Some users will also find a performance benefit or use case from the integrated Tobii eye-tracking.
But for everyone else, there are better value options.
Meanwhile, theQuest 3has done away with these rings.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
There’s no resistance in the triggers, and they just don’t feel that good to use.
At least the Pimax Crystal controllers have a basic physical grip button.
Or, more accurately, 960g (34oz).
If you have the hardware to get the best of it, the Crystal is the best-looking image you’ll find in a PCVR headset, and an easy recommendation for flight sim and racing fans. Some users will also find a performance benefit or use case from the integrated Tobii eye-tracking. But for everyone else, there are better value options.
Thats almost twice the weight of the Quest 3, but a little less than the Quest Pro.
The racket strap also helps here, enabling you to clasp it down in a more comfortable position.
Off-ear headphones are integrated, too, in a similar fashion to the Valve Index.
If you have the hardware to get the best of it, the Crystal is the best-looking image you’ll find in a PCVR headset, and an easy recommendation for flight sim and racing fans. Some users will also find a performance benefit or use case from the integrated Tobii eye-tracking. But for everyone else, there are better value options.
This is apparently due to the use of the XR2 chipsetthe same used in the Meta Quest 3.
Assuming things are plugged in right, it should automatically charge when the headset is not in use.
It’s a very subjective issue, with different head sizes, shapes, and eye positions.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
My wife could tolerate it for only a short time.
A headset that’s perfect for everyone doesn’t exist, and never will.
I would always encourage you to demo a headset before purchasingwhich might be difficult with the Pimax Crystal.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
Steam VR offers something similar.
But at the very least, you’d expect a menu system.
There isn’t one here.
On occasion, the display would completely glitch out.
The Crystal is the most finicky headset Ive played with yet.
Which is a shame because when it works, it can be absolutely incredible-looking.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
For comparison’s sake, 60ppd is the magic number thats said to be equivalent of human eyes.
Many VR enthusiasts would happily trade pixel density for FOV.
Thats a little more than the Quest 3s 110/96, but roughly the same as the Valve Index.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
This is about as good as it’s possible for you to expect from current lens technology.
Beyond that, you’ll start to experience heavy distortion around the edges.
With an interpupillary distance (IPD) range of 58-72mm, the Crystal should accommodate most people.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
For graphically detailed and intensive games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, you’re looking at a 4070 or 4090.
My 3060 can barely keep up.
This is something the PSVR2 has also implemented.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
So you should be able to get some degree of performance boost.
However, the game must also support DFR to get a benefit.
I found auser-submitted list of titles and the claimed boosts.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
Note that some games are natively supported, and some you must configure to use a different driver.
I tried a handful of these, and in practice, it made no difference to my performance.
Unfortunately, I found no way of disabling this automatic frame interpolation in SteamVR.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
That said, I experienced no unexpected issues with the camera-based tracking.
Mostly, I play racing sims and slow-paced adventure games, but the classic litmus test is Beat Saber.
Should You Buy the Pimax Crystal?
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
But some might also consider it a non-issue that helps with weight distribution.
The standalone mode isnt worth touching right now, and it may never be.
At the very least, it should have provided a basic movie-watching featurebut it doesnt.
But is it three times as good as an HP Reverb or Quest 3?
Thats a difficult call.
So who should buy the Pimax Crystal?
The level of detail, field of view, and immersion that results when everything works fine is unparalleled.
But it’s not officially announced, so it’s likely at least six months away from shipping.
That said, I think the Pimax Crystal has a huge amount of potential.
The top-end hardware, combined with eye tracking for foveated rendering, is future-proofed for a while.
The software bugs can be worked on, and Im confident improvements will come, along with various upgrades.
A modular design is to be applauded, but only if those modules come to fruition.
But for everyone else, there are better options.
