Of course, enjoying the higher refresh rates is going to require a beefier gaming PC. There’s even a testing mode that can push the refresh rate even higher to 144Hz and 160Hz. The display also features a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which allows for smooth gameplay and can help with eye comfort. Having the wider 125-degree horizontal and 140-degree diagonal field of view relieved the eyes of that binocular, immersion-breaking feel that many of the best VR headsets have. Outside of gaming, the Virtual Desktop app allowed us to even work on half of this review in VR due to how crisp and clear image quality was. This capability ensures it can accurately display an extensive array of colors and even works when editing content through software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Photoshop.Įverything from Half-Life: Alyx to Microsoft Flight Simulator to The 7th Guest VR looked phenomenal. The Crystal excels in color reproduction, achieving full coverage of the NTSC color spectrum at 100%. Due to additional capabilities like local dimming, a 20000:1 contrast ratio and the use of aspheric glass lenses, image quality is top-tier. As mentioned previously, the headset features a QLED + Mini LED display that is 2880 x 2880 pixels per eye with a peak brightness of 200 nits. The Pimax Crystal currently has the best consumer-priced audiovisual package of any modern VR headset. There is an extra Pimax button that doubles as an on/off switch for the controllers alongside some device-related settings. They could easily be mistaken for blacked-out Meta Quest 2 or XR series Vive controllers. The rechargeable controllers work well enough with various types of games. Finally, the upper right side of the right lens is where users can switch between PCVR and AIO (or stand-alone) mode. The top right hosts the power button and volume rocker, while the opposite side has a manual slider for interpupillary distance tracking (IDP). There are some toggles and various buttons that are spread throughout the Pimax Crystal headset with a silver colorway. When it comes to ports, there’s one port that connects to a small hub for PCVR, a USB-C port at the bottom for a hand-tracking accessory, a second USB-C port on the side for charging the headset and a 3.5mm if you’d rather not use the included off-ear speakers. When it comes to immersion, the wide field of view and more enclosed design didn’t lead to any situations where outside light could bleed through.Īlongside the top straps is a tightening dial for added comfort beyond various padding. Regardless of whether you’re using the headset stand-alone or with your PC, batteries are required, and they do add weight to an already heavy device.ĭespite being heavier than most VR headsets at around 2 pounds, it still remains comfortable to wear due to proper weight distribution, though some may find it a bit much during longer sessions. The pack includes two batteries alongside a USB-C charging case. The all-black angular design feels futuristic, from the front faceplate to the rear straps that also house the battery. There’s something premium-looking about the Pimax Crystal from first glance. However, things begin to fall apart considerably when you’re using stand-alone mode.Īfter spending around three weeks with the Pimax Crystal, here are some of our takeaways with the hybrid VR headset. Add some wonderfully sounding DTS:X-certified off-ear speakers that sound audibly rich and powerful in volume and combine that with intuitive rechargeable controllers, and the Pimax Crystal could be considered one of the best ways to play PC-based VR for those who can afford the high $1,599 asking price. Each QLED + Mini LED display offers an impressive resolution of 2880 x 2880 pixels per eye in addition to an incredibly wide 125-degree horizontal and 140-degree diagonal field of view. Offering both stand-alone and PC-based VR, the Pimax Crystal offers a fantastic audiovisual experience on both fronts. The Pimax Crystal attempts to blur the lines between both worlds. This setup provides a higher visual fidelity and more console-like experience with the better-performing hardware. Tethered headsets like the PSVR 2 and Valve Index require either a console or a gaming PC to operate. They’re easy to set up, they don’t require additional hardware and they’re free of wires. Stand-alone devices like the Meta Quest 3 and HTC Vive XR Elite have been ultra popular amongst enthusiasts and casual users alike. Modern virtual reality headsets usually embrace one of two design philosophies: stand-alone or tethered. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account
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