Relativty is a do-it-yourself, open-source VR headset project that connects to SteamVR through a project driver. It is not a ready-to-buy consumer headset: building it involves electronics, firmware, optics, display integration, and troubleshooting. Its basic design provides 3-DoF tracking and has no built-in controller support, so SteamVR support does not mean it works like a complete modern VR system.
What Relativty is
Relativty is an open-source hardware, software, and firmware project for building a VR headset. The project maintainers explicitly label it “NOT A CONSUMER PRODUCT.” Treat it as a hands-on build for someone comfortable with basic electronics and Arduino programming, not as a finished headset with established current retail availability. The project’s official repository is the starting point for its design and instructions.
What SteamVR support means
Relativty uses its own SteamVR driver to send headset information to SteamVR. Valve’s OpenVR driver documentation explains that hardware interacts with SteamVR through a driver API. That fact alone does not certify Relativty for every current SteamVR release or game, nor does it make controllers part of the headset.
The basic Relativty design is 3-DoF: it tracks rotational movement, rather than providing the full positional tracking commonly associated with 6-DoF VR. The repository says it has no built-in controller support. In practical terms, do not assume you can move around a tracked room or use tracked hand controllers just because SteamVR recognizes the headset.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What a build requires
The repository’s recommended build guide is labeled “As of May 2023.” It assumes basic electronics and Arduino programming knowledge, and warns that VR hardware can be difficult to troubleshoot. The project describes a system assembled from several parts that must work together:
- Microcontroller: an ATmega32U4 board with USB HID support; the guide gives Arduino Pro Micro as an example.
- Motion sensor: an inertial measurement unit supported by FastIMU, connected to the microcontroller for power and communication.
- Display: a small, high-resolution PC display with its driver board. The guide advises sourcing these together where possible to reduce compatibility problems.
- Optics and housing: a 3D-printable headset housing and lenses specified as 40 mm in diameter with a 50 mm focal length.
- Fit and assembly materials: a strap and facial interface. Replacement HTC Vive strap and foam are cited as examples, not guaranteed universal-fit parts.
- Build tools and integration: the necessary electronics work, firmware setup, and access to 3D printing for the housing.
The Pro Micro is an example, not a universal requirement. Match the board to the firmware and verify USB HID support. The repository links to Pro Micro examples; builders using another board need to identify its USB vendor and product IDs. The documentation does not establish one universal model for the IMU, display, driver board, lenses, or fit components.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How the hardware and software fit together
The microcontroller connects to the computer over USB and communicates with the IMU. The Arduino firmware sends sensor readings to SteamVR through the Relativty driver. The build instructions require installing that driver in SteamVR’s driver directory and editing board IDs and display settings for the chosen hardware.
That configuration is part of the build, not a plug-and-play detail: the project guide warns that incorrect display coordinates or dimensions can prevent the driver from displaying correctly. It also gives different configuration values for different boards and display arrangements, so copying settings without checking the actual components can cause problems.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Performance claims, price, and tracking caveats
The project describes a dual-screen configuration at 2K and 120 FPS, while noting that the open design can use other displays. Those are project-reported design specifications, not independent benchmark results or a guarantee that a particular computer and display combination will achieve them.
The repository’s headline describes Relativty as a headset “for $200.” That is not a verified current price for a complete build. The same guide notes that small, high-performance displays are expensive and delicate, and gives a historical display price range. Component availability and total cost can vary; do not treat the headline figure as a current all-in budget.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The project also describes experimental webcam-based body tracking. Its instructions require an NVIDIA GPU with CUDA and characterize the feature as substantially less precise and less free-moving than a dedicated sensor. It is not a substitute for mature positional tracking. The guide recommends IMU calibration to help with sensor drift, but calibration does not change the basic design’s 3-DoF limitation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Project currency and compatibility
The official download page lists Relativty v1.0 dated April 22, 2019, and v1.1-alpha.3 dated May 16, 2019; the latter is described as a 9DoF alpha release for testing. The recommended build guide is dated May 2023. Those dates do not establish compatibility with present-day hardware, operating systems, SteamVR releases, or available components.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Before committing to a build, check the current instructions and driver against the display interface, microcontroller, IMU, computer, and SteamVR setup you intend to use. The official materials do not establish current compatibility certification or current component availability.
Who Relativty suits
Relativty is best suited to technically capable hobbyists who want to assemble and configure an open VR headset and are comfortable with uncertainty around integration and maintenance. It is a poor fit if you want a consumer-ready headset, built-in tracked controllers, straightforward 6-DoF room-scale play, or a supported purchase with a current verified price.
If you are comparing DIY headsets, weigh their degrees of freedom and tracking method, controller support, display and optics requirements, component availability and cost, software dependencies, build and troubleshooting demands, and how recently their instructions and drivers have been maintained. The Relativty repository points readers looking for a more full-featured DIY 6-DoF project with controller support toward HadesVR; that is the project’s pointer, not an independent assessment of HadesVR.
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