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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
 
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
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|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]], [[Standalone VR]]
|Subtype = [[Hybrid VR]] (Standalone + PC VR)
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Play]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], Standalone
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Release Date = May 2023
|Announcement Date = May 31, 2022
|Announcement Date = May 31, 2022
|Release Date = May 2023
|Price = $1,599 USD
|Price = $1,599 USD
|Website = https://pimax.com/pages/crystal
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 8KX]]
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 8K X]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Light]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]] + Custom PC VR Engine (Dual processor)
|Chipset = Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (standalone)
|Memory = 8 GB
|Display = QLED + Mini-LED (dual)
|Storage = 256 GB
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye
|Display = 2x QLED + Mini-LED
|Combined Resolution = 5760x2880
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye (5760x2880 combined)
|PPD = 35-42 PPD
|PPI = 35 PPD (pixels per degree)
|Local Dimming = Yes
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz, 120 Hz (144 Hz, 160 Hz experimental)
|Refresh Rate = 90/120 Hz (144/160 Hz experimental)
|Field of View = 125° horizontal, 140° diagonal (swappable lenses)
|Field of View = 125° horizontal / 140° diagonal
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (automatic)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Interchangeable glass aspheric lenses
|Eye Tracking = Tobii integrated
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras) or SteamVR
|Eye Tracking = Yes (120 Hz)
|IPD = Auto-IPD (motorized)
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Audio = Integrated speakers + 3.5mm jack
|Foveated Rendering = Yes
|Controllers = Pimax Sword controllers (optional)
|Audio = Built-in speakers, 3.5mm jack
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
|Battery = 6,000 mAh (standalone mode)
|Weight = 845g
|Weight = 845g
}}
}}


The '''Pimax Crystal''' is a high-end hybrid [[PC VR]] and [[standalone VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], released in May 2023. The headset is notable for its exceptional display quality featuring dual 2880x2880 QLED + Mini-LED panels delivering 35 pixels per degree (PPD)—among the highest clarity in consumer VR. Key features include interchangeable glass aspheric lenses with 125° or 140° FOV options, automatic IPD adjustment via eye tracking, refresh rates up to 160 Hz, and dual-processor architecture with Snapdragon XR2 for standalone use and a custom PC VR engine for tethered operation.
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.


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


Pimax announced the Crystal on May 31, 2022 as a more refined follow-up to the wide-FOV Pimax 8K series, focusing on visual clarity over extreme field of view. Originally expected to retail at $1,899, the Crystal launched in May 2023 at $1,599. The headset targets sim racing, flight simulation, and enthusiast VR users who prioritize image quality.<ref name="hothardware">{{cite web |url=https://hothardware.com/reviews/pimax-crystal-standalone-and-pc-vr-headset-review |title=Pimax Crystal VR Headset Review: High Res And High-End VR In Need Of Polish |publisher=HotHardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
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>
 
The Crystal was followed by the [[Pimax Crystal Light]] variant, a PC-only version at a lower price point.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/pages/crystal |title=Pimax Crystal |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
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=== Display ===
=== Display ===


Industry-leading clarity:
QLED + Mini-LED:


* Dual QLED + Mini-LED panels
* '''2880x2880 per eye''' resolution
* '''2880x2880 resolution per eye'''
* '''5760x2880 combined'''
* 5760x2880 combined resolution
* '''QLED panels'''
* '''35 PPD''' (pixels per degree)—exceptional clarity
* '''Mini-LED backlighting'''
* HDR support via Mini-LED backlight
* '''Local dimming'''
* Wide color gamut
* HDR capable
* Local dimming zones
* True blacks
* Deep blacks with bright highlights


=== Refresh Rate ===
=== Pixels Per Degree ===


Multiple options:
* '''35-42 PPD''' (configuration dependent)
 
* Industry-leading clarity
* 90 Hz (standard)
* Minimal screen door effect
* 120 Hz
* 144 Hz (experimental)
* '''160 Hz''' (experimental)


=== Optics ===
=== Optics ===


Premium interchangeable glass lenses:
Interchangeable system:


* '''Glass aspheric lenses''' (not plastic)
* '''Glass aspheric lenses''' (standard)
* Higher transmittance than competitors
* '''35 PPD peak fidelity'''
* Reduced stray light and aberration
* Wide FOV lenses (optional)
* '''Swappable lens modules:'''
* Enhanced immersion mode
** 120° FOV lenses
* Swap between configurations
** 140° FOV lenses
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* Minimal sweet spot issues


=== Field of View ===
=== Field of View ===
Flexible FOV options:


* '''125° horizontal''' (standard lenses)
* '''125° horizontal''' (standard lenses)
* '''140° diagonal''' (wide lenses)
* '''140° diagonal''' (standard)
* Adjustable via lens swap
* Wider with optional lenses
* Balance between clarity and immersion


=== Processing ===
=== Refresh Rate ===
 
Dual-processor hybrid design:


* '''[[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]]''' for standalone mode
* '''90 Hz''' standard
* '''Custom Pimax PC VR Engine''' for tethered mode
* '''120 Hz''' supported
* 8 GB RAM
* '''144/160 Hz''' experimental mode
* 256 GB storage
* Dedicated processing for each mode


=== Eye Tracking ===
=== Eye Tracking ===


Advanced eye tracking system:
Tobii integration:


* '''120 Hz''' tracking rate
* '''Tobii eye tracking'''
* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
* '''120 Hz per-eye tracking'''
* Foveated rendering support
* '''Auto-IPD adjustment'''
* Dynamic resolution optimization
* '''Dynamic foveated rendering'''
* Natural eye-based interaction
* Performance optimization
* Gaze tracking


=== IPD Adjustment ===
=== IPD ===


* '''58-72mm range'''
* '''Motorized auto-IPD'''
* Automatic motorized adjustment
* Automatic calibration
* Eye tracking-based calibration
* Eye tracking driven
* Software fine-tuning


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


Inside-out tracking system:
Flexible options:


* 4 cameras
* '''Inside-out tracking''' (default)
* 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF)
* '''4 depth cameras'''
* SLAM-based tracking
* No base stations required
* No external base stations required (standalone)
* '''SteamVR Lighthouse''' compatible
* SteamVR Lighthouse compatible (optional)
* External tracking optional


=== Build ===
=== Processing ===


* '''845g weight'''
==== Standalone ====
* Premium build quality
* '''Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2'''
* Adjustable headstrap
* '''8GB memory'''
* Face gasket options
* Mobile VR capability


=== Battery ===
==== PC VR ====
* DisplayPort connection
* Full resolution
* Native PCVR


For standalone mode:
=== Audio ===


* 6,000 mAh capacity
* '''Integrated speakers'''
* Approximately 2.5-3 hours use
* '''3.5mm audio jack'''
* Hot-swappable battery option
* DMAS audio module compatible


=== Audio ===
=== Comfort ===


* Built-in off-ear speakers
* '''845g weight'''
* 3D spatial audio
* Balanced design
* 3.5mm headphone jack
* Adjustable headstrap
 
* Facial interface options
== Operating Modes ==


=== PC VR Mode ===
== Minimum PC Requirements ==
* DisplayPort 1.4 connection
* Full resolution at high refresh rates
* SteamVR compatible
* Lighthouse tracking optional


=== Standalone Mode ===
* Intel i5 12th Gen / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
* Qualcomm XR2 powered
* 16GB RAM
* Android-based apps
* NVIDIA RTX 2070 or better
* Pimax Play store
* Wireless PCVR streaming


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications ==
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! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED
| Display || 2880x2880 QLED x2
|-
|-
| Resolution || 2880x2880 per eye
| Combined || 5760x2880
|-
|-
| PPD || 35
| PPD || 35-42
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90-160 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 90/120 Hz (144/160 experimental)
|-
|-
| Field of View || 125° H / 140° diagonal
| FOV || 125°x140° (standard)
|-
|-
| Lenses || Glass aspheric (interchangeable)
| Eye Tracking || Tobii (120 Hz)
|-
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes (120 Hz)
| IPD || Motorized auto-adjust
|-
|-
| IPD Range || 58-72mm (automatic)
| Tracking || Inside-out or Lighthouse
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2 + Custom PC Engine
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2
|-
|-
| Weight || 845g
| Weight || 845g
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'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* 35 PPD exceptional visual clarity
* 2880x2880 exceptional clarity
* QLED + Mini-LED impressive colors and contrast
* 35+ PPD industry-leading
* Interchangeable lenses unique flexibility
* Mini-LED local dimming
* Automatic IPD adjustment convenient
* Tobii eye tracking
* Glass lenses superior optics
* Auto-IPD convenient
* High refresh rate options (up to 160 Hz)
* Foveated rendering
* Dual standalone and PC modes
* Inside-out no base stations
* Eye tracking enables foveated rendering
* Interchangeable optics
* Excellent for sim racing/flight sim
* Standalone + PCVR versatile
* HDR support enhances visuals


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* 845g weight quite heavy
* $1,599 expensive
* $1,599 price premium
* 845g heavy
* Software polish needs improvement
* Software polish needed
* Complex setup for some features
* Pimax support reputation
* Standalone mode limited vs dedicated devices
* Complex setup options
* Heavy GPU requirements for full resolution
* Firmware updates needed
* 120° FOV narrower than Pimax 8KX
* High PC requirements
* Controllers sold separately<ref name="allvr">{{cite web |url=https://allvirtualreality.com/tutorials/what-pimax-crystal-vr-headset-specifications.html |title=What is Pimax Crystal VR Headset & Its Specifications? |publisher=All Virtual Reality |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* 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>
 
<ref name="digitaltrends">{{cite web |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/pimax-crystal-vr-headset-take-clarity-to-another-level/ |title=New mini-LED VR headset to 'take clarity to another level' |publisher=Digital Trends |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pimax 8KX]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Light]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Light]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax 8K X]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Standalone VR Headsets]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:2023 in technology]]
[[Category:2023 in technology]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Pimax_Crystal"