This is Pimax Crystal Light

Just a few days ago, the Pimax Crystal Light was announced during the Pimax Frontier 2024 event, bringing high-end PC VR with ultra high resolution and exceptional image quality to the masses - for an affordable price. In this video, I'm taking a closer look at the Crystal Light, testing all aspects and giving you my first impressions and conclusions.
Pre-order Pimax Crystal Light already now - shipping starts end of May 2024:
pimax.com/frontier/
Read more about the Pimax Frontier 2024 event:
pimax.com/frontier
Watch the Frontier event here:
• Pimax Frontier 2024: C...
#crystallight #pimax #vr #highend #vrheadset
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Frontier Announcement
01:08 What is Pimax Crystal Light
02:55 Difference between Crystal and Crystal Light
04:12 Specifications & features
05:44 A closer in-depth analysis of the Crystal Light sample & features
10:37 Test results & impressions:
11:21 Comfort & weight
12:47 Tracking
14:51 IPD Adjustment
15:52 Visual Quality
17:00 Performance, GPU requirements + fps improvements
20:46 Local Dimming - a must have?
21:55 Built-in audio & alternative speakers
22:37 Conclusion & final thoughts
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[@SweViver]

PRICE UPDATE: Local Dimming version of Crystal Light is now $799 (without controllers). There are several alternative bundles now, even one with Lighthouse Faceplate !!! Grab it here: pimax.com/product/pimax-crystal-light-preorder-fee/

[@stephenmolinski6837]

If I bought a Crystal Super but ultimately wanted the 12k. Will there be an upgrade of some sorts sir?

[@buikhan]

I preordered after listen to you yesterday the $699. Now I want the $799 and cancel the $699. How do I go about it? Please help.

[@SweViver]

@@buikhan i would just contact Pimax (create a support ticket) and change my preorder. You just paid the preorder fee, not the full amount, so it shouldn't be a problem for Pimax to edit your order so that you keep your spot. I'll double-check this tomorrow!

[@buikhan]

@@SweViver ticket said waiting for customer service.

[@buikhan]

Do we need controllers to play Flightsim only?

[@TonyDrecaps]

Please don't forget about 12k! Looking forward to the huge FOV

[@SweViver]

12K still in development, so first in line is Crystal Light and then Crystal Super later this year 👌

[@danceoffAsh]

@@SweViver Please take your time with the development! No rush is necessary. I'd rather see a fully fleshed out product with proper testing and QC before putting it out on the market. Plus the 12k would probably cost a lot more than the Crystal Super, more reasons for us to be patient and save :) The Crystal, Light & Super and the good old 8kx shall keep us in good company for the time being.

[@SweViver]

@@aprile1710 looking at the current progress and schedule, it looks indeed very positive so I would be very surprised if we miss the Q4 window. A lot of the tech is reused from Crystal so theres also less risk of unexpected changes or failures this time.

[@WOojerVest3andQuest3onMe]

I’ve already placed a pre-order for the Pimax Crystal Light with Local dimming headset only with External Tracking Face Plate. Seeing how I already own the base stations and controllers this is the best option for me. I am excited to get and try out this one. It looks to be a Very Good headset. 😉👌

[@after6am]

Hey Martin, are vision correction inserts possible in CL? Btw: ordered CL yesterday and go now for the LocalDimming and Lighthouse Vers.

[@khaledassaf6356]

I preordered the OG Crystal, by far the best headset I own. A version with DFR at this price would sell like hot cakes amongst simmers, though not sure how realistic that is. Regardless, it's nice to see PCVR finally getting some love.

[@Rafabi78]

waiting for it! a great idea the Crystal light!

[@nerddeku9675]

there is practically no dispute, it's 899 dollars for the crystal light with local dimming and controls vs 999 dollars for just the Bigscreen Beyond + 577 dollars for controls and tracking lights for it, and I don't think even the Bigscreen Beyond's speakers have an additional cost to include

[@impuls60]

They should make an ultralight version with a foam shell only around the panels. I made an foam mask for FPV goggles and the comfort was amazing because of the light weight.

[@jamesmcd71]

Please get one of these out to a DCS KZbin channel. HIP news or Bogey Dope work for me. I want one, but all i do is fly DCS. A trustworthy review would help a lot.

[@SweViver]

Absolutely, we work closely with Wags and his team. Although, I must say if you play a lot of DCS, you will massively benefit from the eye-tracking, DFR and quadviews, which dramatically gives you better framerate (easily running at 95-120fps on RTX 4090). So the original Crystal is after all a better choice for dedicated DCS users.

[@jamesmcd71]

@SweViver yes I know the full Cristal would be a better option for me. But I would rather risk $699 to make sure I like it. It's a lot easier to resale. Then I will pick up the Cristal. I personally believe reducing the entry price will bring a lot more business your way.

[@dathyr1]

Thanks for all the info about this product. QUESTION: Interested in knowing how the sweet spot is in the Crystal lite?? As Compared to my Quest 3 which has a very good clarity and wide sweet spot. Right now my Quest 3 connects via USB link cable and do sitting SIM racing games. It works well for me. I also have a Oculus Rift S which has a nice wide sweet spot but very low resolution. It also plugs into my Display Port and is my backup VR headset. I have tried other VR headset, they had high resolution but very narrow sweet spots. That is why I ask the question above. I will be waiting for final release product reviews and videos of the Crystal Lite. It is nice that the VR headset connects to the Display Port of a GFX card. All the features sound very nice. Thanks for the video and take care

[@pertsonvelts1699]

Thanks for sharing! I hope that Pimax can tease Crystal Super in more detail fairly soon because we need competition between Somnium VR1 and the Crystal Super.

[@technikchegger7228]

The device is a good decision.

[@tailskidgaming3124]

Are there plans for demo's for the upcoming headsets in the Netherlands?

[@SweViver]

Yep, probably in June as it seems. Hopefully we can do that in Amsterdam or Gouda at VR Space as previously.

[@MetalDeathHead]

How is the binocular overlap in crystal light Martin?

[@payt01]

Will it come with the right prongs for the power supply if I order from the Netherlands?

[@jemdejager]

Yes

[@user-nq1ig6et6e]

Will the pimax super microoled have 120Hz at a reduced resolution?

[@EruKaze]

I place my pre-order in for the Light, with Local and controllers. I also purchased the lighthouse face plate as well. I wanna see how the tracking is. I be giving feedback to my friends on the headset as well. ^^

[@pushthebutton4602]

Think Im going to buy one when it's out! I Never every buy before release anymore.

[@SweViver]

Sure, thats fine. Some people prefer not to wait and simply get it early, hence the pre-orders.

[@jimmybaker4821]

Looks awesome mate. Any plans to add paasthrough features

[@adrenalinejunkie3828]

It has black and white passthrough.

[@rosto1979]

Nice presentation! I use a Quest 3 for PCVR now.. Wireless streaming is nice, but I do miss the quality of a direct displayport connection on it... But hey, maybe I just get that Crystal.... ;-)

[@andresmedina7670]

Yeah. I have both headsets and my q3 is now a fancy dust collector. The crystal looks way better, the crystal light sounds great, I never use mine for standalone. I guess I’ll wait for crystal super before I upgrade

[@gramsci1094]

this needs to ship with the top strap it makes the headset so much more usable

[@SweViver]

I will forward this to the team, thanks

[@pushthebutton4602]

Can you use the old Pimax 5+ Top head strap with this?

[@SweViver]

Hmm good question, I will need to test this.

[@AmirTi]

Is it possible to upgrade the "old" crystal with the new features? mainly the newer version of the local dimming

[@SweViver]

Crystal already has all features of Light. The difference is that Light has less features/components, therefore cheaper and more affordable.

[@AmirTi]

@@SweViver I'm talking about the new and improved local dimming on the the crystal super, as far as i understand it is implemented in the crystal light as an added feature. can we buy the new super qled panels to upgrade our "old" crystal? also do you know when we can buy the large FOV lenses?

[@schattenk]

I pre ordered a Pimax Crystal Light and iam rly exited. But i need prescription lenses and i was wondering if the same prescription lenses from the normal Pimax Crystal will fit her. If you know more pls help me out. :)

[@SweViver]

I cant answer this yet, but I suspect it should work. The lens frame will not be different, as far as I know. Its just the fact that the lenses wont be interchangeable.

[@buikhan]

How do I use this without the controllers as I preordered the $799? Will the mouse usable in msfs2020?

[@ThargUK]

Please provide a narrow / high forehead face interface. I could not wear the 8KX comfort kit for more thaan 30 minutes.

[@SweViver]

Did the 15mm thicker face foam help anything?

[@ThargUK]

@@SweViver Not really. I tried both. To angle it with the HMD focussed and comfortable, like with the normal gasket, I had to press the comfort kit so hard to my forhead that I got a headache after 30 min. If I loosened it so was comfortable there, then there was way too much light leakage around the sides, and sideways wobble, and the it was angled wrong. I ended up 3d printing my own for use with vive DAS, while my Pimax comfort kit and rigid strap still sit in a box. I did use the 15mm foam with my 3d printed one IIRC.

[@Szabby999]

Is there any chance that Crystal Super will get Display Port 2.1? For a futureproof HMD it would be a must if you want to run dual 4K screens with a decent refresh rate and DP1.4 is doesn't offer enough bandwidth for such specs. Besides, RTX5000 series cards will most likely get DP 2.1.

[@justinhogue9861]

2.1 seems to be having issues. 3ft cords aren't going to work.

[@arwynbrock7591]

Are there any USB ports on this at all? I know the one underneath was removed, but what about the one on the side? Basically, if there is, and I can plug in my Vive facial tracker then I'm interested, if not then it's not worth the upgrade for Social VR users like myself.

[@vale-1041]

If it had eye tracking, I would get one instantly, even at a slightly higher price

[@montrose699]

Unfortunately as mentioned the eye tracking was a large portion of the cost so wouldn't be any point as you may as well but the original Crystal

[@laartwork]

That's the OG Crystal

[@Cofaciano]

@@montrose699 Although you are correct, and that's why we have two lower priced options, I do wish a 3th version with Local Dimming + Eye Tracking. The problem wasn't only the price but also the battery/XR2. A version without them would be lighter and the price would be lower also. And remember that we are talking about Pimax: they love offering multiple choices. 😀

[@s6rite62]

Tf is eye tracking for 😭

[@KWParrish]

Why do you are about eye tracking in VR? I have been VR gaming for years, what am I missing here?

[@eatthisvr6]

does the light have eye tracking and d fov?

[@designiy]

6:54 R.I.P Voldemort

[@Shalashaska111]

Please provide this in a variant that has the Lighthouse faceplate and DMAS speakers pre-installed, and the controllers not included, for the same $699 price. Then, you may indeed get a lot of Vive Pro and Index users convert to Pimax.

[@SweViver]

Yes this is getting discussed. Although I don't think 699 will be possible with LH Faceplate and DMAS, but hopefully something close. Either way, I think it might take some month until we see these other options.

[@danceoffAsh]

@@SweViver LH Faceplate + Crystal Light + DMAS without controllers for 799$ would be good deal!

[@rorschachwatchmen9910]

Se eu tivesse dinheiro bem que eu gostaria de experimentar😢

[@montrose699]

I would think it would require the onboard processor etc that was removed in order to support the WI gig module

[@SweViver]

@@montrose699 Yes that is correct. Currently the WiGig dongle is driven by the XR2. I have a video (in-deep review on the Airlink), being published soon, probably after the weekend.

[@gramsci1094]

seems a bit weird they are making the headset much lighter but not supporting wireless, since the two would go so well together

[@jamesmcd71]

Not really. If you go wireless, then you will need to add multiple electronic devices and a battery. The goal was a high-quality headset for PC gamers.

[@SweViver]

After all, its a true PCVR headset. Lightweight or not. Wireless will soon be available for Crystal (not Light). Stay tuned for my in-depth video about this next week!

[@kevinbrook7033]

the wireless module requires the XR2 chip to work, which this HMD has removed to make it PCVR only.

[@cow4756]

There is no wireless, unless I miss something for the light?

[@SweViver]

No wireless for Light. Wireless is soon releasing for the original Crystal. Video coming about this next week (in deep test)

[@flyhalf2]

So what price is it in currencies other than dollar? For European sales are you just going to swap the dollar sign for £ or € or are you going to convert the dollar price to local currency?

[@adrenalinejunkie3828]

The website should convert the prices for you when you add products to the cart.

[@flyhalf2]

@@adrenalinejunkie3828 I didn't want to get that far 😃 but I have since looked at their other products and it does look like they do convert, unlike a lot of other e-tailers

[@momashi69]

What's the fov of the crystal light?

[@SweViver]

Same as Crystal, real-life tests says all between 102-106 horizontally

[@johngodridge8244]

For DCS you would need a 5090, eye tracking is a must.....or spend the saving on the new 5090

[@adrenalinejunkie3828]

People already use DCS with a 4090 on a Pimax Crystal with DFR eye tracking.

[@lolokikou5521]

why 60 hertz is absent from the software ? only go down to 72 hertz

[@ji3200]

I wonder why Crytal Super don't include 35ppd for bigger fov than 50ppd. 57ppd lens is not really need unless you got microscope eyesight

[@SweViver]

Bigger FOV means a lot of re-work on the optical design. Its really not that easy, since the panels are not huge as they were on the 8KX. Trust me 50PPD is not useless, you definitely see the difference from a Crystal.

[@komisch4174]

Eye tracking optional for DFR would be cool.

[@SweViver]

Eye tracking is only available on the current Pimax Crystal and the upcoming Crystal Super. Eye tracking brings the cost up significantly.

[@GirlOnAQuest]

So what is the FOV?

[@SweViver]

Same as on Pimax Crystal. Between 102-106 degrees horizontally.

[@lolokikou5521]

@@SweViver what's the fov of valve index ?

[@videos4mydad]

Pimax needs to make the headset fully modular so there wont be a need for a dozen models. PCVR only / no battery is the only cut I would want to make.

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

Fulll modularity is difficult, you would have to be in a much more stable point in VR... or have a crystal ball. But its clear they are aiming for more modularity, given the supers modular display engines. I think a bit think in this the cost of replacing items, like they have to ship complete headsets if there is issue in one part of it. The more modularity, the cheaper its for them to cover defects.

[@x32i77]

Crystal light has to be sold with lh plate already attached but without controllers. + Dmas has to be painted black

[@SweViver]

Yep, this is being discussed internally. But now, before launch Pimax wants to have less skews/bundles to chose from, which makes the manufacturing/packing easier and faster.

[@socks2441]

since it doesnt have all the internal hardware of the higher eng crystal. please try to make the damn thing a bit smaller.

[@Johnny_Thunder]

I wish it was not so comically big. The form factor is right out of the 90s

[@shadowswithin702]

I loved the Rift S, and am not a fan of quest 2. I don't need a mobile headset, this is def something I've wanted for the longest time. And the price is comparable to the quest 3, I'm very interested indeed. This really could be a winner for Pimax, because sorry guys up until now your headsets were too numerous and expensive. But this, this could really be something. Although I know pimax suffers from shipping problems, or has in the past. But I'm going to watch for reviews on this headset, I'm in the market as my quest 2 is going home. And I really don't want a quest 3, I want a dedicated PCVR headset. At least for the near future a decent specced PC will out perform a mobile chip everytime, I'm optomistic but also cautiously so. Reviews on Pimax and their being able to deliver, well it would appear to be a mixed bag. But don't get me wrong I am willing you guys to succeed, because this is a product that appeals to me. I was gutted when my Rift S died, I got a quest 2 and well...I never liked it.

[@lawnmovr]

130 fov and 4k per eye sounds like a good sweetspot to me

[@SweViver]

Sounds like the Crystal Super then! Although higher than 4K per eye ;)

[@infinitelooptv9939]

“…the housing and minor design changes” Please, change the form factor and you have a real winner! And my money. We don’t need or want all that bulky and now almost empty housing. Light AND smaller 😉

[@SweViver]

The problem is the cost of making a new housing, tooling, re-design of internals etc. May happen eventually, but not as of now.

[@jamiewilliams2603]

Imagine if they left eye tracking in

[@colin8877]

Can't the 12k just be an optical upgrade for the super?

[@colin8877]

@@aprile1710 larger housing, oh dear.

[@adrenalinejunkie3828]

And Displayport 2.1 is required on the 12K. Crystal is DP 1.4.

[@colin8877]

@@adrenalinejunkie3828 The cable can be changed.

[@josvei4052]

Why controllers have be included? To me that's a mistake, if you plan a vr headset for sim racing and fliy sim, you don't need controllers, what you actually need is passthrough cameras, to have a temporary view of your surroundings without taking out your goggles

[@gaminginstilllife9429]

i am afraid that i will buy the Lite and then Pimax will release a new lite in a smaller shell made just for the Lite without all those other extra stuff without those extra components

[@SweViver]

No worries. Making a new smaller housing is extremely expensive and takes time. I dont see this happening in the next year or two.

[@Build_the_Future]

I never cared for standalone vr It's too under powered and i would rather have lighthouse tracking but, no Foveated rendering, if it wasen't for that i think this would be perfect for me, I want more performance out of my 4090 on some of the high end games and mods.

[@Rimodo]

Yes, this is so close but yet so far, The whole overhead from standalone i didn‘t need. But that resolution without the foveated rendering is kind of pointless again. Then again with pimax‘s track record I’m not quite sure i would go for an expensive headset either.

[@simracingjunky9679]

All my sims run pretty good at high/ultra settings and 90fps with my Quest pro, 4090 and dfr so I think that someone would need a 5090 (rumoured to have a 60-70% increase) to do the same with this headset. It's crazy how expensive it is for high end VR. I wish it was cheaper and easier to setup so more people could enjoy it.

[@montrose699]

My PIMAX Crystal looks way nicer than my Quest 3. Not sure why people always go on about needing a 5090 as it's just not the case

[@laartwork]

​@@simracingjunky9679 $200 more than Quest 3 isn't expensive

[@laartwork]

You are describing the Crystal. Now that all the issues with the battery pack was fixed it actually is a good counterweight

[@Jogngood]

How about a bundle for index owners - no controllers and lighthouse face plate included. We already have index controllers so dont need controllers.

[@adrenalinejunkie3828]

They've just added these options of just the headset and no controllers on the Pimax website.

[@blackchallis]

I dont want built in speakers, want to be able to use my earphones, if its anything like whats being shown, that plastic housing will be in the way

[@SweViver]

If you remove the speakers, there's no problem fitting optional headphones unless they are huge.

[@b6s4shelter]

I know the board in Crystal Light doesn't support Eye tracking, but the Super will and frankly the GPUs can't handle the Super well at all. Please bring a Board to the Light that provides an Eye tracking option. Super at $1700+ is still stratospheric in price. Get me a Light with eye tracking for $1000... 2880 is plenty and anything higher is a bad ROI.

[@sadamhussein70]

how tf does it not have color cameras

[@0LoneTech]

Simple; by not having color filters in them. The cameras are there for tracking and those filters would make them less sensitive and lower effective resolution, so notably worse at that task.

[@sadamhussein70]

@@0LoneTech nuh uh

[@adrenalinejunkie3828]

They're developing a 'colour MR faceplate' as an optional add-on with decent quality passthrough rather than only rely on the basic B&W passthrough it currently has as standard.

[@MetalDeathHead]

You are swedish right so why dont you make a deal with swedish shops to sell pimax in sweden?

[@SweViver]

We do have deals with Inet and Komplett, but Im not sure if they have any of Crystals in stock currently. There will be Crystal Lights at these stores eventually, but it takes some time with distribution and all, plus all preorders have to be fulfilled first. So I wouldn't expect the units hitting retail stores, especially locally in Sweden until later this year, fall or winter.

[@MetalDeathHead]

@@SweViver Ok, when will crystal light be available through pimax store?

[@SweViver]

@@MetalDeathHead you can preorder it now already. If you mean in stock, well that depends how long it will take to fulfill current preorders (because it won't be in stock until all preorders are fulfilled and shipped, to make it fair). Might take some month(s) after the first shipments in May/June. So personally I wouldn't wait that long if you really want it this summer.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

So disappointed. Ready to finally upgrade from the index but can’t since just like the beyond it’s got a wire that only gets in the way

[@SweViver]

If you go for Crystal (not Light) there's a wireless solution coming in a few months. Check my last video

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

@@SweViver double the price, weight and full of stuff I'll never use

[@christopherscholz3888]

Would make the 4,5 Cable detouchable becouse its known to get broken every 400-700 Hours of gaming. 8k+ and 5k+ had the same cable in the past and have buyed 6 cables since 2019. Would be a huge shitflood when all people have a dead headset within a year.

[@SweViver]

You can remove/replace the cable. Its the left-side quick-connector that Crystal had which is gone on Light. But you can still disconnect the cable.

[@christopherscholz3888]

@@SweVivergood to hear, can you connect vive controllers or do you have to use a bluetooth connector like a vive box or vive tracker bluetooth sticks ?

[@SweViver]

@@christopherscholz3888 yes with the Lighthouse Faceplate you can connect Vive controllers just normally as u do with any other SteamVR tracked headset. No dongles needed. But without Lighthouse faceplate, no.

[@SJkopa]

It's better to buy Quest 3 than to buy this. Selling it at such a high price without the XR-2 chip is a scam. And since it is manufactured in China, quality and after-sales service are also serious problems.

[@jasonknights9640]

everything your doing is good and im happy your doing it, but the core is still so unescerserily and stupidly LARGE

[@gaminginstilllife9429]

if you want me to buy this, get a big KZbinr that plays fast pace VR games for a living...... if he can recommend i will buy. i play may VR games that can be fast paced and need good tracking without getting base stations... i have a quest 3 and with pixax could just make those controllers work with Pimax

[@SweViver]

There's gonna be a lot of KZbinrs getting review samples now in May, so stay tuned!

[@talking2388]

899 and no speaker? Well not the good ones.

[@SweViver]

Both are good, especially after the few latest updates which really improved SMAS: Thankfully DMAS is available optionally. Hopefully we will provide a Light+DMAS bundle soon also.

[@-Elaphe-]

How pathetic they don't even mention the FOV values.

[@SweViver]

"Same FOV as Crystal" mentioned at least once in the video. Its all between 102 and 106 degrees horizontally. Same optics, same panels same same as Crystal.

[@Simlife101]

Sorry I love Martin but NO WAY should someone who reviews a certain product like VR headsets and then get employed by the same company he's been pushing for years you have to look at this as it is and that's an ADVERT. THIS ISNT A REVIEW because if anything is wrong he isn't going to tell ypu. Community manager means take with a pinch of salt.

[@SweViver]

It's not a review. Its a preview based on testing internally at the office. I mentioned at least twice in the video that I work with Pimax. If you chose not to trust me, Im completely fine with that. Just wait for other KZbinrs getting it very soon 😀

[@R1jerome]

So..Dfr is a useless thing finally. That's what i've experienced with my own crystal