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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]]
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 ==

Revision as of 16:02, 7 January 2026

Pimax Crystal Light
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR
Platform SteamVR, Pimax Play
Developer Pimax
Manufacturer Pimax
Release Date 2024
Price $699 USD
Website https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light
Predecessor Pimax Crystal
System
Storage
Display
Display 2x QLED + Mini-LED
Resolution 2880x2880 per eye
Refresh Rate 60 Hz, 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz
Image
Field of View 115°
Optics
Optics Glass aspheric lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 58-72mm (manual)
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (inside-out, SteamVR optional)
Eye Tracking No
Hand Tracking No
Audio
Audio Built-in speakers, 3.5mm jack
Connectivity
Connectivity DisplayPort 1.4a, USB 3.0
Device
Weight ~410g


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

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.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

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:

  • Glass aspheric lenses
  • Large, distortion-free sweet spot
  • Higher transmittance than plastic
  • Reduced aberration
  • Edge-to-edge clarity

Field of View

  • 115° FOV
  • Immersive peripheral vision
  • Balanced for clarity and immersion

IPD Adjustment

  • 58-72mm range
  • Manual adjustment
  • Wide user accommodation

Tracking

Flexible tracking options:

  • Inside-out tracking (default)
  • Simple setup, no external sensors
  • SteamVR Lighthouse compatible (optional)
  • Enhanced tracking precision with base stations

Build

Lightweight streamlined design:

  • ~410g weight (lighter than Crystal)
  • Fully adjustable headband
  • Designed for long sessions
  • Comfortable ergonomics

Audio

  • Built-in speakers
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • DMAS (Deluxe Modular Audio Strap) optional

Comparison with Pimax Crystal

Feature Crystal Light Pimax Crystal
Display QLED + Mini-LED QLED + Mini-LED
Resolution 2880x2880/eye 2880x2880/eye
PPD 35 35
Eye Tracking No Yes (120 Hz)
Standalone Mode No Yes
Processor PC only Snapdragon XR2 + PC
Battery None 6,000 mAh
Weight ~410g 845g
Price $699 $1,599

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

Minimum GPU

  • NVIDIA RTX 2070 / RTX 3060
  • 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

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

Praise:

  • 35 PPD exceptional clarity
  • Same display quality as Crystal
  • $699 price (vs $1,599 Crystal) excellent value
  • Glass aspheric lenses premium optics
  • Local dimming enhances contrast
  • ~410g much lighter than Crystal
  • Inside-out tracking easy setup
  • Lighthouse tracking optional
  • Excellent for sim racing/flight sim
  • Wide 115° FOV immersive

Criticism:

  • No eye tracking (no foveated rendering)
  • PC-only—no standalone mode
  • Controllers sold separately
  • Heavy GPU requirements
  • Manual IPD (not automatic)
  • Some users prefer included eye tracking[2]

[3]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Pimax Crystal Light". Pimax. https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light.
  2. ↑ "Review: Pimax Crystal Light". FSElite. https://fselite.net/content/review-pimax-crystal-light/.
  3. ↑ "Review: Pimax Crystal Light VR Headset". MSFS Addons. https://msfsaddons.com/2024/09/03/review-pimax-crystal-light-vr-headset/.
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