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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
Line 193: Line 167:


'''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]]

Revision as of 17:59, 7 January 2026

Pimax Crystal
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-Mounted Display
Subtype Hybrid VR (Standalone + PC VR)
Platform SteamVR, Standalone
Developer Pimax
Manufacturer Pimax
Announcement Date May 31, 2022
Release Date May 2023
Price $1,599 USD
Website https://pimax.com/
Predecessor Pimax 8K X
Successor Pimax Crystal Super
System
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (standalone)
Storage
Display
Display QLED + Mini-LED (dual)
Resolution 2880x2880 per eye
Refresh Rate 90/120 Hz (144/160 Hz experimental)
Image
Field of View 125° horizontal / 140° diagonal
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras) or SteamVR
Eye Tracking Tobii integrated
Audio
Audio Integrated speakers + 3.5mm jack
Connectivity
Device
Weight 845g

Property "Subtype" (as page type) with input value "Hybrid VR]] (Standalone + PC VR)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.


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

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.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

QLED + Mini-LED:

  • 2880x2880 per eye resolution
  • 5760x2880 combined
  • QLED panels
  • Mini-LED backlighting
  • Local dimming
  • HDR capable
  • True blacks

Pixels Per Degree

  • 35-42 PPD (configuration dependent)
  • Industry-leading clarity
  • Minimal screen door effect

Optics

Interchangeable system:

  • Glass aspheric lenses (standard)
  • 35 PPD peak fidelity
  • Wide FOV lenses (optional)
  • Enhanced immersion mode
  • Swap between configurations

Field of View

  • 125° horizontal (standard lenses)
  • 140° diagonal (standard)
  • Wider with optional lenses

Refresh Rate

  • 90 Hz standard
  • 120 Hz supported
  • 144/160 Hz experimental mode

Eye Tracking

Tobii integration:

  • Tobii eye tracking
  • 120 Hz per-eye tracking
  • Auto-IPD adjustment
  • Dynamic foveated rendering
  • Performance optimization
  • Gaze tracking

IPD

  • Motorized auto-IPD
  • Automatic calibration
  • Eye tracking driven

Tracking

Flexible options:

  • Inside-out tracking (default)
  • 4 depth cameras
  • No base stations required
  • SteamVR Lighthouse compatible
  • External tracking optional

Processing

Standalone

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
  • 8GB memory
  • Mobile VR capability

PC VR

  • DisplayPort connection
  • Full resolution
  • Native PCVR

Audio

  • Integrated speakers
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • DMAS audio module compatible

Comfort

  • 845g weight
  • Balanced design
  • Adjustable headstrap
  • Facial interface options

Minimum PC Requirements

  • Intel i5 12th Gen / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
  • 16GB RAM
  • NVIDIA RTX 2070 or better

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2880x2880 QLED x2
Combined 5760x2880
PPD 35-42
Refresh Rate 90/120 Hz (144/160 experimental)
FOV 125°x140° (standard)
Eye Tracking Tobii (120 Hz)
IPD Motorized auto-adjust
Tracking Inside-out or Lighthouse
Processor Snapdragon XR2
Weight 845g
Price $1,599

Reception

Praise:

  • 2880x2880 exceptional clarity
  • 35+ PPD industry-leading
  • Mini-LED local dimming
  • Tobii eye tracking
  • Auto-IPD convenient
  • Foveated rendering
  • Inside-out no base stations
  • Interchangeable optics
  • Standalone + PCVR versatile

Criticism:

  • $1,599 expensive
  • 845g heavy
  • Software polish needed
  • Pimax support reputation
  • Complex setup options
  • Firmware updates needed
  • High PC requirements
  • Standalone limited[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Pimax Crystal". Pimax. https://pimax.com/pages/crystal.
  2. ↑ "Pimax Crystal VR Headset Review". HotHardware. https://hothardware.com/reviews/pimax-crystal-standalone-and-pc-vr-headset-review.
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