Oculus and HTC are forerunners in the virtual reality (VR) realm. They are both the top in their respective hardware rights; Here you can check out the detailed specs comparison to see what to expect with both models.
Hardware
Oculus Rift is Facebook’s version of virtual reality that is very much similar to the HTC Vive in their experiences, with a few unique differentiators.
The headset will entail 2160 x 1200 or 1080 x 1200 resolution for duo OLED display for eyes. This is around 233 million pixels per second, and a refresh rate of around 90Hz. Furthermore, it comes with 360-degree head tracking and field of view of approximately 100-degrees. In contrast to HTC Vive, Oculus Rift is to be used while sitting in conjunction with controllers (Oculus’ Touch).
The Rift requires a computer running Windows 7 or higher. You’ll need to have a GPU as capable as AMD 290/Nvidia GTX 970 or better. Other hardware requirements comprise 8GB+ of RAM, Intel i5-4590 processor, HDMI 1.3 video output and 2x USB 3.0 ports.
HTC Vive also features 2160 x 1200 or 1080 x 1200 resolution over duo OLED displays for every eye. Its refresh rate is 90Hz; has over 70 sensors for seamless and fluid movement and operate tracking space (15ft x 15ft) for supporting wireless cameras. Front-facing cameras help you identify objects around you as per the Chaperone safety system. This will protect users from bumping into objects, allowing Vive to be a true mobility gamer. HTC Vive needs tethering to a PC running GNU/Linux, OS X or Windows via HDMI cabling. Vive requires high specs to match its latency-free wireless capabilities.
Design
The Oculus Rift is compact and lightweight. It comes with Velcro straps which are easy to adjust; offers comfortable headphone removal and faceplate padding on either side of the headset. However, as far as design is concerned, it’s not the most appealing VR-ware. Typically, it’s a huge, black protrusion from your human face. However, it’s more compact than various market alternatives.
The HTC Vive is a one of a kind VR gadget; it’s lightweight and has 37 external sensors on the device’s front to allow seamless connectivity to infrared cameras in tracking space. Moreover, it has Velcro straps and comfortable faceplate padding similar to the Rift. The Vive design is, however, worse than its Rift rival–It is not only a black protrusion from your face, but it’s also bulkier.
Controllers
The Oculus Touch is the controller companion to the Oculus Rift, aiding users immerse deeper into the VR. Xbox One controller ships with the Oculus Rift as the controllers are to be sold separately. Touch controllers apply the half-moon design feature; are wireless, lightweight and a lanyard similar to the Wii remote.
One of the most awesome features in Oculus Touch is the inbuilt haptic feedback, analog stick, analog trigger and two extra buttons. Although Oculus Touch has good functionality, there still exist minor bugs, wireless connection and latency issues. The issues with the headset will be ironed before Q1 launch.
HTC Vive controllers have a more traditional design over Oculus Touch. For instance, wheel below the thumb and a single analog index finger. The wheel is for scrolling menus and game zooming. Furthermore, it functions as game options and selector. They are flawless, very responsive and should be better upon release.
Free games
Rift and Vive will ship with a free content suite. The Rift features Lucky Tale, a VR-enabled vivid graphs game. HTC Vive will ship with three titles built around wireless input controllers. It has an inbuilt fantastic contraption Roomscale VR which utilizes hand controllers. Job Simulator is a little game that simulates various tasks. Tilt Brush is the 3rd title with a 3D Google app. Tilt Brush has a Vive wireless controller to paint and sculpt artworks.
Platform
Nothing physical limits you from integrating with the other platform. Oculus Home is the ultimate store for VR apps and games. Oculus Home is a perfect mix between Xbox and Steam dashboard for layout and functionality.
HTC’s Vive will make use of traditional stalwart on PC game industry. Vive rolled out a new digital storefront with specialized VR gaming support mode, Vive headset point of sale and VR-ware content.
Conclusion
Though the Rift and Vive both have their unique strengths and weaknesses, it makes none better than its alternative. VR is an amazing technology and is a leap into gaming future, especially with HTC Vive partnership with Steam-VR. Vive has a better overall standing experience in our opinion, verses the Rift having a lot more seated experiences. (Although that is set to change with Oculus touch)
The downside to these VR headsets is that they require PC tethering, hence requiring powerful machines. This can, however, change in the near future, making them more user friendly.
