{"id":3220,"date":"2023-11-23T11:28:16","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T11:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vrlowdown.com\/?p=3220"},"modified":"2023-11-23T11:32:38","modified_gmt":"2023-11-23T11:32:38","slug":"pimax-crystal-vs-meta-quest-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vrlowdown.com\/pimax-crystal-vs-meta-quest-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Pimax Crystal Vs Meta Quest 3: PC VR Flight Sim Review"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Pimax<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Choosing the right VR headset for flight and racing simulators has always been a balance between quality and affordability. Enter the Meta Quest 3 and Pimax Crystal \u2013 two headsets that represent different ends of the VR spectrum. With the Quest 3\u2019s release, we\u2019ve witnessed significant strides in standalone VR technology, featuring enhanced lenses, improved screen resolution, superior display panel quality, and an expanded field of view (FOV). These upgrades have narrowed the gap with more capable, PC-tethered headsets, making the Quest 3 an unexpectedly formidable contender for VR simulator enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the Pimax Crystal, with its higher price tag, caters to a more niche market. It\u2019s the embodiment of high-end VR, offering unmatched visual clarity to satisfy even the most demanding flight and racing simulator fans. However, this superiority comes at a cost, not just in dollars but in terms of comfort, bulk, and the necessity for greater technical know-how and troubleshooting acumen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article delves into the nuanced world of VR headsets for simulator enthusiasts. We\u2019ll compare the Meta Quest 3 and Pimax Crystal across various aspects crucial to an immersive simulator experience. While the Pimax Crystal<\/a><\/strong> might be the ultimate choice for the hardcore aficionado, the Meta Quest 3<\/a><\/strong>, with its significant improvements over previous standalone VR headsets, presents itself as a surprisingly competent and far more accessible alternative. For many, the Quest 3\u2019s combination of lower cost, ease of setup, user-friendly software, and comfort could make it \u201cgood enough\u201d, striking a perfect balance between performance and practicality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pimax Crystal Vs Meta Quest 3: Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Feature \/ Specification<\/th>Meta Quest 3<\/th>Pimax Crystal<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Display Type<\/strong><\/td>Dual LCD<\/td>Dual QLED + Mini-LED<\/td><\/tr>
Resolution (per eye)<\/strong><\/td>2064\u00d72208 per eye<\/td>2880 x 2880<\/td><\/tr>
Pixels Per Degree (approx) (PPD)<\/strong><\/td>25<\/td>35<\/td><\/tr>
Lenses<\/strong><\/td>Pancake<\/td>Aspheric glass lenses<\/td><\/tr>
Refresh Rate (Hz)<\/strong><\/td>72\/90\/120<\/td>72\/90\/120<\/td><\/tr>
Field of View (FOV)<\/strong><\/td>110\u00b0 horizontal, 96\u00b0 vertical<\/td>120\u00b0 (Horizontal – Approximate)<\/td><\/tr>
IPD Range (mm)<\/strong><\/td>53\u201375mm (Manual)<\/td>58-72 (Manual and Automatic)<\/td><\/tr>
Audio<\/strong><\/td>Built-in stereo speakers<\/td>Off-ear stereo speakers (Optional DMAS)<\/td><\/tr>
Tracking Type<\/strong><\/td>Inside-out<\/td>Inside-out and SteamVR Tracking<\/td><\/tr>
Eye Tracking<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Weight (g)<\/strong><\/td>515g (with fabric strap)<\/td>960g including battery<\/td><\/tr>
Price<\/strong><\/td>$499.99 \/ \u00a3479.99 (128GB<\/strong>)<\/a>
$649.99 \/ \u00a3619.99 (512GB)<\/a><\/strong><\/td>		$1600 (with controllers)<\/a><\/strong>
$1449 (Crystal Sim Edition)<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve been using the Pimax Crystal since August 2023 and I bought the Meta Quest 3 on day one of release in October 2023. I\u2019ve spent countless hours using both headsets with PC VR flight simulators<\/a><\/strong> such as DCS World and Microsoft Flight Simulator and also tested both headsets with a range of VR racing sims including Assetto Corsa<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve had plenty of opportunities to form opinions and see the pros and cons of both headsets for PC VR simulation fans. It might seem a little unusual that I am comparing two headsets that have such a price difference, but I think this is an important comparison if you are thinking about getting a VR headset to play VR racing or flight simulators, or if you are considering upgrading from an older headset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before I go into the specifics of both headsets, I want to give you the bottom line about my experiences, and who I think will benefit most from each headset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Should Choose Meta Quest 3 For PC VR Flight and Racing Simulation?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Meta<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Meta Quest 3 is a huge step up in every way compared to the Meta Quest 2<\/a><\/strong> and is able to provide dramatically better visual clarity. The Meta Quest 3 is sufficiently good enough for anyone who wants to enjoy PC VR simulators on a regular basis. With its exquisite pancake lenses, dual LCD panels offering a resolution of 2064 x 2208 per eye and a horizontal FOV of 110\u00b0, it provides a level of clarity that will allow you to truly enjoy the experience of flying or racing, without technical limitations getting in the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst the screen resolution and pixels per degree are lower than the Pimax Crystal, and the USB-C or wireless connection results in some compression of the video signal, these are minor compromises when considered alongside the benefits and the value proposition that this headset provides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the addition of an Elite head strap<\/a><\/strong> and external battery, Meta Quest 3 becomes an incredibly well-rounded VR headset that excels in its versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quest 3 is extremely user-friendly and you can typically jump into your favorite PC VR racing or flight simulator within 1-2 minutes, and there are rarely any technical issues to cause frustration. The level of visual clarity is more than good enough for most people, but it does pale in comparison with the Pimax Crystal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for your first VR headset to enjoy PC VR simulators, Meta Quest 3 would be my recommendation for most people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Should Choose Pimax Crystal?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Pimax<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Pimax Crystal stands at the pinnacle of what PC VR headsets can offer at present in terms of visual fidelity. The glass aspheric lenses, 120\u00b0 horizontal FOV, QLED LCD panels with 2880 x 2880 resolution per eye, automatic IPD adjustment, and eye tracking all combine to create the most visually stunning and incredibly clear visuals that I have ever encountered in a VR headset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It represents a big step up from almost every other PC VR headset and greatly improves my enjoyment of and ability to perform well in a range of flight and racing simulators. However, this headset is pushing the limits of what is currently possible, and with that comes a list of compromises and drawbacks, which you must consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pimax Crystal is a bulky and reasonably heavy headset that I would only recommend for seated VR experiences. For room-scale activities, there are better, more compact options. Pimax Crystal is only moderately comfortable at best, and the front-weighting can make it a little uncomfortable to use for long periods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a consequence of the very high resolution, you will need a high-end computer to be able to run most games at a satisfactory frame rate. I use a GeForce RTX 3090 and Ryzen 7 5800X and I would consider these to be close to the minimum hardware requirements to run either DCS World or Microsoft Flight Simulator with Pimax Crystal and still achieve reasonable frame rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pimax Crystal has worked admirably well for me during my time using it, but the software is still relatively temperamental, and I do need to do a little troubleshooting from time to time with specific games. This is an area that Pimax has been working hard to improve, and I can see the huge progress they have made in their software over the last few months. You can read or watch my full review of Pimax Crystal here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are an enthusiastic VR simmer who prioritizes visual fidelity above other features, has the budget to afford Pimax Crystal and a high-end PC, and are prepared to put up with some rough edges and compromises, I can confidently say that you will be hugely impressed by Pimax Crystal. It is truly an enthusiast-level product, and in view of the compromises that come alongside its delightful visuals, it should very much be seen as an upgrade for the most enthusiastic VR simmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pimax Crystal Vs Meta Quest 3 Video<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to this article, I’ve also made a video comparing how these headsets perform with VR racing and flight simulators. Whilst there’s a big difference in the specs and price of these two headsets, they have a lot more in common than you think. I cover all the pros and cons and share my thoughts about who should get each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n