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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Pimax Crystal Light
|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 = [[PC]], [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], Pimax Play
|Creator = [[Pimax]]
|Creator = [[Pimax]]
|Announced = April 2024
|Developer = [[Pimax Innovation]]
|Release = 2024
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Price = $599-$699
|Announcement Date = April 2024
|Website = https://pimax.com
|Release Date = 2024
|OS = Windows
|Price = $699
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Versions = Pimax Crystal Light
|Requires = VR-ready PC (RTX 2080+ minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended)
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
|Operating System = [[Windows 10/11]] (SteamVR)
|Chipset = Host PC dependent
|CPU = Host PC dependent
|CPU = Host PC dependent
|GPU = NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti+ (rec)
|GPU = NVIDIA RTX 2080+ minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended
|Storage =
|HPU =
|RAM =
|Storage = Host PC dependent
|Display = QLED + Mini-LED
|Memory = Host PC dependent
|Resolution = 5760 x 2880 (2880 x 2880 per eye)
|SD Card Slot = No
|Refresh = 60/72/90/120 Hz
|Display = QLED + Mini-LED LCD
|Brightness =
|Subpixel Layout = RGB
|FOV = 115° diagonal / 105° horizontal
|Peak Brightness = High (HDR, local dimming)
|PPD = 35
|Resolution = 2880 × 2880 per eye (16.6 megapixels combined)
|Lenses = Glass aspheric (fixed)
|Pixel Density = High (35 PPD)
|IPD = 58-72mm (manual)
|Refresh Rate = 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz (variable)
|Eye Tracking = No
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Hand Tracking =
|Field of View = 115° (up to 130° diagonal)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out or Lighthouse)
|Horizontal FoV = 115°
|Spatial Mapping =
|Vertical FoV = ~105°
|Speakers = 3.5mm jack, dual microphones
|Average Pixel Density = 35 PPD
|Microphone = 2x integrated
|Peak Pixel Density = 35 PPD
|Audio Jack = 3.5mm
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (Fixed 2.0)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4a
|Optics = Glass aspheric lenses
|Ports = DisplayPort, USB
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Battery =
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (manual)
|Weight = ~800g
|Adjustable Diopter = Optional (diopter lens inserts)
|Materials =
|Passthrough = No
|Colors = Black
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out or SteamVR Lighthouse)
|Sensors = Inside-out cameras
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz IMU
|Base Stations = Optional (SteamVR Lighthouse compatible)
|Eye Tracking = No (available in Crystal standard)
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Optional (Ultraleap)
|Body Tracking = Compatible (SteamVR trackers)
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = Up to 120Hz
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <15ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = 3.5mm audio jack (interchangeable)
|Microphone = Yes (dual microphones)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = Inside-out tracking cameras
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0
|Ports = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0, 3.5mm
|Wired Video = Yes (DisplayPort)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = PC-powered
|Battery Capacity = N/A (tethered)
|Battery Life = N/A (tethered)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = Large-format HMD
|Weight = 815g
|Material = Premium plastic
|Headstrap = Modular headstrap
|Haptics = Controllers only
|Color = Black
|Sensors = IMU, inside-out cameras
|Input = SteamVR controllers, Pimax controllers
|Input = SteamVR controllers, Pimax controllers
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


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>
The '''Pimax Crystal Light''' is a high-resolution [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], announced in April 2024 at $699—representing a significant price reduction from the $1,599 Pimax Crystal while maintaining the same 16.6-megapixel display. The Crystal Light features dual QLED + Mini-LED displays with 2880 × 2880 resolution per eye, delivering exceptional visual clarity with 35 pixels per degree (PPD), HDR capability, and local dimming for enhanced contrast. Unlike many competitors using pancake lenses, Pimax employs custom glass aspheric lenses that offer a large sweet spot with only 1% light loss (versus ~90% with pancake optics), achieving up to 130° diagonal field of view depending on facial geometry. The headset supports variable refresh rates of 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz, features fixed foveated rendering 2.0, and offers flexible tracking options including inside-out tracking for quick setup or SteamVR Lighthouse tracking for maximum precision. With manual IPD adjustment from 58-72mm and compatibility with optional diopter lens inserts, the Crystal Light targets sim racing, flight simulation, and enthusiast VR users seeking maximum visual fidelity at a more accessible price point.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==
=== Pimax Heritage ===
Company evolution:
* Chinese VR pioneer
* Wide-FOV specialty
* High-resolution focus
* Enthusiast market
=== Previous Products ===
Product line:
* Pimax 8K (wide-FOV pioneer)
* Pimax 5K series
* Pimax Crystal ($1,599)
* Crystal Light (2024)


=== April 2024 Announcement ===
=== April 2024 Announcement ===
Pimax revealed the Crystal Light as a budget-friendly alternative to the Crystal.
Product reveal:
* Pimax Frontier event
* $699 pricing
* Crystal display technology
* Accessible premium VR
 
=== Crystal Super ===
Sibling product:
* Crystal Super (ultra-premium)
* Micro-OLED option
* Higher-end target
* Complete lineup
 
== Design Philosophy ==


=== Pure PCVR Focus ===
=== Accessible High-End VR ===
Removed standalone mode, eye tracking, and lens swapping to reduce cost and weight.
Value proposition:
* $699 (vs $1,599 Crystal)
* Same 16.6MP display
* Premium visual quality
* Enthusiast pricing
 
=== Glass Aspheric Lenses ===
Optical innovation:
* 1% light loss only
* Large sweet spot
* Wide FOV possible
* Premium clarity


=== Sim Racing Focus ===
=== Sim Racing Focus ===
Positioned for simulation enthusiasts requiring high resolution and wide FOV.
Target users:
* Racing simulators
* Flight simulators
* Seated experiences
* Cockpit VR
 
=== Modular Design ===
Flexibility:
* Interchangeable audio
* Tracking options
* Diopter inserts
* Customizable
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== QLED + Mini-LED ===
Panel specifications:
* '''Technology''': QLED with Mini-LED backlight
* '''Resolution''': 2880 × 2880 per eye
* '''Combined''': 16.6 megapixels
* '''HDR''': Local dimming support
 
=== Pixels Per Degree ===
Angular resolution:
* '''PPD''': 35 pixels per degree
* High clarity
* Reduced screen door
* Text readable
 
=== Variable Refresh Rate ===
Performance modes:
* 72Hz mode
* 90Hz mode
* 120Hz mode
* User selectable


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Color Performance ===
Visual quality:
* Wide color gamut (QLED)
* HDR capability
* Local dimming
* Vibrant colors


=== Display System ===
== Field of View ==
* '''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 ===
=== Wide Coverage ===
* '''Diagonal:''' 115 degrees
FOV specifications:
* '''Horizontal:''' 105 degrees
* '''Standard''': 115°
* '''Diagonal Maximum''': Up to 130°
* Head-shape dependent
* Wider than most competitors


=== Optics ===
=== Sweet Spot ===
* '''Lens Type:''' Glass aspheric (fixed, not interchangeable)
Optical quality:
* '''Clarity:''' Edge-to-edge sharpness
* Large sweet spot
* Glass aspheric design
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* Comfortable viewing
 
== Optics ==
 
=== Glass Aspheric Lenses ===
Lens design:
* '''Type''': Custom glass aspheric
* '''Light Loss''': Only 1%
* Lighter than Fresnel
* Premium optical quality
 
=== Pancake Comparison ===
Lens efficiency:
* Pancake lenses: ~90% light loss
* Aspheric lenses: ~1% light loss
* Brighter image
* Higher efficiency


=== IPD Adjustment ===
=== IPD Adjustment ===
* '''Range:''' 58-72mm
Eye alignment:
* '''Type:''' Manual (not motorized)
* '''Range''': 58-72mm
* '''Type''': Manual adjustment
* Wide accommodation
* Optimal positioning
 
=== Diopter Options ===
Vision correction:
* Optional diopter inserts
* Prescription lenses available
* No glasses needed
* Third-party compatible
 
== Tracking System ==
 
=== Inside-Out Tracking ===
Self-contained option:
* No external sensors
* Quick setup
* Portable
* Convenient default


== Differences from Pimax Crystal ==
=== SteamVR Lighthouse ===
Outside-in option:
* SteamVR 1.0/2.0 base stations
* Sub-millimeter accuracy
* Large tracking volume
* Professional precision


=== Removed Features ===
=== Foveated Rendering ===
* No standalone mode (no Snapdragon XR2)
Performance optimization:
* No eye tracking
* '''Version''': Fixed 2.0
* No interchangeable lenses
* GPU efficiency
* No automatic IPD
* Performance improvement
* No eye tracking required


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


== Tracking ==
=== Weight ===
Mass specifications:
* '''Weight''': 815g (29 oz)
* Heavier than compact headsets
* Wide-FOV tradeoff
* Balanced distribution


=== Inside-Out ===
=== Build Quality ===
* Integrated tracking cameras
Construction:
* No external base stations needed
* Premium materials
* Quick setup
* Durable design
* Modular components
* Enthusiast-grade


=== Lighthouse Compatible ===
=== Headstrap ===
* SteamVR Tracking support
Fit system:
* Higher precision option
* Modular headstrap
* Expandable tracking
* Adjustable fit
* Counterweight option
* Extended comfort


== Audio ==
== Audio ==
=== Audio Jack ===
Sound system:
* 3.5mm audio jack
* Interchangeable
* Use any headphones
* Flexibility
=== Microphones ===
Voice input:
* Dual microphones
* Voice chat
* Communication
* VR social
== Connectivity ==
=== PC Requirements ===
Minimum specifications:
* NVIDIA RTX 2080 (minimum)
* NVIDIA RTX 3070+ (recommended)
* DisplayPort 1.4
* USB 3.0


=== Connections ===
=== Connections ===
* 3.5mm audio jack (interchangeable headphones)
Physical ports:
* Dual integrated microphones
* DisplayPort 1.4 (video)
* USB 3.0 (data/power)
* 3.5mm audio
* Tethered operation
 
== Software ==
 
=== Platform Support ===
Compatibility:
* SteamVR native
* Pimax Play software
* OpenXR
* Wide game support
 
=== Pimax Play ===
Configuration software:
* Display settings
* FOV adjustment
* Refresh rate selection
* Performance tuning
 
== Use Cases ==
 
=== Sim Racing ===
Racing applications:
* iRacing
* Assetto Corsa
* Gran Turismo
* Wide peripheral vision
 
=== Flight Simulation ===
Aviation applications:
* Microsoft Flight Simulator
* DCS World
* X-Plane
* Cockpit clarity
 
=== General VR ===
Broad use:
* SteamVR library
* Social VR
* VR cinema
* Enthusiast applications


== System Requirements ==
== Comparison with High-End PC VR ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Component !! Recommended
! Feature !! Crystal Light !! Pimax Crystal !! Bigscreen Beyond !! Valve Index
|-
| Price || $699 || $1,599 || $999 || $999
|-
|-
| CPU || Intel i5 12th Gen+ / Ryzen 2000+
| Resolution || 2880×2880/eye || 2880×2880/eye || 2560×2560/eye || 1440×1600/eye
|-
|-
| GPU || NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti or better
| PPD || 35 || 35 || 32 || 11.5
|-
|-
| Connection || DisplayPort 1.4a (8K@60Hz capable)
| FOV || 115-130° || 115-130° || 90° || 130°
|-
| Refresh Rate || 72/90/120Hz || 72/90/120Hz || 90Hz || 80/90/120/144Hz
|-
| Lenses || Glass aspheric || Glass aspheric || Pancake || Fresnel
|-
| Eye Tracking || No || Yes || No || Optional
|-
| Weight || 815g || ~980g || 127g || 809g
|}
|}


== Use Cases ==
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
=== Sim Racing ===
* High resolution for cockpit clarity
* Wide FOV for peripheral vision
* High refresh rate support


=== Flight Simulation ===
=== Strengths ===
* Detailed instrument reading
* High resolution (2880×2880/eye, 16.6MP)
* Immersive field of view
* 35 PPD visual clarity
* Wide 115-130° field of view
* QLED + Mini-LED with HDR
* Glass aspheric lenses (1% light loss)
* Variable refresh (72/90/120Hz)
* Affordable at $699 (vs $1,599 Crystal)
* Inside-out + Lighthouse tracking options


=== General PCVR ===
=== Limitations ===
* SteamVR library access
* Heavy at 815g
* High-fidelity visuals
* No eye tracking (Crystal has it)
* Tethered only (no wireless)
* Requires powerful GPU (RTX 3070+)
* No integrated audio
* Manual IPD only
* Large form factor


== Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 142: Line 388:
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED
| Display || QLED + Mini-LED
|-
|-
| Resolution || 2880 x 2880 per eye
| Resolution || 2880 × 2880 per eye (16.6MP)
|-
|-
| PPD || 35
| PPD || 35 pixels per degree
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60/72/90/120 Hz
| FOV || 115° (up to 130° diagonal)
|-
|-
| FOV || 115° diagonal / 105° H
| Refresh Rate || 72Hz / 90Hz / 120Hz
|-
|-
| Lenses || Glass aspheric (fixed)
| Lenses || Glass aspheric (1% light loss)
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out + SteamVR optional
|-
|-
| IPD || 58-72mm (manual)
| IPD || 58-72mm (manual)
|-
|-
| Eye Tracking || No
| Weight || 815g
|-
|-
| Standalone || No (PCVR only)
| GPU Required || RTX 2080+ min, RTX 3070+ recommended
|-
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out + Lighthouse
| Price || $699
|-
| Weight || ~800g
|-
| Price || $599-$699
|}
|}


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* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Simulation VR]]
* [[SteamVR]]
* [[Wide-FOV VR]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 179: Line 424:
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:Simulation VR]]
[[Category:Wide-FOV VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Pimax_Crystal_Light"