Pimax Artisan
| Pimax Artisan | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | PC, SteamVR |
| Creator | Pimax |
| Price | $449 (headset only) |
| Website | https://pimax.com |
| System | |
| CPU | Intel i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350+ |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti/1060+ |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2 x RGB Stripe LCD |
| Resolution | 1700 x 1440 per eye |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (SteamVR 1.0/2.0) |
| Audio | |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.4, USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Device | |
| Input | SteamVR controllers compatible, NOLO VR optional |
The Pimax Artisan is a budget-oriented virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Pimax. Announced at CES 2020 with a starting price of $449, the Artisan is designed to make Pimax's wide field of view VR experience more accessible to users who don't need the extreme resolutions of higher-end Pimax models. It features a 140-degree horizontal (170° diagonal) field of view with dual 1700 x 1440 LCD displays running at up to 120 Hz.[1]
History and Development
CES 2020 Announcement
Pimax announced the Artisan at CES 2020 as an entry-level option in their wide-FOV headset lineup. The headset was positioned to compete with the Valve Index on field of view while offering a lower entry price.[2]
NOLO VR Partnership
Pimax announced optional compatibility with NOLO VR tracking and controllers, providing a more affordable tracking solution for users who don't already own SteamVR base stations.[3]
Design and Hardware
Display System
The Artisan features dual RGB stripe LCD panels:
- Resolution: 1700 x 1440 per eye
- Display Type: RGB stripe matrix LC-Display
- Screen Door Effect: Less perceivable than higher-resolution Pimax models
Despite lower resolution than the Pimax 5K Plus (2560 x 1440), reviewers noted the picture quality appeared slightly better due to the RGB stripe matrix configuration.[4]
Field of View
The Artisan offers a reduced but still impressive FOV:
- Horizontal: 140°
- Diagonal: 170°
- Comparison: Wider than Valve Index (~130°)
The reduced FOV compared to other Pimax headsets (200°) is actually beneficial, as it results in minimal distortion at the edges—a common issue with ultra-wide Pimax headsets.
Refresh Rate
Multiple refresh rate options:
- 72 Hz
- 90 Hz
- 120 Hz
Tracking Options
SteamVR
Compatible with:
- SteamVR Lighthouse 1.0
- SteamVR Lighthouse 2.0
- Existing HTC Vive base stations and controllers
NOLO VR
Optional NOLO VR tracking provides a more budget-friendly tracking solution for users without existing SteamVR equipment.
System Requirements
The Artisan has more modest PC requirements than higher-end Pimax headsets:
| Component | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti/1060 or better |
| CPU | Intel i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350+ |
| RAM | 8 GB+ |
| Video Output | DisplayPort 1.4 |
| USB | 1x USB 2.0/3.0 |
Compatibility
The Artisan is fully compatible with the entire SteamVR library.
Package Contents
- Vision Artisan headset (Blue Housing)
- Integrated Comfort Kit
- 4.5M DP/USB cable
- User Manual
Pricing Considerations
While the $449 headset-only price is attractive, total system cost depends on tracking solution:
- With SteamVR 2.0 base stations and Index controllers: ~$1,026 total
- With NOLO VR tracking: Lower total cost
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | 2 x RGB Stripe LCD |
| Resolution | 1700 x 1440 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 72/90/120 Hz |
| Field of View | 170° D / 140° H |
| Tracking | 6DoF (SteamVR or NOLO) |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.4, USB |
| Price | $449 (headset only) |
| Target Market | Budget/Entry-level |
See Also
References
- ↑ "Pimax Gets Budget-Friendlier With the $450 Artisan VR Headset". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/pimax-artisan-vr-headset-5k-super.
- ↑ "CES 2020: Artisan Is A Lower Cost Pimax Headset With 140° Field Of View". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/pimax-artisan-ces-2020/.
- ↑ "CES 2020: New Pimax Artisan Headset to Include Optional NOLO VR Tracking & Controllers". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/ces-2020-pimax-artisan-headset-nolo-vr/.
- ↑ "Pimax Artisan Preview". MRTV. https://mrtv.co/pimax-artisan-preview/.