Hands-On with Razer OSVR HDK 2 Virtual Reality Headset

We're at E3 this week checking out new virtual reality games and hardware. First up is Razer's new OSVR Hacker Development Kit 2. We learn about its display and lens system, how Razer is making this more of a consumer device, and get a hands-on demo. Here's why we're hopeful but cautious about this $400 headset.
Shot by Joey Fameli and edited by Norman Chan
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Thanks for watching!

[@azeller09]

"how long is the cable?" "2-3 meters" "WELL HOW LONG IS IT 2 OR IS IT 3?!?!??!WHRRRRAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

[@TheCrankydragon]

Nice to see serious competitors on the affordability end.

[@FlameSoulis]

I already own a Razer Hydra, and with my DK2, I can play 'VIVE' games with ease. Seeing this makes me super happy, since I already HAVE the controllers!

[@Obbliteration]

You get what you pay for. That elastic band looks like a constant headache.

[@FlameSoulis]

+Obbliteration my DK2 is no better, but you get used to it

[@Obbliteration]

Flame Soulis DK2 is outdated already

[@FlameSoulis]

Obbliteration yeah, but it still works. That's why this headset from Razer looks like a beautiful upgrade worth buying.

[@jakepaolillo]

Norm really caries some of these interviews... Blows my mind these large company's dont hire people with communication skills to show off there product.

[@Cssfiend]

You see a lot of complaints in the comment section about norms style when hes doing stuff with some of the other tested regulars, but he really does great when it comes to stuff like this, he's clearly in his element.

[@ImperiaGin]

+Cssfiend I really enjoy watching this channel and whenever norm is here I love it

[@gillettecrackers]

I think the OSVR guy answered the questions relatively well.

[@KiloLima39]

Their responses are basically scripted.

[@jakepaolillo]

Kilo-Lima From an information standpoint they answer the questions fine. The problem is they do it with low confidence and zero charisma. I just think large company's such as Razer would benefit by hiring someone who specializes in selling products. Its not like they cant afford it.

[@WhiteError37]

The day they bundle a VR headset with a flesh light I'll buy one

[@chris9319]

lol

[@BrightSpark]

Maybe there is a bundle in japan that combines a VR headset with the Ju-C Air.

[@bloodhit1]

Japan is riiight on it.

[@kivylius]

They are already, check eBay

[@penwoopydo]

twerking butt comes with a VR mobile attachment or whatever it is.

[@MineCraft4Meh]

Don't know what I'd do without you Norm! I can't ask for better VR coverage. Thank you so much!!

[@thetravelinghermit]

A really good interview! Specific questions and the interviewer understands the answers he's getting and improving more questions based on them. Well done!

[@tomdrums4607]

Good Job norm, i really loved how much that guy grilled him on everything and actually knew what you were talking about. subscribed!

[@mattleuty5285]

Who wishes that Norm could be with them every time you purchase any electrical item? He clearly outclassed this guy with his knowledge!!!

[@bliglum]

Full RGB OLED displays, no crummy artifact introducing fresnel lenses, all at a more reasonable price... Impressive!! : )

[@Redhotsmasher]

Full RGB OLED = Someone make a phone with this panel, pronto!

[@tormaid42]

Very good coverage. I'll be checking back for more VR videos.

[@johntrussell7228]

Norm is the man. he nailed every question I had and truly does a fantastic job.

[@RealStuntPanda]

I love that there's an Open Source option in the VR market. More competition is good for the market.

[@MrSlaughtematic]

Yeah! Good on Razer for doing this.

[@ThePotato_]

www.osvr.org/partner.html

[@WarpRulez]

We really need healthy competition in the market to combat the de facto monopoly of the two big companies and drive the prices down. This is most welcome!

[@izhamsaad]

visited site of OSVR seems this device not getting much support from bigger firm except for a few like intel, razer.. i wonder why AMD wouldn't want to join give it support

[@sirnoobs8098]

i know right normally amd is all about os

[@SparrowHawk183]

Wow, Norm does a great interview, even with less than talkative subjects :) Lots of info from this!

[@BlakeRobert]

Norm you are a very skilled interviewer, extreme ability to extract facts about a product.

[@Ryzza5]

Been a little while since I've watched a tested vid and pleased to say your interviewing is much better here

[@janred94]

Norms interviews are always spot on! Even better if his opponent knows about the stuff he is talking about :D

[@bradley3549]

As a geek I appreciate the depth he tries to get. As a human, I always cringe the same way I do when I watch a skateboarder take a crotch shot down a flight of stairs.

[@f1amezof]

That's exact VR kit that I wanted. Without redundant controllers and other shit. I just want to wear that VR headset and play my favourite games in VR. Hopefully Razer will give us that possibility.

[@immark6937]

Norm has gotten so god as an interviewer. Really enjoy the quality of videos compared to a year ago

[@JurassicCollectables]

This is cool, great to see the company being open to third party gloves. Way I see it you'd get the best of both worlds that way, haptics and headset

[@themetalgod50]

i am happy to see a cheaper (400$) vr head set.

[@ImperiaGin]

It just depends on how good it is and everything even tho Razer is a very solid company that makes good products .

[@anonanon69]

+Abe ew no

[@dirtyypantaloons57]

ew yes

[@victorschandrin2135]

why not?

[@ji3200]

osvr uses RGB per pixel display is a very smart move. No screen door effect like Sony psvr.

[@MomenternityRecords]

stoked for VR . Thanks for the video.

[@JJHastonian85]

What happened to Leap motion? Still waiting on the integrated leap motion face-plate upgrade for the 1.3, 1.4 HDK.

[@isaacsailor1]

Norm did a good job leading the rep through the technical specs.

[@Aku77777]

Norm is what makes this chanel what it is. I wish he had his own independent chanel. I only watch his videos. He is great at interviewing.

[@theslvrbullt]

You guys must be mind readers... I literally learned about this thing yesterday and was looking for some information and impressions on it, but ran out of time on my lunch. Thanks for the hands on!

[@The254dude]

the fact that you can adjust the clarity so you don't have to wear glasses immediately got me hooked. Since I am mainly one-eyed (right eye is 20/20 while the left is 100/20) I can actually be able to adjust to goggles to my desire so that I can feel comfortable. Plus it's open-freaking-source and only $400!

[@masonrosk4347]

but do you still need a monitor while your using it? the vive wont even work if it doesn't detect another display.

[@Jazzybreaks]

so does this kit come with head tracking or do i need to buy 3rd party tracking? and its $299 on amazon right now...

[@slugrag]

Excellent interview

[@lolsmcfee]

this is exactly what i wanted from the v2 release. mostly the fact that it will have native steam vr support

[@alessandromangaXD]

Can it altready be used on steam with steam games? Does it now have a user friendly software? is the configuration easy?

[@aohige]

I really hope Razer consider adapting the lighthouse technology in their future OSVR sets

[@gabrielswee585]

*I LOVE THE GLOVES!!*

[@paulboranian]

The guy being interviewed is more robotic than the product

[@anonony9081]

I think norm intimidated him lol

[@Exen88]

+Ano Nony lol he's tensed up

[@Awsomander]

Looking forward to using this and my dual joystick setup in Star Citizen and No Man's Sky!

[@RTAMOTORSPORTS]

I wonder if they will ever fix their positional tracking issues. 360 degree rotation but beyond 75degrees you get yaw drift. very unnatural feeling and ruins immersion.

[@derek3380]

I have the HDK 1.4 and I can use a leap motion that I bought off eBay for $20 as controllers for steamVR and it works pretty well. I can play most vive games easily.

[@spotexx]

What parter did he say when he was talking about the vr controller at 2:16 sub title said "not lapse" what is the actual name

[@darovi]

So it's like the PSVR with shimmering, no linen effect and you can read text on the corners, same specs as the Vive and Oculus but without headphones or controllers... good enough for me. I just want a barebones HMD, this might be it.

[@Jassbusters]

8:25 Jesus..

[@MarCuseus]

No, that's just Norm

[@whizkid75]

What?

[@GAMENOVA]

the selfie right ?

[@ezez4205]

There should be a demo where you have all of the VR Headsets available and you can try them "live" and see the differences.

[@EvilScrooge]

Ahh why is it all so vague? I know it tracks rotation, but Can it detect my head tilt?

[@jimmysgameclips]

The *slight* problem I see is that it's made for affordability but you still have controllers to buy making the price closer to the Vive but even then it should be a lot less so if they do get tracked controllers supported and worked out then colour me impressed. Also as a glasses wearer the lens adjustment dials are freakin cool!

[@Thomasso2007]

Norman, as a glasses user, how you were able to use it? Need to take them off or what??

[@14supersonic]

Might get one of these to screw around in VR, see what kind of things I could do with it.

[@xXNuclearWarXx]

Good to see an open source headset at a more affordable price to boot. It makes me think that VR will become affordable quicker than I had anticipated. Though of course, having a PC capable of of producing acceptable framerates is still the biggest barrier. but even that will become a non-issue before too long.

[@youjustgotcarled]

what i want to know are the input buses that it uses

[@MobileDecay]

I really don't understand this thing. It's supposed to be open and this seems to be the headset you need to have to use this but then how is it open? I'm confused. O.o

[@PatrickHodge86]

does anyone know if the HDK2 has pupillary adjustment?

[@Hugocraft]

Enjoy watching you pick apart a "new to you" VR headset using your past knowledge and experience with the rift and vive

[@Exxokk]

Wow that looks cool

[@dadadadumdeedum6043]

i'll will buy one when MMORPG vr games come out

[@knownuser09]

Sweet this will go with my RGB keyboard, mouse, motherboard, gfx card, mouse pad, speakers, hdd that are RGB also. All we need now is a stock monitor with RGB.

[@quacktac]

This is looking great, I wonder how long until I break and have to buy one of these for Elite Dangerous.

[@gillettecrackers]

What are the green headphones?

[@nephildevil]

bring it on! VR needs more competitors to drop the prices and improve the newborn tech

[@XernealHD]

Could i play ALL OCULUS and HTC VIVE games (of course HTC VIVE games with a controller, like Glove One or Manus VR)

[@sparksthe_pegasus3978]

The biggest problem with open source things / free things in general: will it work out of the box? and: is it long term viable with established / new things? time will tell if they really want to be in the market. and if the company REALLY wants to do this. -i for one, seeing a 1 USB + 1HDMI port VR Head set, am very exited.

[@i208khonsu]

If STEM can get their tracked controllers out the door I think it'll really open up the viability for cheaper alternatives like OSVR as well as Claire and Eyefinity. Another wildcard could be Google Daydream. While it was announced with just the single tracked controller, Google has been showing off demos of Cardboard software using the Vive. I would assume you could sync two or more of these controllers up to your Daydream headset. Perhaps it would be possible for something like a future OSVR headset to be compatible with Daydream controllers. Controllers would be anchored to the headset, and the headset would be anchored to the camera.

[@galvanizeddreamer2051]

FINALLY! SOMEONE THAT KNOWS OF STEM!

[@vgszxfwul5982]

love the glove controller, wonder how it works

[@iLLexian]

thats cool but the belt buckle attachment thing with all the cables coming out would bother me.should have just made the headset cable longer and leave the box on the ground(like the vive).. The extra USB port would be nice, but that just another cable.

[@FlameSoulis]

Razer releases the Hydra. I love it. Sixense begins working on STEM. I want it. Razer makes the OSVR. I want it. They upgrade it to version 2. I REALLY want it.

[@PimpTwzt]

I think the best way to go with affordable VR is a google cardboard/Gear VR type system. One which you use a USB Type C device with a 2k or 4k display with 1 single USB C cable coming from the device to a small box that plugs into your PC or console via HDMI and USB 3. Your 2k or 4k phone would be your VR device very similar to Oculus Rift or this HDK2. The headset of course would only run about $99 and most of us will already have the phone. And really the resolution of the screen doesn't have to be 2k or 4k.. 1080p would be fine as well just as long as there is a Type C connector on the phone. The idea behind this is that your phone would be your VR screen and use the phones sensors.. The games would not run on the phone, it would just simply be an additional screen plugged into your computer/Console. And with just one tiny cable. I am honestly surprised no one has done this yet. I can not be the first to think of this. Hopefully Google's VR device will lay the ground work.

[@00101001000000110011]

you are so ignorant it hurts. you think all displays are the same? the screens on any phone don't compare to the screens being used in the PC VR headsets or PSVR, it's not just having X resolution and Y refresh rate, there are quite important factors you seem oblivious to. the sensors in your phone are also not NEARLY as accurate as the bare minimum they need to be to make gaming viable instead of a pukeathlon2000. USB3.1 Gen2 is a good perspective yes (what you call Type C. Type C is nothing but the little connector, you can have USB3.1Gen2 with a Type A or B connector, the ones that are commonly used for years) but the reason it's currently not being used in the headsets is >98% of the PC users do not have such ports in their system, and if the required specs are already quite the barrier of entry, uping the anthem would only add insult to injury. if you want affordable VR as soon as possible, go PSVR. this is for serious gaming. otherwise, you can also just wait 1-2 years and get more affordable PC VR in the lowest tiers of options available then.

[@kendokaaa]

That breakout box though

[@arcadealchemist]

use air bags that can be pumped for better fit. (rebbok pump)

[@bamcorpgaming5954]

Wonder what happened with their 150 degree FOV lenses, it was said they are "coming soon" then they disappeared off the website. no comments have been made as to why either.

[@alexandrumarianburghelea1614]

was starVR at e3?

[@gakvin98]

can you use vive controllers with it

[@eddietorres4496]

does it work with xbox one?

[@jackthecohen]

Is there a review of OnePlus 3 coming?

[@dejakhalz]

Dumb question, but are VR headsets just monitors inside goggles or does it actually look 3d or do something?

[@wakkowarner8810]

the trick is the software that displays the images on the monitors, that's what makes it look 3d

[@jamelzer0]

i have a razor hydra sitting around so this might be an ok option for me

[@kurtsennerich3780]

The razor guy is awesome, because he resembles the average client of the vrh. He has the answers, shy guys need without coming across as aggressive. This is great marketing and their product will likely sell better than others even without great "specs" compared to others' products.

[@penwoopydo]

I really hope it'll be Steam VR ready soon, just needs some external hand controllers to make it fully compatible.

[@penwoopydo]

Gloves better be a Steam VR option soon,they only support hand controls right now.

[@Exen88]

There's no room for casual conversation in this interview lmao. Look at that guys eyes..fucking tensed.

[@MapleChanAndStuff]

I purchased the HDK 1.4 about 2 months ago, they said they would release upgrade kits for the HDK 1.3 to upgrade to 1.4, we still haven't seen this. I really hope that Razer gives that upgrade ability like they advertised to the 1.X headset to upgrade it to 2.X, Thousands will be angry if they don't. Overall the HDK 1.4 is a excellent headset for the money and the fact it is open source, Though the screen-door effect is noticeable, its not as big as it is on the Oculus DK2, the head-tracking is pretty good, if you experience issues with it just re-calibrate. I haven't experienced any problems, its working great, even got it working with Steam VR, and I got Wii controllers working like the Vive's as well.

[@robertpresti7775]

Razer never upgrades software on any oh their products dear clear from anything razer makes. seriously, I'm not a disgruntled consumer.Their products are shit

[@MapleChanAndStuff]

+Robert Presti (angrydroid) I wasn't talking software wise, I was talking on the hardware, you can in theory replace the screen, somebody from the OSVR dev team said they are working on it on the forms. And even if you think that Razer won't update it, it's all open source, so say if I, a developer wanted room tracking, I could just put it into the OSVR core app myself. That's the whole thing about open source.

[@MapleChanAndStuff]

+Robert Presti (angrydroid) Also, if you're going to get into a argument about it, then please, at least have some knowledge about the headset, rather than just stating that Razer is a shit company.

[@KamiKitsuneVA]

I'll definitely buy this when I have the money. I mean, it's like the Linux of the VR headsets and It works with every VR game!!

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

It'll be interesting to see when more dedicated display makers jump into the HMD peripheral biz with their own brands. Acer, Asus, LG, the inevitable Alienware HMD....Sony, Samsung and HTC are obviously already invested.

[@Armetron]

Unfortunately for VR headset developers the HTC Vive kind of set the standard for future VR headsets, this is due to the position tracking and remotes that more and more games are reqiring. From that point on every future headset needs to have some form of controller to support the games that rely on the HTC features

[@Valto94]

8:25 selfiee!!!

[@gort_3482]

I think VR will be a real thing in about two years. The improvements in cpu and gpu technologies as well as new optic developments will coincide with actual 'made for' AA titles. Most the stuff for VR now is little more than 'proof of concept' demos at best. The problems with the clumsy teleportation method of movement in most titles needs to be overcome, a more realistic method of movement needs to be developed because the current system actually detracts from the 'reality' immersion aspect. I'd reckon about 2018 VR will be viable and these issues should hopefully have been sorted. Then we will see enough units sold worldwide for big developers to actually put resources towards creating great AAA titles. At the moment its little more than a gimmick..

[@Zetler]

I don't get how this works. So the lenses are right up to your eyes and thus fill up your entire field of view?

[@Mike-my7uf]

Norm! You da best!

[@MrSkyl1ne]

All i want is to play shooters with keyboard an mouse while wearing a VR headset, watch movies in VR and play race and flight sims behind my desk. I don't need stupid motion controllers that force you to stand and not be able to move regularly in a game.

[@NightroPulse]

Almost perfect for me! It's basically 4K when comparing the size of the lenses and it's OLED! The only thing that worries me is being able to use my glasses with it but might not need to. I want to be able to see detailed graphics, not just being able to read text.

[@Astroboy747380]

It isn't 4k, the resolution mentioned is total, not each eye. So it's identical to the Rift and Vive.

[@NightroPulse]

Daniel Morel Well that sucks. (Not being per eye) Then which would you say is better, this or the Samsung gear VR? Seeing how I already have a Galaxy S7 edge and it will work with Nvidia VR as well. It is a higher resolution but I would not be seeing the whole phone but cut off areas the size of lenses, therefor no longer being QHD.

[@Astroboy747380]

Edward Elizondo Hmm, I personally have a Rift and you can definitely notice the lower resolution but it's still very playable and when your immersed in the game you don't even notice it so it isn't a problem. The Vive so I have heard doesn't have as great a video quality as the Rift even though they use the same displays. I hear the Samsung Gear is really good for a phone based system. To be honest, I wouldn't buy anything off Razer, they are known for bad quality products and there is nothing revolutionary or great about the OSVR. That's just my opinion :)

[@NightroPulse]

Daniel Morel Thanks for your opinion but what do you mean Razor is known for their bad quality control? For which products? I've been keeping up with tech news for a long time now and this is the first I've heard of it. I only know them for having great laptops at a premium price and is the default device for Linus from Linus Tech Tips. I consider ACER to have bad quality control as well as ASUS for some of their monitors only because they have a high demand.

[@Astroboy747380]

Edward Elizondo I have never owned a Razor product so I probably can't really say much but that's just what I have heard.

[@josiahhooker6941]

yay

[@Cutlerylover4life1]

I wonder what the long term effects of having the screen so close to your eyes are.

[@zestyorangez]

+djkoz78 strange, my prolapses have never made me go cross eyed.

[@Overwatch93]

can confirm

[@LegendBegins]

None, because the lenses change the focus to several feet away.

[@pie189]

it's not as jarring as having a monitor in front of you because your eyes focus further away.

[@Luke29121999]

The same as when sitting infront of a screen, probably even less because your eyes are focused way further away thanks to the lenses.

[@DerekSpeareDSD]

His answer to the ATW question was not clear. ATW is a must. Direct compatibility with Oculus titles and games supporting the Oculus is a must as well. Don't leave this up to each developer to do. This is something for the developers of this device.

[@tatsumaru12345]

I wish steam would allow external video vr support. What do I mean? So you can use trinus vr on pc/android and moonlight, and as long as the image is in side by side 3d, it works extremely well with gear vr *or any android headset* Trinus has an option to tether your phone to your pc via a direct hotspot connection, and works well. But! SteamVr apps don't even launch, unless you have an oculus/vive plugged up. So 3d desktop, is a no go.

[@tatsumaru12345]

***** After I made this comment, I tried Riftcat a month or so after. For the most part, I totally agree. Some steam apps don't work so hot. I can't say the video quality is quite as good as moonlight, but its fine. Too bad you have to pay for it, to really get use out of it.

[@pizzamangargatuloth4804]

Just finished serial experiments lain and all I have to say is holy shit this is real.

[@pumpuppthevolume]

we need os controllers that could possibly wotk with anything

[@PromethorYT]

Personally I'm not into Razer products, but I saw that the lenses where pretty dirty from being used by so many peoples. I think the shimmering might be due to unclean lenses. Seems like a decent headset, but I would rather save more money for the Vive. At least for now this is my opinion.

[@TheMrwarior]

Vive seems like the ideal of VR so far and rightfully so, but it's stll nice to see competition

[@toonv4023]

I thought it was a texture on the lenses at 1:22, but looking at it a second time, i think i was wrong..

[@TheMrwarior]

***** true true. But in the long run it strengthens OpenVR which means less games locked for a specific lens like Oculus is doing

[@PromethorYT]

***** I agree, I rly don't support the way Occulus is doing their business. Exclusives and locking games to their Store etc. These are accessories not Consoles. It make me think of Apple business model, If you start buying their products you are stuck using their peripherals, store, accessories, not universal. Want to switch to an Android? Well sorry its not compatible with your iPad anymore. lol

[@matthewdh123]

I'm going for the rift. Is that an elite dangerous logo I see? What ship ya flying? I'm currently in my ASP explorer saving up for my type 7 so I can start saving for my anaconda. I also play the game only in the Oculus Rift DK2, I will upgrade to the CV1 one when it comes in. Have it ordered. You try Elite Dangerous in the rift yet?

[@FlexibleToast]

Funny how the lack of controllers is your thoughts on what holds it back the most. For me, that's the biggest draw. I want to use this with flight simulators where just providing a true head tracking view would be awesome and I already have controllers best suited for what I want to do.

[@RamsesTheFourth]

Finaly affordable VR headset. I thope that lots of companies will start making tracking devices on their own and lower the price even further.

[@twitte0king]

where is this now?

[@ShiroCh_ID]

im from the future its 2023! i dont see any VR Products pricing goes down especially PCVR Based that needs PC to runs, Meta Quest 3 is cool but its more like portable devices to me

[@RichardServello]

WTF resolution did he say??

[@SiCrewe]

Beats me why there's such a fuss about controllers. Sure, VR games might be a novelty for a while but once that dies down it'll only be fans of flight sim's and racing games who adopt VR long-term and we already HAVE joysticks and steering wheels that work just fine. All we need is the best possible display and decent head-tracking.

[@GrimRScythe]

Seeing DaithiDeNogla at 8:09 made me laugh :P

[@OdiumTV]

still sticking with my VR Head©

[@ranjiemo6798]

I like the controller