PIMAX CRYSTAL Revolutionizes Your Viewing Experience!
This is a Pimax Crystal Review.
Design and Build Quality
The Pimax Crystal has a striking and unique design that sets it apart from other VR headsets on the market. The angular, black plastic exterior gives the headset a sleek and modern look, with a focus on functionality over flashy aesthetics.
In terms of materials, the Crystal VR feels well-built and durable, with a solid construction that inspires confidence. However, at 960g / 2.11 lbs, it is noticeably heavier than many competing headsets, which could lead to fatigue during extended gaming sessions.
The cable management is a mixed bag - the 5m meters or 16 feet braided cable provides ample length for PC VR use, but the need to connect multiple cables, that is DisplayPort, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, adds complexity compared to more streamlined all-in-one designs. The inclusion of swappable battery packs is a thoughtful touch, allowing users to extend playtime without being tethered to a power source.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Pimax Crystal's comfort and ergonomics are a mixed bag. On the positive side, the headset's angular design helps distribute weight evenly, with the rear battery pack balancing out the front-heavy components. This weight distribution, combined with an improved cooling system, allows for extended VR sessions without excessive fatigue.
Display and Optics
The Pimax Crystal VR headset boasts an impressive display with a resolution of 2880 by 2880 per eye, resulting in a pixel density of 35 pixels per degree. This high resolution, combined with the use of QLED panels and miniLED backlighting, delivers stunning visual clarity and vibrant colors.
The Crystal VR Headset field of view is also noteworthy, providing a more immersive experience compared to many other VR headsets on the market. However, it falls short of the wider FOV offered by some of Pimax's previous models.
The Pimax Crystal display also excels in terms of contrast and black levels, thanks to its robust local dimming capabilities. This results in deep blacks and a high level of detail in dark scenes.
However, the Pimax Crystal Display is not without its drawbacks. Some users have reported a slight red color shift, which can be noticeable in certain situations. Additionally, in very dark scenes, there can be some blurring or smudging of the driver's arms or other elements.
Audio
The Pimax Crystal VR built-in audio solution is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the DMAS off-ear headphones provide excellent sound quality and immersion, with a wide soundstage and clear audio reproduction. The headphones are integrated seamlessly into the headset design, adding to the overall premium feel.
Tracking and Controllers
The Pimax Crystal tracking and controllers are a mixed bag. On the positive side, the headset's inside-out tracking system provides reliable and accurate head tracking, with minimal drift or jitter. The controllers themselves are well-designed, with a comfortable grip and intuitive button layout.
Setup and Software
This Pimax VR Headset setup process is a breeze. The included USB hub makes the initial connection to a PC relatively straightforward, with the Pimax Play software automatically detecting and configuring the headset. The software also provides a range of performance optimization options, including dynamic foveated rendering and eye tracking, which can help improve frame rates on less powerful systems.
Performance
The Pimax Crystal offers impressive performance, with refresh rate options up to 120Hz and low motion-to-photon latency. However, achieving optimal performance requires a powerful GPU, with users reporting that even an RTX 3080 Ti may only utilize 80% of the headset's capabilities.
When the Crystal VR works as intended, the experience is smooth and responsive, with no noticeable latency or jitter. The high refresh rate and low persistence display contribute to a comfortable and immersive experience, even during fast-paced gaming.
Value and Competition
The Pimax Crystal is a premium VR headset with a premium price tag to match. At USD 1,599, it is one of the most expensive consumer-grade VR headsets on the market, putting it in direct competition with enterprise-focused solutions like the HTC Vive Pro 2.
VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:05 Design and Build Quality
1:14 Comfort and Ergonomics
2:40 Display and Optics
4:09 Audio
5:08 Tracking and Controllers
6:16 Setup and Software
7:26 Performance
8:29 Value and Competition
8:34 Pros and Cons
8:35 Pros
10:01 Cons