Compare Pimax Headsets

Crystal Light VS. Crystal Super, Which is right for you?

Pimax Crystal Light

High-End PCVR for All

Best for PCVR gamers, sim racers, and flight sim fans seeking beautiful visuals on a budget.

$599 USD

plus $11.99/mo. for 24 months or one-off $258.98.
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Pimax Crystal Super

The World's First Retina-Level VR Headset

Best for hardcore VR players, VR developers, and professional users needing ultra-clear visuals and wider FOV.

$799 USD

plus $40.99/mo. for 24 months or one-off $696.75.
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Specification differences

Crystal Light vs Crystal Super
Crystal Light Crystal Super
Mode PCVR PCVR
PPD 35 PPD 50PPD / 57PPD Optical Engine available
Resolution 2880 x 2880 x 2 3840 x 3840 x 2
Max Refresh 120Hz 90Hz
FOV 120HFOV 135HFOV
Eye-tracking Not available Available
Foveated Rendering Fixed 2.0 Dynamic
IPD Manually adjustable IPD (58-72mm) Automatically adjustable IPD (58-72mm)
Tracking 6DOF inside-out (Lighthouse compatible) 6DOF inside-out (Lighthouse compatible)
Screen QLED+MiniLED QLED+MiniLED / OLED Optical Engine available
Local Dimming 576 zones per eye 1000 zones per eye
Lenses Glass aspheric lenses Glass aspheric lenses
Battery No battery needed No battery needed
Audio Interchangeable 3.5mm jack, 2x microphone Interchangeable 3.5mm jack, 2x microphone
Cable 5m display port cable 5m display port cable
GPU Requirements Minimum: RTX 2060 and above Minimum: RTX 2060 and above
Price $858 or $887 USD (in 24 mo.) $1685 or $1783 USD (in 24 mo.)
Availability Available in local stock, delivering in 1 week (in US, EU, UK and Canada) Orders placed in May will be shipped in late June or early July
Key Considerations

Performance and Compatibility

When it comes to visual performance, the Pimax Crystal Light, with its 16.5 million pixels and 35 PPD, stands out as one of the best clarity consumer VR headsets on the market today. Whether you're flying complex aircraft, racing at high speeds, or engaging in precision combat, the Crystal Light enhances the experience by delivering smooth, detailed visuals without overburdening your system. This means you don’t need the latest GPU to enjoy top-tier VR.

By contrast, the Pimax Crystal Super (29.5M pixels, 50 PPD) redefines immersion with retinal-tier resolution, surpassing even professional headsets like the Varjo Aero and Somnium VR1. Its redesigned QLED panel and aspheric lenses deliver:

  • Larger sweet spot vs. Crystal Light
  • Enhanced FOV (135° horizontal)
  • Dramatically reduced optical flaws, including edge distortion, chromatic aberration, mura, and glare, are now barely perceptible
  • 1,000-zone local dimming for OLED-rivaling contrast

This leap in fidelity demands high-end hardware: While Crystal Light thrives on a 4070, the Super fully unlocks its potential only with RTX 4090/5090-class GPUs. For sim enthusiasts who prioritize cutting-edge visuals and future-proofing, Crystal Super is the undisputed champion, but Crystal Light remains the smarter choice for those seeking elite performance without a full PC overhaul.

Crystal Light
Crystal Super
Through-the-lens Photos in MSFS

Eye-Tracking and Foveated Rendering

A key difference between the Crystal Light and Crystal Super is the presence of eye-tracking. Eye-tracking in VR is primarily used for Dynamic Foveated Rendering (DFR) or capturing facial expressions. For flight and racing simulation enthusiasts, the presence of foveated rendering is particularly important.

The Crystal Light does not include eye-tracking, but it uses an advanced Fixed Foveated Rendering 2.0. This technique reduces the resolution in the peripheral vision, aligning with how the human eye naturally perceives the world. FFR allows for improved performance without sacrificing clarity in your central screen. Many players who haven't experienced DFR report little to no issue with the reduced resolution at the edges of the screen.

The Crystal Super, on the other hand, utilizes eye-tracking to enable DFR. This dynamically adjusts image quality based on where the user is looking, ensuring the center of where you look is rendered with full detail. In fast-paced scenarios like combat flight, DFR helps you spot enemies or cockpit instruments quickly while maintaining immersion without inconsistencies in clarity. This is particularly beneficial in high-dynamics scenes, where rapid visual adjustments are crucial.

For games that typically focus on the central area of the screen or don't require rapid visual switching, eye-tracking may not be an essential feature. However, for players engaging in dynamic, high-speed simulations, DFR offers a noticeable improvement in both immersion and visual responsiveness.

Build Quality and Comfort

The Pimax Crystal Light delivers robust industrial design with exceptional durability, built to withstand years of intensive use. While its slightly bulkier profile may appear imposing, users consistently report surprisingly high comfort levels—a testament to its ergonomic weight distribution. The advanced head strap system eliminates pressure on the nose and cheekbones, and with proper fitting adjustments (including an optional aftermarket comfort kit), it enables extended, fatigue-free sessions.

The Pimax Crystal Super represents a generational leap in engineering, utilizing premium materials and refined structural design. Remarkably, it achieves:

  • More compact form factor (narrower faceplate)
  • Magnetic face gasket system for easier adjustments
  • Redesigned head straps that further balance the weight
  • Changeable Optical Engine for the future 57PPD and OLED version options

The build quality of Crystal Super is noticeably better than Crystal Light, but the comfort comparisons remain highly subjective due to individual head/face anatomy. While some users may prefer the Light's proven ergonomics, others will favor the Super's next-gen refinements.

Affordability and Availability

The Pimax Crystal Light delivers exceptional value, offering native 4K resolution and wide FOV at a starting price of just $858, making it one of the most cost-effective high-end PCVR headsets on the market. After a year of refinements, it now benefits from optimized software and enhanced quality control, ensuring a polished user experience. With local warehouses in the US, Europe, the UK, and Canada, orders typically arrive within one week, providing near-instant access to premium VR.

For those seeking cutting-edge performance, the Pimax Crystal Super starts at $1,685, a remarkable bargain compared to competing headsets with similar visual fidelity, which often cost twice as much. However, due to high demand and the complex manufacturing process of its advanced optics, shipping times are currently longer. Orders placed in May are expected to be shipped by late June or early July. If you're willing to wait, Crystal Super delivers unmatched clarity, brightness, and immersion, making it the ultimate choice for VR enthusiasts who demand the best.

Which One is Right for You?

The Pimax Crystal Light is the smart choice for most VR enthusiasts today, delivering an exceptional balance of performance and accessibility. With its sharp 2880×2880 resolution, wide FOV, and optimized compatibility with mainstream GPUs, it provides a premium PCVR experience without requiring a high-end system. If you:

Own a mid-range GPU and aren't planning an immediate upgrade
Want to start your VR journey now (with shipping in just 1 week)
Have a budget under $1,500 and want great value

—Then, Crystal Light is your best option.

On the other hand, the Pimax Crystal Super is built for those who demand the absolute best. With 50 PPD retinal clarity, wider FOV, and advanced eye-tracking, it's designed for enthusiasts who:

Prioritize cutting-edge visuals over immediate availability
Consider eye-tracking essential for foveated rendering
Want future-proof flexibility (with swappable OLED optics coming later)
Are willing to invest in top-tier hardware (RTX 4090/5090 recommended)

If you fit this profile and don’t mind the higher price ($1,783) and longer wait (June/July delivery), the Crystal Super delivers the most immersive VR experience available today.

Crystal Light: Highend PCVR for Everyone

Total price of the Crystal Light: $887 USD

• Ultra-sharp 2880 x 2880 resolution per eye.
• Glass aspheric lenses with a large sweet spot.
• 35 PPD for super clear vision.
• Variable refresh rate. Manually adjustable IPD (58-72mm).
• Foveated Rendering: Fixed 2.0.
• Easy setup with inside-out tracking.
• Audio: interchangeable 3.5mm jack, 2x microphone.

Crystal Super: The World's First Retina-Level VR Headset

Total price of the Crystal Super QLED 57 PPD: $1,783 USD

  • Ultra-sharp 3840 x 3840 resolution per eye.
  • Glass aspheric lenses with a large sweet spot.
  • Ultra-clear, optional optical engine. (57 PPD with 120HFOV/50 PPD with 135HFOV)
  • Variable refresh rate (72Hz, 90Hz) provides smooth gameplay.
  • Automatically adjustable IPD (58-72mm).
  • Local dimming delivers vibrant, true-to-life colors.
  • Foveated Rendering: Dynamic 2.0.
  • Headset with two controllers.
  • Easy setup with inside-out tracking or expand with Lighthouse tracking.
  • Audio: interchangeable 3.5mm jack, 2x microphone.

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