PPD peak fidelity'''
Unique Pimax feature:
* Wide FOV lenses (optional)
* Glass aspheric optics
* Enhanced immersion mode
* 35 PPD standard lenses
* Swap between configurations
* 42 PPD upgrade lenses
* User-swappable


=== Field of View ===
=== Field of View ===
Balanced approach:
* '''Diagonal''': ~140°
* '''Horizontal''': ~120°
* Narrower than 8K X
* Prioritizes clarity
=== Lens Quality ===
Premium optics:
* Glass construction
* Minimal distortion
* Good edge clarity
* Reduced god rays


* '''125° horizontal''' (standard lenses)
=== IPD Adjustment ===
* '''140° diagonal''' (standard)
Automatic with eye tracking:
* Wider with optional lenses
* '''Range''': 58-72mm
* Auto IPD via Tobii
* Manual override available
* Wide accommodation


=== Refresh Rate ===
== Eye Tracking ==


* '''90 Hz''' standard
=== Tobii Integration ===
* '''120 Hz''' supported
Professional eye tracking:
* '''144/160 Hz''' experimental mode
* '''Frequency''': 120Hz
* '''Brand''': Tobii
* Accurate gaze detection
* Always-on capability


=== Eye Tracking ===
=== Automatic IPD ===
Convenience feature:
* Detects user IPD
* Adjusts automatically
* No manual calibration
* Optimal alignment


Tobii integration:
=== Foveated Rendering ===
Performance optimization:
* Full resolution at gaze
* Reduced peripheral rendering
* Significant performance gains
* Quality preserved where looking


* '''Tobii eye tracking'''
== Processing Architecture ==
* '''120 Hz per-eye tracking'''
* '''Auto-IPD adjustment'''
* '''Dynamic foveated rendering'''
* Performance optimization
* Gaze tracking


=== IPD ===
=== Dual-Processor Design ===
Hybrid capability:
* '''Standalone''': Snapdragon XR2
* '''PC VR''': Custom engine
* Independent operation
* Automatic switching


* '''Motorized auto-IPD'''
=== Snapdragon XR2 ===
* Automatic calibration
Standalone processor:
* Eye tracking driven
* Octa-core Kryo 585
* Adreno 650 GPU
* 8GB RAM
* 256GB storage


=== Tracking ===
=== PC VR Mode ===
Dedicated tethered:
* DisplayPort 1.4
* Full PC GPU utilization
* Higher quality possible
* Standard PC VR experience


Flexible options:
== Tracking System ==


* '''Inside-out tracking''' (default)
=== Inside-Out Tracking ===
* '''4 depth cameras'''
Four-camera system:
* 6DoF head tracking
* Controller tracking
* No base stations required
* No base stations required
* '''SteamVR Lighthouse''' compatible
* Room-scale capable
* External tracking optional


=== Processing ===
=== Optional Lighthouse ===
External tracking support:
* SteamVR 1.0/2.0 compatible
* Better controller tracking
* Full-body tracking possible
* Enthusiast preference


==== Standalone ====
=== Hand Tracking ===
* '''Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2'''
Controller-free option:
* '''8GB memory'''
* Camera-based tracking
* Mobile VR capability
* Gesture recognition
* Limited application support
* Growing capability


==== PC VR ====
== Wireless Capability ==
* DisplayPort connection
* Full resolution
* Native PCVR


=== Audio ===
=== Built-in Wi-Fi 6E ===
Wireless PC VR:
* Integrated Wi-Fi 6E
* PC VR streaming
* No separate adapter
* Decent quality


* '''Integrated speakers'''
=== Optional 60GHz WiGig ===
* '''3.5mm audio jack'''
Premium wireless:
* DMAS audio module compatible
* Higher bandwidth
* Lower latency
* Additional purchase
* Best wireless quality


=== Comfort ===
== Audio System ==


* '''845g weight'''
=== Integrated Speakers ===
* Balanced design
Basic audio:
* Adjustable headstrap
* Built-in speakers
* Facial interface options
* Adequate quality
* Near-ear positioning
* Upgradeable


== Minimum PC Requirements ==
=== DMAS Upgrade ===
Premium audio option:
* Deluxe Modular Audio Strap
* Off-ear speakers
* Improved sound
* Better comfort


* Intel i5 12th Gen / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
=== 3.5mm Jack ===
* 16GB RAM
Headphone option:
* NVIDIA RTX 2070 or better
* Standard audio jack
* Use own headphones
* Better audio possible


== Technical Specifications ==
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Large Form Factor ===
Substantial headset:
* Larger than competitors
* Display and optics size
* Weight considerations
* Enthusiast acceptance
 
=== Weight ===
Heavy for VR:
* ~960g with battery
* Counterbalancing needed
* Not for all users
* Extended use comfort varies
 
=== Modular Head Strap ===
Comfort options:
* Standard strap included
* DMAS upgrade available
* Third-party options
* User preference
 
== Standalone Mode ==
 
=== Snapdragon XR2 Apps ===
Standalone capability:
* Android-based OS
* Limited app selection
* Media viewing
* Basic VR experiences
 
=== Battery Life ===
Limited runtime:
* ~2 hours standalone
* Hot-swappable consideration
* PC VR doesn't use battery
* USB-C charging
 
== PC VR Performance ==
 
=== System Requirements ===
High-end recommended:
* RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT or better
* Intel i7 / AMD Ryzen 7
* 16GB+ RAM
* DisplayPort 1.4
 
=== Foveated Rendering Benefits ===
Performance optimization:
* Eye tracking enables foveated
* 40%+ performance improvement
* Higher settings possible
* Quality maintained at gaze
 
== Software ==
 
=== Pimax Experience ===
Control software:
* Device management
* Game profiles
* Performance settings
* Firmware updates
 
=== SteamVR Integration ===
Gaming platform:
* Full SteamVR support
* OpenVR compatible
* Steam library
* VR game ecosystem
 
== Comparison with Competitors ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Pimax Crystal !! Varjo Aero !! Meta Quest Pro
|-
| Price || $1,599 || $1,990 || $999
|-
| Resolution/eye || 2880×2880 || 2880×2720 || 1800×1920
|-
| PPD (peak) || 42 || 35 || ~22
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes (Tobii) || Yes || Yes
|-
| Standalone || Yes || No || Yes
|-
| FOV || 120° || 115° || 106°
|-
| Weight || ~960g || ~720g || ~722g
|}
 
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
=== Strengths ===
* Highest PPD available
* Interchangeable lenses
* Eye tracking standard
* Hybrid standalone/PC VR
* Optional Lighthouse support
* Wireless built-in
 
=== Limitations ===
* Heavy (~960g)
* Large form factor
* Complex setup
* Premium pricing
* Software maturity
* Pimax support reputation
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 141: Line 419:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 2880x2880 QLED x2
| Display || Dual QLED, 2880 × 2880 per eye
|-
|-
| Combined || 5760x2880
| Total Resolution || 5760 × 2880 (~6K)
|-
|-
| PPD || 35-42
| PPD || 35/42 (lens dependent)
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90/120 Hz (144/160 experimental)
| FOV || ~120° horizontal
|-
|-
| FOV || 125°x140° (standard)
| Refresh Rate || 90/120/160Hz
|-
|-
| Eye Tracking || Tobii (120 Hz)
| Eye Tracking || Yes (Tobii, 120Hz)
|-
|-
| IPD || Motorized auto-adjust
| Tracking || Inside-out + optional Lighthouse
|-
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out or Lighthouse
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2 + PC VR engine
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2
| Wireless || Wi-Fi 6E (optional WiGig)
|-
|-
| Weight || 845g
| Weight || ~960g
|-
|-
| Price || $1,599
| Price || $1,599
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* 2880x2880 exceptional clarity
* 35+ PPD industry-leading
* Mini-LED local dimming
* Tobii eye tracking
* Auto-IPD convenient
* Foveated rendering
* Inside-out no base stations
* Interchangeable optics
* Standalone + PCVR versatile
'''Criticism:'''
* $1,599 expensive
* 845g heavy
* Software polish needed
* Pimax support reputation
* Complex setup options
* Firmware updates needed
* High PC requirements
* Standalone limited<ref name="hothardware">{{cite web |url=https://hothardware.com/reviews/pimax-crystal-standalone-and-pc-vr-headset-review |title=Pimax Crystal VR Headset Review |publisher=HotHardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pimax Crystal Light]]
* [[Pimax]]
* [[Pimax 8K X]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax 8K X]]
* [[Eye Tracking]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[SteamVR]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Hybrid 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:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:2023 in technology]]
[[Category:Eye Tracking]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Pimax_Crystal"