Globular Cluster is a small tech firm that prides itself on comfort mods for various VR devices. One of its more recent offerings is a set of pads for PlayStation VR2, known as the CMP2. Watch the first impressions and installation here.
This is a very neat package with simple branding that has just enough foil writing to feel premium, highlighted on a mostly black box and decorated with a diagram of the VR mod with a few scattered facts in small white font. Once opened, players are presented with a very neatly packaged set of pads and clips with supporting documentation, and a single simple tool for removing the old pre-installed pads.
There are three varieties of front and back pads, each visibly different and with varying functionality, as well as two varieties of head straps.
Using the tool provided, it is possible to carefully tease out the plastic hooks that keep the original padding in place. This isn’t the easiest thing to do as it requires an amount of fiddling and harder than expected pushing. Without extra care, this could result in broken hooks, but once removed, the new pads are easy to install.
The back panel clips in on the left and right with minimal effort. The front is a slightly different set of steps, requiring a Velcro covered backplate to be clipped in, with the pad connected to the Velcro after. Then, finally, there is an overhead band that is optional but helps stabilise the headset in use.
Swapping the pad types is a case of popping off the current pads and Velcroing on the new ones. It keeps things smooth and simple without feeling cheap or wobbly.
When using these pads, using the PS VR2 is a changed experience. The pads are soft, flexible and comfy, with the back pad in particular cupping the back of the head in a way that makes everything feel sturdier. Due to the softness of the pads, the wearer can also tighten the headset properly without pressing any lines or hard plastic into their face. This means it is possible to get the perfect vision point locked in and, even in this reviewer’s case, get the headset closer to the eyes, allowing for a slightly wider field of view in a game. The foam is much more sweat and skin friendly, although anyone with slick hair might have trouble clamping the device to their heads just as is the case with the standard pads.
The CMP2 allows for longer, more comfortable play sessions. Whereas previously, a half hour or so would usually be the end of playing in virtual reality due to the pressure being exerted on the head, it is now possible to play until the player needs a break for their eyes or to hydrate. This can be transformative for longer form VR titles like Horizon: Call of the Mountain and Madison VR.
It is also worth keeping in mind that if owners of PS VR2 require Sony to repair the device, the original pads would have to be reinstated before sending in.
Thanks to Globular Cluster for sending a CMP2 over to Cubed3 for review. Purchase yours here.
