Pimax Crystal LIGHT Review: As GOOD as the HYPE? A Flight Simmer's Perspective - MSFS 

Are you tempted by the Pimax Crystal Light? If you'd like to support my channel, I'd be very grateful if you could use my affiliate link here: pimax.com/pages/crystal-light?ref=r2cQAf Cheers all, what an exciting time for VR! ❤ VRFSG

Given how everyone mentions eye tracking (or lack there of) affecting DCS, a dedicated dcs performance vid would be super helpful.

So the VR1 isn't even out yet and already we know we need a VR1 light. 🤦‍♂.... 😂

Looking forward to trying it out on Wednesday at the London Roadshow. 😊

Definitely looks like one to keep an eye on when its time to replace my G2 in the next year or so.. thanks for the review.

I think it's the best headset you can buy today. Somnium VR1 may change that. Crystal Super may change that. But today, I'm buying a Crystal Light.

Thank you for the first impression Steve. This is a pleasant surprise, working units within a month of the pre-order!!!! I want to order but, can't find a single review on visual performance on anything less than a 4090 system!!!! I need to know if the upscaler works: Upscaling via PIMAX software from 2100 to 2800 and actually works and actually runs at least 30FPS in MR on something more normal for the masses like a 3080/3090/4070 with a 1-2 gen old CPU? The Nvidia key note today at the 'xxx' show in Taiwan mentioned nothing of the 5080-5090 release which was what I was afraid of since they are obsessed with making max profit with Ai. No sense upgrading to this over the G2 if it can't be run "smoothly" and with a superior resolution to the G2 on anything less-than 4080 or 4090. (If I do order soon, I'll make sure I use your affiliate link sir!)

As my main sim is DCS, I want that eye tracking but I don’t want all the battery and gubbins, so I’ll be looking elsewhere when it comes to upgrading from my Aero. Still, it’s good to see this kind of product is finding its way onto the market, as it benefits us all to have an affordable option out there for the dedicated flight simmer. A rising tide lifts all boats as the saying goes 👍

Great video as always, thanks! I'm receiving my Crystal Light next week, can't wait!

Really wish I hadn't hesitated on the pre-order! Glad to see it lives up to my expectations

Just ordered headset and speakers as a result of your presentation, using your affiliate link, of course. Thanks Steve!

tank you Steve do some DCS too please and your opinion compare to the Q3 its better, ❤

After watching you for 3 years it's time for me to go to VR for first time with the Pimax light. .Great review. You look younger now clean shaven too boot!

Pimax, please make black DMAS speakers. The blue triggers my OCD.

There have been video reviews of the crystal light on RU-vid for a couple days. I waited for your video, as I think, you’re the expert here and I can trust in your reviews. So let’s go. Affiliate link here I come. Can’t wait for the crystal light. Never had the chance to try vr. Soooo looking forward for it. Thx, Steve!

Very good review Steve and I do have a birthday coming up!😂😂😂 So glad i waited on getting a Quest 3….Happy Birthday to meee!! Thanks again my friend, stay safe.

I clicked on your link, shipping is saying 6-8 weeks. I will wait for supply to catch up with demand. Hopefully at that time there will also be prescription lenses.

Steve, if you have any perspective on whether the Crystal Light will run on a RTX 3090, I’d appreciate hearing it.

Might not be a bad idea to mention that there would be a couple of months wait for the headset if ordered right now. I pre-ordered a few weeks ago and mine won't be here until end of July/beginning of August. Seeing as you were saying people should go and order it now ;)

I wish I was confident enough my rtx3080 pc would be enough, but I'm not. Too risky

Hey there buddy! Thanks for another great clip and I guess you already answered my question but I've been using the Varjo Aero since it was first released and have been very happy with it. Using it in MSFS on a daily basis where I spend most of my time in the PMDG 737. After watching this clip, I must say it's very tempting to give this one a try. A couple of questions for you if I may: 1. How is the performance in MSFS vs the Aero? 2. How is the tracking? I remember how I had some issues with the G2 where it's been great not having to worry about tracking issues anymore using the Aero with its base stations 3. With 35 PPD vs the 39 PPD I'm used to in the Aero, I'm a bit confused how the clarity still is said to be so much better in this one vs the Aero? Thanks in advance for your advice and all the great content!

It's the G3 everyone was waiting for

As long as the audio can be removed (prefer separate headsets), I think I’m in ..

Like so many others here, I’ve been waiting for this review alone. I just wanted to know if it was buggy or how much more substandard it was than the Crystal. But to hear that in some regards it is better blows my mind and means things a definite purchase for me. You can be assured I’ll be using that affiliate link, too.

Very nice, especially for the price, but I'm going to hold out for the Somnium. Thank you for the review, sir!

Does Pimax have pass-through supported?

🎉 nice! Can't wait 😊

Steve thank you for your videos, you really put your heart into them and sacrifice much of yourself to get them out to us. I trust your opinion more than anyone else

Wow, I'm so happy to see you're recommending this headset. I was really looking forward to upgrading my Aero with the XR4 but the reviews so far have been troubling to say the least. Now with the Crystal light looking good, I'm hoping that the Crystal Super is just as great, and if not, then I'll just go with the light.

How come no-one really talks about how this headset fits! I can slide a full finger on either side of the face gasket, making it totally un-usable till I receive the Studioform gasket kit to fill in the huge gaps. I don't have a really narrow face, so I have no idea what face type this thing was designed for, my Quest 2 & G2 fit perfectly right out of the box, so that gives you some idea about my face shape.

Gonna come down to whether msfs 2024 had eye tracking support

I tried to wait for this video before ordering it but I couldn’t! It sounds good, let’s hope it is good.

Which version to get ? Comes with cable to pc ? Worth to upgrade from quest 3 ? Have a 4080 gpu with 7800x3d. Thanks

@VRFlightSimGuy I would love to see a more expensive version of this with eye tracking! Maybe some feedback to pass onto the Pimax team? (The Super bumps the resolution too much, and the original has the battery etc.)

Hello VR Flight sim Guy :), I have two questions, I'm currently using Quest 3 (for 3 months) and I'm new to the VR world :). My 1st question is the picture better than the Quest 3 (I use a 4090 as GPU) 2. Do I need a lot of additional programs like Pimax XR or Open XR etc... to get a better picture than the Quest 3 or do I have that out of the box with the Pimax Crystal Light without a lot of additional settings? Many, many thanks in advance. P.s. In addition to Fligt Simulator, I also play a lot of racing simulations..... best regards Sandro

Hello, a big fan of the channel, and you’ve inspired me to buy a gaming pc 😂. If possible could you share what you think is a good minimum spec GPU/CPU to enter the world of VR

Can i use my valve knukles on this headset without base stations? Btw what is the horizontal and vertical fov of this crystal light? Thank you!

As primarily a DCS user, it would be good to see how big a difference the lack of eye tracking makes.

Steve the affiliate link isn't working correctly.

Hi Steve, thanks to your enthusiastic presentation, I'm going to say farewell to my G2 as I've just ordered the Pimax Crystal Light + speakers, using your affiliate link. I hope you'll soon release a video with all your PC-MSFS2020-Crystal settings! Thanks for all. A

I never understood getting a custom lens. If you order a VR goggle (thin glasses) you can have prescription lens no matter what VR headset you buy. If you order a bespoke lens, it'll be no good when you change the headset.

Any chance to run the Pimax Crystal Light with an AMD 6900XT? Of course with lower settings.

Awesome! Is there mixed reality masking for this too? 😊

Now you simply MUST do a BSB vs Crystal Light shootout. Obviously you're busy playing with high-end VR headsets at the moment, but you do need to come back and let us know if the Crystal Light wins the crown as your daily driver vs the supersampled BSB. I'm guessing it would, since it was close between the Crystal and the supersampled BSB.

Does Crystal Light have pass-through cameras?

Is the Crystal light edge to edge clarity like the Quest 3? I'm thinking about upgrading.

Great video mate. I know you said, clear upgrade path now for reverb g2 etc. how about from a quest 3? I’m using one for sim racing as wanted to test the water with VR but would love a better quality headset. Thanks mate

I took a punt when I saw your first video on the pre order, literally within minutes I ordered, unfortunately because I live in Australia, my pre order is at the back of the queue, not to take anything away from your video Steve it’s just disappointing. They led us to believe that the first to order would be the first to receive. Thanks Steve great video and thanks for your efforts in maybe influencing Pimax to make a genuine PC VR headset we can all afford, seriously there is now no excuse not to fly in VR Cheers mate

Finally upgrading from Reverb G1 to the Crystal Light. I hope I see a difference! Just for MSFS Simming

Ordered with local dimming and DMAS audio. Coming from G2

I don't know what normal purchase means, I pre-ordered mine the first day they opened pre-orders and I'm still no closer to having it delivered. So, I really don't see that there was any benefit to pre-ordering.

Thank you for your review! I am migrating from a G2 like many who were looking to find the right headset to make that switch! For the benefit of those not familiar with Pimax could you list the accessories you bought besides DMAS? The Pimax store has quite a few like facial padding, comfort headstrap, optical cables, I'd love to optimize the use of your affiliate link! They unfortunately compatibility of headsets (not including Light) and then say 'and so on'.

ok now im debating on waiting for the Pimax Crystal Super. We need to get Pimax to hurry up and get you one to review

Did you use any other addon app or just the pimax app by itself?

Question: Can you use your Corsair HS80 with the Pimax? Does it fit? I'm planning on buy this headset, and wonder if I will be able to do as I do right now: Reverb G2 + Corsair HS80. Thanks!

Hi Steve! Would you please help me out? I'm thinking about going for Crystal Light from Quest 3, because I would like to have the best visual quality possible. However, reviews are mixed in this regard. Some say Crystal Light visuals are better than Quest 3, but the difference is marginal and does not worth the upgrade. This makes me concerned a bit. What are your experiences? Is Crystal Light significantly better in visuals than Quest 3 or the difference is minor? Thanks!

Is it possible to use this without the speakers?

can you run it in full ress in TAA with 4090? thanks for video

Oh my god! The microphone quality of the Crystal Light is absolute trash. I was interested in this headset until I heard that. I guess the Crystal Light is only good for flight simmers since it makes your voice sound like radio distortion. I do other stuff besides flight sims only though.

Ohhh interesting that it's not very front heavy and comfortable. How do you find the comfort compared to the Beyond?

Glad you noticed about the mic. As I commented on another videos, I cannot understand why the downgrade; mic quality was nice in regular Crystal, but it seems they changed not only the number of them (from 3 to 2) but the quality of them, and that change was done too for the Super! I guess a clear recognition will be compromised with programs like Voiceattack commonly used on space sims, or just simply with any multiplayer voice chat. Just a question about audio: did they TOTALLY fix the audio latency? I heard software updates fixed it only partially.

I just ordered the CL, but the DMAS cannot be ordered. :(

You have no idea how hard I’ve been struggling to find an Hp Reverb G2 alternative. I have a Bigscreen Beyond BUT this might be it. I may soon buy the Pimax Crystal Light.

What does it mean to not have eye tracking? Does eye tracking matter, should I wait for the super?

Damn! Had to wait till 13:30 to know it was inside out tracking. Now, that's very interesting to me! Not sure how to feel about the loss of eye tracking. Would be nice for simracing...

Just wondered how frame rate compared with the Q3. Given the amount of super-sampling you need with the Q3 to compensate for video compression, I wonder if it might be similar. I was not over-impressed with the Crystal when I tried one due to the distance of the lenses from my eyes. If I get the opportunity, I will try the light version out sometime.

wow that microphone sounds absolutely awful, wojld expect a better one on a headset for thag price range

❤ good one ❤ thx buddy

Whats the best quality / price desktop computer that i need to run flight simulator with the pimax.?

This headset is the closest I've come to upgrading my Pimax 4k (also aspheric lenses), it's a shame I don't get to use it often

Nice vid Steve! Could you also test the Crystal Light in DCS? Much appreciated.

How does this compare to the somnium VR1 ?

Will you be using the crystal light or bigscreen beyond? very curious

I guess the biggest issue is that the FOV is a downgrade from the Index. I'm still battling whether or not it's worth over $2,000 for a VR1 that still requires audio to be added in some way separately.

Oh they have reverted back to a non-elastic top strap? Good news, it's one thing on the Crystal that doesn't make sense (and 8kx one doesn't fit it).

Hi Steve, is there a minimum spec PC you recommend with this. Also the local dimming version is almost 200 extra, do you think its worth it?

Can you perhaps do a quality comparison between G2 and Pimax Crystal light with your 3070ti PC? I have a 3070ti and always use 30fps with motion reprojection to 90. Render scale 100 GA or 130 Airliner.

For the bigger sweet spot (compared to the regular crystal), you were on the right track. MRTV mentioned this too. Apparently, because the lens is fixed rather than being interchangeable, it is placed exactly where it needs to be and is no longer a variable to consider.

I feel really bad for the somniumvr1 now, I wanted to get that, but now everyone speaks the Light is the next coming for vr and it saves me at least 1000 bucks

It would be great if you could do a DCS / MFS comparison with the headsets I have a feeling it would cover most of the flight sim market.

I have a question for you. I know you're sponsored by VR Wave, which I also have for my G2 and my Quest 2, my question is do you have any problem with the lenses not staying in place on the lenses with your Crystal? Mine are constantly falling off and are a real pain to get back on. I'm hesitant to order VR Wave for my upcoming Crystal light order if there not designed to stay in place. Thx

@VRFlightSimGuy what do you use / recommend for controls for MSFS?

Thanks so much for the thorough review.

This is so tempting but not sure if my RTX 4070 has enough power to push all those pixels 🤔

I`m so tempted. With the audio option and controllers this would be an all round better headset than the Varjo Aero I think

How is the useabbility of the headset when not using controllers? I wouldn't need them but am worried that I will get frustrated with navigaing menus etc. Thanks,

I do DCS in VR without eye tracking and it's not a big deal

Steve, I can’t seem to see the option for local dimming with ear phone upgrade?

8:27 - Moire isn't pronounced 'Mu-rah'... it's pronounced 'Mwor-ray'

how do you control menus without the hand controllers?

Pimax: YOU ARE AWESOME! Thank you so much! Steve: YOU TOO!

how fast was the shipping whe you brought one?

Im holding out on this until im sure i can use mixed reality in msfs. I would hate to go back to not seeing my controls again

Steve in your intro you said that you don't need controllers for 2020, yet the first thing you did was to use the controllers to start 2020! So will I need to order the controllers for 2020 (to start 2020) or not? Please make this clear, thanks.

Can you comment on the length of the cable?

How does it do with IL 2 Great battles

Another reviewer measured a few degrees wider FOV than original crystal, and you notice larger sweet spot. It may be due to removal of the interchangeable lens mechanism, cool bonus

Thanks for the video! Does it work well with OPEN XR?

There's only a one thing I would add to the recomendation. Even tho I've preordered local dimming v. in the begining of May I still don't have them. Current estimations from the Pimax is mid June to begin with shipping to EU. With non-preorders it's even at the endo of summer. Australia is still out of reach with no any date.

If you have a AMD GPU, Pimax is not for you. It is bad enough that I ordered this in May and it just arrived 3 days ago. In the three days I have had the Pimax Crystal Light, I have not been able to get my computer (Ryzen 7900X3D, Radeon 7900 GRE) to recognize it and start it up. I have left 2 tickets with Pimax support and I have received 2 notifications that no one is at their desk. No one is on Discord for Pimax. No one answers Pimax chat except to tell you to leave a ticket. This product and it's creating company are far below acceptable.