The Pimax Super is the latest headset in the third generation of Pimax headsets, the Crystal. First came the Crystal Original, which notably featured a battery, which I tested on the channel. Then recently came the Crystal Light, which has the same specifications as the Crystal Original, but with a simpler design: no eyetracking, no battery.

The Crystal Super offers incredible resolution, 4K per eye! Plus, all the technologies Pimax has mastered, like eyetracking. For comparison, the Quest 3 is 2064×2208 and the Bigscreen Beyond 2 is 2560×2560.

So the question is: have they gone too far with this headset? Or is this the long-awaited culmination for us Sim Racers?

I should point out that Pimax sent me the Pimax Super and the Pimax Light free of charge. You can use the affiliate link below if you want to support me and enjoy a 3% discount with the code lebois3. The Pimax Light review will be out soon, so subscribe! I’ll also be posting a comparison of the two headsets.

Conception and Design

The first piece of good news is that Pimax didn’t just rehash the Pimax Light’s casing. We have a new casing, which is better finished, and above all more compact! This is quite surprising when you consider the number of features this headset has. The design is quite understated, and the color of the V on the front is customizable. We have the feeling of dealing with a premium product.

It’s not the most compact headset, but spec-wise it’s perfectly acceptable. The headset’s position is adjusted using the top strap and the dial on the back of the headset.

Foam covers all parts that come into contact with the head.

There are three buttons. Two of these buttons are used to adjust the volume or confirm choices while in the headset interface. The third is used to put the headset into standby mode.

Weight-wise, we’re at 900g. Again, this is in line with the technical specifications.

Confort 

Comfort is a significant improvement over previous headsets. The headset is lighter than the original Crystal, and the more compact shape allows for better weight distribution. The foam is effective, and you can complete laps without fatigue.

Furthermore, the fit is very good. I used this headset a lot while standing up in Arizona Sunshine, a shooter where you constantly move your head, and I wasn’t bothered by the headset’s movements. Obviously, a lighter headset will probably move less, but that’s not a problem.

The same goes for using a motion simulator. The headset moves little. In fact, when the simulator moves a lot, the headset is more comfortable than the screen. In fact, the screen is comparatively more affected by movement on my simulator than the headset.

Negative: you have to loosen the strap every time you want to remove the headset to see around you. So you lose the adjustment and have to find it again each time.

Also, the cable, which is quite thick, is not designed to go directly to the left, but rather to the right. A symmetrical configuration would have been more comfortable.

The headset has a “Pass-through” mode: by tapping the top right edge of the headset, the headset displays the image captured by a front camera: this allows you to retrieve objects around you without removing the headset. On the other hand, the image is in black and white and 2D, when the competition offers 3D generation in color… it needs to be improved.

Space tracking

The headset uses Inside-Out technology to track the user’s and controllers’ position in space. It is based on four cameras that use the environment to determine positioning.

It’s a proven technology and obviously works very well here. It should also be possible in the future to change the front panel to use Lighthouse technology, which uses external bases. I think it’s a good thing to have the choice here, because inside-out tracking will always be less efficient than Lighthouse tracking. Inside-out tracking is particularly limited for tracking controllers, which can easily end up outside the camera’s field of view and therefore not be tracked. This is the case, for example, in a standing game like Arizona Sunshine, where when I look up, the headset won’t follow the controller, which will look for a weapon at leg level.

Eye tracking 

The headset incorporates an eye-tracking solution that works perfectly. In addition to tracking pupil position instantly, it’s powerful enough to not require calibration each time the user changes.

Specifically, eye tracking is used to automatically adjust the IPD (inter-eye distance). I’ve never experienced such precise and comfortable adjustments; it’s truly very comfortable to use. The headset also uses this sensor to indicate to the user whether the headset’s position is ideal. Finally, eye tracking allows for graphical optimizations, which we’ll discuss later.

Logiciel 

To use the Crystal Super, simply install the Pimax Play driver. I didn’t have any trouble connecting the headset. I switched seamlessly from Crystal Super to Crystal Light. The software offers many options, whether for adjusting colorimetry, enabling or disabling features, or configuring games.

The software notably offers the use of the PimaxXR API. The API is the software layer between the game and the VR headset. You can choose between SteamVR, which isn’t highly optimized but is the most stable; OpenXR, which is highly configurable; and PimaxXR, which is the solution I recommend because it’s both optimized and simple. That said, there are still a few bugs to fix. For example, when launching Arizona Sunshine using PiMaxXR instead of SteamVR, the headset’s microphone is no longer recognized in-game. But this unlocks other features, which we’ll discuss later.

You can also adjust the graphics settings for each simulation, which is handy. However, you can’t necessarily launch all the games from Pimax Play. Sometimes it will launch the non-VR version, sometimes it won’t launch anything at all, so there’s still a bit of work to be done there.

There is also an interface in the headset, accessible from the controllers which allows access to very practical features such as choosing the sound device, accessing windows like discord, without leaving the game, etc. It is not yet very ergonomic, but it is practical.

Picture quality

We come to the crux of the matter… the image. 4K per eye… It’s huge, it’s close to the human eye. This allows for a sharper image than when playing on a 4K screen. It’s particularly impressive when looking at the steering wheel, on which you can no longer see a single pixel. Unfortunately, from a distance, for the moment it’s very difficult to run the headset at resolutions that allow the image to avoid pixelation, which isn’t necessarily pleasant. That being said, it’s when you switch back to Pimax Light (2880×2880) and realize that you can no longer see the apexes that you realize the difference in resolution.

The colors are vibrant, with very strong contrasts; there’s nothing to complain about there. However, there is indeed a mura effect (a washed-out window effect) present. It’s only visible when you stop and focus on it. It’s particularly noticeable on bright, uniform areas like clouds. But for our sim racing use, it’s really a minor inconvenience.

Otherwise, I wasn’t bothered by the lenses. I should point out that my headset comes with the intermediate FOV (field of view) of 127°, and 50 pixels per degree… and that seems like a good compromise. I find it easy to get used to. The Crystal Super is available with 120, 127, and 140° fields of view. But be careful! The wider the field of view, the more graphics you’ll need. In this case, the Super 50ppd/127° is already offered in two fields of view via the software, and I almost exclusively use the low FOV to gain more fps (frames per second).

You’re also wondering which field of view to choose when ordering: 50ppd, 57ppd, or UW. It’s a difficult question, especially since I haven’t tested the ultrawide. First of all, you should know that Pimax managed to offer the UW with the same sharpness as the 50ppd (intermediate FOV). So, there’s no point in getting the 50ppd. The question is between the 57ppd and the UW.

Also, it’s worth noting that the headset’s sweet spot isn’t huge, but the overall sharpness is so high that you don’t notice it. Furthermore, eye tracking allows the headset to tell you if it’s positioned incorrectly, so you’re generally always in the ideal position.

Graphics consumption.

With such a resolution, the question of minimum configuration arises. I conducted all my tests with a 5090 and an i7-14700kf (configuration details in the description). The Pimax Play software offers several graphics optimization solutions. There are NVIDIA NIS and AMD FSR solutions, as well as a proprietary sharpening filter. These solutions don’t provide any more gain than on conventional monitors; that is, beyond a 3%/5% gain in FPS, image degradation becomes visible.

Next comes DFR (dynamic foveated rendering), and especially Quadview. DFR involves degrading the resolution where the eye isn’t looking. Quadview is the same principle but visibly much more advanced because the gains are nothing like that.

But there’s a catch. A big one. Quadview is currently only supported by iRacing and DCS. The gain is enormous. I don’t have a specific figure to give, but iRacing is clearly the only car simulation where you can fully utilize all the options and fully appreciate the headset’s capabilities. Pimax has invested heavily in Lemans Ultimate, so we hope this simulation will be compatible in the future. That being said, there’s no news yet, and clearly, you shouldn’t count on it if you have a weak graphics card.

Other simulators take DFR into account, but for gains that I consider minimal, since the degradation quickly becomes visible if you want to gain significant FPS. Indeed, even if your eye isn’t looking where the resolution is degraded, you can still see flickering where you’re not looking.

So, aside from Iracing, on other simulations, eye tracking doesn’t save the headset, and we end up having to find a difficult compromise between fluidity and sharpness.

I want to emphasize that I’ve spent many hours testing, followed many tutorials, and haven’t found anything miraculous. I know some will tell me that by using OpenXR, modifying files, etc., they achieve something perfect. I don’t really believe it. And even if it were true, personally, I prefer the most stable solutions over time, which don’t depend on modifications to game files or the NVIDIA driver.

To conclude, with a 5090, you can run the headset fairly smoothly. In my opinion, with a 5070/5080, you can still run the headset, but I don’t really see the point.

To give you an idea: I find the Pimax Light’s image more pleasing than the Super’s at the moment. The image is blurrier, but much less pixelated. However, the Super is future-proof, as we know we’ll get more out of it with each new generation of graphics card.

In terms of fluidity, the software offers a 75Hz and 90Hz setting. You should select 75Hz if you plan to run the headset around this refresh rate; the fluidity will be better than with 90Hz. Personally, I’m quite sensitive to fluidity, and 90Hz, while perfectly in line with the market, is the minimum.

Sound

My headset came with the standard audio solution. It’s acceptable, but not crazy. At least it’s compact, and the sound isn’t unpleasant. Pimax also offers a more premium solution, the Deluxe Audio Strap, which mounts in place of the standard earbuds.

In my opinion, you can greatly improve the sound experience simply by using good headphones.

Controllers

The controllers are the same as those of the original Crystal Light: they are lightweight and well-finished.

They are equipped with built-in batteries that are recharged via the included USB cable. Battery life is excellent, with over ten hours of playtime.

The ergonomics are decent, although we would have appreciated more resistance to the trigger.

The tracking is satisfactory but doesn’t match Lighthouse tracking. It’s also quite curious to find several options for controller tracking, and I found that in-game they lack a bit of precision. We’ll see if it improves over time.

Motion Compensation 

The Pimax Play software currently offers only one motion compensation solution: the function that tells the headset not to move when the user moves with the simulator. The solution is to use a controller as a reference point. You need to attach it using my mount, for example. It works very well.

Depending on the motion software you’re using, as well as the API, you may have access to other solutions.

But clearly the best solution remains to disable motion tracking: you keep the rotation, and there will be no interference from the simulator. In a racing car, you’re not supposed to be able to move anyway.

I certainly hope they integrate motion compensation, for example, using a WitMotion sensor. Personally, I didn’t want to attach a controller to my simulator simply because I also use it for standing games, and it’s quite tedious to install and remove it every time.

Reliability

With such advanced technology, one might wonder if the headset is up to scratch, and if it’s durable, before shelling out the big bucks to buy it.

Connection-wise, I haven’t had any issues. I regularly switch from light to super, and each time, the headset is detected after about twenty seconds.

The software isn’t perfect, but in any case, we haven’t encountered any problems with headset detection by SteamVR or anything else.

I use a motion simulator and a tensioner, which generally cause interference, and it seems that my Fanatec direct drive also causes enough interference to disconnect my old pedalboard. And so far, I haven’t experienced any black screens with the headset, even temporary. It’s clearly a “plug and play” situation.

Furthermore, several components, such as the strap and cable, have been used since the 5k+/8KX generation, so I think the headset should be very durable over time.

I’d like to point out that before sending me this headset, I warned Pimax that I would not tolerate any defects, and I understand why they didn’t hesitate: the headset does indeed have no hardware or software defects.

Price and conclusion 

Obviously, such specifications don’t come without a high retail price. The headset costs around €1,800 in France. It’s worth noting that half the price is payable upon ordering, and the other half is due within 15 days of receipt if you’re satisfied with the headset. Otherwise, the headset will be deactivated, and you’ll have to return it to Pimax for a refund.

So, should you open your wallet for the headset with the best resolution in the world? Yes, if you have a 5090, or are thinking of getting one, and especially if you plan to upgrade to a 6090 when it’s released. Because yes, there’s no point in buying a Rolls-Royce without having the gas to put in it. If your PC holds up, there’s a good chance you’ll get a shock the first time. Then a second when you upgrade to a 6090, then a third when you upgrade to a 7090… (yes, you shouldn’t upgrade cards too quickly, it can hurt). This is truly the headset’s strength: it’s built to last, whereas many current headsets can’t.

If your build is below a 5080, wait until I get my hands on a 5070, and I’ll tell you if it’s worth it or not.

This headset isn’t without its flaws. Despite its high retail price, there are a few aspects that are disappointing (the sound, the pass-through mode). However, I believe the image quality offered makes it the best Sim Racing headset today. And probably for a long time to come.

The post Pimax Super: The best headset for Sim Racing appeared first on Lebois Racing.

The packaging: classic, simple, efficient.

Let’s save our time: it arrived quickly (8 days after shipping), well packaged, not damaged. Next.

Let’s note in passing: many people ask me questions about customs fees: for some time now, Aliexpress has been collecting the VAT when ordering, making it unnecessary to go through customs. However, some carriers may re-invoice the VAT. Don’t panic: once you have paid the carrier (twice therefore…), you contact Aliexpress with an invoice and proof of payment and they will reimburse you.

Assembly and configuration.

The pedalset is delivered without a plate, as is often the case (but they offer a very good one). You will have no trouble mounting it on Heusinkveld plates, or even directly on profiles, even if you have to order a simple steel plate to rest the feet.

The pedalset is delivered with M6 screws for assembly which is not very long.

The configuration is provided by DiView. It is simple, not ultra user-friendly but we have access to the essentials: min and max adjustment. We can also make the curve non-linear.

The pedalset is delivered with a metal control box which alone answers our question: SimJack has put the means where we need them:

Indeed, to find a control box of this good quality, you will really have to aim for the top of the range! You will ask me: a metal control box, what is it for? Well, the problem with load cell pedals is sensitivity to EMI. Understand the problem: a load cell is a sensor that captures voltage differences of the order of mV (one thousandth of a Volt), when you can have motors (flywheel, cylinders, etc.) that operate at 24V/48V at high amperages next to it. These components therefore have no problem disturbing the load cell signal, this is what we call EMI (electromagnetic interference). We do not encounter this problem with hydraulic pedals for example because the sensors operate on wider ranges, between 0V and 5V in general. The use of a metal box acts as a Faraday cage and reduces the disturbances. I can therefore use my many actuators without disturbing the signal coming from the pedals: a must!

Adjusting the geometry.

There are many possible settings:

• start/end of travel
• pedal resistance
• preload
• relative position of the pedals in depth
• height adjustment of the accelerator plate

The axles are machined with an imprint that allows them to be blocked in the end joints: so the settings do not move. It’s perfect.

Accelerator pedal

Let’s start with the most exciting: the accelerator. Obviously not much to say. The size of the plate is appreciable. The force of the spring seems balanced to me.

It uses a 20kg Load Cell.

Brake pedal

I don’t have much to say about the brake pedal: it’s sturdy, it doesn’t move. On the other hand, we would have appreciated not having only one type of elastomer or spring… it’s easy to correct and we already have a lot of different solutions. As for me, I applied a strong pre-stress and removed an elastomer to be more quickly in the very hard.

The brake uses a 200kg load cell… it’s a bit too much but it works, especially because the control box is of excellent quality.

On the brake and clutch the plate is curved and comfortable.

Clutch pedal

The clutch pedal has a hard point. As for me, this is not a feature to which I attach much importance, especially since it makes the adjustment of the geometry more delicate in order to “position” the hard point. But otherwise the pedal is perfectly designed.

Conclusion

We can already answer our question: this SimJack pedal is a BANGER!!! You really have to be very picky to find faults with it, and the price is just mind-boggling. You will not gain in performance by looking for another brand, that’s for sure. It plays neck and neck with the Simsonn which offers more spring in the basic kit.

SimJack Pedals

The faultless?

Ideal if you are looking for a reliable, simple, efficient crankset.

Check the price on Aliexpress The video review

The post SimJack Load Cell Pedals: The Test (long term) appeared first on Lebois Racing.

New, more solid machining

The Ultimates bring minor changes: some small plates see their thickness increase from 3mm to 6mm. We also have the plate in contact with the accelerator foot which offers more height adjustment.

Seeing the machining of the plates, I had thought that we could adjust the plates in lateral position but no. I also understood why: if we allow the user to shift the plates laterally, the force applied by the user is no longer perfectly centered, which has the effect of twisting the pedal. So no it would not be visible or annoying in the short term. But a non-uniform effort would probably result in premature wear of certain components. In particular the loadcell might not appreciate it.

Axles mounted on ball bearings

Another improvement, the most useful in my opinion: the use of bearings instead of self-lubricating rings. I was not bothered by the noise on the PROs. But there is much less risk of being bothered by ball bearings, so I say yes!

Un nouveau logiciel : SimJack Control

The most important new feature is probably the new pedal calibration software. On the Pro version you have to use the good old DiView.

Here we have software similar to what is done elsewhere: calibration of min and max, management of profiles, curves, automatic calibration…

The presentation is not the most neat but remains functional.

The price?

The transition from a PRO range to an Ultimate range, this normally implies torning apart the wallet, doesn’t it? Well no… curiously, the most high-end version is about 5% more expensive… Where the PRO version with three pedals costs about €175, the Ultimate peaks at €186 for the same configuration.

It’s confusing yes… In reality, it’s much more of a PRO V2 than an Ultimate version.. Besides, there’s a good chance that the PRO version will end up no longer being distributed. Time will tell!

Conclusion

This is a very positive upgrade. The price remains roughly the same while the quality improves. So if you are hesitating between the PRO and the Ultimate, choose the Ultimate (without the hydraulics dampers, I repeat it is useless). That said, we would appreciate it if SimJack got a little more involved and offered truly innovative features.

My Ultimates are patiently waiting for the move in a box, so we’ll talk about it again very soon!!! In the meantime, if you want to order your pedal set, take advantage of the Aliexpress promo codes that I regularly share on this page!

The post SimJack Pro VS SimJack Ultimate appeared first on Lebois Racing.

The Pimax Crystal succeeds two generations of VR headsets and introduces a new hybrid range: classic PCVR headset (with a cable connected to the computer, SteamVR compatible, the great classic), but also Standalone: the headset is capable of operating autonomously without a PC. With the 8KX, the second generation offered a 180° FOV. The crystal offers a FOV (field of view) in line with the market average, and we’ll have to wait for the 12K to enjoy a wide field of view once again.

This choice leads to our question: is the return to a conventional field of view justified by the incredible gain in sharpness provided by the Crystal’s screen: 2880×2880 per eye!

Get 20$ OFF with the code lebois20 !

II. Concept and Design

Design

The Pimax Crystal uses an evolution of the previous-generation housing. It’s big. That’s said. Considering the size of the screen and the FOV, it’s not justified, but you have to understand that it’s this housing that will also house the incredible 12K screen, which as its name suggests, will offer 6000 pixels wide per eye! So yes, it’s an unfavorable compromise for the Crystal. The strap has been slightly revised. The front panel is designed to be interchangeable with a Lighthouse tracking faceplate (see “Tracking in space”).

The case features three USB ports for future module mounting. The lenses are designed to be removable too.

Build quality

Like the previous generation, this headset is designed to be modular. In my opinion, this is a mistake (it was already a mistake on the previous generation), as it makes this headset much more complex to build: you have to make sure that certain parts can be disassembled, while ensuring that the assemblies have no play… In particular, I find that the faceplate attachment isn’t completely satisfying. The question remains as to whether the modules to be offered will justify this choice. A faceplate for a different space tracking mode and a Wifi module are currently planned, and we hope to be able to test them!

So yes, the perceived build quality is below the competition. But no other headset on the market offers so many features and is so upgradeable.

Installing the battery, on the other hand, is rather tedious: there are two clips that are difficult to push in. This is something that needs to be corrected.

Pimax obviously reuses the cable from the previous generation, except that the cable from the previous generation didn’t need to be easily plugged/unplugged. This is a real problem, as this cable is not fitted with a coding device. So you have to follow the diagram above to avoid making a mistake (don’t worry, you won’t damage the cable if you insert it the other way round). It’s little things like this that make the difference.

Confort

The headset is heavy, weighing in at 1001g. Clearly the heaviest headset on the market. Again: so many features, it weighs a lot! However, in seated use (Sim Racing), this didn’t bother me. I run endurance races with them, and that’s not where I get tired. The 120g battery installed on the back of the headset spreads the load, and I repeat: the weight doesn’t bother me.

On the other hand, the weight will probably be a disadvantage for standing games where the head moves faster: at this point, the inertia implied by the weight generates movements of the headset in relation to the head. In my opinion, this headset should be understood as dedicated to seated gaming.

Besides, the headset is equipped with foam pads that do their job. The strap is tightened at the back and is effective. The nose is fitted with an interesting flap system, and there are no light leaks.

Battery

The headset comes with two batteries and a charger. Use of the battery is mandatory.

When the headset is not in use, the cable also recharges the battery.

When the headset is plugged directly into the PC, count on a good two hours of autonomy.

When the headset is plugged into the Power Hub, autonomy rises to 6 hours.

6 hours is already very substantial, and minimizes battery management. Obviously, for pure Sim Racing use, this battery is a disadvantage. But it’s important to take a step back and understand the positioning of the headset: there are now many PCVR/Standalone headsets. But they’re all much more standalone-oriented than PCVR. As a result, in PCVR mode, the image is often degraded, and the connection difficult to establish. Quite the opposite of the Crystal, which is positioned above all as a PCVR headset while offering the possibility of being used in standalone mode.

And this standalone mode is VERY important to me. You have to have tried it to understand it: it’s a whole new freedom, a new way of playing, for everyone! You can face the sofa and play ping pong, or go out into your garden and shoot zombies. This wasn’t possible with the previous generation, which had to be connected to the PC, install bases and so on… I even went on vacation with my headset.

Alors oui on se dit : “moi je ne fais que du Sim Racing, je n’ai pas besoin du standalone”, mais l’essayer c’est l’adopter ! Et c’est au pire des cas une excellente plus-value en cas de revente.

Tracking in space

The headset’s spatial tracking is of the “Inside-Out” type, i.e. 4 cameras located on the headset that track the headset and controllers: again, this weighs a lot. There’s a lot of hype around the Big Screen, which weighs just 127g, but this one uses Lightouse tracking, which requires the use of external bases that are tedious to install.

Tracking in space is fluid and I couldn’t fault it, even in a tight space like my simulator.

Note that it will be possible to swap the front panel for one featuring Lightouse tracking, the SteamVR solution: the headset is tracked by two bases located at the corners of the room. Honestly, the only point of this solution is to better track the controllers. A limiting use case for Inside-Out is when you’re archery: the hand holding the bow ends up behind the headset and is generally poorly tracked. It’s a compromise I’m happy to make, as it’s such a pain to install the Lighthouse bases.

III. Visual performance

Image quality

That’s where Crystal shines! 2880×2880 per eye! That’s the highest resolution on the market (along with the 8KX). Except that, as the field of vision is reduced, sharpness is enormously improved! It’s as close to human vision as you can get: you can see the fence mesh as far as you’re supposed to in real life. The number of pixels per degree of field of view is so high that they become indistinguishable, and even with an average graphics setting, you can’t distinguish pixels. It’s a big step forward in this respect. On the other hand, the headset requires a relatively powerful graphics card. I’m using a 4080, and that seems just about right for enjoying the headset.

Lenses

The Pimax Crystal uses interchangeable glass lenses: the default setting is 35PPD (pixels per degree), and Pimax will also be shipping a second set at 42PPD (you gain in sharpness but lose in field of view). Once again: the fact that the lenses are interchangeable inevitably makes the body heavier and more complex. Note that even though the mounting solution is very clean (a screw and several magnets fix the lens), I didn’t really enjoy making the change, as you’re bound to be afraid of getting dust into the headset.

There’s no problem with rays of light – they’re perfectly controlled.

Field of view (FOV)

The Pimax Crystal’s field of view is given as 140° diagonal. Not immediately easy to get used to when coming from an 8KX, but the field of view remains wide compared with the competition. On the other hand, the 2880x2880p panel implies a rather square fov, which is less natural than rectangular fields of view.

Colors and contrast

Once again, this is one of the Pimax Crystal’s strong points: as much as I’ve become used to the very high sharpness, every time I put on the headset, the color quality continues to surprise me: it defies all competition! Vibrant colors are… vibrant, dull tones are dull and blacks are perfect. It makes the old generation aged. Combined with the increased sharpness, this creates an image that’s truly pleasing to the eye. And once again, a picture that’s close to reality.

Fluidity

The Pimax Crystal’s default setting is 90Hz, and a 120Hz beta mode is also available. The latter mode has never posed a problem for me, and can already be offered in the final version. This was a shortcoming of the 8KX, which for me was only stable in 75Hz. Few headsets offer more than 90Hz, and there are even plans to go beyond 120Hz. This makes the headset very upgradeable. This reminds me of the 5K+, which can go up to 144Hz, making it very upgradeable (to generate images in VR at 144Hz, you need to be well equipped!).

Features

To take the load off the graphics card, the headset features eye tracking. In theory, this enables image degradation where the eye is not looking. The solution works at 120Hz and is impossible to fault. This is a very positive point. Unfortunately, there’s no gain on steamVR, so you have to use the open source OpenVR solution to get gains of up to 10% on compatible titles…of which there aren’t many:

10% on RF2, works perfectly

10% on ACC, but with some glitches on the edges (in the stands or on the grass)

10-15% on Iracing, works perfectly (I’m not the one who tested it)

0% on AMS2.

We hope that the integration of this solution will progress, because it really is a 10% gain in fps WITHOUT ANY VISUAL LOSS!

IV. Audio performance

The headset is once again available with two audio solutions: the standard (SMAS) and the Deluxe (DMAS). I personally tested the Deluxe, and found it very convincing. You’d really have to be an inveterate audiophile to feel the need for dedicated headphones.

V. Ease of use

The driver : Pimax Play

The new software gave me no trouble at all, and immediately detected the headset. In the background, it’s the second-generation Pitool that you find when you click on “settings”.

Auto-IPD

Eye tracking also activates Auto-IPD: the automatic adjustment of lens positioning. It’s a perfectly fine-tuned feature, which also enabled me to determine that my ideal IPD is 63.4mm. Lens position adjustment is therefore motorized… again, this adds weight.

Headset buttons

There are several buttons on the top of the headset: sound adjustment, power button, lens position adjustment (when Eye Tracking is deactivated). Some users have complained that the positioning of these buttons isn’t ideal, since they’re right where you put your fingers when you’re handling the headset. Personally, I’m happy with them.

There’s also a button for switching from PCVR to Standalone, which is very welcome: indeed, on all the Standalone/PCVR headsets I’ve used, it’s always complicated to switch from one mode to the other.

VI. Trackers

The headset comes with two satisfying joysticks. The battery is integrated and recharges via a USB-C port. It’s just what you’d expect. Once again, build quality isn’t mind-blowing, but once in hand, there’s not a single plastic flaw to be found.

VII. Conclusion

So, is this new generation of virtual reality headsets up to the challenge? As we’ve seen, the Pimax Crystal is not without its faults. But the real question is what this headset is really worth once it’s on your head: and here I have to admit that, between the colors, fluidity and sharpness, the experience is truly superior to any I’ve ever experienced. This headset takes us one step closer to reality, and that’s what simulation fans will probably decide for themselves!

Pimax Crystal:

A new era for VR!

This headset is a bet on the future for Pimax, which will have to finalize all its functionalities before it can justify its price!

Check the price on Pimax.com Get 20$ OFF with the code lebois20 !

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The Sound Blaster Z SE integrated sound card from CREATIVE is an integrated sound card that plugs into a PCI-e x1 slot. The card uses the Sound Blaster Command driver which allows for simple configuration and advanced options. This is a mid-range model that is very efficient for bass shakers, especially if you want to use the analog outputs (up to 8 bass shakers). It uses the Sound Core3D chipset.

Installation

The sound card is mounted on a PCI-e x1 slot. Moreover, if you only have PCI-e x16 slots (those where graphics cards are plugged in), no worries, the card can be mounted on them.

Software configuration

The Sound Blaster Command driver can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. After the installation it will probably offer you an update. The driver allows to test the sound outputs. No other settings are necessary.

If you want to use this card to power the Logitech Z906, you can perfectly use the optical output, and set the encoding to DTS (better quality than Dolby).

Conclusion

The Sound Blaster Z SE is a great solution if you want a quality setup with a proper software interface! If you don’t have any free PCI-e slots, you can check this section to discover all our solutions!

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September 2017: while the VR market is dominated by the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift(in fact almost the only two headsets at the time), Pimax is already offering a 4k headset with a definition far superior to what was being done (1920 x 2160 per eye against 1080 x 1200 for the Vive). That’s when the Chinese company launched an ambitious Kickstarter campaign consisting of three headsets offering a 200° FOV with impressive resolutions:

• The 5k (2560×1440 per eye)
• The 8K (2560×1440 input on a 3840×2160 panel per eye)
• The 8KX (3840×2160 per eye)

The campaign was a huge success. I was a backer of an 8K myself, before taking advantage of an offer to get the 5k+ and a voucher instead. The 8KX was supposed to come out later. Actually much later. Basically, everything was always late. But nothing surprising for a Kickstarter campaign. My 5k+ shipped in January 2019. Later I will take advantage of a Pimax offer to upgrade to the 8KX which I will receive in September 2020. Yes some backers have waited three years to receive the 8KX. All this to say that this is a case that I followed closely. And as Pimax launches the Crystal, I think it’s time to take stock.

II. Design and construction

Design

The Pimax of this generation (5K, 8K, 8KX) all use the same chassis. The latter encountered some problems on the first units, but has not been a problem since. The 8KX benefits from a Soft Touch finish which perhaps makes it even more solid. I would have preferred a slightly less angular design to reduce shock sensitivity. The color of the big “V” is not adjustable. Personally I like the style of this helmet.

Manufacturing quality

It’s hard to make a VR headset indestructible without making it an anvil. Again, once the problems of the first series were solved, these headsets turned out to be quite reliable and well finished. The Achilles heel is clearly the cable: when it starts to act up, there are pixels that turn white… However, it can be changed quite easily. On the software side too, it is rather stable, at least in the average of the market. In any case, mine always works perfectly even though I did not spare it (see the various scratches on the case).

Confort

Contrary to what one might think, the headset is not that heavy, and although wide, it is not deep so there is not so much weight in the overhang. Unlike the 8K and 5K, the 8KX benefits from a rigid strap, called SMAS for Standard Modular Audio Strap. Let’s be clear: it’s difficult (impossible?) to design a strap that fits all heads. This SMAS is better than the soft strap of the other Pimax headphones, but on the whole it is generally not that appreciated (which is not my case). On the other hand, the management of the cable is to be refined: it is planned that it passes along the left side, but the part which maintains it does not do its job very well… too bad.

In any case, the SRT Team has been doing 24 hours races with this helmet for several years now, without any problem of comfort. You can also see it in action on our french Twitch channel!

Tracking in space

The tracking in space uses the same technology as the HTC Vive and is very effective, nothing to say about it.

III. Visual performance

Image quality

I don’t plan here to propose you pictures through the lenses or advanced and abstract colorimetry tests : it’s useless… then I am not equipped… Of course the image is sharp. The sweetspot (area where the sharpness is the highest) is very good. It is now surpassed by the Crystal, but clearly, if you have the right GPU, you get the sharpness of a 4K image on a screen. On the other hand, the field of view being particularly wide, the number of pixels per degree of field of view (ppd) is not very high. That’s why headsets like the Valve Index look sharper, and are often preferred by gamers who don’t have a high-end graphics card.

Field of view (FOV)

Pimax has set the bar very high with its FOV (Field of View). Maybe too much so. Concretely, the software allows three fields of view: Small, Normal, Large. Obviously, the wider the FOV, the more graphic resources it consumes. And I don’t think anyone uses the Large, because it consumes too many resources and there are too many optical distortions to make it worthwhile. By the way, Pimax offered for a short period of time a headset called Artisan that offered a 140° FOV, which is a good compromise. Anyway, once you’ve tried it, it’s very difficult to go back.

The FOV of the Pimax is comparable to what you get with a triple screen. But on this subject I will be categorical: it is not comparable at all. And even if we regularly see videos on youtube “Driver’s Eye” that look ultra-realistic, it is not! With a triple screen, you stay in 2 dimensions. Point. You can install a curved rear-projected screen of 10m diagonal, it will not change anything to the fact that you are stuck in 2D, that you see your material and not the car. VR has its drawbacks (price, comfort, practicality), but nothing can match it in terms of immersion.

Color and contrast

Again, no infrared tests, but a simple feeling: the colors and brightness of the Pimax 8Kx are correct, nothing more. The Crystal does better, and it is likely that future VR headsets will do better too.

Smoothness

The Pimax 8KX offered at its release 75Hz. This is not huge. But note that feeding two 4k tiles at 75Hz, you have to count on at least one 3080ti in sim racing! Pimax has been offering a 90Hz mode for a while now, but it’s still not stable for me. And anyway, going up to 90Hz implies important graphic sacrifices (even with a 4080). Finally, I have the feeling that even at 75Hz, the fluidity is not as satisfactory as on the 5k+ for the same refresh rate… The software offers a mode to double the frequency for an equivalent GPU load: Smart Smoothing, but it generates too many artifacts to be satisfying.

Finally, Pimax proposed a 120Hz mode in beta a while ago for some versions of the headset, but we haven’t heard from them since.

Features

In addition to presenting technical specifications defying all competition, Pimax is working hard to develop numerous software features. Among these, there is the FFR: decrease of the resolution on the sides, and the DFR: decrease of the resolution where you don’t look, thus using an eye tracking. Pimax works with Nvidia for the implementation of these solutions, and it is probably the only manufacturer that tries to make things happen at this level. Even if for the moment these functionalities are not all exploitable, as for example the tracking of the hands.

IV. Audio performance

The basic strap (SMAS) integrates small speakers, and I think that Pimax made a very good choice: the sound is obviously not of very good quality, but it is not detestable either. Moreover, it avoids using a headset that cuts us off from the world (for Beat Saber parties, it’s still appreciable). Finally, you can always unplug them and put on a headset or earphones… so really appreciable.

There is also the possibility to order the DMAS: Deluxe Modular Audio Strap. The feedbacks are not necessarily extremely praising on this product but it is necessary to understand that the good compromise was not easy to obtain between practicality and audio quality…

EDIT : obviously the SMAS strap is not proposed anymore.

V. Usability

The driver : Pitool

Many people have criticized the Pitool driver. However, if you think about it, it’s really a good driver. Let’s remember that when the first 5K and 8K headsets were released, Vive used a driver that took forever to download, and Windows headsets (WMR) almost all crashed on installation. The Pitool software weighs between 100Mb and 200Mb and installs quickly. It finally offers a rather practical interface, and especially with many more settings than the competition.

The buttons on the headset

Another positive point: three buttons are located on the top of the headset: a button to turn on the headset, and two volume buttons … there too … volume buttons, it’s silly, but when you’re in the middle of the room, and you have no idea where your keyboard is, it’s still very convenient!

VI. Conclusion

Is it a good headset? Yes. Is it a very good headset? Let’s be honest: in 2017, signing up for a screen with two 4k panels is like pre-ordering an autonomous car from Renault that runs on solar panels, with a range of 1500km, and with 8 seats.

But Pimax did it. So yes, we can criticize a reasonable fluidity, an eye tracking that was laborious or an unreliable cable. But Pimax made the lines move, and with my 4080 I take a lot of pleasure to ride in VR with this headset. At this point, my regret is that they didn’t offer an 8KX+: better quality panels with a 120Hz refresh rate, and everyone was happy!

The manufacturer is currently releasing the Crystal with new features, before focusing on the 12k which as its name suggests will offer a resolution of 6k per eye!

Finally, a little advice: Pimax offers to buy back the 8KX if you upgrade to 12K, so if you see a good promotion, it could be interesting!

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Pimax 8KX :

The best VR headset of its time!

On paper, it is impossible to find better technical characteristics! We will find many flaws, but as long as you have a powerful graphics card, the pleasure will always be there!

Check the price on Amazon The Pimax Website

The post Pimax 8KX: time for a review appeared first on Lebois Racing.

The HyperX Cloud II headphone is the second generation of headphones from the manufacturer HyperX. Completely revised copy to obtain a mature product that presents the best quality-price ratio in this range. Let’s find out what makes this headphone one of the best companions in Sim Racing!

II. Design and construction

Conception

The Cloud II is rather classic in its construction: red anodized aluminum headband covered with foam, and plastic rotating shells. The microphone is retractable.

A one meter jack cable runs from the headphone to the control box. This one is not removable on the headphone side. This is a criticism that comes up regularly, even though I personally prefer it: it is often the connectors that get loose and cause false contacts.

The control box, which we will come back to, is very compact while offering a good grip. It is connected to the PC by a two meter USB cable. Yes! there are three meters between the headset and the PC! Ideal when the latter is far from the simulator.

The quality of manufacture is irreproachable and one deals with materials of quality. The design is rather sober, each one will appreciate it according to its tastes.

Confort

The comfort is excellent with 350g. The adjustable headband distributes the weight well on the head, provided that the shells are raised enough (I always tend to wear them too low). The weight is contained but it will be necessary to correctly manage its cable under penalty of seeing three meters of cable pulling on the left shell.

In addition, the headphones are supplied with two types of ear pads:

• Foam
• Leather-like memory foam (recommended for audio quality)

These foams of oval forms make it possible to include perfectly ears until 7cm of height, and 4cm wide, and thus to propose a very good passive insulation of the external noises. One will be able to thus use this helmet of long hours. For more comfort, we will turn to a system of speakers like the Logitech 5.1 Z906.

The microphone is at the end of a 9cm articulated rod, so the adjustment is very practical, especially when you also have a VR headset on your head.

III. Audio and in-game quality

The HyperX Cloud II offers a very satisfying audio quality thanks to its 53mm diameter speakers. Deep bass, clear vocals and good balance. You’ll probably have to double the budget to get significantly better sound. The Cloud II doesn’t make the mistake of overloading with bass, although we might have appreciated more detail.

The headphones do just as well in gaming as in music listening. Be careful though: if you go out with this headphones on your head to listen to your favorite music, everyone will know at first glance who you really are!

Spatialization 7.1

One of the features highlighted on Cloud II is the ability to enable 7.1 spacialization. Let’s briefly recall the basics: spacializing the sound means allowing the listener to determine whether the sound is coming from the front, the back, the left, the right, etc… This is usually done by placing several speakers around the listener. 7.1 means therefore 7 speakers (1 in front, 4 in the four corners, 2 on the sides and a subwoofer).

Immediately one wonders how a headphone, equipped with only two speakers can offer a 7.1 sound? Basically: by playing with phases, reverberation and other subtle sound characteristics.

Is it efficient ? Not really… we are very far from a “true” 5.1 or 7.1 system that allows us to determine with our eyes closed if an opponent is positioned on our right wing. It’s obviously hard to describe the sound rendering in words, but basically you get a sound that does have a bit more depth, but that’s it. I’m going to be a bit harsh, but it feels like it adds echo… That said, even if the name is misleading, I must say that it brings a little extra, and that in general, I like to turn it on. Finally, this virtual spatialization is fully managed by the USB control box and therefore does not require any software settings, it’s always a win!

The microphone

The Cloud II’s microphone is within the industry standard. It’s the one I use when I record videos on my PC like this arduino tutorial.

IV Features

Compatibility

The headphones are plugged into a jack and can therefore be connected to any sound source with a jack output. It is said that the sound can be greatly improved with a good quality amp. I did not test it because the control box on which we come back afterwards is too practical! (then I don’t have a good headphone amp, so it’s fixed).

The control box behaves like an external sound card. The list of compatible sources for the Hyper Cloud II is long: PC, Xbox One, Xbox One S, PS4, PS4 Pro, Mac, Mobile and VR.

Control Box

The Cloud II’s control box is probably the “plus” that makes this headset a must-have: It allows you to adjust the sound of the headset and the microphone independently, activate the 7.1 surround sound, and there’s even a button on the side that allows you to mute the microphone… A button that is a bit too discrete, since many users thought their microphones were defective before realizing that this button had been inadvertently activated.

To top it all off, there is a pin on the back that allows you to attach the control box wherever it suits you.

Personally I always have this box wedged between my leg and the bucket seat. It’s the best thing ever!

V Conclusion

HyperX has scored big with the Cloud II. So many qualities in an affordable headphone, no wonder it is the most popular headset in gaming or Sim Racing, far ahead of its competitor the Logitech G Pro X.

HyperX Cloud II:

The best value for money

Excellent build quality, good sound and a whole host of features, what more could you want?

Check the price on Amazon HyperX website

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In this review, we’re going to take a look at the Logitech Z906, a mid-range 5.1 surround speaker system designed for gaming use, and particularly suited to Sim Racing. We’ll evaluate the features of this system, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right system for you to enhance your gaming experience.

The Logitech Z906 is composed of 5 satellite speakers and a subwoofer, in which the motherboard is integrated (sound amplification, source and speaker connections). Logitech provides the cables for the speakers and you will just have to find an outlet not too far away for the subwoofer. We will then have to find mounting solutions for the satellite speakers, we’ll talk about it later!

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2.Configuration and installation

Connectivity

The software configuration of the Logitech Z906 is “pretty” simple. First, you need to decide how you’re going to get the Z906 to communicate with your source. Let’s use a PC as an example. It can be connected in the following ways:

• 3.5mm Jack: Basic solution but still effective. You will need to use three 3.5mm jack cables (5.1 = 6 channels). To do this, you must have a motherboard with RCA 5.1 or add an internal or external sound card.
• RCA : only for 2 channels so forget it. Just use it as an AUX to use with your phone by example.
• Optical: probably the most practical since it requires only one cable. It is also the most economical solution because many motherboards that do not offer RCA 5.1 include an optical output. If this is not the case, again, you will need to add an internal or external sound card.

Installing the speakers is simple: just connect the speakers to the corresponding ports on the subwoofer (which integrates the amplifier), then connect the control box to the subwoofer via the VGA socket. The system is then ready for use. Logitech supplies 4.6m and 7.6m audio cables. To make the installation cleaner, I advise you to use this kind of braided cable. The satellite speakers can be attached from the back where there is an UNC 1/4″ screw thread. Many brackets are available on Amazon, and personally I use 3D printed brackets that I will share soon.

Positioning

You can install the speakers around the steering wheel and above the monitor, or at the four corners of the rig without any issue.

Concerning the subwoofer, we prefer to put it in front or behind the simulator. In any case avoid to move it too far away in the room: it goes up quite a lot in the highs and in some cases we manage “to position it at the ear”.

You can then control the Logitech Z906 thanks to the box (which must be connected because it “turns on” the system) or the remote control. And let’s be honest: as much as it can be sometimes complicated to configure the 5.1, once in place, it’s a press on the “Power” button, you adjust the sound and it’s ready! Speaking of 5.1: the control box allows you to make sure at a glance that the configuration is correct: if the Z906 receives a 5.1 signal, all the speakers will be displayed in yellow.

In short, the setup and installation of the Logitech Z906 is as quick and easy as installing a sound system like this can be.

3.Sound quality

The sound quality of the Logitech Z906 is exceptional for this price. The bass is deep and the treble detailed, which allows a total immersion in the game.

The satellite speakers (all but the subwoofer) are designed around a single 3″ speaker. We won’t ask these speakers to give us AC/DC at full blast, but once again for the price we are not disappointed! Especially since it must be said: in Sim Racing you don’t necessarily need a very detailed midrange and especially a very detailed treble. The 5.1 surround technology offers an immersive sound experience that immerses you in the action. The 8″ subwoofer is responsible for delivering deep bass that gives a whole new level of immersion in the game.

Remote control

Users can also adjust the volume and balance of the speakers to customize the sound experience to their preferences and speaker placement. The system also has a virtual surround sound mode that allows for surround sound on devices that don’t support 5.1 surround technology. But hey. It’s not as good.

In terms of power, we are also very well served: I generally use the installation around 15-20% when I am not alone. Otherwise, with 40%-50% the sound level is already high and to go higher would be frankly unpleasant. Unexpected point: by lowering the volume to 5%-10% one can enjoy the surround sound without disturbing anyone.

The satellite speakers are rated for 67W each and the subwoofer is rated for 67W.

In short, we are facing an unbeatable quality-price ratio! You’d have to spend twice the amount to start hearing a noticeable gain. In sim racing use it does the job perfectly, and more generally in Gaming or even in Cinema! If you have more high-end installations to recommend, we’re interested!

4.Application in sim racing

When used in sim racing, the Logitech Z906 provides an immersive sound experience that enhances the perception of surrounding sounds, such as engine noise, tire screeching and crash sounds. This can help improve driving performance by giving a better sense of where other vehicles are on the track.

In terms of immersion, it is incomparable to any other system (headphones, sound bar etc etc). The most striking experience for me is when you are stopped in the pit and opponents pass by on the track very quickly before moving away: the sound joins the image!

The 5.1 system is compatible with all the current simulations, but the ultimate experience is definitely on ACC.

I’m used to riding with a headphone, and I appreciate the quality of the sound without tiring my ears.

In summary, using the Logitech Z906 in sim racing provides an immersive sound experience that enhances the perception of surrounding sounds and improves driving performance. The 5.1 surround technology provides additional immersion.

5.Construction and design

The build quality of the Logitech Z906 is very good, like the rest of the brand’s products. I must admit I was very surprised on the day of delivery by the weight and size of the package. Again, you get what you pay for. The design is elegant and discreet, it will fit perfectly in any gaming environment.

The subwoofer is built in a melamine box (nothing like it for audio). The satellite speakers are largely made of plastic with a metal thread and grill, as well as a non-slip pad.

The cables are…… of the cables. We will appreciate all the same the presence of a marking of the ground wire, and a length waaaaaay more than correct.

The remote control is known to be fragile: so we do not throw it through the living room! That being said, even if the plastic is brittle, it remains functional.

6. Compatibility and price

The Logitech Z906 is compatible with a variety of devices, such as computers, televisions, Blu-ray players and game consoles. The easiest solution will usually be to use the optical input which supports Dolby Digital and DTS.

On Windows, this can be used without using an additional driver. In terms of simulation, all modern sims support 5.1.

As far as the price is concerned, it will be quickly forgotten after years of happy use.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Logitech Z906 is an incredible value for money 5.1 surround speaker system for use in sim racing. It offers an immersive sound experience with its exceptional sound quality, 5.1 surround technology and subwoofer. Multiple connectivity and a dedicated control box allow for easy setup and operation. The build quality and design are excellent, just like what the brand offers with the Logitech G29.

Quite simply, this is the most popular sound system in Sim Racing.

With a lower budget, you can turn to the Z506 which remains in the same spirit.

Another sound system to recommend? Tell us in comments!

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So, does the price mean concessions on quality? Answer in this article!

SimJack : the manufacturer

Before attacking (the brake pedal, lol), I have to tell you a little bit: So SimJack is a manufacturer that set up shop not so long ago. To tell you the truth, while talking with the boss, I even learned that they had read my article on load cell pedals before designing theirs. This company is young, it’s open minded: they agreed to share CAD files with me (which I obviously can’t share) so that I can develop mods, and eventually give them feedback. Comments, there were some (pedals, I’m starting to master a bit the subject). And obviously, they are planning to take them into account, so we’ll come back to that very soon.

The packaging: classic, simple, effective.

Let’s save our time: it arrived well, well packaged.

The assembly and the setting up.

First small negative point: the supplied screws (M6x10) are much too short. Of course it is impossible to provide screws that would fit everyone. But I don’t see what good it will do. Obviously I have everything I need in my drawers so it was quickly assembled.

For your information, the mounting brackets are 3mm thick, so if you have an 8mm plate like me, you’ll need something like M6x20.

For the parameter setting we use the Diview software…classic! However, for me it was the first time I used this software, and I admit I’m not a big fan… especially the calculation of the central value (which allows to adjust the response curves) is really tedious. We’ll come back to that too.

The control box is very compact and uses an STM32 chip with 16 bits of resolution: it’s classic, it works, it’s perfect. I designed a small clip that allows a clean mounting and the USB cable is long enough to fit in my USB hub.

Geometry adjustment.

The possible settings are many:

• start/end of travel
• pedal resistance
• preload
• relative position of the pedals in depth (14mm)
• height adjustment of the throttle plate (7,5mm)

What I found unfortunate was the lack of plate adjustments: it doesn’t cost anything to add a few screw locations to offer a little freedom.

Throttle pedal

As you probably already know, the Mini version implies relatively short pedals (from the axle to the top of the levers, we are at 156mm). And it’s actually on the throttle that this length is the most missing. So I cheated a bit and shifted the plate to get a satisfying length.

Moreover, the frame of these three pedals is particularly stiff, which allows a good precision in the setting and in the use. Moreover, the inversion of the plate does not bring any additional flexibility.

Finally, I found the spring a little too stiff, even when set to the softest position. The good news is that it is very easy to change it for a softer one.

On the other hand, I discovered that when I was adjusting this spring, the ball joint was in contact with another part in the highest position. It’s a bit of a pity, but if it doesn’t prevent it from working properly.

Brake pedal

The most interesting! The brake is mounted with a 100kg load cell. I have been asked a lot about the maximum force. I don’t have a measuring device at my disposal but I can tell you that even with both feet fully on the pedal I have a lot of trouble to saturate it. So it does the trick, even for the hardcore. Knowing that, by the way, a 200kg load cell divides the precision by 2…So going for a 100kg is the wise choice.

The feeling ? Hm… honestly ? Yes and no. As you know, since I created my hydraulic pedal, I’m over the moon. Here we just have a spring and an elastomer. By adjusting the preload, we can greatly reduce the impact of the spring. You can even remove it if you wish. So I will start by answering the following question:

Is it realistic : Not really. In fact it’s very simple: with only the elastomer (there is only one delivered): we find precisely the feeling of the hydraulic pedal: it is hard and it moves very little. With spring plus elastomer, we have clearly two resistance curves, with a very clear transition between the two. Not realistic at all. But! Effective…yes, it must be said: the break between the two curves gives a reference point and I must say that I have considerably improved my braking, especially on RF2 thanks to this reference point. Again, I don’t think it’s realistic (the braking feeling, not rf2…well, though…). If I were to push the vice further, I would remove the elastomer and use the mechanical stop to make an end of stroke marker. But that would be really dishonest.

Anyway, you can get anything you want for the feel. I especially like the fact that you only have one spring and one elastomer, which saves you from spending a thousand years adjusting your pedal. I just wish the spring was a bit stiffer so that the transition to the elastomer would be smoother. And once again, the chassis being rigid, and the electronics being good, the pedals are very precise in use, ideal for trail riding.

Clutch pedal

I was quite surprised to discover that the clutch pedal had no hard point, despite a different geometry than the gas pedal. You’re going to tell me if I’m right: if they don’t offer a hard point, they might as well use the same parts as the gas pedal and therefore offer a cheaper product? Tell me what you think in comments.

On the other hand, no particular problem for the clutch. The resistance is well calculated, and the height of the pedal did not bother me. Then the hard point in real life: who cares.

The future

Many of you have asked me if this pedals are PS/XBOX compatible. Unfortunately not, and I have to admit that compatible pedals on the market are rare. I’ve made SimJack aware of the problem and proposed the following solution: adapt their control box to connect it directly to the steering wheel bases (Logitech, Thrustmaster, Fanatec, Simucube etc…). In this case the pedals would be compatible with everything, and in addition we reduce the number of USB ports used! They thought it was a great idea and started to develop the so-called control boxes!

Conclusion

This pedalset is very good. You can find minor defects, but in use it is particularly efficient! As far as I’m concerned, its small size is its only flaw. The manufacturer is particularly attentive to the comments which we can make to him and should progress very quickly with products better and better adapted to our needs!

The price

The Mini is regularly found in the Simjack store around 320€.

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The post SimJack mini : This is not a review ! appeared first on Lebois Racing.

The diversity is probably the greatest for pedal sets.

The most complete list !

So I wanted to list all the pedal sets available for purchase. To simplify, I only chose the 3 pedals sets (sometimes available in two, in this case it is indicated), sold alone (unlike the Logitech G29 for example, in the cheapest color, and excluding the pedal sets available in reverse configuration (because it’s not very useful).

Prices are indicated including VAT, shipping costs (with the cheapest method), then rounded to the nearest euro.

It is possible to sort each column, so to sort by price for example.

Don’t hesitate to tell us in comments if a set is missing or if there is an error in the information..

To go further

Find many reviews and tips for Sim Racing pedal sets here !

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