Jump to content

Pimax Crystal Light: Difference between revisions

← Older editNewer edit →
VisualWikitext
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =  
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
Line 7: Line 7:
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Announcement Date = April 2024
|Release Date = 2024
|Release Date = May 2024
|Price = $699 USD
|Price = $699 USD
|Website = https://pimax.com/products/pimax-crystal-light
|Website = https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light
|Requirements = NVIDIA RTX 2080 minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Display = 2× LCD with local dimming
|Display = 2x QLED + Mini-LED
|Resolution = 2880×2880 per eye (16.6 million pixels total)
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye
|Refresh Rate = 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz (variable)
|PPI = 35 PPD (pixels per degree)
|Field of View = 115° (up to 130° diagonal)
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz, 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz
|Horizontal FoV = 115°
|Field of View = 115°
|PPD = 35 PPD
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (manual)
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (manual adjustment)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Glass aspheric lenses
|Optics = Glass aspheric lenses
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras, SLAM) or SteamVR Lighthouse
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, SteamVR optional)
|Eye Tracking = No
|Eye Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Foveated Rendering = Fixed 2.0
|Controllers = Pimax controllers (optional)
|Audio = 3.5mm jack, 2× microphones
|Audio = Built-in speakers, 3.5mm jack
|Connectivity = DisplayPort
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4a, USB 3.0
|Weight = 815g
|Weight = ~410g
|Color = Black
}}
}}


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]], released in 2024 at $699. A streamlined version of the [[Pimax Crystal]], the Crystal Light removes standalone capabilities, eye tracking, and onboard processing to deliver the same exceptional display quality at a significantly lower price point. Featuring dual 2880x2880 QLED + Mini-LED panels with 35 pixels per degree (PPD), glass aspheric lenses, 115° field of view, and inside-out tracking (with optional Lighthouse support), the Crystal Light targets sim racing, flight simulation, and enthusiast VR users who prioritize visual clarity over standalone features.


== 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 released the Crystal Light in 2024 as a PC-only variant of the Pimax Crystal, addressing demand for a more affordable option focused purely on tethered PC VR. By removing the Snapdragon XR2 processor, eye tracking, battery, and standalone functionality, Pimax reduced the price from $1,599 to $699 while maintaining the same high-quality display panels and optics.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light |title=Pimax Crystal Light |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
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.


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
Line 43: Line 38:
=== Display ===
=== Display ===


The Crystal Light features dual LCD panels with local dimming, delivering 2880×2880 resolution per eye (16.6 million pixels total). Display specifications include:
Same premium panels as Crystal:
 
* Dual QLED + Mini-LED panels
* '''2880x2880 resolution per eye'''
* '''35 PPD''' (pixels per degree)—exceptional clarity
* Local dimming technology
* HDR support via Mini-LED backlight
* Wide color gamut
* Deep blacks
* Nuanced lighting in dark scenes
 
=== Refresh Rate ===
 
Multiple options:
 
* 60 Hz
* 72 Hz
* 90 Hz
* '''120 Hz'''
* Smooth, responsive gameplay
 
=== Optics ===
 
Premium glass lenses:


* 35 pixels per degree (PPD) for sharp visuals
* '''Glass aspheric lenses'''
* Variable refresh rate: 72 Hz, 90 Hz, or 120 Hz
* Large, distortion-free sweet spot
* 115° field of view (up to 130° diagonal depending on face shape)
* Higher transmittance than plastic
* 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>
* Reduced aberration
* Edge-to-edge clarity


=== Glass Aspheric Lenses ===
=== Field of View ===


Unlike most VR headsets which use Fresnel or pancake lenses, the Crystal Light employs glass aspheric lenses:
* '''115° FOV'''
* Immersive peripheral vision
* Balanced for clarity and immersion


* Thinner, flatter, and lighter than traditional lenses
=== IPD Adjustment ===
* Better light penetration and clarity
* Only 1% light loss vs. ~90% with pancake lenses
* Excellent edge-to-edge clarity


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>
* '''58-72mm range'''
* Manual adjustment
* Wide user accommodation


=== Tracking ===
=== Tracking ===


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.
Flexible tracking options:
 
* '''Inside-out tracking''' (default)
* Simple setup, no external sensors
* '''SteamVR Lighthouse''' compatible (optional)
* Enhanced tracking precision with base stations


The headset includes Fixed Foveated Rendering 2.0 for performance optimization, though it lacks eye tracking for dynamic foveated rendering.
=== Build ===


=== Audio ===
Lightweight streamlined design:


The Crystal Light includes:
* '''~410g weight''' (lighter than Crystal)
* 3.5mm audio jack for headphones
* Fully adjustable headband
* Dual microphones for voice chat
* Designed for long sessions
* Comfortable ergonomics


No built-in speakers are included—users must supply their own headphones.
=== Audio ===


== Differences from Pimax Crystal ==
* Built-in speakers
* 3.5mm headphone jack
* DMAS (Deluxe Modular Audio Strap) optional


The Crystal Light is a streamlined version of the original Crystal with these key differences:
== Comparison with Pimax Crystal ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Feature !! Crystal !! Crystal Light
! Feature !! Crystal Light !! Pimax Crystal
|-
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED || QLED + Mini-LED
|-
| Resolution || 2880x2880/eye || 2880x2880/eye
|-
|-
| Price || ~$1,599 || $699
| PPD || 35 || 35
|-
|-
| Resolution || 2880×2880 || 2880×2880 (same)
| Eye Tracking || '''No''' || Yes (120 Hz)
|-
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes || No
| Standalone Mode || '''No''' || Yes
|-
|-
| Standalone Mode || Yes (XR2) || No
| Processor || '''PC only''' || Snapdragon XR2 + PC
|-
|-
| Battery || Yes || No
| Battery || '''None''' || 6,000 mAh
|-
|-
| Interchangeable Lenses || Yes || No
| Weight || '''~410g''' || 845g
|-
|-
| Auto IPD || Yes || Manual only
| Price || '''$699''' || $1,599
|}<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>
|}
 
== Removed Features vs Crystal ==
 
* Eye tracking (120 Hz)
* Snapdragon XR2 processor
* Internal storage (256 GB)
* Battery (standalone mode)
* Standalone VR capability
* Wireless streaming


== System Requirements ==
== System Requirements ==


* '''Minimum:''' NVIDIA RTX 2080 or equivalent
=== Minimum GPU ===
* '''Recommended:''' NVIDIA RTX 3070 or higher
* NVIDIA RTX 2070 / RTX 3060
* High-end CPU for optimal performance
* AMD RX 5700 XT / RX 6700 XT
 
=== Recommended ===
* RTX 3070 Ti / RTX 4060 Ti or higher
 
=== Other Requirements ===
* CPU: Intel i5-12xxx or i7-10xxx+
* RAM: 16 GB
* DisplayPort 1.4a
* USB 3.0
 
== Technical Specifications ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED
|-
| Resolution || 2880x2880 per eye
|-
| PPD || 35
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60-120 Hz
|-
| Field of View || 115°
|-
| Lenses || Glass aspheric
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out (Lighthouse optional)
|-
| IPD Range || 58-72mm
|-
| Weight || ~410g
|-
| Price || $699
|}


== Reception ==
== Reception ==


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* "Affordable PCVR Clarity" - excellent value at $699
* 35 PPD exceptional clarity
* Same high resolution as more expensive Crystal
* Same display quality as Crystal
* Glass aspheric lenses provide excellent clarity
* $699 price (vs $1,599 Crystal) excellent value
* Flexible refresh rate options (72-120 Hz)
* Glass aspheric lenses premium optics
* Wide field of view
* Local dimming enhances contrast
* Inside-out tracking simplifies setup
* ~410g much lighter than Crystal
* Inside-out tracking easy setup
* Lighthouse tracking optional
* Excellent for sim racing/flight sim
* Wide 115° FOV immersive


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* Heavy at 815g
* No eye tracking (no foveated rendering)
* No built-in audio
* PC-only—no standalone mode
* No eye tracking (fixed foveated rendering only)
* Controllers sold separately
* No standalone capability
* Heavy GPU requirements
* Requires high-end GPU
* Manual IPD (not automatic)
* 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>
* Some users prefer included eye tracking<ref name="fselite">{{cite web |url=https://fselite.net/content/review-pimax-crystal-light/ |title=Review: Pimax Crystal Light |publisher=FSElite |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


<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>
<ref name="msfsaddons">{{cite web |url=https://msfsaddons.com/2024/09/03/review-pimax-crystal-light-vr-headset/ |title=Review: Pimax Crystal Light VR Headset |publisher=MSFS Addons |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax 8KX]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super 8K Micro-OLED]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[HP Reverb G2]]


== References ==
== References ==
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Pimax_Crystal_Light"