Pimax Crystal Super
| Pimax Crystal Super | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, Pimax Play |
| Developer | Pimax |
| Manufacturer | Pimax |
| Release Date | 2024 |
| Price | $1,695 USD |
| Website | https://pimax.com/pages/pimax-crystal-super |
| Predecessor | Pimax Crystal |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | QLED / Micro-OLED (swappable) |
| Resolution | 3840x3840 per eye (QLED) |
| Refresh Rate | 90/120 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 120° (QLED) / 105° (Micro-OLED) |
| Foveated Rendering | Yes (DFR) |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | SLAM (inside-out) or Lighthouse |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (120fps, 10 IR sensors) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 3.5mm jack, 2x microphone |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
| Weight | Reduced 30% from Crystal |
The Pimax Crystal Super is a high-end PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Pimax, released in 2024 at $1,695. The world's first retina-level VR headset with 57 pixels per degree (PPD), the Crystal Super features QLED panels at 3840x3840 per eye with Local Dimming 2.0 (1000 zones per eye), swappable optical engines (including Micro-OLED option), integrated eye tracking at 120fps with Dynamic Foveated Rendering, SLAM tracking (with optional Lighthouse support), and a design 30% smaller than the original Crystal. Targeting simulation enthusiasts and professionals, the Crystal Super delivers unprecedented visual clarity.
History and Development
Pimax announced the Crystal Super in 2024 as the successor to the popular Crystal, focusing on dramatically improved pixel density and display quality. Initially announced at $1,799, the headset launched at $1,695. The Crystal Super introduces the concept of swappable optical engines, allowing users to choose between QLED (wider FOV) and Micro-OLED (higher PPD) configurations. The headset eliminates the integrated battery of the original Crystal, reducing weight and complexity.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Retina-level QLED technology:
- 3840x3840 per eye resolution (QLED)
- 57 PPD (pixels per degree)
- World's first retina-level VR
- QLED panels
- Local Dimming 2.0
- 1000 local dimming zones per eye
- Near-OLED contrast/blacks
- Unprecedented clarity
Swappable Optical Engines
Modular design:
- QLED Engine: 57 PPD, 120° FOV
- Micro-OLED Engine: Higher PPD, 105° FOV
- Changeable optical modules
- Faster repairs
- Easier upgrades
- Future expansion options
Micro-OLED Option
- 3840x3552 per eye
- 105° field of view
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- True OLED blacks
- Premium visual option
Eye Tracking
Advanced integrated system:
- Built-in eye tracking
- 10 infrared sensors
- 120fps capture rate
- High-accuracy tracking
- Dynamic Foveated Rendering
- Performance optimization
- Automatic IPD adjustment
- Lens barrel integration
Tracking
Flexible tracking options:
- SLAM tracking (inside-out)
- 4 tracking cameras
- No base stations required
- Lighthouse compatible (optional)
- 6DoF controllers included
- Hand tracking support
Build
Refined design:
- 30% smaller than Crystal
- No integrated battery
- Lighter weight
- Improved ergonomics
- Comfort backstrap
- Stable fit during motion
- Dual cooling fans
- Split DisplayPort cable
Audio
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Interchangeable headphones
- 2x microphones
- Integrated spatial audio
- Voice communication
Features
Dynamic Foveated Rendering
- Eye-tracked rendering optimization
- Performance boost
- Visual quality maintained
- GPU efficiency improved
Local Dimming 2.0
- 1000 zones per eye
- Near-OLED contrast
- Deep blacks
- HDR-like experience
PC Requirements
- Minimum: RTX 2080
- Recommended: RTX 3070+
- PC VR only (no standalone)
- DisplayPort connection required
- No wireless streaming support
Technical Specifications
| Specification | QLED | Micro-OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3840x3840 per eye | 3840x3552 per eye |
| PPD | 57 | Higher |
| FOV | 120° | 105° |
| Refresh Rate | 90/120 Hz | 90 Hz |
| Local Dimming | 1000 zones/eye | N/A |
| Eye Tracking | 120fps (10 IR) | Same |
| Tracking | SLAM or Lighthouse | Same |
| Price | $1,695 | Additional |
Reception
Praise:
- 57 PPD retina-level clarity
- 3840x3840 per eye stunning
- Local Dimming 2.0 impressive
- Swappable optical engines innovative
- Eye tracking at 120fps accurate
- Dynamic Foveated Rendering effective
- 30% smaller than Crystal
- SLAM tracking convenient
- Lighthouse optional flexibility
- Automatic IPD adjustment
Criticism:
- $1,695 premium pricing
- RTX 2080 minimum demanding
- No wireless/standalone
- PC tethered only
- No 60G Airlink support
- Micro-OLED extra cost
- Pimax software concerns
- Limited mainstream appeal
- Complex ecosystem
- Enthusiast/professional only[2]