Interested in virtual reality?
Interested in virtual reality?
I borrowed my friends' Oculus DK2 a while back. It was enjoyable, especially using my desktop in VR, trying demos, and watching movies. Now I really want a VR headset but don’t have enough space for the VIVE. With only about 6 feet from my desk to the wall, I think the Rift would fit better. What do you think? I’d like to relax and watch movies or YouTube, maybe play some games too. Does the excitement fade quickly? Is it usually a good experience?
I would purchase a Vive. It will arrive towards the end of this year. My space is about 10' by 6'. I’ve checked both Vive and Oculus Rift, but I’m leaning toward the Vive since its tracking performance was much better. Both platforms have a wide selection of games available on Steam and other sites. Although I haven’t set up a Rift before, I’ve seen how to install a Vive easily through their straightforward setup process. These are just my thoughts and preferences.
I own both and don't see one clearly superior. The Vive excels at room-scale tracking, while the Rift performs well with its third sensor. The Rift offers better touch controllers. I usually prefer the Rift because I seldom need or want the room-scale feature. Plus, the cables can limit the enjoyment of room-scale when you're in a rush. Either choice should work well for you.
It occurs very fast because almost nothing can be done about it.
For me and my friend it hasn't faded away. I'm getting a Vive and we can use a Steam Program to play together in VR. There are many games in the Steam store, which can be expensive because the market is smaller and developers need more resources. Plus, if both of us have vives, we can visit each other's houses while staying close to a Vive for gameplay.
I personally prefer the Rift more and plan to get one this Christmas with an extra sensor. I also gave a try to a Free Robo Recall demo at my nearest BestBuy. Even though tracking might be improved (I don’t know if it’s that much better), people say it’s superior and I haven’t used the Vive yet. Still, the Rift has several advantages. Price matters a lot. The Vive costs $600 (and used to be more expensive), while the Rift is just $400—only $60 more for a third sensor to add roomscale. But space might be an issue for some. For me, I’m neither very poor nor very wealthy, but I can afford to spend a lot on games. If I wanted something pricier, I wouldn’t limit myself because such an investment tends to stay with you longer.
Ergonomics are another reason I like the Rift most. Both headsets look similar, but the Rift’s straps are really comfortable. The controllers are a big plus—they’re much lighter and feel natural, with plenty of touch sensors that let your fingers move realistically. You can point, thumbs up, and even lift just a few fingers from the front grip (something I haven’t tried before).
The libraries are decent on both devices, though the Oculus library doesn’t work with the Vive. The Vive (which is Steam-based) works with all VR systems, giving it a slight edge. Personally, I think the biggest factor is comfort and feel.
In conclusion, these are my main thoughts—but ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Tracking might be better on the Vive, but for me, the controllers make a huge difference. Being in a good mood helps a lot, so I’ll stick with what feels right. Check out Oculus for demos, see if you can find a Vive one nearby, and remember that Oculus controllers are a real advantage.
Thanks! My work is at my family’s print shop right now, and I’m staying with my parents since I’m living with them. There’s no space for my PC in their house, so I really wish things were simpler to test. I’m thinking about room scale VR but I’m not sure if it’s worth the extra 200 dollars just in case I don’t use it fully.
In reality, the extra 200 dollars is specifically for the Vive to ensure you understand roomscale allows smoother movement within a space rather than just a few feet left or right. If you choose the Rift and decide to upgrade later, plan to spend around $60 every month or so. Roomscale VR is worth considering because it enhances your experience. You should definitely try a demo before committing. If you wait until after Christmas to decide, I can share my personal impressions afterward. Happy to help!