Pimax Crystal Light
| Pimax Crystal Light | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR |
| Developer | Pimax |
| Manufacturer | Pimax |
| Release Date | 2024 |
| Price | $699 (base) / $799 (local dimming) / $899 (with controllers) |
| Website | https://pimax.com/ |
| Predecessor | Pimax Crystal |
| Successor | Pimax Crystal Super |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | QLED + Mini-LED |
| Resolution | 2880x2880 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 60/72/90/120 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 115° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated speakers |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
| Weight | Reduced vs Crystal |
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.
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.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Ultra-high resolution QLED:
- 2880x2880 per eye resolution
- 5760x2880 combined
- QLED + Mini-LED technology
- 35 PPD (pixels per degree)
- Local dimming (optional)
- HDR capable
- Wide color gamut
- Minimal screen-door effect
- 16.6 million pixels total
Refresh Rate
Variable refresh options:
- 60 Hz
- 72 Hz
- 90 Hz
- 120 Hz
- User selectable
Optics
- Glass aspheric lenses
- Large sweet spot
- 115° field of view
- Crisp edge-to-edge clarity
Tracking
Inside-out system:
- 6DoF tracking
- Inside-out tracking
- No external base stations
- Quick setup
IPD
- Manual IPD adjustment
- 58mm – 72mm range
- Wide user compatibility
Build
Lightweight design:
- ~310g lighter than original Crystal
- No integrated battery
- No eye tracking hardware
- No cooling fans
- No heatsink
- Fully adjustable headband
Configurations
| Configuration | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Crystal Light HMD | $699 |
| Local Dimming | HMD with local dimming | $799 |
| Full Kit | HMD + controllers | $899 |
Features Removed (vs. Crystal)
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
High-end system needed:
- GPU: RTX 3070 or better recommended
- CPU: Modern multi-core
- High VRAM beneficial
- DisplayPort connection
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 2880x2880 QLED Mini-LED |
| Combined | 5760x2880 |
| PPD | 35 |
| Refresh Rate | 60/72/90/120 Hz |
| FOV | 115° |
| Tracking | Inside-out 6DoF |
| IPD | 58-72mm (manual) |
| Price | $699-$899 |
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[2]