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.

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!

To be notified of special offers, join my social networks: Facebook, Discord.

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.

Pimax masters the image. The sharpness of the image is really excellent, thanks to two square screens of 2880p x 2880p. The new Qled technology with local dimming allows a better color rendering with a higher contrast than before. The blacks in particular are of a remarkable depth. No distortion visible.

Concerning the FOV, of course it’s difficult to go back after several years with a 5K+ and then 8KX. I note especially that the rectangular aspect of the FOV is a little more marked than on the 8KX, especially because of the square screens. Indeed they have increased the vertical field of view, which is not necessarily useful for us in Sim Racing. In any case it’s enough, and if it allows to run the headset with a better smoothness/sharpness ratio, why not.

In terms of performance, it is obviously complicated to judge because the computers used were of varying performance. In any case, the headset does not seem to be necessarily demanding. It was set to 120Hz stable (the 8KX does not yet exceed 90Hz) and should then reach 144Hz (and 160Hz according to the site …).

In terms of comfort, it is more or less the same recipe as the previous generation with some improvements. Personally, I had no comfort problems with the previous generation and I found my marks naturally. I simply note that the weight of the headset is very correct with a better weight distribution, especially thanks to the battery located at the back. I also think that the weight is less overhanging than before (it is also smaller).

Speaking of battery: we were not able to test the standalone features. However, the headset has an internal battery in addition to the external one, which means that you can change the external battery without switching off the headset. For us Sim Racer, this is good news!

Finally, we were not able to test the eye tracking features that should allow a significant gain in FPS. The solution is provided by Tobii so no doubt it will be efficient.

The proposed experiments were seated so I could not stress the Inside Out tracking but it seemed obviously functional. On the other hand, unlike the previous headsets, the electronics are cooled by two fans. The room was quite noisy so it was difficult to say if you could hear them when using them.

To conclude on these first impressions: with the Crystal, Pimax progresses in all the fields. But to convince me to invest in this headset (1800€), the eye tracking will have to prove its efficiency, and thus guarantee me to gain in fps compared to the 8KX without having to change my graphic card. If Pimax succeeds in this challenge, it will be the best all-around headset ever!

Pre-order the Crystal on the Pimax store.

EDIT: I put myself in the same conditions with my 8KX: I confirm that the contrasts are better on the Crystal. What is more marked in reality is the sharpness: it is much more uniform than on 8KX.

The post I tested the Pimax Crystal ! appeared first on Lebois Racing.

Guide to the different Pimax headsets

Pimax 5K Super : The entry level of the top of the range!

Evolution of the 5k+, and inheriting characteristics of the 8KX, the Pimax 5k Super benefits from a soft touch coating, as well as the Modular Audio Strap (which integrates headphones). FOV of 200°, accompanied by a resolution of 2560x1440px per eye. The refresh rate rises to 180Hz. We will rarely use the entire FOV or the 180Hz refresh rate, but you know, and never get too much refresh rate !

In any case these characteristics make the Pimax 5k Super an excellent VR headset in the long run!

Pimax 8KX : the best compromise ?

And we arrive on a VR headset offering a screen of 4k per eye: the Pimax 8KX (the full review here). 3840x2160px per eye. We finally exceed the graphic quality that we can find on triple screens, or 4K screens.

Obviously, you need a very powerful configuration to enjoy this headset (a Nvidia 3080 is a BIG minimum). Unless …

Unless you use one of the Pimax solutions to gain FPS ! The most “basic” solution is the use of FFR (Fixed Foveated Rendering), which decreases the screen resolution on the sides. It’s hardly noticeable, and you gain a lot in performance. To give you an idea: with my 2080ti, I shoot ACC in Epic (except for the anti-aliasing on high) at 60fps. Pimax was the first to develop this kind of solution.

Pimax Crystal : the best VR headset in the world ?

And the latest one: the Pimax Crystal. Basically, this headset has everything you could want: a 2880p x 2880p screen per eye, 90Hz refresh rate (160Hz expected), satisfactory Fov, eye tracking, Standalone mode (so wireless!). I had the opportunity to test it in Paris.

For the moment it is only available for pre-order:

Conclusion

Pimax is the undisputed leader in the high-end VR market. Here is a table of the characteristics of their different headsets (headsets that are no longer sold are not in bold)

NB: the links above are affiliate links.

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