Linus Tech Tips - My Setup is SO Obsolete - Pimax Crystal Super (And other VR)
The Pimax Crystal Super VR headset is presented as a high-resolution option for VR enthusiasts, boasting 3840x3840 resolution per eye and a 120° field of view. It features pancake lenses for compactness and a single-element lens for better light transmission, achieving 280 nits of peak brightness. However, it lacks HDR support, which is expected in a future model. The headset offers built-in eye tracking, automatic IPD adjustment, and can be used with both outside-in and inside-out tracking, though the latter is less precise. The video also discusses the Shiftall MeganeX 8K headset, which is lightweight and offers features like motorized IPD adjustment and magnetic gaskets. It uses micro OLED panels for high contrast and sharpness but is limited to 90Hz refresh rate. The video concludes by mentioning the high cost of these headsets and the availability of alternative VR controllers from Shiftall.
Key Points:
- Pimax Crystal Super offers 3840x3840 resolution per eye and 120° FOV.
- Features include pancake lenses, eye tracking, and automatic IPD adjustment.
- Shiftall MeganeX 8K is lightweight with micro OLED panels but limited to 90Hz.
- Both headsets are high-cost, with Pimax offering a one-time purchase option.
- Shiftall introduces new VR controllers compatible with Steam VR.
Details:
1. 🎮 Sticking with the Valve Index
- The Valve Index remains a popular choice for VR users due to its convenient all-in-one package, making it easy for users to set up and use.
- Its compatibility with older hardware, such as the RTX 380, ensures accessibility for users who have not upgraded their systems, maintaining its relevance in a rapidly evolving market.
- Despite these advantages, the industry has seen significant advancements in VR technology, including improved resolution, lighter headsets, and enhanced tracking systems, which have left the Valve Index behind in terms of cutting-edge innovation.
- This technological gap highlights the need for users to weigh the convenience and compatibility of the Valve Index against the benefits of newer, more advanced VR systems.
2. 🔍 Exploring Pimax Crystal Super
2.1. Technical Specifications and Features
2.2. Market Position and Future Potential
3. 🎧 Sponsor Shoutout: Wicked Cushions
- Replacement earpads from Wicked Cushions allow users to rejuvenate their headphones, potentially increasing usage satisfaction and extending product life.
- The product is easily accessible through a link in the video description, facilitating customer conversion and engagement.
4. 🛠️ Design and Features of Pimax Crystal Super
- The Pimax Crystal Super headset includes integrated speakers, a microphone, built-in eye tracking, and automatic IPD adjustment, facilitating quick and user-friendly setup, enhanced by options for foam or silicone style gaskets for added comfort.
- The device offers flexibility with either outside-in tracking, through an optional faceplate, or inside-out tracking enhanced by a custom SLAM algorithm, which, while not as precise as outside-in, is generally adequate for racing and flight simulations.
- Feedback indicates comfort issues for users with smaller heads or prominent noses, noting pressure points. However, the comfort is adjustable, and the design caters to user preferences.
- The inside-out tracking may cause disorientation and nausea in some users, particularly those sensitive to motion, highlighting the importance of user-specific testing and the potential need for alternative setups for sensitive users.
5. 🚗 Gaming Experience with Pimax Crystal Super
5.1. Immersion and Feedback
5.2. Optics and Display Quality
6. 🔄 Swappable Optical Module
- The swappable optical module provides customizable flexibility, allowing users to easily replace the optical component as needed.
- Two distinct versions will be available upon launch: the current version and an enhanced version featuring lenses that expand the field of view (FOV) to 135°.
- The enhanced FOV version offers a broader visual range, though it results in decreased pixel density, presenting a trade-off between a wider view and image sharpness.
7. 💸 Pricing and Buying Options
- The Crystal Super offers a one-time purchase option without requiring a subscription, setting it apart from many competitors in the VR industry.
- The product is available at a competitive price point of $299, which is notably more affordable than other high-end VR headsets.
- Unlike its subscription-based competitors, the Crystal Super’s pricing model provides long-term cost savings and appeals to budget-conscious consumers.
8. 🔮 Shiftall MeganeX: A Step into the Future
- The Shiftall MeganeX is an ultralight, goggle-style VR headset targeting Steam VR users looking to upgrade from older models like the Vive and Index.
- It supports Vive wands and Knuckles controllers and is compatible with the outside-in Lighthouse tracking system, offering versatility in use.
- With its 8K resolution, the MeganeX positions itself as a premium option in the VR market, promising enhanced visual experiences.
- Compared to competitors, the MeganeX is distinguished by its lightweight design and high resolution, appealing to users prioritizing comfort and clarity.
- User feedback highlights the MeganeX's ease of setup and integration with existing VR systems, enhancing its attractiveness to upgrade seekers.
9. 🔧 Features of Shiftall MeganeX
- Connectivity: The headset connects via a single USB-C tether, ensuring simplicity and wide compatibility with devices that support USB Type-C.
- Comfort and Customization: It offers motorized IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment and eye relief adjustment. Additionally, it supports individual diopter adjustments for each eye and custom lenses for stronger prescriptions.
- Convenience: The headset includes a magnetic gasket for quick swaps and a flip-up feature, allowing easy transitions between VR and regular tasks.
- Versatility: It is equipped with mounting points for open-source face and eye-tracking hardware, making it suitable for developers and multi-user households.
- Weight Consideration: At 179 grams, it is 40% heavier than the Beyond model but still lightweight enough for extended use.
10. 🎮 Gaming with Shiftall MeganeX
- The Shiftall MeganeX features a 3840 by 3552 micro OLED panel for each eye, delivering inky blacks and exceptional contrast, typical of OLED technology, though not matching the sharpness of micro LED.
- Despite being sharp, the micro OLED's contrast can sometimes affect perceived image sharpness, particularly in darker backgrounds.
- Pancake lenses are utilized, which improve upon internal reflections although some remain unavoidable.
- For an enhanced analysis, it would be useful to compare the performance of the MeganeX with other VR headsets, considering both user experience and technical specifications.
11. 🌟 Drawbacks and Considerations
- The headset's refresh rate is limited to 90 Hz, similar to older models, prioritizing resolution over refresh rate, which might affect users seeking smoother motion.
- There is no official field of view specification, suggesting it might not be the widest available, although the headset is notably light-weight, benefiting comfort.
- Setup remains complex with intricate cable management and necessary accessories, reminiscent of previous models, potentially deterring less tech-savvy users.
- An audio strap accessory, which will incur additional costs, is planned but not available at launch, potentially impacting immediate user experience.
12. 🆕 Grip VR Controllers from Shiftall
- Shiftall introduces new grip VR controllers compatible with Steam VR, offering ergonomic design similar to Valve Knuckles, enhancing user comfort and interaction.
- The controllers feature an Oculus Quest-like button layout, providing familiarity and ease of use for those accustomed to Oculus devices, potentially improving user transition and satisfaction.
- These controllers expand market choices for VR enthusiasts, reflecting a trend of innovation and diversification in VR hardware, catering to a wider variety of user preferences and needs.
13. 🎧 Sponsor Shoutout: Wicked Cushions (Repeat)
- Wicked Cushions offers replacement earpads that revive old headphones, saving users from needing to discard them due to wear.
- The earpads are available in two main types: ultra-comfortable memory foam and dual-layer cooling gel, catering to intense gaming sessions.
- Customers can choose from over a dozen styles and multiple finishes, allowing for personalization and style upgrades.
- These earpads can be used to enhance both old and new headphones, providing added comfort and aesthetic appeal.