While VR might not be reserved exclusively for gaming anymore, there are still a lot of opportunities for game companies to get involved with the development of new tech. Valve, for instance, is one of the market leaders not only in gaming software, but incredible hardware too.
The Valve Index is the most recent comprehensive VR kit from Valve to introduced hardcore gamers to unforgettable virtual reality experiences. This surprisingly affordable kit comes with everything you need to immerse yourself in games like Half-Life: Alyx, as well as collaborative work environments.
Today, we’re going to take a closer look at what you get from the Valve Index VR kit to determine whether this could be the perfect all-in-one virtual reality solution for you.
Valve Index VR Kit: Features
Built largely for the era of VR gaming, the Valve Index VR kit is a state-of-the-art offering from Valve which features a range of products in one affordable package. You’ll get the incredible Valve Index headset, with its built-in immersive audio speakers and beautiful visuals, as well as the Valve Index controllers and sensors. As an extra bonus, customers also get access to the Half-Life: Alyx game exclusively for VR.
A headset built to put fidelity first, combined with a set of super-accurate controllers makes the Valve Index VR kit a sensational purchase for consumers and businesses alike. The complete kit includes:
- 1440 x 1600 RGB LCDs with 50% more subpixels
- LCD for greater clarity
- 120Hz refresh rate or compatibility for 144Hz or 90Hz
- 200-degree field of view
- Custom-built lenses for edge-to-edge clarity
- Canted optics
- Off-ear immersion with surround-sound
- 180-degree dispersion audio
- Ergonomic design with adjustments for every head
- Antimicrobial fabrics
- Quick-swap face pads
- Global-shutter RGB cameras
- Front expansion slot for extra functionality
- Natural ergonomic set of two controllers
- 87 sensors in each control
- Fine-tuned input-output with low-latency finger tracking
- Adjustable and secure controller design
- Open-hand interactions
- Small and powerful base stations
- Wider FOV for up to 10 x 10 metres
- Laser tracking accuracy
The Valve Index VR kit comes with the headset, base stations, and set of controllers, so all you really need to do is set up your device and connect to your steam account. Since the Valve environment automatically connects to Steam, it’s easy to get your hands on all kinds of downloads. Users can enjoy everything from games to virtual meeting rooms, all within the Steam store.
Valve Index VR Kit: Benefits
With the Valve Index VR Kit, Valve has gone above and beyond to drive the best possible experiences for all kinds of customers. You get the perfect combination of comfort and ergonomics, as well as a high-performance processing power and sensational functionality. With the full kit, you also get an amazing deal, as there’s no need to purchase any additional base stations or controllers unless you really want to.
From immersive LCD screens with higher frame rates extending all the way up to 144hz to hand-tracking controllers which adapt to suit your grip, you really do get a unique experience from Valve. Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Stunning visuals: Valve Index headsets come with 1440 x 1600 RGB LCDs for better clarity than the standard OLED alternative. There’s stunning fill-factor performance and reduced screen door technology built into your headset, to make everything look perfect. Depending on your connectivity and available technology, you can also adjust frame rates from 90 Hz to 144 Hz experimental modes to suit your needs.
- Amazing comfort: The Valve Index headset and controllers are both designed for comfort, with ergonomic design used throughout. Dual-element lenses give you better edge-to-edge view, while canted optics reduce eye strain. The buttons on the controllers are beautifully positioned to work naturally with your hand, and non-touching headphones give you excellent audio without the heat or discomfort.
- Incredible audio: Speaking of audio, the sound is part of what really helps to embed you into the VR experience with the Valve Index VR. The 180-degree dispersion speakers offer a more spatialised audio environment, and there’s the option to adjust your sound however you choose to ensure you get the best experience.
- Fantastic controls: The controllers with the Valve Index VR kit come with long-term comfort in mind. You can open your whole hand with a hand-strap to drop or throw an object, and the buttons on the device are situated to suit your natural finger movements. The design of the controller can also adapt to suit the size of your hand, so you don’t have to struggle with moving objects with VR ever again.
- Incredible tracking: The base stations included with your kit are phenomenal, with fantastic industry-leading tracking with fixed lasers sweeping 100 times per second to track your movements. The solution is compatible with a range of IR devices, and the base stations are also expandable, so you can always add an extra device if you want to expand the space you have available.
The benefits of the Valve Index VR kit are far-reaching, from the quick swap face-pads with antimicrobial fabrics which help to preserve hygiene in business situations to the ability to adjust the design of the headset and controllers to suit your needs. There’s even access to additional functionality for developers and creators, like global-shutter RGB cameras for computer vision and a front expansion slot for designers too.
Valve Index VR Kit: Verdict
If you love the idea of a comfortable, efficient, and high-performing VR system, and you want access to all the technology in one affordable package, this is the purchase for you. The Valve Index VR kit combines sensational base stations with amazing tracking, a fantastic high-fidelity headset, and high-performance controllers.
With everything you need bundled into one purchase, you can easily jump into incredible VR experiences in no time. Plus, the ability to expand the functionality of your system in the future with things like computer vision and a front compartment for expansion means developers can get creative too.
