Pimax 8KX
The Pimax Vision 8KX is a high-end PC VR head-mounted display developed by Pimax, released in 2020. It was the world's first consumer VR headset to feature dual native 4K displays (3840×2160 per eye) and became famous for its ultra-wide 200° diagonal field of view—approaching natural human vision. The 8KX won Digital Trends' "Top Tech of CES: AR/VR" award in January 2020 and remains popular among simulation enthusiasts for its unparalleled clarity and field of view in racing, flight, and space simulations.
| Pimax 8KX | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR |
| Developer | Pimax |
| Manufacturer | Pimax |
| Announcement Date | January 2020 (CES) |
| Release Date | 2020 |
| Price | ~$1,199 USD (headset), ~$1,976 USD (full kit) |
| Website | https://pimax.com/product/vision-8k-x/ |
| Predecessor | Pimax 8K |
| Successor | Pimax Crystal |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2× 4K CLPL LCD |
| Resolution | 3840×2160 per eye (native 4K) |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz, 90 Hz (native), 114 Hz (upscale) |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 200° diagonal (170° horizontal, 115° vertical) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Fresnel lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 55-75mm (mechanical) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | Lighthouse (SteamVR base stations) |
| Eye Tracking | Optional module |
| Hand Tracking | Optional module |
| Audio | |
| Audio | DMAS (optional), 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0 |
| Device | |
| Weight | ~500g |
History and Development
Pimax unveiled the Vision 8K X at CES 2020 in January 2020 as their flagship headset, building on the earlier Pimax 8K which used upscaled 4K displays. The 8KX marked a significant advancement by running both panels at native 4K resolution without upscaling, delivering unprecedented clarity for a consumer VR headset.[1]
The headset uses SteamVR Lighthouse tracking, maintaining compatibility with existing HTC Vive and Valve Index base stations and controllers.[2]
Design and Hardware
Display
Industry-leading resolution and clarity:
- Dual CLPL (Customized Low Persistence Liquid) LCD panels
- 3840×2160 native resolution per eye (true 4K each)
- 7680×2160 combined resolution
- 75 Hz, 90 Hz native refresh rates
- 114 Hz in upscale mode
- RGB pixel matrix panels
- Excellent for text readability
Field of View
Signature ultra-wide FOV:
- 200° diagonal field of view
- 170° horizontal FOV
- 115° vertical FOV
- Closest to natural human vision (~220°) in consumer VR
- Angled panel design wraps around nose
- Dramatically enhanced immersion and peripheral awareness
Dual Engine Mode
Flexible rendering options:
- Native mode: Full 3840×2160 per eye at native 4K
- Upscale mode: 2560×1440 input upscaled to 4K output
- Allows trading quality for frame rate
- 114 Hz available in upscale mode
- Switch freely between modes
Optics
- Dual Fresnel lenses
- Mechanical IPD adjustment (55-75mm)
- Wide IPD range for diverse users
- Large eye box
Tracking
Uses SteamVR Lighthouse ecosystem:
- Compatible with HTC Vive base stations
- Compatible with Lighthouse 2.0 base stations
- SteamVR sensors with 9-axis tracking
- 6DoF positional tracking
- Full SteamVR integration
Audio
- DMAS: Deluxe Modular Audio Strap (optional)
- 3.5mm audio jack for headphones
- Off-ear speakers available
Optional Modules
- Eye Tracking Module: For foveated rendering
- Hand Tracking Module: Controller-free interaction
- Modular upgrade path
System Requirements
High-end PC required for native 4K:
- OS: Windows 10 or 11
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2080 or higher recommended
- CPU: Intel i5-9400 or higher
- RAM: 8 GB minimum
- Ports: DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0
Pricing
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| Headset only | ~$1,199 |
| Full kit (base stations + Index controllers) | ~$1,976 |
Use Cases
The ultra-wide FOV and high resolution make the 8KX particularly suited for:
- Racing simulations: iRacing, Assetto Corsa
- Flight simulations: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, DCS World
- Space simulations: Elite Dangerous, Star Citizen
- Immersive exploration: Any game benefiting from peripheral vision
Reception
Praise:
- World's first dual native 4K consumer VR headset
- 200° FOV approaches natural human vision
- "Ultrawide Gaming with Incredible Clarity" - Tom's Hardware
- CES 2020 Top Tech award
- Exceptional for simulation enthusiasts
- Compatible with Valve Index controllers
- Mechanical IPD adjustment (55-75mm)
- Dual Engine mode flexibility
- Outstanding text and detail clarity
- Modular upgrade options
Criticism:
- Extremely demanding on GPU (RTX 2080+ required)
- High price point (~$1,200-$2,000)
- Heavy for extended sessions (~500g)
- Fresnel lens distortion at edges
- Some software compatibility issues
- Complex setup compared to standalone headsets
- Requires Lighthouse base stations[3]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Pimax Vision 8K X Review: Ultrawide Gaming with Incredible Clarity". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/pimax-vision-8k-x-review-ultrawide-gaming-with-incredible-clarity.
- ↑ "Pimax". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pimax.
- ↑ "Review: Pimax 8K X VR Headset for MSFS 2020". Pilot Passion. https://pilotpassion.com/pimax-8k-x-vr-headset/.
- ↑ "Pimax Vision 8K X DMAS". Knoxlabs. https://www.knoxlabs.com/products/pimax-vision-8k-x.