Pimax Crystal Super
| Pimax Crystal Super | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, Pimax Play |
| Creator | Pimax |
| Developer | Pimax |
| Manufacturer | Pimax |
| Announcement Date | January 7, 2025 (CES 2025) |
| Release Date | Q1 2025 |
| Price | $1,696-$1,791 (QLED 57 PPD) |
| Website | https://pimax.com/pages/pimax-crystal-super |
| Versions | QLED 50 PPD, QLED 57 PPD, Micro-OLED 8K |
| Requires | Gaming PC with DisplayPort |
| Predecessor | Pimax Crystal |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Chipset | N/A (tethered PCVR) |
| CPU | N/A (PC-powered) |
| GPU | N/A (PC-powered) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A |
| Memory | N/A |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | QLED with Local Dimming 2.0 or Micro-OLED |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB |
| Peak Brightness | 280 nits |
| Resolution | 3840 × 3840 per eye (29.5 million pixels total) |
| Pixel Density | 57 PPD (high clarity) / 50 PPD (ultrawide) |
| Refresh Rate | 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz (lab mode) |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 106° (57 PPD) / 140° (50 PPD) |
| Horizontal FoV | 106° (57 PPD) / 140° (50 PPD) |
| Vertical FoV | ~90° |
| Average Pixel Density | 50-57 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | 57 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | Yes (eye-tracked dynamic) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Modular optical engine system |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 58-72mm (mechanical adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | Via prescription lens inserts |
| Passthrough | No |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out (SLAM) |
| Tracking Frequency | 120Hz |
| Base Stations | Optional (SteamVR compatible) |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (10 IR sensors, 120fps) |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | 120Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | <20ms |
| Audio | |
| Audio | DMAS (Dual Magnetic Audio System) optional |
| Microphone | Yes (dual microphone) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 4× tracking cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Ports | DisplayPort, USB-C |
| Wired Video | Yes (DisplayPort) |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Power | Tethered (no internal battery) |
| Battery Capacity | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A (tethered) |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | ~200mm × 100mm × 150mm |
| Weight | 966g (with DMAS earphones) |
| Material | Plastic, fabric |
| Headstrap | Modular strap system |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | 4× tracking cameras, 10× IR eye tracking sensors, IMU |
| Input | Controllers, eye tracking, SteamVR controllers |
| Compliance | CE, FCC |
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The Pimax Crystal Super is a high-end PC VR head-mounted display developed by Pimax, announced at CES 2025 on January 7, 2025. Marketed as the "world's first retina-level VR headset," the Crystal Super achieves an unprecedented 57 pixels per degree (PPD) in its high-clarity configuration, matching the resolving capability of human vision and setting a new benchmark for visual fidelity in consumer VR. Building upon the original Pimax Crystal platform, the Crystal Super introduces a revolutionary modular optical engine system, Local Dimming 2.0 technology, and integrated eye tracking with 10 infrared sensors capturing at 120fps.
History and Development
Pimax Legacy
Pimax established itself as a pioneer in ultra-wide field-of-view VR headsets, beginning with the Pimax 4K in 2016 and followed by the ambitious Pimax 8K and 5K series launched through Kickstarter campaigns. The company built a dedicated following among VR enthusiasts and sim racing communities who valued expansive fields of view over the more constrained designs of mainstream headsets.
Crystal Platform
The original Pimax Crystal, released in 2023, marked a significant shift in Pimax's approach—prioritizing optical clarity and premium build quality over maximum field of view. The Crystal introduced swappable lens modules, a feature that would evolve into the Crystal Super's more sophisticated modular optical engine system.
CES 2025 Announcement
Pimax unveiled the Crystal Super at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, positioning it as the first VR headset to achieve "retina resolution"—a reference to Apple's terminology for displays that exceed the human eye's ability to perceive individual pixels. The announcement emphasized the headset's 57 PPD capability, which Pimax claimed eliminated the screen door effect entirely.
Modular Philosophy
The Crystal Super embodies Pimax's modular design philosophy, offering multiple optical engine configurations that users can swap to prioritize either maximum clarity (57 PPD, 106° FOV) or expansive field of view (50 PPD, 140° FOV). This approach allows a single headset to serve different use cases, from detail-critical professional applications to immersive gaming.
Display Technology
QLED Panels with Local Dimming 2.0
The Crystal Super utilizes custom QLED (Quantum Dot LED) display panels specifically optimized for VR applications:
- Resolution: 3840 × 3840 pixels per eye (approximately 29.5 million total pixels)
- Panel Technology: QLED with quantum dot enhancement
- Local Dimming 2.0: Advanced zone-based backlight control designed specifically for VR, improving contrast and reducing light bleed
- Peak Brightness: 280 nits
- Color Coverage: Wide color gamut with quantum dot enhancement
Retina-Level Clarity
The 57 PPD configuration achieves what Pimax terms "retina resolution":
- Human visual acuity is approximately 60 PPD at the fovea
- At 57 PPD, individual pixels become imperceptible under normal viewing conditions
- Eliminates the traditional "screen door effect" that has plagued VR displays
- Enables comfortable reading of small text and fine detail observation
Micro-OLED Option
Pimax also announced a premium Micro-OLED variant (Crystal Super 8K Micro-OLED) for users seeking even higher image quality:
- True black levels with infinite contrast ratio
- Faster pixel response times
- HDR capability
- Premium pricing tier
Modular Optical Engine System
Swappable Optics Concept
The Crystal Super's most innovative feature is its modular optical engine system, allowing users to physically swap the entire optical assembly:
- Easy Installation: Optical engines attach and detach without tools
- Future Upgrades: Users can upgrade to new optical technologies as they become available
- Repair Simplicity: Damaged optics can be replaced without sending the entire headset for service
- Configuration Flexibility: Switch between clarity-focused and FOV-focused configurations
57 PPD High Clarity Engine
The clarity-optimized configuration prioritizes pixel density:
- 106° horizontal field of view
- 57 pixels per degree
- Ideal for simulators, professional applications, and detail-critical content
- Sharpest consumer VR experience available
50 PPD Ultrawide Engine
The field-of-view-optimized configuration emphasizes immersion:
- 140° horizontal field of view
- 50 pixels per degree
- Enhanced peripheral vision for spatial awareness
- Preferred for action games and immersive experiences
Eye Tracking System
Integrated Eye Tracking
The Crystal Super features an advanced eye tracking system built directly into the lens barrel:
- IR Sensors: 10 infrared sensors surrounding each lens
- Capture Rate: 120fps eye tracking refresh rate
- Accuracy: Sub-degree gaze tracking precision
- Calibration: Quick initial calibration with automatic adjustment
Dynamic Foveated Rendering
Eye tracking enables real-time foveated rendering:
- Full resolution rendering only where the user is looking
- Reduced resolution in peripheral vision
- Significant performance improvements (40-50% GPU savings reported)
- Imperceptible quality reduction when properly calibrated
Gaze-Based Interaction
Applications can utilize gaze data for:
- Menu navigation by looking at elements
- Social presence in multiplayer experiences
- Training and simulation analytics
- Accessibility features for users with limited mobility
Tracking System
Inside-Out SLAM Tracking
The Crystal Super employs markerless inside-out tracking:
- Cameras: Four tracking cameras positioned around the headset
- Algorithm: Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)
- Range: Full room-scale tracking capability
- Lighting Tolerance: Works in varied lighting conditions
Optional Base Station Support
For applications requiring maximum precision, the Crystal Super supports SteamVR base station tracking:
- Compatible with Valve Index base stations (1.0 and 2.0)
- Sub-millimeter positional accuracy
- Preferred for professional simulation applications
- Dual-mode operation allows switching between inside-out and outside-in tracking
Controller Support
The headset supports multiple controller ecosystems:
- Pimax Sword controllers (native)
- Valve Index controllers (via SteamVR)
- HTC Vive controllers (via SteamVR)
- Any OpenXR-compatible controllers
Audio System
DMAS (Dual Magnetic Audio System)
Optional high-end audio solution:
- Planar magnetic drivers for audiophile-grade sound
- Off-ear design for comfort during extended sessions
- Precise spatial audio positioning
- Integrated into headstrap design
Standard Audio Options
- 3.5mm audio jack for personal headphones
- Compatible with third-party audio solutions
- Integrated dual microphones for voice chat
Physical Design
Build Quality
Premium construction throughout:
- Durable plastic housing with soft-touch surfaces
- Comfortable facial interface with replaceable cushions
- Adjustable IPD mechanism (58-72mm)
- Tool-free optical engine swapping
Weight Distribution
At 966g (with DMAS), weight management is critical:
- Rear counterweight for balance
- Wide headstrap for pressure distribution
- Multiple strap configurations available
Cooling
Active cooling system prevents overheating:
- Integrated fans for heat dissipation
- Thermal management for extended sessions
- Quiet operation design
Connectivity and Requirements
Connection Requirements
As a tethered PCVR headset, the Crystal Super requires:
- DisplayPort 1.4: Primary video connection
- USB: For tracking and peripheral data
- Power: External power adapter for cooling system
PC Requirements
Recommended specifications for optimal performance:
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 or AMD RX 7900 XT (minimum RTX 3080/RX 6800 XT)
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- RAM: 32GB recommended
- Storage: NVMe SSD for fast loading
Target Markets
Simulation
The Crystal Super excels in simulation applications:
- Flight simulation (MSFS, DCS World, X-Plane)
- Racing simulation (iRacing, Assetto Corsa, rFactor 2)
- Space simulation (Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous)
- Professional training simulators
Professional Applications
Enterprise and professional use cases:
- Architectural visualization
- Medical training
- Engineering review
- Scientific visualization
Enthusiast Gaming
High-end gaming experiences:
- AAA VR titles
- Competitive VR gaming
- Immersive open-world experiences
Pricing and Configurations
| Configuration | Price (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| QLED 57 PPD | $1,696-$1,791 | Maximum clarity, 106° FOV |
| QLED 50 PPD | TBA | Ultrawide 140° FOV |
| Micro-OLED 8K | TBA | Premium contrast and HDR |
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | QLED with Local Dimming 2.0 |
| Resolution | 3840 × 3840 per eye |
| Pixel Density | 57 PPD (clarity) / 50 PPD (ultrawide) |
| Field of View | 106° (clarity) / 140° (ultrawide) |
| Refresh Rate | 72Hz / 90Hz / 120Hz |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (10 IR sensors, 120fps) |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out + optional base stations |
| Audio | DMAS optional, 3.5mm jack |
| Weight | 966g (with DMAS) |
| Connection | DisplayPort 1.4, USB |
| Price | From $1,696 |