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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, 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]]
|Platform = [[PC]], [[SteamVR]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Creator = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Announced = April 2024
|Release Date = 2024
|Release = 2024
|Price = $699 (base) / $799 (local dimming) / $899 (with controllers)
|Price = $599-$699
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Website = https://pimax.com
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|OS = Windows
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
|CPU = Host PC dependent
|GPU = NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti+ (rec)
|Storage =
|RAM =
|Display = QLED + Mini-LED
|Display = QLED + Mini-LED
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye
|Resolution = 5760 x 2880 (2880 x 2880 per eye)
|Combined Resolution = 5760x2880
|Refresh = 60/72/90/120 Hz
|PPD = 35 PPD
|Brightness =
|Refresh Rate = 60/72/90/120 Hz
|FOV = 115° diagonal / 105° horizontal
|Field of View = 115°
|PPD = 35
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Lenses = Glass aspheric (fixed)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|IPD = 58-72mm (manual)
|IPD = Adjustable (58-72mm)
|Eye Tracking = No
|Audio = Integrated speakers
|Hand Tracking =
|Weight = Reduced vs Crystal
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out or Lighthouse)
|Spatial Mapping =
|Speakers = 3.5mm jack, dual microphones
|Microphone = 2x integrated
|Audio Jack = 3.5mm
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4a
|Ports = DisplayPort, USB
|Battery =
|Weight = ~800g
|Materials =
|Colors = Black
|Sensors = Inside-out cameras
|Input = SteamVR controllers, Pimax controllers
}}
}}


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.
The '''Pimax Crystal Light''' is a PC VR [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]]. Announced in April 2024 starting at $599, the Crystal Light delivers the same 2880 x 2880 per eye resolution as the flagship Pimax Crystal but in a pure PCVR-only configuration—removing standalone capability, eye tracking, and interchangeable lenses to achieve a 30% weight reduction and significantly lower price. The headset features QLED + Mini-LED display technology with local dimming, 35 pixels per degree (PPD), glass aspheric lenses with 105-degree horizontal field of view, manual IPD adjustment (58-72mm), and supports both inside-out tracking and SteamVR Lighthouse tracking.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web|url=https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light|title=Pimax Crystal Light|publisher=Pimax}}</ref>


== History and Development ==
== 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.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light |title=Pimax Crystal Light |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== April 2024 Announcement ===
Pimax revealed the Crystal Light as a budget-friendly alternative to the Crystal.


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Pure PCVR Focus ===
Removed standalone mode, eye tracking, and lens swapping to reduce cost and weight.


=== Display ===
=== Sim Racing Focus ===
Positioned for simulation enthusiasts requiring high resolution and wide FOV.


Ultra-high resolution QLED:
== Design and Hardware ==


* '''2880x2880 per eye''' resolution
=== Display System ===
* '''5760x2880 combined'''
* '''Panel Type:''' QLED + Mini-LED
* '''QLED + Mini-LED''' technology
* '''Resolution:''' 2880 x 2880 per eye (5760 x 2880 total)
* '''35 PPD''' (pixels per degree)
* '''Pixels:''' 16.6 million pixels (same as Crystal)
* '''Local dimming''' (optional)
* '''Refresh Rates:''' 60 Hz, 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz
* '''HDR capable'''
* '''PPD:''' 35 pixels per degree
* Wide color gamut
* '''Local Dimming:''' Yes (HDR-like contrast)
* Minimal screen-door effect
* 16.6 million pixels total


=== Refresh Rate ===
=== Field of View ===
* '''Diagonal:''' 115 degrees
* '''Horizontal:''' 105 degrees


Variable refresh options:
=== Optics ===
* '''Lens Type:''' Glass aspheric (fixed, not interchangeable)
* '''Clarity:''' Edge-to-edge sharpness


* '''60 Hz'''
=== IPD Adjustment ===
* '''72 Hz'''
* '''Range:''' 58-72mm
* '''90 Hz'''
* '''Type:''' Manual (not motorized)
* '''120 Hz'''
* User selectable


=== Optics ===
== Differences from Pimax Crystal ==


* '''Glass aspheric lenses'''
=== Removed Features ===
* Large sweet spot
* No standalone mode (no Snapdragon XR2)
* '''115° field of view'''
* No eye tracking
* Crisp edge-to-edge clarity
* No interchangeable lenses
* No automatic IPD


=== Tracking ===
=== Benefits ===
* 30% lighter weight
* Significantly lower price ($599 vs $1,599)
* Same display resolution and quality


Inside-out system:
== Tracking ==


* '''6DoF tracking'''
=== Inside-Out ===
* '''Inside-out tracking'''
* Integrated tracking cameras
* No external base stations
* No external base stations needed
* Quick setup
* Quick setup


=== IPD ===
=== Lighthouse Compatible ===
* SteamVR Tracking support
* Higher precision option
* Expandable tracking


* '''Manual IPD adjustment'''
== Audio ==
* '''58mm – 72mm range'''
* Wide user compatibility


=== Build ===
=== Connections ===
* 3.5mm audio jack (interchangeable headphones)
* Dual integrated microphones


Lightweight design:
== System Requirements ==
 
* '''~310g lighter''' than original Crystal
* No integrated battery
* No eye tracking hardware
* No cooling fans
* No heatsink
* Fully adjustable headband
 
== Configurations ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Configuration !! Features !! Price
! Component !! Recommended
|-
|-
| Base || Crystal Light HMD || $699
| CPU || Intel i5 12th Gen+ / Ryzen 2000+
|-
|-
| Local Dimming || HMD with local dimming || $799
| GPU || NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti or better
|-
|-
| Full Kit || HMD + controllers || $899
| Connection || DisplayPort 1.4a (8K@60Hz capable)
|}
|}


== Features Removed (vs. Crystal) ==
== Use Cases ==
 
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 ==
=== Sim Racing ===
* High resolution for cockpit clarity
* Wide FOV for peripheral vision
* High refresh rate support


High-end system needed:
=== Flight Simulation ===
* Detailed instrument reading
* Immersive field of view


* '''GPU''': RTX 3070 or better recommended
=== General PCVR ===
* '''CPU''': Modern multi-core
* SteamVR library access
* High VRAM beneficial
* High-fidelity visuals
* DisplayPort connection


== Technical Specifications ==
== Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 129: Line 140:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 2880x2880 QLED Mini-LED
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED
|-
|-
| Combined || 5760x2880
| Resolution || 2880 x 2880 per eye
|-
|-
| PPD || 35
| PPD || 35
Line 137: Line 148:
| Refresh Rate || 60/72/90/120 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 60/72/90/120 Hz
|-
|-
| FOV || 115°
| FOV || 115° diagonal / 105° H
|-
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out 6DoF
| Lenses || Glass aspheric (fixed)
|-
|-
| IPD || 58-72mm (manual)
| IPD || 58-72mm (manual)
|-
|-
| Price || $699-$899
| Eye Tracking || No
|-
| Standalone || No (PCVR only)
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out + Lighthouse
|-
| Weight || ~800g
|-
| Price || $599-$699
|}
|}
== 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<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]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax 8K X]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[Simulation VR]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:Simulation VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]

Revision as of 22:14, 7 January 2026

Pimax Crystal Light
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR
Platform PC, SteamVR
Creator Pimax
Price $599-$699
Website https://pimax.com
System
CPU Host PC dependent
GPU NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti+ (rec)
Storage
Display
Display QLED + Mini-LED
Resolution 5760 x 2880 (2880 x 2880 per eye)
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (inside-out or Lighthouse)
Eye Tracking No
Audio
Microphone 2x integrated
Connectivity
Connectivity DisplayPort 1.4a
Ports DisplayPort, USB
Device
Weight ~800g
Sensors Inside-out cameras
Input SteamVR controllers, Pimax controllers


The Pimax Crystal Light is a PC VR head-mounted display developed by Pimax. Announced in April 2024 starting at $599, the Crystal Light delivers the same 2880 x 2880 per eye resolution as the flagship Pimax Crystal but in a pure PCVR-only configuration—removing standalone capability, eye tracking, and interchangeable lenses to achieve a 30% weight reduction and significantly lower price. The headset features QLED + Mini-LED display technology with local dimming, 35 pixels per degree (PPD), glass aspheric lenses with 105-degree horizontal field of view, manual IPD adjustment (58-72mm), and supports both inside-out tracking and SteamVR Lighthouse tracking.[1]

History and Development

April 2024 Announcement

Pimax revealed the Crystal Light as a budget-friendly alternative to the Crystal.

Pure PCVR Focus

Removed standalone mode, eye tracking, and lens swapping to reduce cost and weight.

Sim Racing Focus

Positioned for simulation enthusiasts requiring high resolution and wide FOV.

Design and Hardware

Display System

  • Panel Type: QLED + Mini-LED
  • Resolution: 2880 x 2880 per eye (5760 x 2880 total)
  • Pixels: 16.6 million pixels (same as Crystal)
  • Refresh Rates: 60 Hz, 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz
  • PPD: 35 pixels per degree
  • Local Dimming: Yes (HDR-like contrast)

Field of View

  • Diagonal: 115 degrees
  • Horizontal: 105 degrees

Optics

  • Lens Type: Glass aspheric (fixed, not interchangeable)
  • Clarity: Edge-to-edge sharpness

IPD Adjustment

  • Range: 58-72mm
  • Type: Manual (not motorized)

Differences from Pimax Crystal

Removed Features

  • No standalone mode (no Snapdragon XR2)
  • No eye tracking
  • No interchangeable lenses
  • No automatic IPD

Benefits

  • 30% lighter weight
  • Significantly lower price ($599 vs $1,599)
  • Same display resolution and quality

Tracking

Inside-Out

  • Integrated tracking cameras
  • No external base stations needed
  • Quick setup

Lighthouse Compatible

  • SteamVR Tracking support
  • Higher precision option
  • Expandable tracking

Audio

Connections

  • 3.5mm audio jack (interchangeable headphones)
  • Dual integrated microphones

System Requirements

Component Recommended
CPU Intel i5 12th Gen+ / Ryzen 2000+
GPU NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti or better
Connection DisplayPort 1.4a (8K@60Hz capable)

Use Cases

Sim Racing

  • High resolution for cockpit clarity
  • Wide FOV for peripheral vision
  • High refresh rate support

Flight Simulation

  • Detailed instrument reading
  • Immersive field of view

General PCVR

  • SteamVR library access
  • High-fidelity visuals

Specifications

Specification Details
Display QLED + Mini-LED
Resolution 2880 x 2880 per eye
PPD 35
Refresh Rate 60/72/90/120 Hz
FOV 115° diagonal / 105° H
Lenses Glass aspheric (fixed)
IPD 58-72mm (manual)
Eye Tracking No
Standalone No (PCVR only)
Tracking Inside-out + Lighthouse
Weight ~800g
Price $599-$699

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Pimax Crystal Light". Pimax. https://pimax.com/pages/crystal-light.
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