Pimax Crystal
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| Pimax Crystal | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | Hybrid VR (Standalone + PC VR) |
| Platform | SteamVR, Standalone |
| Developer | Pimax |
| Manufacturer | Pimax |
| Announcement Date | May 31, 2022 |
| Release Date | May 2023 |
| Price | $1,599 USD |
| Website | https://pimax.com/ |
| Predecessor | Pimax 8K X |
| Successor | Pimax Crystal Super |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (standalone) |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | QLED + Mini-LED (dual) |
| Resolution | 2880x2880 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90/120 Hz (144/160 Hz experimental) |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 125° horizontal / 140° diagonal |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras) or SteamVR |
| Eye Tracking | Tobii integrated |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated speakers + 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
| Weight | 845g |
The Pimax Crystal is a high-end hybrid virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Pimax, announced May 31, 2022 and released May 2023 at $1,599. A premium 6K VR headset featuring dual QLED panels with mini-LED backlighting at 2880x2880 per eye, interchangeable lens system (35 PPD standard, wide FOV optional), Tobii eye tracking with auto-IPD and foveated rendering, 125° horizontal FOV, inside-out tracking (no base stations required), and Snapdragon XR2 for standalone operation.
History and Development
Pimax announced the Crystal on May 31, 2022, releasing in May 2023 after development delays. Positioned as their most accessible high-end headset, the Crystal introduced inside-out tracking (eliminating base station requirements), interchangeable optics, and standalone capability while maintaining Pimax's ultra-high resolution focus. Tobii eye tracking integration enables auto-IPD calibration and dynamic foveated rendering. Succeeded by Crystal Light (budget) and Crystal Super (flagship) variants.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
QLED + Mini-LED:
- 2880x2880 per eye resolution
- 5760x2880 combined
- QLED panels
- Mini-LED backlighting
- Local dimming
- HDR capable
- True blacks
Pixels Per Degree
- 35-42 PPD (configuration dependent)
- Industry-leading clarity
- Minimal screen door effect
Optics
Interchangeable system:
- Glass aspheric lenses (standard)
- 35 PPD peak fidelity
- Wide FOV lenses (optional)
- Enhanced immersion mode
- Swap between configurations
Field of View
- 125° horizontal (standard lenses)
- 140° diagonal (standard)
- Wider with optional lenses
Refresh Rate
- 90 Hz standard
- 120 Hz supported
- 144/160 Hz experimental mode
Eye Tracking
Tobii integration:
- Tobii eye tracking
- 120 Hz per-eye tracking
- Auto-IPD adjustment
- Dynamic foveated rendering
- Performance optimization
- Gaze tracking
IPD
- Motorized auto-IPD
- Automatic calibration
- Eye tracking driven
Tracking
Flexible options:
- Inside-out tracking (default)
- 4 depth cameras
- No base stations required
- SteamVR Lighthouse compatible
- External tracking optional
Processing
Standalone
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
- 8GB memory
- Mobile VR capability
PC VR
- DisplayPort connection
- Full resolution
- Native PCVR
Audio
- Integrated speakers
- 3.5mm audio jack
- DMAS audio module compatible
Comfort
- 845g weight
- Balanced design
- Adjustable headstrap
- Facial interface options
Minimum PC Requirements
- Intel i5 12th Gen / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- 16GB RAM
- NVIDIA RTX 2070 or better
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 2880x2880 QLED x2 |
| Combined | 5760x2880 |
| PPD | 35-42 |
| Refresh Rate | 90/120 Hz (144/160 experimental) |
| FOV | 125°x140° (standard) |
| Eye Tracking | Tobii (120 Hz) |
| IPD | Motorized auto-adjust |
| Tracking | Inside-out or Lighthouse |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 |
| Weight | 845g |
| Price | $1,599 |
Reception
Praise:
- 2880x2880 exceptional clarity
- 35+ PPD industry-leading
- Mini-LED local dimming
- Tobii eye tracking
- Auto-IPD convenient
- Foveated rendering
- Inside-out no base stations
- Interchangeable optics
- Standalone + PCVR versatile
Criticism:
- $1,599 expensive
- 845g heavy
- Software polish needed
- Pimax support reputation
- Complex setup options
- Firmware updates needed
- High PC requirements
- Standalone limited[2]