Pimax Crystal Super: Innovations Unveiled at CES 2025

Introduction to CES 2025 Highlights

During the vibrant CES 2025 event, I had the pleasure of experiencing two pioneering products from Pimax: the Pimax Crystal Super and the 60G Airlink designed for seamless wireless connectivity. Even though I missed the opportunity to test the Dream Air, my time with these devices was thoroughly engaging.

My experiences were brief due to the fast-paced CES environment, where a few minutes with each device was hardly sufficient for in-depth evaluation. Moreover, various network issues and interferences at the venue made it challenging to fully assess the products’ capabilities. Keep in mind that my observations are preliminary impressions that could evolve with further exploration.

Hands-on with the 60G Airlink

The 60G Airlink consists of a receiver and transmitter, enabling users to stream PC VR games directly to the standalone Pimax Crystal headset over an ultra-fast 60GHz network. This advanced setup offers an impressive resolution of 2880 x 2880 per eye and a refresh rate of 90Hz.

My demo at CES was chaotic, relying primarily on video streaming through the 60G network and traditional streaming for other elements. Unfortunately, the setup, cluttered with numerous cables, indicated that further refinement is necessary. Interestingly, to combat the wireless streaming’s vulnerability to interference from the event, Pimax created a makeshift metallic cage for the demonstration, humorously reminiscent of tinfoil-hat enthusiasts searching for signals from outer space.

During the hands-on demo, I enjoyed playing Space Pirate Trainer on a PC streaming content to the Pimax Crystal headset operating in standalone mode.

Performance Observations of the 60G Airlink

As I explored the 60G Airlink, I couldn’t shake the impression that it feels more like a work-in-progress than a finalized product. The streaming exhibited noticeable lag, meaning that movements with the controllers resulted in delays before the virtual counterparts responded. Additionally, I experienced some stutters and moments of freezing, and quick hand movements caused peripheral vision blackouts, indicating the system struggled to keep pace.

Visually, the gaming experience was captivating, with high resolution and minimal degradation in details. I did not encounter artifacts from the eye tracking technology that aids in foveated rendering, allowing for impressive visuals in focused areas.

In summary, while the 60G Airlink shows potential, it requires further refinement to be considered a dependable option. Pimax representatives noted that performance under typical conditions usually surpasses what we experienced in the lively CES setting. Nonetheless, I can only share what I observed.

Delving into the Pimax Crystal Super

I was excited to finally try the Pimax Crystal Super, a headset rich with features and high specifications that Pimax claims will redefine virtual reality immersion.

Specifications Overview

• Resolution: 3840x3840x2
• PPD: 57
• Refresh Rate: 72Hz/90Hz
• Field of View (FOV): 120° (Horizontal)
• Eye tracking: Available
• Tracking: Inside-out, with SteamVR faceplate option
• Controllers: Two controllers included
• Audio: Integrated audio system

Design and Comfort Features

The headset features a classic Pimax design, exhibiting a black and bulky profile accented by a vibrant “V” emblem on the front. While it might not possess the sleekness typical of Apple’s designs, it resonates with VR enthusiasts focusing on functionality rather than aesthetics.

Comfort-wise, the headset includes various adjustments to accommodate different head shapes. It features a rear knob for tightening and an additional knob on the forehead for better weight distribution. However, I found the headset to be relatively heavy, causing discomfort during prolonged use. Pimax is working on enhancements to comfort, potentially by refining the strap setup.

Visual Experience Evaluation

In terms of visuals, the Pimax Crystal Super made a positive impression. The high resolution offered strikingly detailed visuals, with a noticeable absence of the screen door effect. The combination of exceptional resolution and a wide field of view significantly amplifies immersion in virtual scenarios. I eagerly searched for spherical aberrations or distortions along the lens edges and was pleased to find minimal issues. There was a slight presence of chromatic aberration, yet the expansive field of view remained largely unaffected by substantial artifacts, marking a commendable achievement.

Although the Pimax Crystal Super showcased its immersive capabilities, I did notice a couple of drawbacks. The colors appeared somewhat muted, especially in darker shades. This isn’t a critical issue, but enhanced color vibrancy would elevate the experience. Additionally, I observed some head movement distortion that produced a mild warping effect similar to viewing through a fishbowl. While not excessively prominent, it was noticeable and affected my experience. However, Pimax assured me they are aware of this concern and plan to address it through software updates before the official launch.

Controllers of the Pimax Crystal Super

The controllers for the Pimax Crystal Super remind me of those developed for the Quest 2. They showcase a familiar collection of buttons: two standard buttons, a thumbstick, a grip button, a trigger button, a menu button, and an extra Pimax-specific button, all featuring a tracking ring. My demo experience didn’t fully optimize testing the controllers, so no detailed praise or criticism can be offered at this time.

Final Thoughts on Pimax Innovations

Pimax showcased two devices that clearly require additional refinement. The 60G Airlink holds potential but needs significant work to ensure reliability, whereas the Pimax Crystal Super presents promising features. With its expansive FOV and remarkable resolution, this headset could usher in a new level of immersion previously unseen in the market. Nevertheless, it must tackle comfort and distortion issues to truly realize its potential. I eagerly anticipate seeing how Pimax evolves these groundbreaking innovations in the coming months. 😊