Virtual reality (VR), also known as computer-simulated reality simulates physical presence of a person in a digital environment, built in compliance with features of the real life locations or imaginary settings. VR can artificially simulate our sense of smell, touch, sight and hearing.

Currently, virtual reality is the greatest phenomenon in the technological world and, certainly in gaming. This technology has an immense array of possible applications, starting with entertainment, gaming even to our daily interactions. Nowadays, our technological progress allows us to expect the impossible to become possible any minute, while major breakthrough seems to be waiting just around the corner.

It’s only natural that there are companies, trying to develop this technology to the point it becomes an integral part of our lives. Despite the fact that right now it may seem like far-fetched notion, such companies as Oculus and HTC are making considerable progress in making virtual reality our future.

Which is why we will look at their accomplishments and compare the VR devices each of them managed to create.

First of all, let’s find out what Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are:

Oculus Rift is a head-mounted display headset, developed by Oculus. Company collected funds for its development through the Kickstarter and managed to collect 2.5 million dollars. Oculus VR is planning to release

Oculus Rift at the beginning of 2016. It will be a consumer-oriented device with 1080×1200 resolution per eye and 90 Hz refresh rate. It’s worth to mention that Oculus released 2 early prototype versions in 2012 and 2014 for developers’ testing. They’ve proven to be a huge success, which prompted the company to proceed with the launch of consumer-oriented devices’ manufacturing.

HTC Vive is also a head-mounted display, which is developed as a part of SteamVR project, launched by Valve Corporation. Basically, HTC Vive is a result of collaboration between HTC and Valve Corporation.

Initially the project was conceived, when HTC’s Chief Content Officer has stumbled upon Oculus and approached them with collaboration in mind. After being refused, he turned to Valve, which agreed to collaborate. The first showcase of HTC Vive happened by the end of 2014, after that virtual reality fans had a chance to see it in March 2015.

Just like Oculus Rift it has 90 Hz refresh rate and 1080×1200 resolution per eye. The release of the HTC Vive for developers is scheduled for January 2016, while the VR fans will be able to enjoy it in April 2016.

Now that we’ve discussed the background of each of VR devices, let’s proceed to their comparison:

Tech specs of HTC Vive and Oculus Rift devices:

As we already mentioned both companies are planning to release their products at the beginning of 2016, so you will find yourself in doubts which one to choose. In terms of resolution, both VR devices provide 1080 x 1200 resolution per eye with the refresh rate of 90Hz.

As to the PC connection, in order to use Oculus Rift you’ll need to have Windows installed, starting with Windows 7. HTC Vive will also require you to use HDMI to plug it into PC with OS X, Windows or GNU/Linux installed.

You’ll also need pretty serious hardware to seamlessly use any of them: a fast and powerful GPU, staring with Nvidia GTX 970/AMD 290, over 8GB of RAM, Intel i5 or more powerful processor and HDMI 1.3. Bottom line: both devices offer rich virtual experience with a multitude of sensors (gyroscope, front-facing cameras, accelerometer and so on).

The only difference between the two is that you need to use Oculus Rift, while sitting (you can take Oculus Touch for even better experiences), while HTC Vive lets you play standing up as it is equipped with Chaperone safety system that prevents you from running into objects.

Outlook of these VR devices:

While discussing the outlook of the both devices, it’s hard not to mention that both of them are in their essence big black boxes, strapped to your face. Granted, their adjustable Velcro straps are comfortable, just like the padding that makes them easier and more pleasant to wear and apart from that, they are lightweight.

Nevertheless, HTC Vive loses in this aspect, because it’s much bulkier than Oculus Rift and less sleek.

VR Headsets Controllers:

In terms of controllers that can be used alongside the headset device itself, Oculus Rift easily wins. Oculus Touch controllers are not bundled with the Rift. Nevertheless, if you buy them alongside with Rift, they will guarantee considerably better experience.

In a surprising turn of events, Oculus Rift is bundled with Xbox One controller. Oculus Touch controllers amaze audience with a very unusual and comfortable half-moon shape. They are wireless, very lightweight and comfortable to hold.

Controllers HTC Vive are also lightweight, but look very traditional and unassuming. Granted, they have all the necessary functions and quality, however they lack that futuristic look that fans expect from a VR device. Overall Oculus Touch are better controllers due to their unusual look and deeper experience they provide.

Gaming:

At the moment, it may seem that both devices have equal shots at long-term success, however, virtual reality gaming is a field that requires immense amount of software developed specifically for it. Oculus Rift is limited only to Windows, starting with Windows 7, while HTC Vive is also compatible with Linux and OS X.

Apart from that, it’s obvious that due to the collaboration with Valve, HTC Vive will have constant stream а qualitative games, developed for it. Which is why, despite that fact that a wide row of games are currently developed, specifically for Oculus rift, such as EVE Valkyrie, HTC can already show 171 games developed for its Vive and their number will only increase with the flow of time.

Moreover, Oculus Rift is selling developer’s kits for a rather high price of 350 dollars, while HTC is giving out Vive developer’s kits for free to the well-established game developing companies.  It terms of future gaming there is not a single doubt that HTC Vive will eventually win.

Related: Best 4K Monitor for Gaming To Buy In 2016 

Conclusion:

Virtual reality became a possibility thanks to HTC Vive and Oculus Rifts. Both of them are comfortable to wear, lightweight and interactive. However, you need to have a pretty expensive hardware to use any of them and at this point this aspect seems to be their main problem.

Apart from that, they both need to be connected to the personal computer. Hopefully, this problem will be resolved in the nearest future. Despite the fact that HTC Vive will eventually win in terms of gaming, it’s obvious that Oculus Rift will find its niche as well, especially given that it’s pioneered on the market and has a talented and devoted team of developers.

What's your arguments in the debate of virtual reality devices: HTC Vive vs Oculus Rift? Share your thoughts with us in the comments bellow.