Pimax Crystal Review - I TRIED SO HARD to Love This!

FOLLOW UP VIDEO HERE: • Has Pimax FIXED the Cr...
On paper, the Pimax Crystal VR Headset looks to tick a lot of boxes. Great Optics, Wide FOV, No Screendoor Effect, etc, etc. But what is this headset actually like to live with? Today I'll take you through my experience.
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TIME STAMPS:
Intro: 0:00
Important Information & Context: 0:54
Pricing: 3:50
Hardware & Specs: 5:36
Build Quality: 18:11
User Experience: 24:52
Conclusions: 36:47
#pimax #crystal #vr

[@boostedmedia]

FOLLOW UP VIDEO HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2qwmGyMfbqplaM

[@nathantw]

I loved what you did when you were describing the screen door effect. Well done!

[@rainjurfox1230]

Thank you for the insight! I'm definitely looking forward to software updates in the future of these higher-end headsets.

[@cptairwolf]

I'm awaiting my review copy after having tried it at a flight sim expo and I'm glad you noticed the jittering on tracking because that was one of the things I noticed while at the show as well. I think using the Base Station adapter they will be releasing will help with this as it's likely a camera tracking byproduct.

[@alandean691]

awesome guys ... your reviews blow me away ... even demonstrating the screen door and abheration effects ... great detail ... again , always honest and fair with your opinions. great job guys . looking forward to more reviews 🙂

[@finndoessims3214]

Thanks. I'm about to post a 'things I love about pimax and things... I don't love quite so much". Steve did a similar video at VRflight sim guy, but we have slightly different issues. I'll post a link to his video in mine.

[@air_piepie2052]

The SDE integration at 8:40 was mint ! Another great review, thank you !

[@Terrathrax]

Hard to notice unless looking for, but a nice effect.

[@chrisc3825]

THANK YOU! I had a very similar issue with my 8kx. It was constantly jittering AND there was drift such that at the end of every lap or two, I needed to reset my seating position. It was literally costing me 1-2 seconds per lap in ACC, which is utterly insane. Once I put my Index back on, it was like a breath of fresh air - everything was steady and smooth and soft on my eyes and it allowed me to have razor sharp focus when driving, something that I completely lost while in the 8kx. I was using Lighthouse 2.0's which may have been a cause of the issue as others with 2.0's seemed to have problems as well, but I was unwilling to buy 1.0's just to get this working. I even opened a Steam developer account so I could get the Steam VR SDK and recalibrate the headset, and although it helped some (you can run a test with the SDK to measure this), it still had drift and jitter, up to 10x what the Index had. This made me realize that perfect tracking is the #1 most important thing in a VR headset for sim racing - more than FOV and more than clarity, and even more than the refresh rate! Glad I watched this! Hard pass for sim racing. Waiting on Dekard for as long as it takes.

[@Spinelli__]

I have the 5K Super and I don't use any base stations at all therefore I (expectedly) get lots of drift where I reset my position every lap or 2 as well. Yet, I'm able to easily, easily lap just as fast and consistent as always, perhaps even more so. You're right, it's totally insane that you're loosing 1-2 seconds per lap because of some drift. I think you may have other problems if some drift is costing you time, let alone 1-2 seconds.

[@chrisc3825]

@@Spinelli__ it's been a while and I'm not the greatest driver, but it was jitter in addition to the drift. I think the jitter was just making it really difficult to get the car at the limit. I was doing a 1:55's for my best times with the Lexus at Nurburgring in ACC and I couldn't get within even a sniff of a 1:56 with the Pimax. As soon as I put the Index back on, it was like putting glasses on a person with horrible vision. All of a sudden everything was intensely clear and fresh and I could focus on the last few inches on every corner. Ultimately I think it was the jitter more than the drift, but I'm glad I'm not crazy at least! Thanks for the response.

[@irishpat64]

Thank you very, much for this video…I received my Crystal yesterday and despite numerous try’s with cable plug in combos,unplugging,replugging the headset I just couldn’t get my PC to recognize the Crystal Finally after 4 hrs of Frustration I got on my bike and went to my local Ale House. After calming down over a few lovely pints I decided to search KZbin and came across your video. I watched and noted I never bothered to check how my Cable was plugged into to the headset….after 1 or many more 😅Pints I head3d home and sure enough my plug was in wrong…doesn’t usually happen I have 2 kids 😅 Thanks so much for stating the obvious for those like me whom overlooked it.

[@Nicktrump1776]

Awesome review!! Thankyou!! I feel like you look at VR the exact same way as I do and it makes it very easy to see where VR is in terms of tech and current state of the market.

[@smallpotato8752]

Me want

[@RoscoePablo]

One thing I noticed with my original Pimax’s I have is that when you update the headset remove the display port and leave the usb connected it updates with no issues.

[@hj-redravenheng3822]

Great review WIll - Immersaed Robot has had the DFR working, be interesting to see your take on the performance difference.

[@youngyingyang]

Thanks Will for your review. I have a ProSimu P7MP motion rig and I'm forced to used SimTools but I want to race in VR. SimTools doesn't have motion compensation, how do you manage it?

[@channelvr1293]

This review has become obsolete because of major software upgrade and also eye tracking amongst other upgrades. Still worth to watch the hardware info and explanation of what HMD does..

[@BadWallaby]

I agree about the buttons position but how immersed are you really if you're adjusting the headset subconsciously? Usually I adjust when I cant see properly and the immersion is basically gone at that point. However even with the Quest 2 I have the same issue with the button placement

[@VirtualAirTour]

For those unaware Varjo has released a beta fix for the red/blue shift issue. Currently it's a quick batch script that needs to be run once per PC/VR reboot but it significantly improves the overall clarity and the reds/blues appearing slightly offset in the Aero.

[@moguy1]

Also on sale for 25% off till end of Ausust. If you have all the steam vr kit its somewhat on par $ with Crystal for the time being

[@JohnVanderbeck]

How bad is the godrays/glare though? I heard it suffered from that issue like the Index does and the Index is completely unusable to me.

[@C6v1999]

@@JohnVanderbeck I do not have godrays or glare with my Aero and you won't see that mentioned in all the Aero reviews that I saw before my purchase in May. Yesterday Varjo announced a permanent price drop to 990 dollars/euros.

[@JohnVanderbeck]

@@C6v1999 Yeah I think I might have been confusing that with the Beyond.

[@VirtualAirTour]

@@JohnVanderbeck understandable as there are so many headsets/specs to keep sorted. I can confirm Godrays are a non factor with the Varjo Aero.

[@danceoffAsh]

Thank you Will! Was looking at a Sim Racer's perspective of the Crystal and I am glad this went to the right hands. Awesome review like always!

[@Gr00t]

Would absolutely love something like this, haven't used anything except vr for 2 years since i got my G2 but the FOV is severely lacking. Only reason i would consider triples.

[@CorporateZombi]

I have high hopes for the Pimax 12K QLED. If they can deliver the clarity of the Crystal but with high field of view as well, and it can run on a machine with a RTX4090 or less, they'll get my money.

[@davewills6121]

Also have a G2 which just never gets used since i brought a Tobi Eye Tracker 5. ALYX ruined VR for me, everything else is just the same old shooting ducks game, or mobile quality. VR is a pain in Flight Sims, you are totally blind, have to fumble around like a blind man with the Virpils. VR's development is slower than Star Citizens.

[@davewills6121]

@@CorporateZombi With VR's development at a snails pace because the different manufactures are dragging their heels as they triple the price tag for their junk, the tech is still jurassic, no real advance on the CV1, just 3 times more expensive. You have to fumble around like a blind man if you want to use your joysticks in Flight/Space Sims, or use there silly joy cons, what, after you have spent $2000? gouging rip off

[@CorporateZombi]

@@davewills6121 well the crystal does have a massive resolution bump over the CV1. And it is self tracked. And it does have eye tracking, and it can work in a wireless stand alone mode. So I think things have moved on a bit from 2016's CV1. I do get your point though, maybe when quest 3 comes out it will be easier to use the passthru for tracked mixed reality windows so you can see your flight controls. You can get software to do this right now for valve index. Which I would use if I had an index!

[@charzy11]

Very much looking forward to hear sim racers thoughts on BigScreen Beyond!

[@Evil-Nipples]

I was just about to ask if you were going to look at the Bigscreen Beyond, and right at the end of the video you mention you have video coming out soon. Awesome...can't wait for that one.

[@tdhitchins]

I had a software issue with the 8k x. It’s actually made my go reverb g2 act a little funny now too even tho I’ve uninstalled the primax and sold it. It was incredible but it was just a bit dodgy. I could switch it on and play straight away but it would sometimes crash or just act a bit funny. I had enough of it and sold it unfortunately. Primax we’re incredibly helpful, never met a more helpful support tbh

[@Hotdognzz]

Got mine plugged it in was racing and flying in 10 mins no issues, I went straight to OpenXR. Runs great everytime I switch it on, just as easy as my G2 was. Then too 30 mins with OpenXR to dial in even better settings and I'm blow away. So far one of the easiest installs for VR I have had, Windows 10, 4090, all software installed prior to plugging the headset in. I have have had no jitter or the other issues you mentioned. Yes the buttons are in the worst place ever.

[@mowhmo]

Hi bro. I got mine ordered. What software do I need and where to find? Can you please tell me. Thanks ❤

[@Hotdognzz]

@@mowhmo you get all the info and links you need when it arrives.

[@damiengvideos4337]

Hey Will thanks for the review! Should be getting my Crystal soon (so they tell me at least after I paid and verified my address) and this is good info to have going in. I am not too deterred by the issues but that is frustrating for sure. I guess I'll just have to put up with the Crystal and it's issues until we HOPEFULLY see an Aero 2! Can't wait to see the comparison of the Crystal to the Big Screen! Maybe the Big Screen is a better route even with smaller FOV

[@jasperdrop6474]

Great review, thank you. Was hoping you would mention the sound. looks like wearing your own over ear head phones is not possible?

[@cyclechris6591]

Great review. I want one. These issues sound like the software needs polishing which is fixable.

[@James-fv1cm]

Ive just come from returning my PSVR2 as i found the Mura/film grain just to immersion breaking for me. I noticed you say there is no SDE on this headset which is nice to know. Is there any Mura effect or any kind of grainy filter on the screen because i find things like that such a huge deal breaker when gaming in vr. Apologies if this gets covered later in the video I’m currently on;y 3/4 of the way through the video

[@billbaggins1688]

Hanging out for the Asetek la prima bundle review.

[@agordon20024]

I've encountered many of the same issues with my Crystal. At the moment I'm trying to return the headset to Pimax for refund but they are dragging their feet in providing a return shipment label. I see on ebay the Crystal is for sale asking $3000 to 4000 USD for headsets due in early July. Outrageous.

[@Nyuumi]

for the stuttering issue, try to bypass the cable adapter on the hmd, it helped some others.

[@nickcutting4556]

had mine a week, set up very easy, no issues at all, great visuals, fantastic, 2 other guys in the same flight sim group as me also same. :)

[@James-fv1cm]

Hi, great to hear you are enjoying your experience. May i ask if you have noticed any Mura effect or any kind of issues visually??

[@nickcutting4556]

@@James-fv1cm I will try, this is my first ever VR head set so I have nothing as a comparison. The visuals are great, im blown away by how good they are, you have to work to get the headset positioned to achieve this, Ive got the knack for it now. One thing I have noticed is the focus/clarity drops off in the bottom third of the view when using eye movement only, top two thirds are very good pretty much edge to edge, my flight sim friend also reports same, so not to concerned, it took me a week to notice anyway so cant be much of an issue lol, but now ive noticed I know its there.Also when looking to side while flying low level its a bit stuttery but that could be the sim not the crystal? Im still working on getting the best settings but can get 90fps in dcs with highish setting, DFR should help when Pimax release it.. I cant say that I have noticed any strange effects of any kind but if I do I will respond. Over all its been a very easy set up, first time it worked, Im really enjoying the overall quality and VR is GREAT! Flying DCS with it mainly , need a good system to get the best from it though for flight sims, got a new RTX4090, i19300 64gb ddr5 set up just for this headset, it needs it if you want high settings and high fps, but worth it :)

[@bertram-raven]

I always have drift issues with inside out. It seems okay until I took it off and found I was looking thirty or more degrees off centre. What helped was printing out some "targets" and later buying some air-gun paper targets putting them up on the walls around me. I suppose the high contrast is easier for the cameras to resolve. I hope that helps someone out. Full disclosure, I don't have a PiMax but I have read a lot of comments from owners complaining about inside out tracking on theirs. Exactly the same problem as all other inside-out trackers.

[@clawsmayhem7268]

I used to be the same with g2. I’d have to regularly clear the be cache and reset the room to get rid.

[@WhatsupAbroad]

using some markings on the way, lines and shapes in white, is a common technique used in many arcades that use inside out tracking headsets. You are a clever person

[@solarisaint1]

I have a 5k super , I purchased the thick face pad , I tighten about 25 percent down on the back , and its comfortable, and I have the exact nose bridge as you .

[@lvl89wrlk21]

14:20 Just wanted to chime in and say that Mechanical IPD adjust is a feature of the Reverb G2, but the G1 did not have it. The only other mixed reality headset that supports Mechanical IPD was the Odyssey + pretty sure. As a person with large ipd software based is completely useless for me, was always left cross-eyed and getting headaches. So definitely worth double checking when looking at a headset for people in a similar situation.

[@TOGSolid]

The Index has a mechanical IPS adjustment too

[@jamiesalmonsculpture8599]

Great review, and a fresh perspective from a non VR enthusiast

[@ricepony33]

I hope DLSS 3 can help VR get the frames and visuals in line with a native monitor experience.

[@yellowflash111]

Hey will is the difference between the varjo fov and the crystal's THAT much different? (Like so different that its not worth getting the aero, even if its more painless?)

[@brettgrieves]

Proper review unlike some of the crap Ive seen online. Brad's (SadleyitsBRadley) review was good and highlighted all the negatives, you went into more depth than anyone else. MRTV review was utter garbage and they show that they are in the pockets of Pimax. Cant wait for the Big Screen Beyond.. Ive got a pre order in..

[@Killswitch1411]

MRTV and Voodoo De were the worse reviews I've seen. Some of the reviews were on Pre production models, so what's the point of the review?? I question how much they even used the HMDS for. MRTV is now going to shill for the Apple Vision Pro.

[@brettgrieves]

@@Killswitch1411 Its all just for views.. its rather pathetic. the only thing we can do is not watch their stuff and encourage others to do the same, that way they lose money.

[@lavir74]

To be fair nobody in reviews has ever had - for now - the problems shown in this review. Some had connection issues but they were caused by USB problems or too many display outputs (that, however, is a problem with Nvidia drivers in general). Not even Brad mentions jittering in the tracking when the window is in focus, in fact in his review he barely mentions any software issues and he just talks about the shipping experience for the first batchers.

[@finndoessims3214]

@@lavir74 BRadley actively campaigned for people to send him messages about their NEGATIVE issues with Pimax. No need to send him positive ones.

[@jordanbanks9793]

huge fan of putting a visual of the effects you were explaining, thought i was tripping balls with the screen door bit at the start super helpful though!

[@Kurissu_]

We need to wait for the 12k or the fov is good enough ? I haven’t any VR headset before but this crystal interesting me so much

[@L_Emir_de_Passy]

Thanks for the review. I have a preorder for the crystal but decided to pass after hearing enough stories like that. Ill wait until they get everything under control. And maybe by them, Somniun vr1 is available.

[@MrCrrispy]

INteresting. All the issues are exactly the same I had with the 5k+ a couple of years ago. I can't understand why they are back with the Crystal.

[@shoobidyboop8634]

Jittering during tracking? You mentioned that just as you were panning the headset in front of a display. If you're using inside-out tracking, and the scene in front of you is moving (eg, it's viewing a moving image on a display), could that account for tracking issues?

[@boostedmedia]

I thought that might be the case but it doesn’t appear to be an issue with tracking.

[@MrTurbine777]

In all your troubleshooting, did you try a powered DisplayPort Repeater? That was the fix for nvidia's defective ports on the 3090ti's and since they I have solved other issues on other headsets and other video cards.

[@dubzeed]

Was just wondering how long exactly does it take to swap the battery pack. I ask this as an endurance sim racer could i pull in for a pitstop and whilst cars being refueled/repaired/tyres would i have enough time to swap battery over do you think ?

[@garyrato5938]

Thanks for your review. Can you tell me please What IS the last headset in your hand in the video?

[@boostedmedia]

Bigscreen VR Beyond. It’s not out yet.

[@madwoodsel]

Still running the Pimax 5k+ after all these years and drove few simracing competitions with it. I can not drive fast without it anymore. Bought the 5K+ mainly because of the bigger FOV which saved me from accidents a lot of times. This is why I am a bit said this is reduced for this headset. On the other hand it's still one of the headsets with a bigger FOV then normal. At some point I have to replace this one, but not sure if it would be this one. I am not afraid of dealing with technical issues. I had the jitter with Pimax 5k+ before on some games but managed to get rid of it by changing some settings. The disconnect seems to be a worse problem for me and might be a deal breaker. I am always playing with cable so not really afraid of the battery issues. I am heaving a 2080TI card so I might need to upgrade that. Thanks for the great review again Booster Media!

[@derbybOyzZ]

wait for 12k pimax and 5080

[@seattime4075]

Informative Video👍. Interesting how other reviewers have not talked about the issues that you have had with the Pimax crystal.. Also very interested in your thoughts on the Big Screen, as it is certainly on my short list.

[@davidzx692]

Great review. Thank you very much for covering VR topics.

[@olivergiroux517]

I treat the feeling or weight of my headset as if I was wearing a helmet, think it actually adds to the immersion.

[@lukebraddford3287]

I do love VR, but the amount of different settings to change and different software, it starts getting tiresome. You spend more time trying things rather than enjoying it. Also thanks so much for giving honest feedback and not just saying it’s the greatest. If it’s a better experience you will update us down the road.

[@jrmusic7316]

I really hope they sort out those issues

[@flow3219]

Hey @boostedmedia ! Varjo pushed an update to the Base software and to the Aero's firmware, which corrects the color aberrations you are referencing to in your video. You should try it. In my opinion visual quality is much better :)

[@boostedmedia]

Will do.

[@Drksyder]

Better than the crystal or ?

[@christianhofmann7182]

For not being a VR enthusiast it was a very detailed review and very helpful for me 👍

[@bcsnapier]

Disconnection issues caused by the cable? Reverb G2 had the same problem with its first cable version which was rectified with a second version.

[@Mellonpopr]

Did they ever fix those issues with the 5k/8k etc...or do you still get disconnected and install issues?

[@ezpz4659]

Varjo Aero is now the top dog again. $990 and a new update that makes the visuals EVEN BETTER! LETS GOOO!

[@IvanFamanni]

watching all your videos on VR i think i will buy the bigscreens

[@granthartley]

A little surprised you left out any comment on the speakers/sound of the headset, especially since they apparently upgraded the DMAS since the 8KX. Would have been interested to know if you thought it was a top teir sound solution, like many others have reported so far... But other than that, a very good review, and appreciate your insight. Was already not particularly sold on it due to it's average FOV (compared to 8KX), but this has sealed it for me. Just going to have to wait until their 12K model, and cross my fingers Pimax can get the software sorted by then. Cheers mate. 🙂

[@boostedmedia]

There was some ambiguity around the speakers which came supplied with our headset and I wasn’t confident they would be the same as what customers receive by default so I chose to leave them out for now.

[@granthartley]

@@boostedmedia Ahaa… ya know, I was only just thinking this morning (before I read this), that I wouldn’t be surprised if you left it out on purpose because of some sort of issue like that haha, because I know it’s unlike you to have missed such a big aspect, when you are typically so detailed with everything else. Seems I was right haha. Thanks for clarifying Will. 😊👍

[@christiananastasi170]

@@boostedmedia which is the best VR to buy ??

[@WhatsupAbroad]

@boostedmedia The DMAS is a paid upgrade. Pre-orders get them for free. We should be starting to ship black ones later down the road for non-preorders. The default non pre-order is the SMAS I believe.

[@Prickles2001]

Interesting issue re: needing the game not in-focus. I've had a weird issue with my Pimax 5k+ for a while now where I have to hit the x on pitool software or my fps get tanked.. So glad some random on the net found the solution for me!

[@JAXviation]

ALT-TAB problem: in Windows select GPU SCHEDULING - OFF, reboot. Took me maaaany frustrating hours before I found the solution. Had it on my previous headset also, so it’s not Pimax-specific.

[@dvelez811]

Curious how this looks when you move your head side to side compared to the Varjo Aero. The Aero has this weird motion blur when you move your head side to side that drives me nuts.

[@AuzzieWithAGun]

HOLY SHIT THEY INCLUDED AUD IN THE PRICING 10/10 REVIEW

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

Is there any hardware inside the HMD that can go elsewhere? Apple seems to have the right idea by having a cable link to a device that's worn elsewhere like the pocket.

[@aplanedividedthesky]

This is a surprising outcome to me, in a way. I have been running a Pimax 8K for the last two years. After the initial configuration, tweaking parameters here and there, and running it through OpenXR, I've reached the point where every time I want to race, the only thing I need to do is to turn on the headset, run iRacing and just drive. Seriously, rock solid reliability. That being said, I have read several reports of unreliability about Pimax headsets on internet, so I reckon I am one of the few lucky ones to have a reliable set.

[@pondracek]

There are *always* teething issues with their software for the first 3-6 months following a product launch. And new GPU & Windows launches. (Although granted, those impact the whole ecosystem. Oculus simply didn't work with Win11 for about a year.) I would say that your experience isn't unique at all as long as you use their products once mature and consistently use the same Software. Beyond that, most people run into issues with flaky onboard USB and power limits. AMD support has also always been 2nd class. If you buy this expecting 120fps and eye tracking, you will be disappointed, although their track record is pretty solid on getting it working *eventually* on nVidia. At the very least, I'd recommend waiting until it's in stock rather than preordering and then deciding if you want to pull the trigger.

[@cloutierpo]

Same for me. No issues at all with my 5K

[@dannygaron]

Sure... They work good if u never ever update the stupid thing 😂. Or even update the software... Which bricks the device... Haha... God im so glad i got a quest pro to replace my 8k.

[@cloutierpo]

@@dannygaron I update everything all the time.

[@Janninatore]

But now it's standalone and all that stuff, internal tracking etc. So way more stuff that has the potential to go wrong or create problems compared to older headsets

[@Ninjai1971]

other brands headstraps doing the battery hot swap with magnet fixing what's very well working without to put off the headset for that action.

[@ryanlucas7588]

You have some of the most in depth reviews I have seen. Well done! Would love to see your settings and the resolution you ended up with for Assetto Corsa (original and Competitiione). I know you do mostly race sims, but would be good to see your impressions with Microsoft Flight Sim, which you've tested before.

[@sergiogarcia8381]

As daily Varjo user I'd like to say the CA has a fix in OpenXR toolkit specific for Varjo Aero. At least for Iracing works flawlessly.

[@Killswitch1411]

For me this a game breaker as it relies on third party software as well. The Ca and red shift seems to effect lower IPD range. I have the Aero and for me right now visually its not really usable besides in apps with OpenXR. Varjo need to fix it.. Need a official fix

[@sergiogarcia8381]

You're right, but at least if you play Iracing the fix works 100%. It's better than no fix whatsoever.

[@Anothersimracer666]

​@@Killswitch1411couldn't agree more, charging an exorbitant amount for something that's not fully functional is disgusting

[@KinkyJalepeno]

Looking forward to someone getting the high FOV lenses - They sacrifice some of the current 35PPD to boost it a bit.. Those lenses are the ones I want. What IPD scanner did you use by the way?

[@boostedmedia]

I think it was called eye scanner

[@_Dibbler_]

Dont want to disappoint you put the 35PPD lenses are already the high fov lenses, the narrow FOV lenses are the 42PPDs. And as far as I know everybody already used the wide FOV 35ppd lenses and the 42ppd are rather rare...

[@KinkyJalepeno]

@@_Dibbler_ Theres a set less than 35PPD coming out.. Thats form Pimax themselves.

[@_Dibbler_]

@@KinkyJalepeno Never heard about them but I guess its the most Pimaxian thing to do to bring unannounced things before finishing announced features...

[@KinkyJalepeno]

@@_Dibbler_ They started talking about them when people kicked off about the FOV not being as advertised using the current lenses. The new ones are the ones I want before ordering.

[@Rastex42]

what about the weight of the crystal and therefore its inertia when using a motion rig with heavy heave effects?

[@Rastex42]

bump :)

[@Rastex42]

bump again...

[@C6v1999]

What does the headset with battery actually weigh? Spec sheet says 845g but another reviewer said it is close to 1.2kg. Which is right?

[@able_archer_]

The latter, and that's all the proof you need that all their specs are bullshit. Hori fov is also only 104° when they claim 125hfov

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

That's unfortunate since it looks so promising. But if the software side isn't up to speed, I don't get why they are selling them already. I would think they would want to sort out all the problems and make it a better experience for customers

[@SURG3NT]

absolutey best reviewer... love this channel... no bull.. jus a real person

[@Simmymind360]

Coming from a Vr specialist run all your vSimms at 90 Hz, reason being most sim games run very nice at 90 you are moving so fast in the Sim and not only that ACc and other Sims are very hard on your GPU in VR Sim Games..so to even try at 120 will kill the Experience period!

[@Nyersevo]

Dear Boosterd Media Luke ross VR modded games (Cyberpunk , Zero Horizon Dawn ect) is working with Pimax Crystal? Can you use open xr layer or just steam VR? And can you play with 4090 with affordable fps? Furthermore can you play also praydog Resident Evil VR mod and the crystal controllers are working ? Because my G2 working very well with these modded games in open xr mode and i can achive affordable fps with my rtx 4080 and it will be very important question because i would like to upgrade my G2 if these are workign with also Pimax Crystal. Thanks this answer in advance.

[@ripsaw2322]

It's weird you say its hard to set up. I am currently writing a review for the Crystal and It was unboxed and playing in iRacing within 10 minutes. I dont understand your review.

[@Realstealfan]

Sometimes it’s like that. That’s why multiple reviewers are important. Sometimes one reviewer runs into an issue with X but another doesn’t.

[@Godfather1010]

Ikr I have most headsets and over 10k hrs in VR Crystal Disconnects and takes random amounts of time to work

[@TheDrummingPC]

Excited to see you got your hands on the Bigscreen! Hoping you can cover the latest FoV update too! PS just got my ASR 3 rig (+MOZA R9 & Fanatec Elite v2) up and running and it's amazing! Having a ton of fun gettting into this hobby. Really have to thank you for all the information you've given over the years.

[@boostedmedia]

Glad the videos have helped. Yep we have the 110degree FOV version.

[@giogamer4825]

Wondering what you will find of PSVR2 with GT7?

[@tigerfeet3995]

The alt tab out of focus thing... If you turn HAGS off you will probably find this issue is gone.

[@justaguydoinstuff]

What's HAGS?

[@turbohenk702]

I higly recommend you to try it again now that PimaxXR 0.3.9. and Pimax Client V1.12 is released. I had the exact same kind of issues(BIG issues indeed ! ) but it's 100% solved now since the release of the new software. All sims run now 90fps/hz locked even with NATIVE resolution + 2x MSAA on my 4090(with slight fixed foveated rendering only after 71% ring 16th res). No stutters etc. AT ALL. Super smooth in AMS2/AC/ACC(only ACC has lower resolution)/RF2/DR2(haven't tried iRacing yet but it's probably good since iRacing has native OpenXR). BUT they send me the copper cable, so I don't know how the experience is with the optical cable. The Crystal is absolutely amazing now for sim racing, impossible to go back to triples IMO, the difference is just mind blowing.

[@MiserableRacer]

Will you review the quest pro?

[@nope1a4]

I'm assuming you've had a chance to try other Pimax HMD's? I currently own a Pimax 5k+. but I never use it. I can overlook most things about the "User experience" with their software and the headset being finnicky about powering on, weight of the headset, etc. But the one thing that makes it unusable is that it strains my eyes. No matter the IPD setting. There's something about the configuration of the screen and lenses on the 5k+ that makes it unable to get a comfortable sweet spot that doesn't feel like it's making my eyes bulge out of my head after about 10 minutes of play. Maybe you've experience this with previous headsets? For Reference. Every other HMD on the market does not have this issue with me. I can literally go 16 hours straight in a PSVR 2 HMD, with the only comfort issue is the needing to let my forehead breath once in a while. Only that 5K+ causes eye strain. I'm wondering if these newer HMD's have refined THAT. If my problem was always just never having an accurate IPD adjusted, which should be fixed with eye tracking, or if this issue will always be present because the canted display configuration.

[@neilsimmons9582]

Thanks for the review. I've watched a handful of reviews on the Pimax Crystal is it true that you're limited to the battery life of the headset even though it's plugged in to power? Also looking forward to the Bigscreen VR headset review, thanks for what you're doing.

[@boostedmedia]

Yes. This was discussed and explained in the video.

[@Killswitch1411]

This is the only in depth review of the Crystal. The early early reviews if you can even call them reviews were so vague I honestly question how much they even used the Crystal for.

[@WhatsupAbroad]

The battery life can be extended nearly indefinitely by using the side USB-c port to deliver power or by plugging the headsets usb port at the end of the dp cable into a usb power hub we provide.

[@chocks9350]

Good luck. I behaps will touch a bran new headset from Pimax when it have been around for 2 to 3 years. Then there should be a chance for development is finished and software runs smooth, haha. Dont get me started on the price....

[@romeosim1012]

Any plans on doing anything with the psvr2 ?

[@boostedmedia]

I have too much other stuff to get through at the moment but if there’s still interest once I’m through the backlog I might buy one to review.

[@speedvr829]

Think I'll go with Aero. HP G2 drove me mad with WMR, so no.

[@markm75]

Any word on when the 42 ppd lenses will be out and the cost?

[@mentalhealthracing]

Boosted…would you be able to give another ranking on VR headsets? Pricing has dropped on things like HP Reverb G2 to sub $500 and I’m cursed on if I should buy that and run that for a few years while next generation stuff beats each other up the next 3 years. Then upgrade when they become lower priced. You know what I mean? A current value vs the world of options?

Varjo Aero price has been cut half just a couple of days ago...

[@FrederickRincon]

As I own a 8KX how much difference would you give it?

[@CorporateZombi]

I thought you could get a desktop view in steamVR without third party apps. You also can with Quest 2 over air-link.

[@WhatsupAbroad]

You can, the in game steam vr menu has this functionality built in.

[@clawsmayhem7268]

I’ve the aero and love it. I do have the primax on preorder but not sure I’d go ahead based on this review. It just reminds me of the g2 headset not detected fun and games before they sorted the cable out. I can’t be arsed with faffing around trying to get things to work when the varjo is so solid.

[@clawsmayhem7268]

Interesting your comment about the aero aberrations. It’s not something I’ve noticed.

[@r448191]

I think the Chrystal now ships with a USB hub that resolves this issue. Indeed similar to the G2 situation, but resolved much quicker.

[@MaleficRacing]

My G2 lives on!

[@demiquadfpv3333]

Very fair but I can see the next Pimax promo email now "Absolutely fantastic, and by far and a way the best vr experience I've ever had" - Boosted Media 😂 who cares about context. Pa love the way you show chromatic aberration and screen door in your footage 👍

[@WhatsupAbroad]

EEEEEEH Marketing am I right?

[@hockeytard1]

Really great review Will. A friend of mine also had the exact same experience you did; He is running a 4090 13900K and 64 Ram, and said, " it's amazing when it works, but getting it to work is the challenge". I'll stick with my ol' reliable G2 for now. I was waiting for this review from a sim racer; thanks for your time, effort, and your honesty Boosted. Always appreciated.

[@muchamwachia]

Not being able to use Assetto Corsa's CSP with PimaxXR and opencomposite was the final straw me, currently not supported

[@haackhaack4217]

@@muchamwachia that isn’t really a Crystal issue

[@muchamwachia]

@@haackhaack4217 it's not but not being able to use PimaxXR on my fav game is just not it. I would rather play single screen than use steamvr

[@brandonparker3133]

@@muchamwachia yeah when you can use PimaxXR it's so much faster...just a 8K+ here, but it's one of the things that makes me not able to use Xplane much as using SteamVR and having to turn on parallel projection is a huge disappointment. Not Pimax's fault, yet it is what it is.

[@IvanFamanni]

can I keep the glasses underneath because I have problems up close?

[@dharkbizkit]

8:45 that is so me. i can live with godrays i can live with glare, i can live with black beeing grey. but SDE? its a permant visible sign of "its just a game" it keeps me from loosing myself in vr

[@noahp6886]

My 8K sometimes doesnt connect and if i disconnect one of my usb devices it always recomnects like normal. The only issue is that typically it will do the same thing to my keyboard. Then i have to disconnect and reconnect my keyboard

[@pondracek]

Your jitter complaint sounds like you might have GPU scheduling turned on (Win11?) Would be surprised if that wasn't one of the first things you checked, but thought I'd chime in just in case.

[@boostedmedia]

Yeah I did check that and no it wasn’t turned on.

[@scht-sg]

In the user experience i notice PC USB Port does not have enough power to drive the headset. even on my Powered Thunderbolt 4 Hub. I had to use the Pimax supplied powered hub to get it working,... the instruction of using USB only connection from PC is dashed.... too much cable

[@Tigerkotek]

Im using crystal since 2 weeks, only in Simracing. Never needed to swap battery or charge it…

[@x32i77]

Did you have the glas lenses ?