Vrgineers XTAL 3 Review
One of the biggest limitations of a VR headset is that the field of vision does not match that of the human eye. The human field of vision is approximately 210 degrees (horizontal), while most VR headsets range between 90 and 110 degrees (exceptions like Pimax notwithstanding). Vrgineers is changing this. With the new Vrgineers XTAL 3, they have developed a VR headset with a horizontal field of vision of no less than 180 degrees. Combined with an ultra-high resolution, this makes the Vrgineers XTAL 3 the perfect VR headset for use in simulation games and applications.
Vrgineers XTAL 3 Specifications
- Display: 3840 × 2160 per eye, LCD-schermen
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz at 4K or 120Hz at 1440p
- Field of Vision: 180 degrees horizontal × 90 degrees vertical
- Weight: 600 grams without head strap
- Eye Tracking with foveated rendering and automatic IPD-aanpassing
- Platform: SteamVR or OpenXR
Exceptionally high resolution display
The first thing that stands out about the Vrgineers XTAL 3 is the exceptionally high resolution display. For comparison: the HP Reverb G2 has a resolution of 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye, the HTC VIVE Pro 2 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye and the Varjo Aero has 2880 x 2720 pixels per eye. Only the Pimax 8K X can match the resolution of the Vrgineers XTAL 3 (the Pimax 8K X features 3840 x 2160 pixels per eye in native mode). In addition to this ultra-high resolution, the Vrgineers XTAL 3 also boasts a wide field of vision of 180 degrees (horizontal). This wide field of vision is particularly beneficial when playing simulation games, such as DCS and Microsoft Flight Simulator. What distinguishes the Vrgineers XTAL 3 from other VR headsets with a wide field of vision is that in the Vrgineers XTAL 3 you’ll notice little to no distortion at the edges of the lenses. This is a common issue with other VR headsets that attempt an extra-wide field of vision.
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Optical Calibration
One of the ways Vrgineers ensures there is no distortion at the edges of the screens is through optical calibration. Additionally, the Vrgineers XTAL 3 features foveated rendering, which means the VR headset tracks your eyes and focuses precisely on what you are looking at. This is particularly ideal when you are, for example, in the co*ckpit of an aeroplane and need to see and interact with various buttons in detail.
Vrgineers XTAL 3 Comfort and Design
To say the Vrgineers XTAL 3 is a remarkable VR headset to look at would be an understatement. When you first see the headset, it looks like a huge, cumbersome device. However, when you pick up and put on the VR headset, you immediately notice that it is actually very light and fits well on the head. The weight of the VR headset is well distributed between the voor- and the back, so you won’t get red marks or spots around your eyes. The weight of 600 grams is comparable to similar VR headsets in the same category (such as Varjo VR-3). At the back of the headset, there is a dial to adjust the head strap. The entire frame of the XTAL 3 feels sturdy, giving it an instant premium look and feel.
Vrgineers XTAL 3 Virtual Reality vs. XTAL 3 Mixed Reality
The XTAL 3 is available in a Virtual Reality (VR) and a Mixed Reality (MR) variant. The hardware of these two headsets is exactly the same (the same lenses, the same resolution, the same field of vision, etc.) however, the Mixed Reality-variant contains two cameras at the front of the headset. These cameras allow you to see the physical space and project virtual displays into it. This is not possible with the Virtual Reality-variant. Therefore, with the XTAL 3 VR, it is only possible to sit in a fully simulated virtual reality-omgeving, while with the XTAL 3 MR, you can combine the real world with a projection of the virtual world. An example of this is when you are playing in a flight simulator with the XTAL 3 MR. You are physically sitting in a co*ckpit and can look through the VR headset to see everything that is actually happening around you. The VR headset then combines the virtual display of flying with the physical display of the co*ckpit.
Who is the Vrgineers XTAL 3 for?
The Vrgineers XTAL 3 is not suitable for everyone. It is a VR headset aimed at businesses and professional users. This is also reflected in the price. With a starting price of €8,900.00 (VR) and €11,500.00 (MR), the XTAL 3 is significantly higher than its competition. The closest VR headsets at the moment are the Varjo VR-3 and the Varjo XR-3 (available from €3,395.00 and €5,995.00). However, an important difference is that headsets from Varjo (and many similar professional headsets) always have to be purchased and used with a recurring subscription (sometimes reaching thousands of euros per year). The Vrgineers XTAL 3 is available and usable without extra subscriptions or commitments. At first glance, the Vrgineers XTAL 3 therefore appears to be an extremely expensive headset, but in the long run, this is not much different when compared to other VR headsets.
Due to the ultra-high resolution display, the wide field of vision (with little/no distortion at the edges) and the foveated rendering, the Vrgineers XTAL 3 is particularly suitable for applications where a sharp picture display is important. Think, for instance, of professional training for pilots where a realistic representation of reality is crucial. The Vrgineers XTAL 3 is less suitable for consumers who only want to use the headset for a flight simulator (although this is of course still possible). For this specific use, there are better options on the market, such as the Varjo Aero. However, if you are looking for a VR headset with the highest possible resolution and field of vision, then the Vrgineers XTAL 3 is a good choice!
