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The highly anticipated VR headset from Valve started with the preorder phase on May 1st, but customers will have to wait until fall for the first deliveries. With its specifications, Valve Index is among the best high-end VR platforms. Even though it’s comparatively pricey, gamers and VR enthusiasts can’t wait to get their hands on it.
Valve Index headset
The Valve is behind the single most significant gaming platform, with Steam serving as its games store. Besides standard PC titles, SteamVR is home of the most extensive collection of virtual reality PC games.
High framerate and impressive FOV
The most essential component of a VR headset is the screen, and the Valve device comes with dual 1440×1600 RGB LCDs. The company chose LCD over OLED because of its structure that brings up to 50% more subpixels. Valve claims this will result in greater sharpness, and the fill factor is better than OLED, which will reduce the screen door effect. Unlike other products, the Valve Index has two separate LCD panels that are positioned at around 5-degree angles. This plays an integral part in an enhanced field of view. The system also has a new type of slider, which can adjust and bring the headset lenses as close to customers face as possible with the eye relief knob. In cooperation with IPD or the distance between eyes adjustments and canted optics, the Valve Index will have up to 130 degrees FOV.
Another boost in this headset’s specs comes with higher frame rates. The Valve Index runs natively at 120Hz but can work at 90Hz and even in experimental 144Hz. Higher framerates bring a lot of good stuff like improved experience, realism, and visual comfort, but this also means you will need a more powerful GPU to run VR games smoothly at 120Hz and headsets high resolution.
Between headphones and speakers
The Valve Index features a new audio solution that is close to ears like headphones, but without he need for earbuds. They placed speakers over the ear, and there are a couple of arguments why they opted for this solution. Without physical contact, players can enjoy longer sessions without discomfort for the ears. Additionally, Valve claims that this feature means users will be able to enjoy a sense that virtual sound comes from the environment.
Design
A lot of thought was put into the fabric and other features that contribute to comfort. The headband and headset can be adjusted for your head size, face angle, and ear position, and when paired with the IPD adjustment options mentioned earlier, this makes for outstanding comfort. The material that touches your head is high-quality, woven antimicrobial fabric with a soft feel. The face gasket is replaceable and has a magnetic interface. This means it will be easy to clean, and Valve encourages third-party vendors to offer after-market mods. The set has a halo-style headband with a wheel and an overhead strap.
On the front part of the headset Valve installed two RGB cameras with stereo passthrough options. The cameras are made for computer vision, moving the headset a step closer toward AR, but those cameras are not for inside-out tracking.
The Valve Index has a front expansion slot called Frunk, which includes USB 3 port, and the idea is that modders can add some flair and design add-ons to the headset.
Knuckles Controllers
Just like a hybrid audio solution, Valve Index knuckles controllers fall somewhere between HTC Vive Touch controllers and a completely new experience. The palms of your hands will be tightly secured with a strap, so you wear and not hold your controllers.
The hand straps allow you to use your hand for gesture controls. If you open your hand, you will drop or throw an object. The body of the controllers allows for grip input with built-in force sensors. You can touch it or go all the way to firm squeeze. There are a lot of ideas for using these inputs, from grabbing an object to actually squeezing them in Virtual Reality.
The controllers also have standard gaming buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks. The oval track button features force and capacitive sensors that let users employ it as a trackpad, scroll wheel, or button with haptic feedback.
Base Stations
Valve chose outside in tracking with its base stations set up, claming that this provides optimal fidelity and VR quality. The new Base stations 2.0 have better range, improved field of view, and enhanced scalability. The basic setup consists of two Base stations. If you have a blind spot, you could add the third, and if you want to use the maximum space allowed 10×10 meters, you will need the fourth station.
Index stations improve already great SteamVR tracking technology. The laser from the base station sweeps 100 times a second to track sensors on the headset and controllers. This high-frequency scan ensures the highest sub-millimeter resolution and provides excellent performance. The Index Valve Base stations can be used with 2.0 tracking hardware, which also includes HTC Vive Pro headset. The range of the station is an impressive 7 meters, and the field of view is 160º x 115º.
Valve Index Specifications
- Display: Dual 1440×16000 LCD
- Framerate: 80/90/120/144 Hz
- Field of view: Up to 130 º
- IPD: 58mm – 70mm range physical adjustment
- Connections: 5M tether, 1m breakaway trident connector, USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2
- Tracking: SteamVR 2.0 sensors (compatible with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations)
- Audio: Built-in 37.5mm off-ear, frequency response 40Hz-24KHz, Impedance 6 Ohm
- Microphone: dual-microphone array
- Cameras: stereo 960×960 pixel, RGB
Best accessories for Valve Index
The Valve Index full VR Kit will go for $999 or 1.079 Euros, and it includes headset, controllers and two base stations. If you already have Base Stations, you can choose the Valve Index headset with controllers package for $749. There are also options for buying components a la carte. The Valve Index headset costs $499 by itself. Controllers go for $279 and Valve Index Base stations are $149. Keep in mind that these are introductory prices and they could change at any time – either moving higher or lower.
Whichever option you choose, you will need a high-end PC to play VR games, especially in 120 Hz on 1440×1600 resolution. Minimum system requirements include a dual-core CPU with hyperthreading and Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD RX480. Realistically, you will need at least GTX 1070, and you will want Core i5 or Ryzen 5 or 7 with more than recommended 8 GB of RAM.
Valve encourages third-party add-ons for Index VR headset. We expect a flurry of accessories after the official start of the sale. But there are already some exciting additions to the new headset from Valve.
The VR Cover
One of the biggest issues with any VR system is where it joins to your face, otherwise known as the face gasket. If you’re involved I extended gameplay then you’re going to end up sweating, and this sweat is going to get onto the face gasket.
The face gasket is made of foam, this is to ensure it’s comfortable wearing the gasket for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, the combination of moisture from sweating and small particles of dirt/grime is going to damage your Valve Index headset.
But, there is an easy solution in the form of the VR cover. This cover is made from super soft cotton with elastic straps to ensure it fits comfortably around your Index and stays in position.
When you’ve finished gaming you can simply use a hygienic wipe to remove the sweat and grime from your game playing. Then periodically, depending on how often you use your Valve Index, you should remove the cover and put it in the wash. It can be washed in the machine like any other garment. This removes all dirt and sweat, allowing you to re-use it again.
The best part is that you’ll get two covers when you purchase the VR Cover, allowing you to use one while the other is in the wash.
Two extra points that are worth noting is that VR Cover do offer replacement foam, in case yours has already been damaged, and, the included wipes are a great idea if you’re using your Valve Index at a trade event or show, you can wipe between uses to ensure hygiene standards are maintained. After the event simply wash the cover.
Check the VR Cover for Valve Index
Anti-Slip Controller Grip Cover
Just as your head sweats, so will your hands in the controllers. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in these controller covers. They are designed to be sweatproof and offer superior grip to the standard controller grip.
These covers clip over the existing grip, increasing the size of the grip and the thickness, effectively improving the feel of the controllers when playing your games.
It’s worth noting that the covers weigh approximately 2 ounces, they’re not going to cause fatigue!
Proximat Safety Mat
It’s worth noting that these come in a variety of sizes and are designed for dedicated play areas. This particular example is for an 8-10ft sized room and can be used on hardwood floors, concrete, tile, and even low profile carpet. It’s not going to be beneficial on a deep pile carpet.
The circular mat is grey and made with an anti-fatigue sponge. It’s intended to be used with bare feet or socks, this will provide you with the best possible feedback. The sponge won’t just help to prevent fatigue when standing for long periods, it can also reduce the feeling of vertigo that is often associated with not being sure where you’re stood.
In short, the mat will ensure you know where you are in relation to the room and your playing area, allowing you to play with confidence and reduce the risk of accidents.
Of course, this is meant for use in games that are relatively stationary, if you intend to move around the whole room as part of the game then you’re going to step off the mat.
Cable Management System
There are two main concerns regarding the cables when using the Valve Index.
- Your constant movement tangles the cable on something causing it to stretch, become damaged, or disconnect. Possibly breaking the connection in the process.
- The cable sits on the floor and becomes a trip hazard.
For these reasons, you need to invest in a cable management system. This basically involves a series of pulleys attached to your ceiling, they need to be retractable and run smoothly. As you move around the pulleys feed the cable to you from above, there is no risk of tripping or tangling, leaving you free to concentrate on your game.
This particular set from MYJK uses adhesive hooks, which means you don’t need to drill into your ceiling and the kit can be installed in a matter of minutes. It’s a worthwhile investment to keep your Valve Index, and you, from damage.
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 G1
If you already don’t have a VR ready GPU, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 G1 is a good starter with a great price to performance ratio. For full VR enjoyment on 120 Hz high-res Valve Index displays you can go with GTX 1080, or newer 2070/2080 or even 2080 Ti graphics cards. But if you want to keep your budget at bay, this card is an excellent choice. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 G1 has 8GB DDR5 memory with 256-bit memory interface. GPUs clock goes up to 1822 MHz. The card has DisplayPort 1.5 so its compatible with Valve Index VR, and it supports up to 7680×4320 resolution. You should get solid performance in VR games.
HTC Vive Base Station
The modular nature of SteamVR and Valve Index can come in handy if you need to upgrade your VR kit with another Base Station. The HTC Vive station has version 2.0 tracking, it’s cheaper, and has reliable performance. It tracks headset and controller location, and it is an excellent alternative to original Valve Index Base Stations.
Metal Adjustable VR Light Stand
The Foto&Tech 2PCS 75″/190cm Metal Adjustable VR Light Stand+1/4is another solution for base stations placement. It supports VR Lighthouse and cameras with the standard ¼ inch thread that fits both photographic equipment and HTC Vive Lighthouse. Made out of aluminum alloy, this stand is lightweight with only 2.5 Lbs. It has a mini ball head with 360-degree rotation. The package contains two stands. This item boasts a perfect rating, but as there are only two reviews so far, it’s possible that this could change.
AMVR VR Stand
A VR headset package is a lot of fun, but when idle, it can be rather messy on your desktop with a headset, cables, and controllers. A great way to organize your playing area is with a VR stand like this headset display holder made initially for Oculus Rift and Rift S and their Touch controllers. It can support other VR headsets, and since Valve Index controllers share a similar physical design with Vive, this is an excellent option. The only drawback is the price.
Snakebyte Headset Stand
Another VR headset stand comes from Snakebyte, and it has an attractive design that features a plastic head that stores your Valve Index in its natural position. The stand can store your headphones as well; also, it has a larger base so it won’t tip over. The Snakebyte Headset Stand is compatible with most VR headsets out there.
Bottom line
Valve Index is in the preorder phase, and it is sure to offer a high-end VR experience that’s comparable with HTC Vive Pro. Many adjustment options, especially for IPD, an attractive audio solution, and superb technical specification make Index one of the most anticipated VR headsets. The price might deter some users or encourage them to save up, but the Valve brand as a home of the biggest VR games library is a strong asset.