The Valve Index is the latest product from the Valve team for consumers and business users interested in a mixed reality investment. Currently one of the best VR headsets on the market, this device comes with a stunning display, amazing resolution, and a rapid refresh rate. However, this is also one of the more expensive devices around too.
Valve’s innovative Index product comes with custom displays that ensure accurate colours whatever you’re looking at. The double element design and unique lenses improve the field of view without compromising on clarity, And there are even off-ear speakers for audio.
The fully-adjustable ergonomics of the Valve Index also make it a more appealing headset to use than many of the clunky alternatives available elsewhere.
Valve Index Review: The Features
The Valve Index offers an incredible 1440 x1600 per-eye resolution, combined with a stellar refresh rate of 120 Hz, which means you’re going to get a delightful virtual experience. The device also works with a range of software mods available through the Steam VR community. Features of this immersive VR device include:
- Custom double element optics
- Canted-in lenses for max field of view
- Off-ear speakers for long-term comfort
- Adjustable ergonomics with interchangeable face gasket
- Moddable expansion slot with sample code
- Cradle adapter for smaller heads
- Connection cable with USB 3.0 and display port 1.2
Valve Index Review: The Visuals
The Valve Index isn’t just another non-descript headset similar to the Oculus Rift – this is a device that’s designed to set a new benchmark for VR success. There’s a glossy faceplate situated above two front-facing cameras suitable for passthrough video and AR. There’s also a set of lovely stone gray pads that hug your head for a better outcome.
To ensure that you get the best fit possible, Valve provides two dials you can use to change the physical distance of your lenses to your eyes. There’s also the option to tighten or loosen the headband. The initial dial is groundbreaking in improving field-of-view performance.
For visual clarity, the Valve Index offers a dual LCD with a 1140 x 1600 resolution for each eye, as well as a 120Hz display. There’s also the option to bump your display up to 114hz if you have the right computer tech available.
Valve Index Review: The Hardware
When you receive your Valve Index, you’ll get the headset, the new controllers for the system, and the Valve Base Stations, which you’ll need to set up in your room for the Valve to track your movements. The use of base-stations might seem a little outdated if you’ve seen some of the more professional tools on the market, but at least you don’t have to worry about losing track of your hands at some point during your experience.
The Valve Index surprisingly also works quite well with most standard computers, so you don’t have to upgrade too much, depending on the GPU you already have. Another bonus of the Index hardware is that it also comes with access to floating speakers to give you a surround-sound audio experience. You can hear some serious detail here.
Valve Index Review: Verdict
For most people, the biggest issue with the Valve Index will be using it with SteamVR, which as a platform could definitely benefit from some improvements. SteamVR can take a while to get used to as a beginner, but it might not be as much of a problem for people who have the time to sit down and figure out how everything works.
The Valve Index currently stands out as one of the best VR headsets on the market, brimming with quality and accuracy. However, setting your headset up can be more of a hassle than you might like, which makes it tough to fully appreciate how powerful the Index is.
