Pimax Crystal Light
| Pimax Crystal Light | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | PC, SteamVR |
| Creator | Pimax |
| Price | $599-$699 |
| Website | https://pimax.com |
| System | |
| CPU | Host PC dependent |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti+ (rec) |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | QLED + Mini-LED |
| Resolution | 5760 x 2880 (2880 x 2880 per eye) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out or Lighthouse) |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | 2x integrated |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.4a |
| Ports | DisplayPort, USB |
| Device | |
| Weight | ~800g |
| Sensors | Inside-out cameras |
| Input | SteamVR controllers, Pimax controllers |
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.[1]
History and Development
April 2024 Announcement
Pimax revealed the Crystal Light as a budget-friendly alternative to the Crystal.
Pure PCVR Focus
Removed standalone mode, eye tracking, and lens swapping to reduce cost and weight.
Sim Racing Focus
Positioned for simulation enthusiasts requiring high resolution and wide FOV.
Design and Hardware
Display System
- 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
- Diagonal: 115 degrees
- Horizontal: 105 degrees
Optics
- Lens Type: Glass aspheric (fixed, not interchangeable)
- Clarity: Edge-to-edge sharpness
IPD Adjustment
- Range: 58-72mm
- Type: Manual (not motorized)
Differences from Pimax Crystal
Removed Features
- No standalone mode (no Snapdragon XR2)
- No eye tracking
- No interchangeable lenses
- No automatic IPD
Benefits
- 30% lighter weight
- Significantly lower price ($599 vs $1,599)
- Same display resolution and quality
Tracking
Inside-Out
- Integrated tracking cameras
- No external base stations needed
- Quick setup
Lighthouse Compatible
- SteamVR Tracking support
- Higher precision option
- Expandable tracking
Audio
Connections
- 3.5mm audio jack (interchangeable headphones)
- Dual integrated microphones
System Requirements
| Component | Recommended |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i5 12th Gen+ / Ryzen 2000+ |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti or better |
| Connection | DisplayPort 1.4a (8K@60Hz capable) |
Use Cases
Sim Racing
- High resolution for cockpit clarity
- Wide FOV for peripheral vision
- High refresh rate support
Flight Simulation
- Detailed instrument reading
- Immersive field of view
General PCVR
- SteamVR library access
- High-fidelity visuals
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | QLED + Mini-LED |
| Resolution | 2880 x 2880 per eye |
| PPD | 35 |
| Refresh Rate | 60/72/90/120 Hz |
| FOV | 115° diagonal / 105° H |
| Lenses | Glass aspheric (fixed) |
| IPD | 58-72mm (manual) |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Standalone | No (PCVR only) |
| Tracking | Inside-out + Lighthouse |
| Weight | ~800g |
| Price | $599-$699 |