This headset has twice the pixel count of the PlayStation VR2.
After testing the Crystal for a few weeks, I have some answers.
Compared to something like Meta Quest, with its streamlined all-in-one design, the Crystal is a complicated beast.
The headset itself is wide and heavy too, weighing just over 1kg with a unique, angular design.
The materials feel high-quality though, and the aspheric lenses are appropriately large - more on them later.
Unfortunately, the setup is quite fiddly.
Instead, you’ll need to first install one of the batteries in the headset’s rear bay.
So, I had to charge one of the batteries first to proceed.
The actual battery slot itself is also cumbersome to use.
The plastic clips that hold it in place are difficult to press and the whole process feels unrefined.
Next, you’ll need to download the Pimax client utility for Windows before connecting everything to your PC.
In its current state, though, I’d largely consider this a tethered equipment.
It feels like an afterthought for a PC-focused VR gear and its inclusion is frankly puzzling.
I must admit, I was immediately impressed with the results.
Most VR headsets use Fresnel lenses, which have a limited sweet spot and exhibit blooming in high-contrast scenes.
Aspheric lenses, like those in Crystal, are the next step.
They are brighter, clearer, and more durable.
Edge-to-edge viewing is exceptionally sharp and glare is virtually eliminated.
Second, there are the displays themselves.
Combined with the lenses, the quality of the presentation is remarkable.
You could basically read everything across the cockpit from the normal distance.
Plus, the actual environments benefit too as you’d expect.
Another benefit of this design is the wider field of view (FOV).
The Crystal does not completely eliminate this but it comes closer than any other headset I’ve tested.
The left and right borders are much smaller and less distracting, while vertical vision feels largely unobstructed.
With this clarity, however, comes one big caveat - driving that many pixels requires a beefy PC.
This means you really need to hit your target frame-rates if you want an experience without judder.
This is where eye tracking comes into play.
Like PSVR2, the Crystal supports eye tracking with dynamic foveated rendering.
If you enable eye tracking first, however, this functions as a toggle for Dynamic Foveated Rendering.
This is likely key to improving overall performance without sacrificing clarity.
All three benefit tremendously from the boost in clarity and brightness provided by the Crystal.
It was absolutely amazing.
The included motion controllers are adequate, I’d say.
They feel very much like the original Oculus Touch controllers and perform largely the same.
There are no real surprises on that front - it just works.
This is a tricky topic as comfort is extremely subjective.
I tend to be more sensitive to this than many others, however, so keep that in mind.
At least, no matter how you use it, the sound is excellent.
The Crystal uses a pair of adjustable DMAS headphones that are attached to the head strap.
When in its niche, it’s the best VR display I’ve ever tested.
The clarity, brightness and field of view are best-in-class and extremely immersive.
If that sounds like you, this is the way to go.
