Initial reaction to Pimax Crystal

[av8orDave]

Ok, so understand that this is truly an initial reaction. I’ve only used the headset for about an hour, but here is my take.

First, I’m a relatively “experienced” VR user. I have had the Quest 2, Reverb G2, and Quest 3 in addition to the Crystal.

The Crystal was a bit fiddly to set up, but probably no worse than figuring out any of the other headsets the first time. Once I got it connected to the computer and put the headset on, I could hardly believe how wide the actual faceplate was. It is so wide that it doesn’t touch my temples… there is probably a half centimeter or so between each temple and the side of the headset, and I have a fairly “average” head shape / width. This causes it to rest against your forehead almost like a pivot-point, and it wobbles back and forth if you make rapid movements. I was pleased that the weight isn’t as bad as I had been led to believe, but the fit is pretty awful. I have the Apache comfort strap coming this week, and hopefully it helps.

This fit becomes problematic once you load into the game and realize how small the “sweet spot” is compared to the Q3. The wobbling makes focusing on the sweet spot pretty unreliable / hard.

The next thing I noticed is that it has a very significant “sweet spot”, with pretty blurry images as you approach the edge of the field of view. Note that I am not using eye tracking or foveated rendering. It feels like a G2 on steroids… a great image right in the sweet spot, with the rest leaving quite a bit to be desired.

The other big issue seems to be the barrel distortion. I haven’t experienced this with any other headset. It has a distinct fish-eye look to it.

The image in the sweet spot is the Crystal’s best feature. It really is as clear as everyone describes. The visuals are remarkable.

Not super impressed with the colors. They seem washed out and about on-par with the G2.

In summary, I hate to be negative about it (especially considering the cost) but I’m kind of disappointed. If compared with the Quest 3, the Q3 has a significantly better level of edge to edge clarity, way more vivid colors, and a crazy comfortable fit in comparison.

I’m hopeful that my opinion changes with more use. I do remember it took a few days to really get the Q3 dialed-in, and I’m interested to see if my experience improves over the next few days. I really do want to like it.

Based on my initial reaction, the Q3 is still the undisputed king of PC VR headsets. 

 

My system, for reference:

Ryzen 7950X

RTX 4090

64GB DDR5

 

[Nedum]

Well, it sounds more like my Crystal is either a completely different device or your Crystal is defective.
The only thing I can share from your experience is that it's not so comfortable to wear without some modifications.
If someone owns a G2 and a Quest 3 (which I do) and then writes that the sweet spot of the Crystal is very small, and only there the image quality is superior to the other HS, then this Crystal must be defective.
The Quest 3 can't keep up with either the G2 or the Crystal in terms of BQ. The only area where the Quest 3 beats the G2 is the huge sweet spot (augmented reality aside).
The Crystal is vastly superior to the other headsets in all aspects of image quality.
Especially when it comes to colors, the G2 can't even be considered a comparison, and the Quest 3 also has its problems there.
Your Crystal must be defective.

 

1 hour ago, davidrbarnette said:

Based on my initial reaction, the Q3 is still the undisputed king of PC VR headsets.

Never ever will this come true.

Edited February 24, 2024 by Nedum

[Peedee]

11 hours ago, davidrbarnette said:

Ok, so understand that this is truly an initial reaction. I’ve only used the headset for about an hour, but here is my take.

First, I’m a relatively “experienced” VR user. I have had the Quest 2, Reverb G2, and Quest 3 in addition to the Crystal.

The Crystal was a bit fiddly to set up, but probably no worse than figuring out any of the other headsets the first time. Once I got it connected to the computer and put the headset on, I could hardly believe how wide the actual faceplate was. It is so wide that it doesn’t touch my temples… there is probably a half centimeter or so between each temple and the side of the headset, and I have a fairly “average” head shape / width. This causes it to rest against your forehead almost like a pivot-point, and it wobbles back and forth if you make rapid movements. I was pleased that the weight isn’t as bad as I had been led to believe, but the fit is pretty awful. I have the Apache comfort strap coming this week, and hopefully it helps.

This fit becomes problematic once you load into the game and realize how small the “sweet spot” is compared to the Q3. The wobbling makes focusing on the sweet spot pretty unreliable / hard.

The next thing I noticed is that it has a very significant “sweet spot”, with pretty blurry images as you approach the edge of the field of view. Note that I am not using eye tracking or foveated rendering.

 

The other big issue seems to be the barrel distortion. I haven’t experienced this with any other headset. It has a distinct fish-eye look to it.

The image in the sweet spot is the Crystal’s best feature. It really is as clear as everyone describes. The visuals are remarkable.

Not super impressed with the colors. They seem washed out and about on-par with the G2.

In summary, I hate to be negative about it (especially considering the cost) but I’m kind of disappointed. If compared with the Quest 3, the Q3 has a significantly better level of edge to edge clarity, way more vivid colors, and a crazy comfortable fit in comparison.

I’m hopeful that my opinion changes with more use. I do remember it took a few days to really get the Q3 dialed-in, and I’m interested to see if my experience improves over the next few days. I really do want to like it.

Based on my initial reaction, the Q3 is still the undisputed king of PC VR headsets. 

 

My system, for reference:

Ryzen 7950X

RTX 4090

64GB DDR5

 

I really hope that no one who is considering the Pimax Crystal and has the hardware to run it decently takes the above post too seriously. 

The problem with threads/postings like this is that the thread starter, we all, me included - I have to admit, can say "well- this is MY PERSONAL impression.." and then no one can really criticise what is written. Because it is ones personal opinion. 

So, what can I say to this? Nothing really. Inside me - my heads goes "kaboom" and tries desperatly to understand something as silly as this. 

The overall visuals on the Crystal is miles beyond the Quest 3.

Crystal pretty blurrry towards the the edge of the field of view? Well, that has to be the very, very edge of the view that it blurs out a bit. But come on, my eye muscles hurt when trying to look that hard toward the eges - it becomes more natural to move your head just a tiny bit anyway, also in real life.

The colors of the Crystal are way more vibrant than the Reverb G2. One of the impressing things about the Crystal are the colors! What are you.... ---- I don´t get it.. 

I... I don´t know where to start really. Fish-eye look to the visuals on the Crystal? Sure it is not Crystal Meth you got ?  

Quest 3 is good for the money, except it is the most uncomfortable headset to wear unless you buy the extra headstrap thingie. Then it is ok.

I got the Reverb G2, Quest 2, Quest 3, Pico 4, Pimax 8KX and Pimax Crystal here. The Reverb G2 and the Pimax 8KX  I don´t use reguraly anymore I have to admit. Also the Quest 2 - I should sell it probably now that I have the Quest 3 and Pico 4. 

For car games and simulators I use the Pimax Crystal. It´s truly fantastic. For games where I have to move around and stream wireless from PC with Virtual Desktop, I use the Pico 4. It has pan cake lenses like the Quest 3, Field of view is good too, but it is not as heavy, and certainly not as front heavy, as the Quest 3. For stand alone gaming, not connected to the PC in any way, I use the Quest 3. Each of these headsets have their strenghts and weakness. But one thing is for sure, the Quest 3 is certainly NOT the king of PCVR! And much of what you say about the Crystal is just... well, I am repeating myself I know... but I can not understand it... I can understand criticising the weight or comfort - though for me it sits perfectly on my head and don´t feel heavy for my use (car games and simulators). And the use of battery for PCVR with the Crystal - that is one thing I understand people don´t like. 

Quote

It feels like a G2 on steroids… a great image right in the sweet spot, with the rest leaving quite a bit to be desired.

This here--- you got to have a faulty headset, faulty eyes or faulty something     Does it fit so poorly pn your head that it impacts the visuals?? Not sure what is going on... The edge to edge clarity of the G2 is pretty bad - I think because of the fresnell lenses, on the Crystal it is actually pretty good because of its lenses. Not perfect. But good. But comparing the the Crystal with the G2 when it comes to this feature... nah brother... they are not close. 

Well, then, it is your personal initial reaction so--- maybe I shouldn´t post my opinion about your opinion because that is a bit silly too, I know. Sorry   I am silly person so I am posting it..  

Hope it works out for you, get it sorted somehow, get a replacement headset (sounds faulty) or... sell it, and keep your Quest 3, and be happy. That is the most important thing. I am in a lucky situation and find use of all my headsets (well, not the G2 and Pimax 8KX anymore) like explained above.   Keep flying - what ever headset you prefer

[Peedee]

12 hours ago, davidrbarnette said:

Ok, so understand that this is truly an initial reaction. I’ve only used the headset for about an hour, but here is my take.

First, I’m a relatively “experienced” VR user. I have had the Quest 2, Reverb G2, and Quest 3 in addition to the Crystal.

The Crystal was a bit fiddly to set up, but probably no worse than figuring out any of the other headsets the first time. Once I got it connected to the computer and put the headset on, I could hardly believe how wide the actual faceplate was. It is so wide that it doesn’t touch my temples… there is probably a half centimeter or so between each temple and the side of the headset, and I have a fairly “average” head shape / width. This causes it to rest against your forehead almost like a pivot-point, and it wobbles back and forth if you make rapid movements. I was pleased that the weight isn’t as bad as I had been led to believe, but the fit is pretty awful. I have the Apache comfort strap coming this week, and hopefully it helps.

This fit becomes problematic once you load into the game and realize how small the “sweet spot” is compared to the Q3. The wobbling makes focusing on the sweet spot pretty unreliable / hard.

The next thing I noticed is that it has a very significant “sweet spot”, with pretty blurry images as you approach the edge of the field of view. Note that I am not using eye tracking or foveated rendering. It feels like a G2 on steroids… a great image right in the sweet spot, with the rest leaving quite a bit to be desired.

The other big issue seems to be the barrel distortion. I haven’t experienced this with any other headset. It has a distinct fish-eye look to it.

The image in the sweet spot is the Crystal’s best feature. It really is as clear as everyone describes. The visuals are remarkable.

Not super impressed with the colors. They seem washed out and about on-par with the G2.

In summary, I hate to be negative about it (especially considering the cost) but I’m kind of disappointed. If compared with the Quest 3, the Q3 has a significantly better level of edge to edge clarity, way more vivid colors, and a crazy comfortable fit in comparison.

I’m hopeful that my opinion changes with more use. I do remember it took a few days to really get the Q3 dialed-in, and I’m interested to see if my experience improves over the next few days. I really do want to like it.

Based on my initial reaction, the Q3 is still the undisputed king of PC VR headsets. 

 

My system, for reference:

Ryzen 7950X

RTX 4090

64GB DDR5

 

Ok,

just to add to my other post. I think what I know what is going on here... maybe.

You have had the Reverb G2 used on this same computer? Then you probably have the G2 sticky resolution bug when using the Crystal! What that bug means is that the max resolution you get on your Crystal is the same as what is for the G2. And that is EVEN if you set your value for resolution higher in Pimax Play own app!

And that value for max resolution is way too low if you want your edge to edge clarity on your Crystal. To adjust for distortion you have to run the Crystal at higher resolution than the native of its panel. But it won´t happen because of that bug. I had this bug when I first got my Crystal, and I remember now that some of my opinions the first day I had it (before I learned about this bug) was somewhat similar to yours - except for the colors that are way better on the Crystal.

The Bug is hidden inside a line in a VR settings file for SteamVR. And you have to delete that line or make the resolution value in that line way higher what is written there to get the correct adjustments for distortions and get better overall clarity also towards the edges.

Here is something I wrote in another forum:

Quote

 

If you have had G2 before on the same system, then you are probably victim of the known resolution bug where you are stuck at max 3240x3240 or something like that, which was suitable for G2 perhaps but not Crystal. Even if you set resolution at Max in Pimax Play app (which would be 4500x5100 or something like that) you still only get 3240x3240, and that is also so even if you manually higher in SteamVR .

The error is in a file called “steamvr.vrsettings”, normally located:
c:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\config\steamvr.vrsettings
In there find the line ‘maxRecommendedResolution" = 3240
And change that to…. Dunno, much much higher.
If you don’t see much difference then…… check your eyes - or there is something wrong with your Crystal 

Be aware, that bug might reset it back to 3240 later some has reported. It’s not Pimax fault but SteamVR I guess.

 

I think you also can just delete that line.

Try it, and your distortions and visual beyond the center should improve. 

[av8orDave]

Oh trust me guys, I intend to play around with it more to try to get it dialed in... it is too pricey not to try to make it work. I don't rule out user error in any instance.

After messing with it for about another hour last night, I have to say the fit is a major issue. I have a new strap coming this week. I also got prescription lenses for it, as wearing glasses with this thing doesn't seem practical, and my contacts drive me nuts when using VR. I hopeful that the new strap and the lenses improve the experience.

I maintain that the edge to edge clarity (or lack thereof) is not nearly what you get with the Q3. The resolution in the center is incredible, however the edges are pretty blurry. Again, maybe prescription lenses will help. Time will tell.

 

[Hawkeye_UK]

This is not my experience - the Crystal is way ahead of any headset i have every looked through and is leaps beyond the Reverb G2 or Quest 2/3 compressed data.

Something somewhere isn't right with your setup, or a defective headset.

Simply put the Pimax Crystal is sharper, clearer, jaw dropping colour representation and a generational leap than any other headset i have seen with DCS (and been using DCS with VR since DK1 days and onto my 8th headset).  

The only gripe i have with it, ergonomics which had to really play around witht he headset face interface (on another post), its very poor to say the least, the worst out the box of any and currently using the back of a Quest 2 elite headstrap as a top skull distribition and secure fitting, its not ideal.  Its very poor and also the weight distribution and lack of counter balance.

But the clarity, and view, yea staggering how far consumer VR has come even in the last 4 years.

[av8orDave]

I posted a similar write-up on the Pimax reddit. One of the users suggested that I go through a process to set a custom IPD offset for the left and right eyes independently, and it seems to have helped, although I don't intend to really invest time into it until the Apache strap, spacer kit, and prescription lenses come. Maybe that'll help anyone else who has similar issues.

 

[av8orDave]

And to update my initial review:

I received the Apache strap and Studioform Creative foam spacer kit today, along with the 100g counter weight. After messing around for a few minutes, I think I'm going to be able to dial this thing in.

Tonight was the first time I've experienced the potential on the headset. The image is outstanding, I mean as clear as using a traditional flat screen monitor. It's incredible, and the colors really pop.

The only outstanding issues now are:

1) I need to find a way to reduce some of the chromatic abberation. It is definitely there at the edge of the screen. I have prescription VR lenses coming this week, which will allow me to stop using my glasses, which I hate using with a VR headset. I think these will help with the abberation.

2) I need to dial in my DCS settings. Open to suggestions. I tried the ones posted in the Pimax subforum here, and they don't hold a steady 72 fps.

[MichaelJWP15]

I came from the G2, which served me very well, but the Pimax Crystal is playing in a higher league, for the first time I can clearly read all instruments and MFDs without having to zoom. I have an Apache strap but only use it for long sessions.

I also tried the Q3 as I had a Q2 for a while. Certainly good value but otherwise not on the same level as the Crystal. I only play flight and racing sims though.

[Sezai]

As a person who owned G2, Q3 and Pimax, here are my thoughts. Before starting my comments I am not an advanced tech savvy person, I usually use Reddit or youtube for troubleshooting and most of the time I must admit those are not really helpful. 

1. Reverb G2: that is the headset I used almost a year and I should say my favourite headset. Why favourite? I set it up and used almost 1 year with the same settings I set up initially and the visuals were smooth, audio was amazing and super comfy

2. Quest 3: This headset could have been the best of best ever however: I bought this headset 3 months ago and initially It was amazing for DCS. Edge to edge clarity, above average speakers (not as good as G2), comfortable with 3rd party options. The first month was amazing however in the second month of my ownership I started to get stutters or choppy visuals without frame drop. I probably watched tens of youtube videos, spent hours on reddit and finally gave up. I tried almost all probabilities with the debug tool, asked for help, uninstall and then reinstall lot of things in my PC but did not help. I even changed completely my internet package, bought a new Wifi 6e router, reinstall cables with CAT7 but nothing helped and a month ago I sold it. Again the image clarity after Reverb G2 was a big step up

3. Pimax Crystal: Dissapointment?  I owned this headset for 3 days now, for the benefit of the doubt I put a question mark. The image clarity is excellent, however the blurriness just above the centre and below the centre does not make any sense to me. You must wear the headset super accurately to find the sweet spot. Also I am very much annoyed with the distortion. With Quest 3 I had no distortion at all, focus was effortless. However with Pimax it is a challenge. It feels like I am looking through a fish eye camera (some say barrel distortion). I wear the helmet as instructed but nothing helps so far. What I noticed I need a thicker pad for separation as when I move the headset away from my eyes the visuals get slightly better. Also chromatic aberration is noticeable but I don't mind it. What is really frustrating for me is the distortion of the lenses, I totally lost my depth perception. I asked my wife to wear the headset (for sure we set up IPD for her) she experienced the same distortion. It feels like there is bump or dent slightly higher and lower of the centre of the screen. with Quest 3 even if wore the headset sloppy I had never had this problem.  Audio, terrible!. I already ordered DMAS (it is on the way).  And for some reason there is audio lag, and if I click audio latency the lag goes away but the quality even gets worse as if it there is room to get worse. 

Conclusion: considering the cost of products, If I had no frame latency issue Quest 3 would be a winner by far. High likely I will return the Pimax in the next few day as I cannot focus with the present distortion. I know many people favours Pimax but did not work for me. 

[j9murphy]

if you want someone to take a look at your settings, post pot pimax and openxr toolkit settings (if you are using it).  I get chromatic aberrations at the edges as well, but no distortions.  if you are over or under sampling that could have an effect though.

[Peedee]

23 hours ago, Sezai said:

As a person who owned G2, Q3 and Pimax, here are my thoughts. Before starting my comments I am not an advanced tech savvy person, I usually use Reddit or youtube for troubleshooting and most of the time I must admit those are not really helpful. 

1. Reverb G2: that is the headset I used almost a year and I should say my favourite headset. Why favourite? I set it up and used almost 1 year with the same settings I set up initially and the visuals were smooth, audio was amazing and super comfy

2. Quest 3: This headset could have been the best of best ever however: I bought this headset 3 months ago and initially It was amazing for DCS. Edge to edge clarity, above average speakers (not as good as G2), comfortable with 3rd party options. The first month was amazing however in the second month of my ownership I started to get stutters or choppy visuals without frame drop. I probably watched tens of youtube videos, spent hours on reddit and finally gave up. I tried almost all probabilities with the debug tool, asked for help, uninstall and then reinstall lot of things in my PC but did not help. I even changed completely my internet package, bought a new Wifi 6e router, reinstall cables with CAT7 but nothing helped and a month ago I sold it. Again the image clarity after Reverb G2 was a big step up

3. Pimax Crystal: Dissapointment?  I owned this headset for 3 days now, for the benefit of the doubt I put a question mark. The image clarity is excellent, however the blurriness just above the centre and below the centre does not make any sense to me. You must wear the headset super accurately to find the sweet spot. Also I am very much annoyed with the distortion. With Quest 3 I had no distortion at all, focus was effortless. However with Pimax it is a challenge. It feels like I am looking through a fish eye camera (some say barrel distortion). I wear the helmet as instructed but nothing helps so far. What I noticed I need a thicker pad for separation as when I move the headset away from my eyes the visuals get slightly better. Also chromatic aberration is noticeable but I don't mind it. What is really frustrating for me is the distortion of the lenses, I totally lost my depth perception. I asked my wife to wear the headset (for sure we set up IPD for her) she experienced the same distortion. It feels like there is bump or dent slightly higher and lower of the centre of the screen. with Quest 3 even if wore the headset sloppy I had never had this problem.  Audio, terrible!. I already ordered DMAS (it is on the way).  And for some reason there is audio lag, and if I click audio latency the lag goes away but the quality even gets worse as if it there is room to get worse. 

Conclusion: considering the cost of products, If I had no frame latency issue Quest 3 would be a winner by far. High likely I will return the Pimax in the next few day as I cannot focus with the present distortion. I know many people favours Pimax but did not work for me. 

Sorry to hear you experience with Crystal. I don't doubt your experience. So... I tend to think you got a faulty headset. Because - Can people's headshape, eyes and vision really be so different that a VR headset model is totally failing on "all" factors for some, but are loved by others? I mean, if it is not the headset you have, and not mine, say - they are equal, then surely it must be those other factors , headshape, eyes/vision...But then again, how is that possible.

So.. faulty headset perhaps. Distortion? Super accurate to find the sweet spot? Losing depth perception? How can all this be so problematic without the headset being faulty? It's frigging expensive product. 

The sound quality - mine came shipped with DMAS and is really good. No audio lag here. The DMAS will be an upgrade for you... but - 

I reallt think you should either try to return it and get your money back (perhaps too late) or get them to send you a replacement. Especially since your wife has the same experience. 

I loved my Reverb G2, but is not used anymore. It was first replace by Pico 4 with its pan cake lenses (Pico 4 quite similar to Quest 3 except Pico 4 is lighter and more comfortable - but somewhat better lenses on Quest 3 though) Quest 3 has a lot going for it, but it is uncomfortable to wear, the field of view is too small, and for me it is not clear enough/sharp enough when compared to my Pimax Crystal. 

Also - when I got my Pico to replace my G2 I was not that impressed first. That was because of the Reverb G2 settings "bug": 

If you have had G2 before on the same system, then you are probably victim of the known resolution bug where you are stuck at max 3240x3240 or something like that, which was suitable for G2 perhaps but not Crystal. Even if you set resolution at Max in Pimax Play app (which would be 4500x5100 or something like that) you still only get 3240x3240, and that is also so even if you manually higher in SteamVR .

The error is in a file called “steamvr.vrsettings”, normally located:
c:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\config\steamvr.vrsettings
In there find the line ‘maxRecommendedResolution" = 3240
And change that to…. Dunno, much much higher.
If you don’t see much difference then…… check your eyes - or there is something wrong with your Crystal 

Be aware, that bug might reset it back to 3240 later some has reported. It’s not Pimax fault but SteamVR I guess.

Not sure if that could be the solution to your problems, but 3240x3240  would make Crystal resolution too small to for correct barrel distortion I would think.  

[Sezai]

2 hours ago, Peedee said:

Sorry to hear you experience with Crystal. I don't doubt your experience. So... I tend to think you got a faulty headset. Because - Can people's headshape, eyes and vision really be so different that a VR headset model is totally failing on "all" factors for some, but are loved by others? I mean, if it is not the headset you have, and not mine, say - they are equal, then surely it must be those other factors , headshape, eyes/vision...But then again, how is that possible.

So.. faulty headset perhaps. Distortion? Super accurate to find the sweet spot? Losing depth perception? How can all this be so problematic without the headset being faulty? It's frigging expensive product. 

The sound quality - mine came shipped with DMAS and is really good. No audio lag here. The DMAS will be an upgrade for you... but - 

I reallt think you should either try to return it and get your money back (perhaps too late) or get them to send you a replacement. Especially since your wife has the same experience. 

I loved my Reverb G2, but is not used anymore. It was first replace by Pico 4 with its pan cake lenses (Pico 4 quite similar to Quest 3 except Pico 4 is lighter and more comfortable - but somewhat better lenses on Quest 3 though) Quest 3 has a lot going for it, but it is uncomfortable to wear, the field of view is too small, and for me it is not clear enough/sharp enough when compared to my Pimax Crystal. 

Also - when I got my Pico to replace my G2 I was not that impressed first. That was because of the Reverb G2 settings "bug": 

If you have had G2 before on the same system, then you are probably victim of the known resolution bug where you are stuck at max 3240x3240 or something like that, which was suitable for G2 perhaps but not Crystal. Even if you set resolution at Max in Pimax Play app (which would be 4500x5100 or something like that) you still only get 3240x3240, and that is also so even if you manually higher in SteamVR .

The error is in a file called “steamvr.vrsettings”, normally located:
c:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\config\steamvr.vrsettings
In there find the line ‘maxRecommendedResolution" = 3240
And change that to…. Dunno, much much higher.
If you don’t see much difference then…… check your eyes - or there is something wrong with your Crystal 

Be aware, that bug might reset it back to 3240 later some has reported. It’s not Pimax fault but SteamVR I guess.

Not sure if that could be the solution to your problems, but 3240x3240  would make Crystal resolution too small to for correct barrel distortion I would think.  

Thanks for your respond. Yesterday I have spent hours to fix things, distortion gets less and less if I move away the headset, so I think I need Spacer and thicker pad. Distortion is still there but bearable. However, blurry image does not make sense. I use eye tracking together with DFR but slightly abovee centre is blurry even though I look there. Actually I have seen a pot in reddit about it.

This is exactly what I am experiencing, beside that chromatic aberration is also there, but does not bother me a lot. Maybe it is because of my head shape or my eyes... I am not sure, but also I know couple of friends using Pimax are very satisfied with it. May be not for me. Quest 3 was really good in terms of Focus but stutter issue frustrated me a lot 

[Sezai]

 like a big wavy bump in the middle of the lens when looking at stuff alongside poor clarity within that bump....

It was resolved by sending new lenses. I am sure this is what I have. I believe Pimax is solid and the best headset around as long as it works properly

[Shortcut]

I really don't have any issues with my Crystal for me its a big step up from my g2. I'm hoping the release the 42mm lenses I heard about.  

[Sezai]

UPDATE: I sent a video image to Pimax customer service, the day after they responded my email and now they are now sending 2 new lenses. Good customer service!

[Dangerzone]

On 5/9/2024 at 12:25 AM, Sezai said:

UPDATE: I sent a video image to Pimax customer service, the day after they responded my email and now they are now sending 2 new lenses. Good customer service!

Sweet - please keep us posted. With the imminent release of the crystal-light, customer service reviews are going to be of some interest! 

[Johnny Dioxin]

Was very close to pre-ordering the Crystal Light yesterday - only lingering doubts about the build quality kept me from doing so. As far as customer service is concerned I have probably heard as many good stories as bad by now, since Pimax started out, but the bad ones were very bad.

Having said that, I'd heard similar stories about other product's support yet in my experience the vast majority of issues have been dealt with swiftly and in a way that left me impressed - by Valve and initially by Oculus, now Meta, but more recent experiences with them were not so good. Valve, in particular, have been exceptional in my personal experience, and have replaced my headset twice and I have had both controllers replaced outside of the warranty period - however reading some of the stories on Reddit and elsewhere would have one believe they are the devil incarnate. So these stories don't concern me as much as the build quality ones.

I'm pretty sure I will end up getting a crystal Light, if Valve doesn't announce a new headset very soon.

 

*edit: reserved the Crystal Light with Lighthouse Visor. If I find out Amazon UK will sell it, I'll cancel the order with Pimax and get it from Amazon instead.

Edited May 17, 2024 by Johnny Dioxin

[Sezai]

On 5/14/2024 at 8:48 AM, Dangerzone said:

Sweet - please keep us posted. With the imminent release of the crystal-light, customer service reviews are going to be of some interest! 

I got the new pair of lenses. They are way better than the stock ones. However there is blurriness slightly over the centre, at least something I can live with it. What I realized with Pimax is, it is has a sweet spot and it is not edge to edge clear like Quest 3. Nevertheless it has much higher resolution on comparison to Q3. Also far better in terms of performance. Q3 was terrible on that. 

On 5/16/2024 at 9:56 AM, Johnny Dioxin said:

Was very close to pre-ordering the Crystal Light yesterday - only lingering doubts about the build quality kept me from doing so. As far as customer service is concerned I have probably heard as many good stories as bad by now, since Pimax started out, but the bad ones were very bad.

Having said that, I'd heard similar stories about other product's support yet in my experience the vast majority of issues have been dealt with swiftly and in a way that left me impressed - by Valve and initially by Oculus, now Meta, but more recent experiences with them were not so good. Valve, in particular, have been exceptional in my personal experience, and have replaced my headset twice and I have had both controllers replaced outside of the warranty period - however reading some of the stories on Reddit and elsewhere would have one believe they are the devil incarnate. So these stories don't concern me as much as the build quality ones.

I'm pretty sure I will end up getting a crystal Light, if Valve doesn't announce a new headset very soon.

 

*edit: reserved the Crystal Light with Lighthouse Visor. If I find out Amazon UK will sell it, I'll cancel the order with Pimax and get it from Amazon instead.

 

My experience with Pimax's customer service is positive. whenever I create a post in reddit or in discord, they always respond with some feedback. Recently I opened up a ticket concerning my faulty lenses, they immediately responded and sent me a new pair of lenses. I also had Quest 3, and I can say their customer service is not good at all, whatever defect you might have the response always the same: "That is normal". Actually from my side Q3 has much better potential, adge to edge clarity, great sound, standalone content etc...however product quality inconsistency is a big drag!

Edited May 22, 2024 by Sezai

[Johnny Dioxin]

Yes, I think they are trying hard to improve not only their reputation, but also their actual service. I've had some issues and some general questions in the last week and everything has been answered and sorted out already by their support guys both on Reddit and by email, so it's positive so far.

Edited May 22, 2024 by Johnny Dioxin

[Sezai]

After installing the both replacement lenses I still have blurriness for both lenses (left one is just alright)  and still some distortion. I contacted the customer service, and now they are sending me a new right lens. I do not understand why the lens quality differs that much. I think they are handcrafted..Anyways, the 3rd lens (right) is on the way.. Also on Friday there is a Pimax Roadshow close to where I live, I will have the chance to try a different headset.. 

Also what I don't get, even though I use eye tracking and DFR, there is still significant sweet spot with this headset. To be honest Q3 has better edge to edge clarity. If I look slightly anywhere apart from centre the image quality gets blurry. 

Edited May 28, 2024 by Sezai

[av8orDave]

6 hours ago, Sezai said:

After installing the both replacement lenses I still have blurriness for both lenses (left one is just alright)  and still some distortion. I contacted the customer service, and now they are sending me a new right lens. I do not understand why the lens quality differs that much. I think they are handcrafted..Anyways, the 3rd lens (right) is on the way.. Also on Friday there is a Pimax Roadshow close to where I live, I will have the chance to try a different headset.. 

Also what I don't get, even though I use eye tracking and DFR, there is still significant sweet spot with this headset. To be honest Q3 has better edge to edge clarity. If I look slightly anywhere apart from centre the image quality gets blurry. 

 

I had the same reaction regarding Crystal vs Q3. Interested to hear your experience at the roadshow with a different headset given that the different lenses don’t seem to make a difference.

[Sezai]

22 hours ago, davidrbarnette said:

I had the same reaction regarding Crystal vs Q3. Interested to hear your experience at the roadshow with a different headset given that the different lenses don’t seem to make a difference.

I will update my experience here...I am very curious as well. 

[Nodak]

From what I recall Pimax is the only one in the industry to dare deal with canted screens, and there's some sort of physics problem that must be overcome, and it involves your actual physical IPD.  If your outside normal ranges the further you go the larger your problem becomes.  Curious what your actual IPD is, might be why some people have the issue and others don't seem to see it.

[Aapje]

@Nodak

No, the Quest 3 has canted screens as well.