✤MURO Making : SlimeVR!✤

 Hi everyone!
I have a special post today because I've finally received my order from SlimeVR!

What's SlimeVR, you ask? On their website linked above, the creators self-describe it as "An affordable, comfortable, wireless, 360° solution for full-body tracking in virtual reality" ("SlimeVR Full Body Trackers—SlimeVR Official", 2024).

Full-body tracking is what it sounds like - the ability to track your full body and not just your head and hands. Virtual Reality headsets usually only allow accurate tracking of the head and the hands, due to the fact that you only have three points of connection using it; games track your headset, and each of your controllers. But what if you want more? That's where full-body trackers come in.

 

Now, SlimeVR is not cheap. Starting at $195 for a basic set of five trackers, it's almost as expensive as buying a new headset. But when the most popular alternative is VIVE Trackers ($129.99 for a single tracker), as well as possibly needing a base station or multiple ($199.00 each) depending on your set-up, you can see the huge difference in price point. SlimeVR also sells 'DIY Kits' on their Crowd Supply page if you have a knack for jury-rigging that costs less than having them pre-made for you. I'm more of a software than a hardware kind of gal, so I left manufacturing to the experts.

I ordered the Lower-Body Set, the cheapest set available. I have a tracker for my chest, each of my thighs, and each of my ankles. For years, I've dreamed of having full-body tracking, seeing other people having fun and expressing themselves with it, and wishing I could do the same. While there are points of articulation the smaller number of trackers misses and the tracking isn't always accurate, it does what I want it to and I'm happy with it. I can move my legs, I can dance, and I can kick people (virtually)! There's something liberating about your entire body being represented in a digital space, even if it's not perfect.

 

As for the cons, I don't consider them deal-breakers but they are a bit frustrating. I struggled multiple days to get my set-up working with the trackers (though that's normal with the amount of moving parts my VR set-up has), the kit only included one charger despite all five trackers needing to be charged, and their tracking isn't as accurate as higher-end products. But on the other hand, they're also cheap, are able to be used without any external camera technology (meaning you can wear them under clothes, lie under a blanket, and overall don't have to worry about your trackers remaining visible in order to maintain tracking). They connect to your PC via Wi-Fi.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend full-body tracking for anyone who isn't in VR regularly. I've wanted full-body for years and only caved because SlimeVR is such an affordable alternative, and I knew I would get good use out of them. That's all from me for today!

See ya next time!