Somnium VR1
| Somnium VR1 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, OpenXR |
| Creator | Somnium Space |
| Developer | VRgineers, Somnium Space |
| Manufacturer | VRgineers |
| Announcement Date | 2023 |
| Release Date | 2024 |
| Price | €1,900 (base), €2,500 (eye tracking), €3,500 (ultimate) |
| Website | https://store.somniumspace.com/ |
| Versions | Striker Edition, Visionary Edition, Titan Edition, Ultimate Edition |
| Requires | Gaming PC, SteamVR Tracking base stations |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | None |
| 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 | Dual QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | ~500 nits |
| Resolution | 2880 × 2880 per eye (5760 × 2880 combined) |
| Pixel Density | 35 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz (base), 120Hz, 144Hz (upgradeable) |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 130° horizontal, 105° vertical |
| Horizontal FoV | 130° |
| Vertical FoV | 105° |
| Average Pixel Density | 35 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | 35 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | Yes (with eye tracking) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Aspheric lenses (swappable) |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 58-72mm (mechanical adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | Yes (prescription lens inserts available) |
| Passthrough | Yes (Ultimate Edition only, color stereo) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF outside-in (SteamVR Lighthouse) |
| Tracking Frequency | 1000Hz (base stations) |
| Base Stations | Required (sold separately) |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (Visionary/Titan/Ultimate editions, 120Hz) |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (Ultraleap, Striker/Titan/Ultimate editions) |
| Body Tracking | Via VIVE Trackers |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | Up to 144Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Lighthouse 2.0 |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | <20ms motion-to-photon |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated speakers (DMAS-style) + 3.5mm jack |
| Microphone | Yes |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | Stereo passthrough cameras (Ultimate Edition) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0 |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.4, USB-A, 3.5mm audio |
| Wired Video | Yes (DisplayPort) |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Power | USB powered + external power (optional) |
| Battery Capacity | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A (tethered) |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | ~200mm × 120mm × 150mm |
| Weight | ~450g |
| Material | Plastic, metal |
| Headstrap | Modular system (multiple options) |
| Haptics | Controller haptics (via SteamVR controllers) |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | Lighthouse tracking photodiodes, eye tracking cameras, IMU |
| Input | SteamVR controllers (Valve Index, VIVE), Ultraleap hand tracking |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
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The Somnium VR1 is a high-end PC VR head-mounted display developed by Somnium Space in partnership with VRgineers, announced in 2023 and released in 2024 with prices starting at €1,900 for the base edition and reaching €3,500 for the Ultimate Edition with all features. The Somnium VR1 represents a new approach to enthusiast PC VR, combining the same high-resolution 2880 × 2880 per eye QLED Mini-LED panels found in the Pimax Crystal with an industry-leading 130° horizontal × 105° vertical field of view—claimed to be the widest undistorted FOV of any consumer headset, noticeably wider than Meta Quest 3 and Valve Index. Built on an open-source philosophy with modular components, open eye-tracking APIs, and SteamVR Lighthouse tracking, the VR1 targets simulation enthusiasts, VR developers, and users who prioritize visual quality and customizability over convenience.
History and Development
Somnium Space Background
Company origins:
- VR metaverse platform
- Web3 integration
- Open ecosystem philosophy
- Hardware ambition
VRgineers Partnership
Manufacturing expertise:
- Professional VR headset maker
- XTAL headset experience
- Enterprise quality
- Hardware manufacturing
Development Goals
Design priorities:
- Widest FOV possible
- Highest resolution accessible
- Open ecosystem
- Modular design
2024 Release
Market launch:
- Multiple editions
- Tiered pricing
- Enthusiast targeting
- Shipping worldwide
Design Philosophy
Open Ecosystem
Philosophy core:
- Open-source eye tracking
- Standard interfaces
- User modifications
- Community support
Maximum Visual Quality
Priority focus:
- Widest undistorted FOV
- Highest practical resolution
- Best panels available
- Premium optics
Modular Architecture
Customizable design:
- Swappable lens options
- Multiple face gaskets
- Strap options
- Feature editions
Simulation Focus
Target use case:
- Flight simulation
- Racing simulation
- Space simulation
- Professional training
Display Technology
QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD
Premium panels:
- Resolution: 2880 × 2880 per eye
- Total: 5760 × 2880
- Type: QLED Mini-LED
- Same panels as Pimax Crystal
Resolution Quality
Visual clarity:
- 35 PPD (pixels per degree)
- Near Vision Pro levels
- Excellent detail
- Minimal screen door
Refresh Rate
Variable options:
- 90Hz base
- 120Hz upgrade
- 144Hz maximum
- GPU dependent
Color and Contrast
Display quality:
- QLED color enhancement
- Mini-LED local dimming
- Good HDR support
- Vibrant imagery
Field of View
Industry-Leading FOV
Widest consumer FOV:
- Horizontal: 130°
- Vertical: 105°
- Up to 140° render
- True peripheral vision
Undistorted View
Key distinction:
- No edge warping
- Full clarity across FOV
- No "tunnel vision"
- Natural viewing experience
FOV Comparison
Market positioning:
- Wider than Quest 3 (~110°)
- Wider than Index (~130° with distortion)
- Wider than Pimax (undistorted)
- Near-human peripheral
Optical System
Aspheric Lenses
Premium optics:
- Wide sweet spot
- Edge-to-edge clarity
- Minimal distortion
- High quality
Swappable Lenses
Modular feature:
- Multiple lens options
- User replaceable
- Prescription compatible
- Customization
IPD Adjustment
Mechanical range:
- Range: 58-72mm
- Physical lens movement
- Precise calibration
- Wide accommodation
Tracking System
SteamVR Lighthouse
External tracking:
- Base stations required
- Not included
- Lighthouse 2.0 support
- Sub-millimeter accuracy
Tracking Quality
Professional grade:
- Reliable 6DoF
- Low latency
- Large play space
- Proven technology
Controller Options
SteamVR ecosystem:
- Valve Index controllers
- VIVE Wands
- SteamVR compatible
- Full ecosystem access
Eye Tracking
120Hz Eye Tracking
Available in Visionary+:
- Frequency: 120Hz
- Open-source API
- Single-point calibration
- Advanced technology
Open-Source API
Developer friendly:
- Public documentation
- Standard interfaces
- Application support
- Community development
Foveated Rendering
Performance optimization:
- Dynamic quality adjustment
- GPU load reduction
- Better performance
- Visual quality maintained
Hand Tracking
Ultraleap Integration
Premium hand tracking:
- FOV: 170° × 170°
- Refresh: 120Hz
- Top-tier technology
- Natural interaction
Available Editions
Feature configuration:
- Striker Edition (hand tracking)
- Titan Edition (eye + hand)
- Ultimate Edition (all features)
Audio System
Integrated Speakers
Built-in audio:
- Off-ear design
- Spatial audio
- Good quality
- Convenience
3.5mm Jack
Headphone option:
- Private listening
- Higher quality option
- Professional use
- User choice
Passthrough
Mixed Reality (Ultimate Edition)
Passthrough capability:
- Stereo cameras
- Color passthrough
- Room awareness
- MR applications
Ultimate Edition Exclusive
Premium feature:
- €3,500 configuration
- Full MR capability
- All features included
- Complete package
Product Editions
Striker Edition
Hand tracking focus:
- Base VR headset
- Ultraleap hand tracking
- No eye tracking
- €1,900+
Visionary Edition
Eye tracking focus:
- Base VR headset
- 120Hz eye tracking
- Foveated rendering
- €2,500
Titan Edition
Eye + Hand:
- Eye tracking
- Hand tracking
- Combined features
- Premium price
Ultimate Edition
Full featured:
- Eye tracking
- Hand tracking
- MR passthrough
- All features included
- €3,500
Physical Design
Build Quality
Premium construction:
- Quality materials
- Solid build
- Professional feel
- Durable design
Weight
Reasonable mass:
- ~450g
- Well balanced
- Comfortable wear
- Good distribution
Modular Straps
Comfort options:
- Multiple strap choices
- User preference
- Aftermarket support
- Customizable fit
PC Requirements
High-End Hardware
Demanding specifications:
- Recommended GPU: RTX 3080+
- High VRAM needed
- Modern CPU
- 32GB+ RAM recommended
DisplayPort 1.4
Connection requirements:
- Full bandwidth needed
- High resolution support
- Modern GPU required
- Quality cable essential
Use Cases
Flight Simulation
Ideal application:
- Peripheral vision critical
- High resolution cockpit
- Immersive experience
- DCS, MSFS optimized
Racing Simulation
Sim racing benefits:
- Wide FOV mirrors
- Peripheral awareness
- Track visibility
- iRacing, ACC
VR Development
Developer features:
- Open APIs
- Standard interfaces
- Testing platform
- Professional quality
Professional Training
Enterprise potential:
- Simulation training
- Medical visualization
- Design review
- Professional applications
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Somnium VR1 | Pimax Crystal | Valve Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €1,900-€3,500 | $1,599+ | $999 kit |
| Resolution/eye | 2880×2880 | 2880×2880 | 1440×1600 |
| FOV | 130°×105° | ~120° | ~130°* |
| Refresh Rate | 90-144Hz | 90-120Hz | 80-144Hz |
| Panels | QLED Mini-LED | QLED Mini-LED | LCD |
| Eye Tracking | Optional (120Hz) | Optional | No |
| Tracking | Lighthouse | Lighthouse/Inside-out | Lighthouse |
*Index 130° includes some distortion at edges
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Widest undistorted FOV (130°×105°)
- Extremely high resolution (2880×2880)
- Open-source eye tracking
- Modular design
- Premium displays
- Ultraleap hand tracking option
- SteamVR ecosystem
Limitations
- High price (€1,900-€3,500)
- Base stations not included
- Very demanding on PC
- No wireless option
- Limited availability
- Complex setup
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual QLED Mini-LED, 2880 × 2880 per eye |
| Total Resolution | 5760 × 2880 |
| FOV | 130° horizontal, 105° vertical |
| Refresh Rate | 90/120/144Hz |
| PPD | 35 pixels per degree |
| Tracking | SteamVR Lighthouse |
| Eye Tracking | 120Hz (Visionary/Titan/Ultimate) |
| Hand Tracking | Ultraleap (Striker/Titan/Ultimate) |
| IPD | 58-72mm mechanical |
| Weight | ~450g |
| Price | €1,900 - €3,500 (by edition) |