Valve Index

Hardware

The Index is overall very well made. It is a bit bulky and makes some plastic sounds when making adjustments. When I first got it, I thought it felt a bit stiff or inelegant, but now that I've really spent a lot of time with it I think it's extremely well built. I've never had an issue with it.

Visuals

I shouldn't be rating this so highly, but I rate the visuals very high. The resolution is actually less than the Quest 2 or the Reverb G2 so in all actuality it should feel worse, but the brightness is amazing, the color is great, and it's just very comfortable on the eyes. The worst part of the visuals are the god rays and the sweet spot. It's not a terrible sweet spot at all, but I of course would love a wider one. FoV is better than most headsets I've owned and makes everything feel a bit more immersive.

Comfort

In general this headset is probably second in comfort to the original Rift. It might be better, but after years the original Rift just melded with my head, the Index is close but it still doesn't feel as natural. I think the original Rift felt a bit lighter. If the Index was lighter and protruded from my face less, it would likely be the most comfortable headset I've ever worn.

Software

SteamVR software for the most part just works and plays games. It also allows me to access my desktop and add mods. It's delightfully purpose-built.

Audio

This is the best part of the Index. The audio is phenomenal and the headphones sitting off the ear is fantastic for comfort. The microphone is world class, and I wish all mics sounded this good. The best sound in VR.

Tracking

This might actually tie for being the best part of the Index. I can not handle less accurate tracking after the Index. It's completely addictive. The technology is best in class. I actually bought a third base station just so I could have completely occusion-less tracking. I love the tracking on the Index. I doubt inside out tracking will ever be this good or feel this crisp.

Performance

I usually run whatever I am playing at 120hz and it's smooth and un-distracting. I have no issues with performance whatsoever. The PC is your only limitation

Overall

This is likely the best headset I've owned. The original Rift was really good for its time. It was slightly more comfortable, but the Index destroys it on tracking, resolution, and sound.

The Index was my main headset for a very long time.