I do like it when a company listens to feedback and actually implements changes based on it. This is the origin of the DPVR E4 Black. It’s a newer variant of the original wired lightweight PCVR DPVR E4 VR headset which I previously tested, but with several improvements.
Readers who are familiar with our DPVR E4 VR headset review will notice similarities. Some changes have been made for the E4 Black version, but most parts of the VR headset remain the same.
PCVR is for Technical Users
As a pre-warning, I would only recommend PCVR headsets to technical users. Users often have to deal with issues like audio source changes, games having limited compatibility depending on the VR headset without it being listed, and similar.
The DPVR E4 Black is no exception. The software does have occasional issues pop up as it’s being constantly developed and certain older games like Gal*Gun 2 VR will need manual controller mapping (and may still not work well after).
Other than that, it’s just as straightforward if not more so than mainstream options such as the PC connection for Meta Quest 2 or Pico 4 for PCVR.
All in the Box
I was pleased to find quite a few things when I opened the DPVR E4 Black box. Not only the VR headset and controllers but also earphones, clips for the tether cable, and even plastic lens inserts for those who’d like to purchase some prescription lenses. This is useful as glasses are a little tight in this headset.
Setting it up was easy enough. I plugged in the cables for power, display port, and USB 3.0. It then popped up asking me to install the DPVR Assistant (which I already had).
Of course, you’ll need to install SteamVR if you’ve not yet done this too.
It was then just a case of starting up, putting the headset on, adjusting the fit, and using the controller (with some fresh batteries now inserted) to draw the safe play area.
I had some issues with the launch firmware for the original DPVR E4, but luckily the DPVR E4 Black was all set up ready. I was playing Beat Saber within 10 minutes of opening the box, but between having the software ready and having more than seven years of VR experience with more than ten VR headsets, I am used to it.
Still Light
The DPVR E4 Black is very light for a VR headset. It’s significantly lighter so than the Valve Index or standalone headsets like the Meta Quest or Pico 4 with a listed main unit weight of 285g. The weight is a big part of why VR headsets can be so uncomfortable to wear at times and reducing it helps far more than just balancing a heavier one well.
With both a light weight and good balance, the DPVR E4 Black is comfortable. Some of the changes for the E4 Black variant are seen here.
While still lightweight, the weight has increased slightly since the original. A reinforced cable has been added which is great for durability but isn’t as light. It also sometimes gets in the way of the dial at the back to tighten the headset and it was kinked on arrival. It’s clipped on a slidable clip and sliding it down the headband removed the kink.
More positively on the cable, the audio box for using phono headphones or the included earphones is small and near the top of the cable. This is an improvement on the original which had a larger box and screw-in connector much like a VGA port.
Comfort and Fit
The top strap is a velcro strap, allowing fine adjustment which helped for a comfortable fit. The material feels stronger than the rubber strap of the original E4 with its ‘belt buckle’ slot design. The E4 Black variant has a head circumference compatibility of 53-66cm, which allows more younger players to use it compared to the original.
The padding at the back is now a cloth-covered foam type, rather than the original rubber-coated type, which helps it get less sweaty for those high-energy games, making it more suitable for VR exercise. The padding has been removed from the sides which was a surprise, but hasn’t affected my comfort.
The DPVR E4 Black has improved cooling compared to the original through the use of a fan module and cooling vents. I did find in my testing that it still runs a bit hot in extended gameplay sessions when compared to some other VR headsets, but I find it acceptable given the increased comfort in other areas. I didn’t experience any fogging up of the screen. On the topic of the fans, one issue specific to the DPVR E4 and E4 Black that I would like to see changed is that the headset is constantly powered on if it’s connected. This leaves the fans running, which I imagine isn’t good for them long-term and it does create a small background noise.
One very nice feature is that the headset flips up 90 degrees. This does shift it slightly, so getting it back into place is needed after. That said, it’s far more comfortable than taking it off and putting it back on.
Overall, the DPVR E4 Black is quite a comfortable VR headset. It uses a lot of similar features found in the better-regarded third-party head straps and the lightweight build is a significant point in its favor. Reducing the heat further would be of benefit, but it isn’t much of a point against it. Of course, as always comfort is very personal when it comes to VR headsets so your experience may vary.
Controllers
The DPVR E4 Black controllers are the same as the original and come in white. A redesign to match the headset’s new black aesthetic would’ve been nice, but you can’t see them when you’re playing anyway!
The design and layout are extremely similar to the Meta Quest 2 or Oculus Rift, which helps with compatibility for many SteamVR (and unofficially ReVive) titles. They’re very lightweight, much like the headset.
The inside-out tracking used on the controllers is very good overall, but perhaps not so much to be a headset of choice for games where extreme accuracy is needed. It has occasionally gone slightly astray with very fast movements. If you’re an expert-level Beat Saber player, you may notice occasional issues. For most other purposes, as long as the game is suitable for inside-out tracking unlike some of the older PCVR titles that require a wider angle or controllers behind the headset’s view, it’s great.
My original E4 controllers had the battery cover come off sometimes during fast VR rhythm gameplay, but it hasn’t been a problem with the new controllers. It seems like this has been fixed since then.
4K Vision
Compared to the original, there are no changes to the visuals of the DPVR E4 Black. It uses a single LCD panel with a resolution of 3664×1920 (equivalent to a 2-lens design of 1832×1920 per eye). It feels clear and detailed, with no sign of the mesh-like ‘screen door effect’. That said, there are headsets available with slightly higher resolutions such as the Pico 4 available at a similar price point. Colors are vivid, but blacks aren’t as good as a more expensive LED panel as you may expect. It comes with a field of view of 116° which is slightly wider than some competing equipment.
The default refresh rate is 4K 120Hz which is 30Hz higher than some other VR headsets, but it can be turned down to 4K 72Hz or 4K 90Hz as needed for performance. The higher the better to reduce ‘VR sickness’, so the option is certainly appreciated.
The ‘sweet spot’ where pupils need to be so everything is clear is a little small. The improved fit on the E4 Black variant does help keep this lined up compared to the original, but it still could be better. Some other VR headsets such as the PlayStation VR 2 experience the same issue too. Digital interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment is used. It would’ve been nice to see a physical adjustment for this to help reduce eyestrain further and to bring things into focus even more especially considering the small sweet spot. Presumably this wasn’t included to keep costs low.
Light leakage isn’t a problem with a proper fit, but if it isn’t fit correctly, there may be a small amount.
As a note, while it’s not too important, the passthrough visual quality isn’t great. It works well enough to see what you’re doing in the real world if you leave the play area though.
Upgraded Audio
The DPVR E4 Black has built-in speakers which have been upgraded since the original version. The originals were already good enough, but the upgraded version for the E4 Black is clear and detailed. I don’t feel the need to use headphones to improve audio quality at all.
As mentioned above, there is a small box in the cable for a phono connection if you do want to use earphones or headphones. This is conveniently near where the cable connects to the headset to avoid trailing cables. Some wireless headsets will fit comfortably over it too, such as the Nacon RIG 600 Pro HS.
The microphone is very clear and sounds very high-quality, but it picks up a lot of background noise from my PC fans, though less than the original E4. Your experience will depend on your environment, but I’ve had some success in using filters to try and combat this and I’ve seen at least one other person get a perfect sounding recording from it.
Verdict
The DPVR E4 Black has successfully improved upon its predecessor and costs the same amount, which is quite reasonable (even more so with the coupon code below). It’s very lightweight which is a huge benefit and it’s comfortable.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly PCVR headset and want to avoid the more popular standalone headsets, the DPVR E4 Black is a good option.
DPVR E4 BLACK IS RECOMMENDED
DPVR – Coupon Code: Nookgaming40 for $40/£40 Discount
Thinking about buying a DPVR E4 Black? Why not check out our Virtual Reality reviews? Dyschronia: Chronos Alternate may be of interest.
Many thanks go to DPVR for providing a review unit.
A gamer since the days of Amstrad and DOS and someone who has dabbled in a variety of professions. He enjoys a wide variety of genres, but has been focusing on visual novels and virtual reality in recent years. Head Editor of NookGaming. Follow him and the website on @NookSite.
