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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]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Play]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Release Date = 2024
|Release Date = 2024
|Price = $699 USD
|Price = $699 (base) / $799 (local dimming) / $899 (with controllers)
|Website = https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Display = 2x QLED + Mini-LED
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
|Display = QLED + Mini-LED
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye
|PPI = 35 PPD (pixels per degree)
|Combined Resolution = 5760x2880
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz, 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz
|PPD = 35 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 60/72/90/120 Hz
|Field of View = 115°
|Field of View = 115°
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (manual)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Glass aspheric lenses
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, SteamVR optional)
|IPD = Adjustable (58-72mm)
|Eye Tracking = No
|Audio = Integrated speakers
|Hand Tracking = No
|Weight = Reduced vs Crystal
|Controllers = Pimax controllers (optional)
|Audio = Built-in speakers, 3.5mm jack
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4a, USB 3.0
|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.
The '''Pimax Crystal Light''' is a PC [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], released in 2024 starting at $699. A more affordable version of the Pimax Crystal, the Crystal Light features the same 2880x2880 per eye resolution (16.6 million pixels) with QLED and Mini-LED display technology, 35 PPD clarity, 115° field of view, variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz, and inside-out 6DoF tracking. By removing eye tracking, battery, and other features, Pimax reduced weight by approximately 310 grams while maintaining the Crystal's visual fidelity.


== History and Development ==
== 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.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light |title=Pimax Crystal Light |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Pimax announced the Crystal Light in April 2024 as a budget-friendly alternative to the Pimax Crystal. The headset targets PC VR enthusiasts seeking high-resolution visuals without the premium price of the full Crystal. By eliminating features like eye tracking, integrated battery, cooling fans, and motorized IPD adjustment, Pimax significantly reduced cost and weight while preserving the core visual experience.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light |title=Pimax Crystal Light |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
Line 38: Line 35:
=== Display ===
=== Display ===


Same premium panels as Crystal:
Ultra-high resolution QLED:


* Dual QLED + Mini-LED panels
* '''2880x2880 per eye''' resolution
* '''2880x2880 resolution per eye'''
* '''5760x2880 combined'''
* '''35 PPD''' (pixels per degree)—exceptional clarity
* '''QLED + Mini-LED''' technology
* Local dimming technology
* '''35 PPD''' (pixels per degree)
* HDR support via Mini-LED backlight
* '''Local dimming''' (optional)
* '''HDR capable'''
* Wide color gamut
* Wide color gamut
* Deep blacks
* Minimal screen-door effect
* Nuanced lighting in dark scenes
* 16.6 million pixels total


=== Refresh Rate ===
=== Refresh Rate ===


Multiple options:
Variable refresh options:


* 60 Hz
* '''60 Hz'''
* 72 Hz
* '''72 Hz'''
* 90 Hz
* '''90 Hz'''
* '''120 Hz'''
* '''120 Hz'''
* Smooth, responsive gameplay
* User selectable


=== Optics ===
=== Optics ===
Premium glass lenses:


* '''Glass aspheric lenses'''
* '''Glass aspheric lenses'''
* Large, distortion-free sweet spot
* Large sweet spot
* Higher transmittance than plastic
* '''115° field of view'''
* Reduced aberration
* Crisp edge-to-edge clarity
* Edge-to-edge clarity


=== Field of View ===
=== Tracking ===
 
* '''115° FOV'''
* Immersive peripheral vision
* Balanced for clarity and immersion
 
=== IPD Adjustment ===


* '''58-72mm range'''
Inside-out system:
* Manual adjustment
* Wide user accommodation


=== Tracking ===
* '''6DoF tracking'''
* '''Inside-out tracking'''
* No external base stations
* Quick setup


Flexible tracking options:
=== IPD ===


* '''Inside-out tracking''' (default)
* '''Manual IPD adjustment'''
* Simple setup, no external sensors
* '''58mm – 72mm range'''
* '''SteamVR Lighthouse''' compatible (optional)
* Wide user compatibility
* Enhanced tracking precision with base stations


=== Build ===
=== Build ===


Lightweight streamlined design:
Lightweight design:


* '''~410g weight''' (lighter than Crystal)
* '''~310g lighter''' than original Crystal
* No integrated battery
* No eye tracking hardware
* No cooling fans
* No heatsink
* Fully adjustable headband
* 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 ==
== Configurations ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Feature !! Crystal Light !! Pimax Crystal
! Configuration !! Features !! Price
|-
| 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
| Base || Crystal Light HMD || $699
|-
|-
| Weight || '''~410g''' || 845g
| Local Dimming || HMD with local dimming || $799
|-
|-
| Price || '''$699''' || $1,599
| Full Kit || HMD + controllers || $899
|}
|}


== Removed Features vs Crystal ==
== Features Removed (vs. Crystal) ==


* Eye tracking (120 Hz)
Cost reduction measures:
* Snapdragon XR2 processor
* Internal storage (256 GB)
* Battery (standalone mode)
* Standalone VR capability
* Wireless streaming


== System Requirements ==
* No integrated battery (PC-tethered only)
* No eye tracking
* No cooling fans
* No heatsink
* No motorized IPD (manual instead)
* No standalone capability


=== Minimum GPU ===
== PC Requirements ==
* NVIDIA RTX 2070 / RTX 3060
* AMD RX 5700 XT / RX 6700 XT


=== Recommended ===
High-end system needed:
* RTX 3070 Ti / RTX 4060 Ti or higher


=== Other Requirements ===
* '''GPU''': RTX 3070 or better recommended
* CPU: Intel i5-12xxx or i7-10xxx+
* '''CPU''': Modern multi-core
* RAM: 16 GB
* High VRAM beneficial
* DisplayPort 1.4a
* DisplayPort connection
* USB 3.0


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications ==
Line 160: Line 129:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED
| Display || 2880x2880 QLED Mini-LED
|-
|-
| Resolution || 2880x2880 per eye
| Combined || 5760x2880
|-
|-
| PPD || 35
| PPD || 35
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60-120 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 60/72/90/120 Hz
|-
| Field of View || 115°
|-
| Lenses || Glass aspheric
|-
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out (Lighthouse optional)
| FOV || 115°
|-
|-
| IPD Range || 58-72mm
| Tracking || Inside-out 6DoF
|-
|-
| Weight || ~410g
| IPD || 58-72mm (manual)
|-
|-
| Price || $699
| Price || $699-$899
|}
|}


Line 184: Line 149:


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* 35 PPD exceptional clarity
* 2880x2880 per eye excellent
* Same display quality as Crystal
* 35 PPD high clarity
* $699 price (vs $1,599 Crystal) excellent value
* $699-899 affordable for specs
* Glass aspheric lenses premium optics
* QLED Mini-LED quality
* Local dimming enhances contrast
* 120Hz option smooth
* ~410g much lighter than Crystal
* 115° FOV wide
* Inside-out tracking easy setup
* No base stations needed
* Lighthouse tracking optional
* Lighter than Crystal
* Excellent for sim racing/flight sim
* Large sweet spot
* Wide 115° FOV immersive
* Same visual quality as Crystal


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* No eye tracking (no foveated rendering)
* PC-only (no standalone)
* PC-only—no standalone mode
* No eye tracking
* Controllers sold separately
* Manual IPD vs motorized
* Heavy GPU requirements
* No wireless option
* Manual IPD (not automatic)
* Still requires powerful PC
* 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>
* No foveated rendering
 
* Build quality questions
<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>
* Pimax software learning curve<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/pimax-crystal-light-review-affordable-pcvr-clarity/ |title=Pimax Crystal Light Review |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


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


== 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:PC VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]

Revision as of 17:11, 7 January 2026

Pimax Crystal Light
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-Mounted Display
Subtype PC VR
Platform SteamVR
Developer Pimax
Manufacturer Pimax
Release Date 2024
Price $699 (base) / $799 (local dimming) / $899 (with controllers)
Website https://pimax.com/
Predecessor Pimax Crystal
Successor Pimax Crystal Super
System
Storage
Display
Display QLED + Mini-LED
Resolution 2880x2880 per eye
Refresh Rate 60/72/90/120 Hz
Image
Field of View 115°
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (inside-out)
Audio
Audio Integrated speakers
Connectivity
Device
Weight Reduced vs Crystal


The Pimax Crystal Light is a PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Pimax, released in 2024 starting at $699. A more affordable version of the Pimax Crystal, the Crystal Light features the same 2880x2880 per eye resolution (16.6 million pixels) with QLED and Mini-LED display technology, 35 PPD clarity, 115° field of view, variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz, and inside-out 6DoF tracking. By removing eye tracking, battery, and other features, Pimax reduced weight by approximately 310 grams while maintaining the Crystal's visual fidelity.

History and Development

Pimax announced the Crystal Light in April 2024 as a budget-friendly alternative to the Pimax Crystal. The headset targets PC VR enthusiasts seeking high-resolution visuals without the premium price of the full Crystal. By eliminating features like eye tracking, integrated battery, cooling fans, and motorized IPD adjustment, Pimax significantly reduced cost and weight while preserving the core visual experience.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Ultra-high resolution QLED:

  • 2880x2880 per eye resolution
  • 5760x2880 combined
  • QLED + Mini-LED technology
  • 35 PPD (pixels per degree)
  • Local dimming (optional)
  • HDR capable
  • Wide color gamut
  • Minimal screen-door effect
  • 16.6 million pixels total

Refresh Rate

Variable refresh options:

  • 60 Hz
  • 72 Hz
  • 90 Hz
  • 120 Hz
  • User selectable

Optics

  • Glass aspheric lenses
  • Large sweet spot
  • 115° field of view
  • Crisp edge-to-edge clarity

Tracking

Inside-out system:

  • 6DoF tracking
  • Inside-out tracking
  • No external base stations
  • Quick setup

IPD

  • Manual IPD adjustment
  • 58mm – 72mm range
  • Wide user compatibility

Build

Lightweight design:

  • ~310g lighter than original Crystal
  • No integrated battery
  • No eye tracking hardware
  • No cooling fans
  • No heatsink
  • Fully adjustable headband

Configurations

Configuration Features Price
Base Crystal Light HMD $699
Local Dimming HMD with local dimming $799
Full Kit HMD + controllers $899

Features Removed (vs. Crystal)

Cost reduction measures:

  • No integrated battery (PC-tethered only)
  • No eye tracking
  • No cooling fans
  • No heatsink
  • No motorized IPD (manual instead)
  • No standalone capability

PC Requirements

High-end system needed:

  • GPU: RTX 3070 or better recommended
  • CPU: Modern multi-core
  • High VRAM beneficial
  • DisplayPort connection

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2880x2880 QLED Mini-LED
Combined 5760x2880
PPD 35
Refresh Rate 60/72/90/120 Hz
FOV 115°
Tracking Inside-out 6DoF
IPD 58-72mm (manual)
Price $699-$899

Reception

Praise:

  • 2880x2880 per eye excellent
  • 35 PPD high clarity
  • $699-899 affordable for specs
  • QLED Mini-LED quality
  • 120Hz option smooth
  • 115° FOV wide
  • No base stations needed
  • Lighter than Crystal
  • Large sweet spot
  • Same visual quality as Crystal

Criticism:

  • PC-only (no standalone)
  • No eye tracking
  • Manual IPD vs motorized
  • No wireless option
  • Still requires powerful PC
  • No foveated rendering
  • Build quality questions
  • Pimax software learning curve[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Pimax Crystal Light". Pimax. https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light.
  2. ↑ "Pimax Crystal Light Review". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/pimax-crystal-light-review-affordable-pcvr-clarity/.
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