The Pimax Crystal is here, and Pimax sent me this headset to test out and provide you with an honest review. As always, I’m not a professional hardware reviewer but a PC VR sim gamer sharing my impressions. Let's dive into whether this headset might be the right choice for you.
The Pimax Crystal is priced around $1,500, with an option to pay over 24 months. Yes, it's pricey, but let's see if it's worth it for PC VR enthusiasts.
Unlike the compact Pico 4, the Pimax Crystal is a big headset, and it feels premium. My girlfriend even calls it the "RoboCop" for its size! Weighing around 1 kg, it’s heavier than the 800g Pico 4, and it takes some getting used to if you’re accustomed to lighter headsets. However, the weight doesn’t spoil the fun; it's just less comfortable than some other headsets out there. But, considering the technology packed inside, some compromises are expected.
The Pimax Crystal features four tracking cameras, eliminating the need for base stations—a feature I love. The front has buttons for volume and IPD settings, and the sides house two speakers for spatial audio. There’s a battery slot in the back, making it a standalone device when needed. The battery also helps with weight balance.
On the side, you’ll find an easy-to-use DisplayPort connector for crisp image quality. This is a standout feature, missing in many recent headsets.
The box includes all necessary cables and controllers that are similar to Quest 2’s but with an extra button and a bigger joystick, which I prefer. However, for simulation games, I rarely use the controllers. They work fine for limited use, but for games like Beat Saber, they aren’t ideal. The controllers are rechargeable via USB-C, so no need for constant battery changes like with the Quest 2 or Pico 4.
Setting up the Pimax Crystal isn’t entirely plug-and-play. It requires some cable management, but it’s not complicated. After about 10 minutes, you’ll be ready to go.
This headset shines in simulation games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, iRacing, and DCS. It’s not designed for standalone gaming due to its weight and the less robust interface and library. However, for the ultimate simulation experience, it excels.
Pimax has always been praised for its image quality and wide field of view. The Pimax Crystal’s aspheric lenses deliver sharp images with the highest pixel per degree (PPD) of any consumer headset at 35 PPD. For comparison, the Quest 2 has a PPD of 20, making the Crystal’s 5760x2880 pixel resolution incredibly sharp.
The eye-tracking feature automatically adjusts the IPD for you, enhancing comfort and reducing motion sickness. It also enables dynamic foveated rendering, sharpening the image where you’re looking and blurring the rest. This boosts performance in games that support it, like Elite Dangerous.
The Pimax Crystal comes with its own software, offering a variety of settings, including eye tracking and refresh rates (90 and 120 Hz). While the options can be overwhelming, they allow for fine-tuning, which sim gamers will appreciate. The headset includes batteries, necessary for its standalone function. Although removing the battery can be tricky, the headset has a small internal battery to prevent interruptions during swaps.
The attached earphones provide a nice spatial audio experience without touching your ears, making you more aware of your surroundings. They’re easily adjustable and can be removed if desired.
Why choose the Pimax Crystal over the Voo Arrow? The Pimax doesn’t require base stations, making it more convenient. Compared to the Pico 4 or Quest 2/3, the Pimax stands out with its superior clarity. While the Pico 4 is a great affordable option for VR newcomers, the Pimax Crystal offers the best clarity and performance for serious VR enthusiasts.
The Pimax Crystal delivers unparalleled clarity, comparable to playing on a 1080p or 2K flat screen, which is amazing for simulation games. Its weight makes it less suitable for fast-paced action games, but the eye-tracking feature and visual quality are top-notch. If you have the budget and a powerful PC, this is an excellent headset for simulation gamers. For standalone use, it’s not the best option, but for seated experiences, it’s hard to beat.
In summary, the Pimax Crystal is a fantastic investment for those passionate about VR simulations. Its clarity, eye-tracking feature, and overall performance make it a standout choice for serious gamers.
I'm Laurens — the real person behind this digital canvas of Virtual Reality. I'm a Virtual Reality content creator who also translates YouTube transcripts into blogs.
