Valve Index VR Headset Starts Taking Pre-Orders May 1

Published: April 30, 2019 2:55 PM /

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valve index

The much-anticipated Valve Index VR headset is now available for purchase via Steam. The headset was first teased at the end of March 2019 and a later leak indicated that the controllers weren't likely to be included with the headset. Now, the Steam Store page for the Valve Index is live and we can see everything front and center for the first time.

To start, those earlier rumors were technically accurate — the controllers are not included with the headset, but only if you wish to buy the headset solo. Customers can purchase the whole package of the headset, base stations, and controllers in a bundle or they can buy individual parts piecemeal. The Valve Index is highly interchangeable with HTC Vive hardware, so you may just want to upgrade one portion of your experience.

Here are the relevant tech specs for the various devices you can buy:


Valve Index Headset

  • Displays: Dual 1440 x 1600 LCDs, full RGB per pixel, ultra-low persistence global backlight illumination (0.330ms at 144Hz)
  • Framerate: 80/90/120/144Hz
  • Optics: Double element, canted lens design
  • Field of View (FOV): Optimized eye relief adjustment allows a typical user experience 20º more than the HTC Vive
  • Inter-pupillary Distance (IPD): 58mm - 70mm range physical adjustment
  • Ergonomic Adjustments: Head size, eye relief (FOV), IPD, speaker positions. Rear cradle adapter included.
  • Connections: 5m tether, 1m breakaway trident connector. USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 12V power
  • Tracking: SteamVR 2.0 sensors, compatible with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations
  • Audio: Built-in: 37.5mm off-ear Balanced Mode Radiators (BMR), frequency response: 40Hz - 24KHz, impedance: 6 Ohm, SPL: 98.96 dBSPL at 1cm and an Aux Headphone Out 3.5mm
  • Microphone: Dual Microphone Array, Frequency response: 20Hz – 24kHz, Sensitivity: -25dBFS/Pa @ 1kH


Valve Index Controllers (Formerly Knuckles)

  • Inputs: A Button, B Button, System Button, Trigger, Thumbstick, Track Button with Force Sensor, Grip Force Sensor, Finger Tracking, IMU
  • Ergonomics: Adjustable strap with pivot, antimicrobial tech fabric
  • Connections: USB-C, 2.4GHz Wireless
  • Haptics: HD LRA
  • Battery Life: 7+ hours
  • Charging: 900mA fast charging, 1100mAh capacity Li-Ion polymer battery
  • Tracking: SteamVR 2.0 sensors, compatible with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 Base Stations


Valve Index Base Stations

  • Range: 7m
  • FOV: 160º x 115º
  • Expandability: Up to four base stations, up 10m x 10m playspace
  • Power: 12V, compatible with existing HTC Vive power supply


You can read more about the Valve Index by checking out the official website for the product. If you'd like to purchase one of yourself, you can get the Valve Index headset, two base stations, and controllers all in one neat package for $999.99 or your regional equivalent or purchased individually however you like via Steam. Pre-orders for Valve's VR headset will open on May 1, 2019, with deliveries arriving starting July 1.

What do you think of the Valve Index VR headset? Will you be purchasing one or would you prefer to buy a different VR headset? Let us know in the comments below!

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A photograph of TechRaptor Senior Writer Robert N. Adams.
| Senior Writer

One of my earliest memories is playing Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System. I've had a controller in my hand since I was 4 and I… More about Robert N