VR Cover Facial Interface & Foam Replacement Set V2 for Oculus Quest GBAtemp review
Hardware
Product Information:
Under review is another VR Cover accessory, the Facial Interface & Foam Replacement Set V2 for the Original Oculus Quest. Just like with the company’s other products, it is aimed at improving comfort and hygiene while gaming in VR. Let’s see how well it achieves that!
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232213" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/gbatemp_review_banner_vr-set-png.232213/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify">If there’s one thing we learnt in 2020 is how to be more hygienic and such an attitude might need to be extended to our gaming habits; in particular for VR gaming. While this new gaming reality does offer an ideal getaway while in lockdown, these VR headsets do accumulate sweat by being strapped around your face. </p>
<p style="text-align:justify">VR Cover’s previous accessory which I recently reviewed, the <strong><a href="https://gbatemp.net/review/vr-cover-silicone-cover-for-oculus-quest.1553/">Silicon Cover for Oculus Quest</a></strong>, addressed this issue by offering an easy to clean cover that goes on top of the existing foam. While improving hygiene and preventing the stock foam from being drenched in sweat, I found it to be not really optimised for glass wearers. This is because it adds a layer of thickness to the stock foam, which doesn’t allow for the best fit for glasses and can even lead to spectacles getting stuck in the headset upon removal.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">VR Cover’s accessory under review today, the Facial Interface & Foam Replacement Set V2 for Oculus Quest, addresses the same hygiene issue but through another angle: replacing the stock foam and interface altogether.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AVEggVGVAA0" width="640"></iframe> </p>
<p style="text-align:justify">This set is very easy to set up, and perfectly fits the Oculus Quest after removing the original interface and foam. The way it improves hygiene is by having a detachable PU leather foam pad that attaches to the custom, red-coloured facial interface’s velcro ends. The pad can thus be easily removed and wiped cleaned of sweat or dirt, without the need t remove the whole interface. </p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232214" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/back-jpg.232214/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<div class="thumbContainer" style="text-align: center;"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232215" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232215" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231603-ac9faeb25dbf2b9ce190398b32c969b8.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232216" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232216" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231604-ceb3f9af5df6d3ed311c2a5e2e9863bc.jpg" /></a></div>
<p style="text-align:justify">Additionally, the pads come in two sizes: Standard (~11mm thick) and comfort (~14 mm thick). Standard is rather thin and not so comfortable for extended VR sessions. The Comfort one is, as the name suggests, more comfortable by being more padded, but I still found it to be less comfortable than the stock foam during long playthroughs. That's because compared to the stock foam, VR Cover's replacement ones are much thinner and you face will press on a padding of maximum 14mm thickness with this set as the foam pad sticks to the red rubberised facial interface. It's not uncomfortable or hurting but visibly <em>less </em>comfortable than the stock foam/interface set which is padded as a whole set.</p>
<p>Since both of these pads are thinner than the original Quest’s foam, they bring you closer to the lens. While VR Cover claims it offers users a wider FOV (in particular with the Standard pad), I found it hard to get used to being so close to the lenses. It takes an adjustment period but one that I haven’t really come to terms with; although that might be a personal preference.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232220" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/comparison-main-jpg.232220/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<div class="thumbContainer" style="text-align: center;"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232217" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232217" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231605-76804e7037df1abb60dac70aeed8b76c.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232219" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232219" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231607-ced87bf5e14553d289a49915d375a1c6.jpg" /></a><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232222" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232222" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231610-d5037b371c967d05115c17ebaae8b54c.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>What I did like with this replacement set is the nose guard. Just like with the Silicone Cover, it blocks light that seeps through the nose area; at least much more than with the original interface which leaves the nose area uncovered. By covering this area, the simple addition of this nose guard does add to the immersion in VR. VR Cover provides 3 different sized nose guards which is very welcome. However, I also found them to be quite finicky to swap when trying to find the best fit. That’s because they have rubber protrusions that have to be fitted in their respective inserts on the facial interface. It’s a tight fit and takes some time to get it right. An easier approach would be to attach those nose guards to the facial interface via velcro ends, just like the foam does.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232223" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/front-jpg.232223/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify">When I first strapped the foam onto the facial interface’s velcro ends, I found it to be rather tight and that it didn’t optimally accommodate my glasses. But then I realised that I could easily adjust the flexible foam for a custom fit by moving the area of the foam pad that sticks onto the velcro patch. This is very handy to find an individual fit, which is not possible with the original foam. If for some reason the stock foam/interface set is too tight or wide for you, then VR Cover's replacement could be an option to look into.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">In addition, this replacement set does offer added hygienic options that’s not possible with the Quest’s original interface. You can wipe or even swap the foam pads easily if you’re sharing the headset.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232224" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/foam-on-back-jpg.232224/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<div class="thumbContainer" style="text-align: center;"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232226" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232226" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231614-5d15be64355c8d3999f915b0dbd2cb9c.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232227" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232227" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231615-cc2ebdc8f978e16268d891838e2c1b34.jpg" /></a></div>
<p style="text-align:justify">Despite its added hygiene options and customised fit, certain issues persist with VR Cover's replacement set. For one you'll still have the “foam face” after a long gaming session, meaning that you'll have an imprint of the foam on your face after use. Secondly, sweat will accumulate on the PU pad, and since its material won't absorb the sweat (good to easily wipe it off), it can get quite uncomfortable, especially in warm seasons or when exercising extensively in VR with apps like <a href="https://gbatemp.net/threads/fitxr-impression.572500/"><strong>FitXR</strong></a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">At $29, this accessory is not really a must-have. The best uses I could recommend it for is if you are sharing your Quest, if your stock foam/interface is damaged or you need a better fit for your face. VR Cover’s replacement set won’t have the same feeling or comfort but it somewhat compensates with its modular and customisable fit and how it’s easy to clean. I only wish the foam pads were much thicker and that the interface itself was padded. This would have made for a superior replacement set and a more compelling buy.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232225" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/foam-on-side-2-jpg.232225/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify">If there’s one thing we learnt in 2020 is how to be more hygienic and such an attitude might need to be extended to our gaming habits; in particular for VR gaming. While this new gaming reality does offer an ideal getaway while in lockdown, these VR headsets do accumulate sweat by being strapped around your face. </p>
<p style="text-align:justify">VR Cover’s previous accessory which I recently reviewed, the <strong><a href="https://gbatemp.net/review/vr-cover-silicone-cover-for-oculus-quest.1553/">Silicon Cover for Oculus Quest</a></strong>, addressed this issue by offering an easy to clean cover that goes on top of the existing foam. While improving hygiene and preventing the stock foam from being drenched in sweat, I found it to be not really optimised for glass wearers. This is because it adds a layer of thickness to the stock foam, which doesn’t allow for the best fit for glasses and can even lead to spectacles getting stuck in the headset upon removal.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">VR Cover’s accessory under review today, the Facial Interface & Foam Replacement Set V2 for Oculus Quest, addresses the same hygiene issue but through another angle: replacing the stock foam and interface altogether.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AVEggVGVAA0" width="640"></iframe> </p>
<p style="text-align:justify">This set is very easy to set up, and perfectly fits the Oculus Quest after removing the original interface and foam. The way it improves hygiene is by having a detachable PU leather foam pad that attaches to the custom, red-coloured facial interface’s velcro ends. The pad can thus be easily removed and wiped cleaned of sweat or dirt, without the need t remove the whole interface. </p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232214" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/back-jpg.232214/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<div class="thumbContainer" style="text-align: center;"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232215" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232215" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231603-ac9faeb25dbf2b9ce190398b32c969b8.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232216" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232216" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231604-ceb3f9af5df6d3ed311c2a5e2e9863bc.jpg" /></a></div>
<p style="text-align:justify">Additionally, the pads come in two sizes: Standard (~11mm thick) and comfort (~14 mm thick). Standard is rather thin and not so comfortable for extended VR sessions. The Comfort one is, as the name suggests, more comfortable by being more padded, but I still found it to be less comfortable than the stock foam during long playthroughs. That's because compared to the stock foam, VR Cover's replacement ones are much thinner and you face will press on a padding of maximum 14mm thickness with this set as the foam pad sticks to the red rubberised facial interface. It's not uncomfortable or hurting but visibly <em>less </em>comfortable than the stock foam/interface set which is padded as a whole set.</p>
<p>Since both of these pads are thinner than the original Quest’s foam, they bring you closer to the lens. While VR Cover claims it offers users a wider FOV (in particular with the Standard pad), I found it hard to get used to being so close to the lenses. It takes an adjustment period but one that I haven’t really come to terms with; although that might be a personal preference.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232220" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/comparison-main-jpg.232220/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<div class="thumbContainer" style="text-align: center;"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232217" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232217" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231605-76804e7037df1abb60dac70aeed8b76c.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232219" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232219" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231607-ced87bf5e14553d289a49915d375a1c6.jpg" /></a><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232222" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232222" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231610-d5037b371c967d05115c17ebaae8b54c.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>What I did like with this replacement set is the nose guard. Just like with the Silicone Cover, it blocks light that seeps through the nose area; at least much more than with the original interface which leaves the nose area uncovered. By covering this area, the simple addition of this nose guard does add to the immersion in VR. VR Cover provides 3 different sized nose guards which is very welcome. However, I also found them to be quite finicky to swap when trying to find the best fit. That’s because they have rubber protrusions that have to be fitted in their respective inserts on the facial interface. It’s a tight fit and takes some time to get it right. An easier approach would be to attach those nose guards to the facial interface via velcro ends, just like the foam does.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232223" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/front-jpg.232223/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify">When I first strapped the foam onto the facial interface’s velcro ends, I found it to be rather tight and that it didn’t optimally accommodate my glasses. But then I realised that I could easily adjust the flexible foam for a custom fit by moving the area of the foam pad that sticks onto the velcro patch. This is very handy to find an individual fit, which is not possible with the original foam. If for some reason the stock foam/interface set is too tight or wide for you, then VR Cover's replacement could be an option to look into.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">In addition, this replacement set does offer added hygienic options that’s not possible with the Quest’s original interface. You can wipe or even swap the foam pads easily if you’re sharing the headset.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232224" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/foam-on-back-jpg.232224/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
<div class="thumbContainer" style="text-align: center;"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232226" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232226" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231614-5d15be64355c8d3999f915b0dbd2cb9c.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/232227" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb232227" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachments/231/231615-cc2ebdc8f978e16268d891838e2c1b34.jpg" /></a></div>
<p style="text-align:justify">Despite its added hygiene options and customised fit, certain issues persist with VR Cover's replacement set. For one you'll still have the “foam face” after a long gaming session, meaning that you'll have an imprint of the foam on your face after use. Secondly, sweat will accumulate on the PU pad, and since its material won't absorb the sweat (good to easily wipe it off), it can get quite uncomfortable, especially in warm seasons or when exercising extensively in VR with apps like <a href="https://gbatemp.net/threads/fitxr-impression.572500/"><strong>FitXR</strong></a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">At $29, this accessory is not really a must-have. The best uses I could recommend it for is if you are sharing your Quest, if your stock foam/interface is damaged or you need a better fit for your face. VR Cover’s replacement set won’t have the same feeling or comfort but it somewhat compensates with its modular and customisable fit and how it’s easy to clean. I only wish the foam pads were much thicker and that the interface itself was padded. This would have made for a superior replacement set and a more compelling buy.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="attachFull232225" class="attachFull bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/attachments/foam-on-side-2-jpg.232225/?temp_hash=c6d74e0edb113d8d715955c74e90f5bf" /></p>
Verdict
What We Liked ...
- Modular kit
- Easy to clean
- Customisable fit
What We Didn't Like ...
- Foam is rather thin
- Facial interface is not padded
- Not as comfortable as stock foam for extended VR sessions
- Reduces distance from screen
7
out of 10
