Pimax Crystal Super: Difference between revisions
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{{Device Infobox | {{Device Infobox | ||
|image = | |image = | ||
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]] | |VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]] | ||
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]] | |Type = [[Head-mounted display]] | ||
|Subtype = [[ | |Subtype = [[PC VR]] | ||
|Release Date = 2025 | |Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Play]] | ||
|Price = $ | |Developer = [[Pimax]] | ||
|Display = | |Manufacturer = [[Pimax]] | ||
|Resolution = | |Release Date = January 2025 | ||
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz | |Price = $1,696 - $1,791 USD | ||
|Field of View = | |Website = https://pimax.com/products/pimax-crystal-super | ||
|Horizontal FoV = | |Requirements = NVIDIA RTX 2080 minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended | ||
| | |Display = 2× Custom QLED LCD with mini-LED local dimming | ||
| | |Resolution = 3840×3840 per eye (29.5 million pixels total) | ||
|IPD Range = 58- | |Refresh Rate = 90 Hz, 120 Hz | ||
|Field of View = 120° horizontal | |||
|Horizontal FoV = 120° | |||
|Brightness = 280 nits | |||
|PPD = 57 PPD | |||
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (automatic hardware adjustment) | |||
|Ocularity = Binocular | |Ocularity = Binocular | ||
|Optics = Glass aspheric lenses | |||
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras, SLAM) | |||
|Eye Tracking = Yes (120 Hz) | |||
|Hand Tracking = No | |||
|Audio = Optional DMAS deluxe audio strap | |||
|Connectivity = DisplayPort | |||
|Weight = ~975g (without audio), ~1000g+ (with DMAS) | |||
|Color = Black | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Pimax Crystal Super''' is a [[ | The '''Pimax Crystal Super''' is a high-end [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed and manufactured by [[Pimax]], released in January 2025. It is designed for enthusiast users, particularly sim racing and flight simulation players, featuring an ultra-high resolution QLED display with mini-LED local dimming technology and a wide 120° field of view. | ||
== | == History and Development == | ||
The Pimax Crystal Super was first unveiled at [[CES]] 2025, where it was shown in its DVT2 (Design Validation Test 2) form. Pimax positioned the headset as the successor to the original Pimax Crystal, addressing many of the criticisms of the previous model while pushing resolution and field of view to new heights.<ref name="ces2025">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/blogs/blogs/the-world-meets-the-crystal-super-dvt2-at-ces2025 |title=The world meets the Crystal Super DVT2 at CES2025 |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref> | |||
* '' | The headset represents Pimax's continued focus on the high-end PCVR market segment, targeting users who prioritize visual fidelity and immersion over standalone convenience. | ||
* | == Design and Hardware == | ||
=== Display and Optics === | |||
The Crystal Super features dual custom QLED LCD panels with an extraordinary resolution of 3840×3840 pixels per eye, totaling nearly 30 million pixels across both displays. This results in a pixel density of 57 pixels per degree (PPD), making it one of the sharpest consumer VR headsets available.<ref name="mrtv">{{cite web |url=https://mrtv.co/2025/04/pimax-crystal-super-review/ |title=Pimax Crystal Super Review: A Hot Contender For Best High-End VR Headset Of 2025 |publisher=MRTV |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref> | |||
A key innovation is the mini-LED local dimming system, featuring up to 1000 dimming zones per eye. This technology allows the headset to achieve OLED-like contrast in many scenarios by dimming dark areas of the screen while maintaining LCD-level brightness and color accuracy. Peak brightness is rated at 280 nits. | |||
The headset uses glass aspheric lenses that provide sharp, clear visuals across the entire 120° horizontal field of view, minimizing edge distortion and chromatic aberration. | |||
=== Processing and PC Requirements === | |||
As a PC-tethered headset, the Crystal Super requires a DisplayPort connection and does not support wireless streaming or standalone operation. The headset has no onboard processing, relying entirely on a connected PC. | |||
'''Minimum Requirements:''' | |||
* NVIDIA RTX 2080 or equivalent | |||
* High-end CPU | |||
'''Recommended Requirements:''' | |||
* NVIDIA RTX 3070 or higher | |||
* Modern high-end CPU | |||
=== Tracking System === | |||
The Crystal Super uses inside-out tracking with four external cameras and a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm. This eliminates the need for external base stations, simplifying setup while providing 6 degrees of freedom tracking for both the headset and controllers.<ref name="boosted">{{cite web |url=https://boostedmedia.net/sim-racing/hardware-reviews/pimax/pimax-crystal-super-detailed-review/ |title=Pimax Crystal Super - Detailed Review |publisher=Boosted Media |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref> | |||
=== Eye Tracking === | |||
Integrated eye tracking operates at 120 Hz and enables several features: | |||
* Automatic IPD adjustment (58-72mm range) | |||
* Dynamic foveated rendering for supported titles | |||
* Gaze-based interactions | |||
=== Ergonomics and Build === | |||
The headset weighs approximately 975 grams without the optional DMAS (Deluxe Modular Audio Strap) headphones, and over 1 kilogram with the audio accessory attached. This makes it one of the heavier consumer VR headsets, though Pimax has worked to improve weight distribution and comfort compared to previous models. | |||
== Modular Design == | |||
One of the Crystal Super's most innovative features is its modular architecture. The headset supports removable and interchangeable display modules, allowing users to upgrade components without specialized tools. This extends the device's lifespan and provides a cost-effective upgrade path as new display technologies emerge.<ref name="geeky">{{cite web |url=https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/pimax-crystal-super-vr-headset-2025/ |title=Pimax Crystal Super Review: High-Resolution VR Headset Review |publisher=Geeky Gadgets |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref> | |||
A variant called the '''Pimax Crystal Super 8K Micro-OLED''' is available with Sony micro-OLED panels for users who prefer OLED technology. | |||
== Software and Compatibility == | |||
The Crystal Super is compatible with: | |||
* [[SteamVR]] with native OpenXR support | |||
* [[Pimax Play]] software suite | |||
* Most PCVR titles | |||
The headset supports dynamic foveated rendering in compatible titles such as [[DCS World]], using eye tracking data to render the area of focus at full resolution while reducing quality in peripheral vision. | |||
== Reception == | |||
The Pimax Crystal Super has received generally positive reviews from the VR enthusiast community, particularly from sim racing and flight simulation users. | |||
=== Praise === | |||
* "An ambitious, high-performance headset that brings Pimax closer than ever to delivering the ultimate PCVR experience"<ref name="mrtv"/> | |||
* Exceptional visual clarity at 57 PPD | |||
* Wide 120° field of view | |||
* Improved software experience with native OpenXR support | |||
* Effective local dimming for improved contrast | |||
* Eye-tracked foveated rendering in supported titles | |||
=== Criticism === | |||
* Heavy weight (~1kg) affects long-term comfort | |||
* Controller tracking described as "functional but not reliable enough for FPS players" | |||
* Playspace sometimes forgotten between sessions | |||
* Inconsistent dynamic foveated rendering activation | |||
* Significant tweaking required for optimal experience | |||
* Premium pricing compared to competitors<ref name="simracing">{{cite web |url=https://simracing-pc.de/en/2025/09/19/pimax-crystal-super-vr-headset-simracing-review/ |title=Pimax Crystal Super VR-Headset – Simracing-Review |publisher=Simracing-PC |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref> | |||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[ | * [[Pimax Crystal]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Pimax Crystal Light]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Pimax Crystal Super 8K Micro-OLED]] | ||
* [[Bigscreen Beyond 2e]] | |||
* [[Varjo XR-4]] | |||
== References == | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
[[Category:VR Headsets]] | [[Category:Devices]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]] | ||
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]] | |||
[[Category:Pimax]] | |||
[[Category:2025 in technology]] | |||
Revision as of 14:20, 7 January 2026
| Pimax Crystal Super | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, Pimax Play |
| Developer | Pimax |
| Manufacturer | Pimax |
| Release Date | January 2025 |
| Price | $1,696 - $1,791 USD |
| Website | https://pimax.com/products/pimax-crystal-super |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2× Custom QLED LCD with mini-LED local dimming |
| Resolution | 3840×3840 per eye (29.5 million pixels total) |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz, 120 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 120° horizontal |
| Horizontal FoV | 120° |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Glass aspheric lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 58-72mm (automatic hardware adjustment) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras, SLAM) |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (120 Hz) |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Optional DMAS deluxe audio strap |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort |
| Device | |
| Weight | ~975g (without audio), ~1000g+ (with DMAS) |
| Color | Black |
The Pimax Crystal Super is a high-end PC VR head-mounted display developed and manufactured by Pimax, released in January 2025. It is designed for enthusiast users, particularly sim racing and flight simulation players, featuring an ultra-high resolution QLED display with mini-LED local dimming technology and a wide 120° field of view.
History and Development
The Pimax Crystal Super was first unveiled at CES 2025, where it was shown in its DVT2 (Design Validation Test 2) form. Pimax positioned the headset as the successor to the original Pimax Crystal, addressing many of the criticisms of the previous model while pushing resolution and field of view to new heights.[1]
The headset represents Pimax's continued focus on the high-end PCVR market segment, targeting users who prioritize visual fidelity and immersion over standalone convenience.
Design and Hardware
Display and Optics
The Crystal Super features dual custom QLED LCD panels with an extraordinary resolution of 3840×3840 pixels per eye, totaling nearly 30 million pixels across both displays. This results in a pixel density of 57 pixels per degree (PPD), making it one of the sharpest consumer VR headsets available.[2]
A key innovation is the mini-LED local dimming system, featuring up to 1000 dimming zones per eye. This technology allows the headset to achieve OLED-like contrast in many scenarios by dimming dark areas of the screen while maintaining LCD-level brightness and color accuracy. Peak brightness is rated at 280 nits.
The headset uses glass aspheric lenses that provide sharp, clear visuals across the entire 120° horizontal field of view, minimizing edge distortion and chromatic aberration.
Processing and PC Requirements
As a PC-tethered headset, the Crystal Super requires a DisplayPort connection and does not support wireless streaming or standalone operation. The headset has no onboard processing, relying entirely on a connected PC.
Minimum Requirements:
- NVIDIA RTX 2080 or equivalent
- High-end CPU
Recommended Requirements:
- NVIDIA RTX 3070 or higher
- Modern high-end CPU
Tracking System
The Crystal Super uses inside-out tracking with four external cameras and a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm. This eliminates the need for external base stations, simplifying setup while providing 6 degrees of freedom tracking for both the headset and controllers.[3]
Eye Tracking
Integrated eye tracking operates at 120 Hz and enables several features:
- Automatic IPD adjustment (58-72mm range)
- Dynamic foveated rendering for supported titles
- Gaze-based interactions
Ergonomics and Build
The headset weighs approximately 975 grams without the optional DMAS (Deluxe Modular Audio Strap) headphones, and over 1 kilogram with the audio accessory attached. This makes it one of the heavier consumer VR headsets, though Pimax has worked to improve weight distribution and comfort compared to previous models.
Modular Design
One of the Crystal Super's most innovative features is its modular architecture. The headset supports removable and interchangeable display modules, allowing users to upgrade components without specialized tools. This extends the device's lifespan and provides a cost-effective upgrade path as new display technologies emerge.[4]
A variant called the Pimax Crystal Super 8K Micro-OLED is available with Sony micro-OLED panels for users who prefer OLED technology.
Software and Compatibility
The Crystal Super is compatible with:
- SteamVR with native OpenXR support
- Pimax Play software suite
- Most PCVR titles
The headset supports dynamic foveated rendering in compatible titles such as DCS World, using eye tracking data to render the area of focus at full resolution while reducing quality in peripheral vision.
Reception
The Pimax Crystal Super has received generally positive reviews from the VR enthusiast community, particularly from sim racing and flight simulation users.
Praise
- "An ambitious, high-performance headset that brings Pimax closer than ever to delivering the ultimate PCVR experience"[2]
- Exceptional visual clarity at 57 PPD
- Wide 120° field of view
- Improved software experience with native OpenXR support
- Effective local dimming for improved contrast
- Eye-tracked foveated rendering in supported titles
Criticism
- Heavy weight (~1kg) affects long-term comfort
- Controller tracking described as "functional but not reliable enough for FPS players"
- Playspace sometimes forgotten between sessions
- Inconsistent dynamic foveated rendering activation
- Significant tweaking required for optimal experience
- Premium pricing compared to competitors[5]
See Also
References
- ↑ "The world meets the Crystal Super DVT2 at CES2025". Pimax. https://pimax.com/blogs/blogs/the-world-meets-the-crystal-super-dvt2-at-ces2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Pimax Crystal Super Review: A Hot Contender For Best High-End VR Headset Of 2025". MRTV. https://mrtv.co/2025/04/pimax-crystal-super-review/.
- ↑ "Pimax Crystal Super - Detailed Review". Boosted Media. https://boostedmedia.net/sim-racing/hardware-reviews/pimax/pimax-crystal-super-detailed-review/.
- ↑ "Pimax Crystal Super Review: High-Resolution VR Headset Review". Geeky Gadgets. https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/pimax-crystal-super-vr-headset-2025/.
- ↑ "Pimax Crystal Super VR-Headset – Simracing-Review". Simracing-PC. https://simracing-pc.de/en/2025/09/19/pimax-crystal-super-vr-headset-simracing-review/.