Quick Verdict
Out of the box, there’s plenty the Meta Quest 3 gets right, but comfort isn’t one of them. Having used the PlayStation VR2 for over a year with Globular Cluster’s CMP2 Comfortable Mod, I knew right away I was going to get the brand’s equivalent for the Meta Quest 3. This is a different product, however, compared to the PlayStation VR2 mod, as the CMQ3 can transform the Meta Quest 3 into an open-face design. It does come with similar cushions and customization options, although it takes significantly more fiddling to get the Meta Quest 3 with the CMQ3 to feel just right.
Like the Globular Cluster CMP2 for PlayStation VR2, the CMQ3 for Meta Quest 3 won’t benefit everyone. Unlike the PlayStation VR2 product, it took some time to set everything up comfortably, and I imagine some people might never find it comfortable. I also couldn’t get acclimated to the open-face design, one of the CMQ3’s advertised benefits. When it comes to comfort though, the halo-style strap is a massive improvement over the factory strap and for that alone I’d highly recommend the CMQ3.
The virtual reality space has been really interesting to watch. I was one of the first to purchase the original HTC Vive, but found it to be very much a novelty at the time. Between the limited graphical fidelity and frustrating base-station tracking, I never found the experience particularly enjoyable. Last year, I picked up the PlayStation VR2 knowing PC compatibility was on the way, and I quickly found myself far more immersed in VR with that headset. I tried several PlayStation VR2 titles and loved that it was just one connection away from working with SteamVR. This year, I decided to pick up a Meta Quest 3 to see just how viable the wireless VR experience has become.
This review isn’t about the Meta Quest 3 headset, though; it’s about the Globular Cluster CMQ3 Comfortable Mod for the Meta Quest 3. The first time I strapped the Meta Quest 3 onto my head, I was surprised by how uncomfortable it felt. After adjusting the headset and using it for about an hour, the discomfort persisted, which made me look up what Globular Cluster offered for the Meta Quest 3. I was pleased to see a design similar to the PlayStation VR2 headset and quickly ordered it without a second thought.
I’ve been so impressed by the Globular Cluster CMP2 for the PlayStation VR2 that I didn’t feel the need to research before ordering the CMQ3. When I finally received it and read on the box that it’s specially designed for open-face mode, I was intrigued. Before discussing that setup, let’s review what comes in the package. Like the CMP2, the CMQ3 comes with three options for the rear pad, three forehead pads, and two top straps. The padded top strap comes pre-installed on the unit, which I preferred, along with the same forehead pad and rear pad I’ve been using on the PlayStation VR2. As a result, I didn’t switch out any of the accessories and went with the default setup.
I found installing the CMQ3 onto the Meta Quest 3 to be much easier than the CMP2 on the PlayStation VR2. Removing the stock strap involves pulling off the two side tabs and detaching the velcro top strap, leaving just the headset. From there, removing the facial interface involves pressing the two buttons and pulling it off. Once that’s done, the Meta Quest 3 headset easily slides into the CMQ3 and a little effort is needed to fish the top strap through. Initially, using the headset without the facial interface felt quite awkward. I kept wanting to adjust the headset as close to my eyes as possible since I’m accustomed to having something pressed against my face from using the PlayStation VR2. I can see the benefits of the open-face design, especially for intense sessions where your face may get sweaty, but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get used to it after a week.
Like others, my biggest issue with the open-face design is how visible my surroundings were in my peripheral vision. It was particularly distracting at the top and bottom. Although it’s definitely more comfortable without the facial interface, I did find the glare off the lenses to be annoying. Eventually, I reattached the default facial interface, and now it feels much better to me. This may not be the case for everyone though. I do see the benefits of the open-face design, but for me, the pros don’t outweigh the cons.
Unlike the CMP2 on the PlayStation VR2, it took a lot of adjusting to get the CMQ3 to fit just right on my head. At first, it didn’t feel snug, no matter how I adjusted the top strap or the dial on the back. Finding the sweet spot is already significantly easier on the Meta Quest 3 than on the PlayStation VR2, thanks to its pancake lenses, so my main focus was comfort. Adjustability is also somewhat limited with the stock facial interface, so I’m considering the separately available Globular Cluster F3 V3 magnetic facial interface.
It’s also worth mentioning the CMQ3 includes a rear battery holder and a USB-C cable, primarily designed for the Anker 5000mAh power bank, although other models fit the slot. While I don’t have a battery bank to test this, it looks to be an elegant enough solution and Globular Cluster does include a small Velcro strap to attach the cable to the side of the headset mod.
From a comfort standpoint, the Globular Cluster CMQ3 checks all the boxes. It did, however, take a surprising amount of time to get it feeling just right given how many points there are to adjust. The good news is that, because of the Quest 3’s pancake lenses, maintaining the sweet spot is much easier than on the PlayStation VR2. Ultimately, the CMQ3 does an excellent job relieving pressure points compared to the stock strap, making it much more comfortable for extended sessions of Beat Saber, Asgard’s Wrath 2, and Batman: Arkham Shadow. My best recommendation is to try the CMQ3 if you find the default strap uncomfortable, but know you’ll need to spend time adjusting it to achieve optimal comfort. Even then, it’s important to note there’s still a chance it won’t fit perfectly. The CMQ3 introduces more changes to the Meta Quest 3 experience than the CMP2 does to the PlayStation VR2, resulting in more variables affecting overall comfort. If it works for you, though, it’ll be one of the best accessories you can buy for the Meta Quest 3.
Globular Cluster CMQ3
The Globular Cluster CMQ3 is a Comfortable Mod for Meta Quest 3. This review is based on a purchased retail product. While FullCleared does have affiliate partnerships, they do not influence our editorial content. We may, however, earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.
Globular Cluster CMQ3 Meta Quest 3 Review Gallery
