Pimax 8KX
| 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 |
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.
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.