>>379037417
>Pimax
Yes, you could keep the same base station+controllers. The weight depends on which one you get. The 5kS is about Index tier. The 8k X is pretty front heavy at almost 900g. However, there's some built in counterweight on the headstrap so it doesn't feel that bad. To a point it's less how much something weighs and more how it's distributed. The 8k X really wants 200-300g of counterweight on the back though, massively improves the comfort. With counter weights I got no issues playing for hours in it. The default cable is 4.5m but they sell a fiber optic one which is 6m. Default face padding is foam, but you can replace it with PU leather if you want and the foam is easier to soak sweat out of with a paper towel. You are correct on the 12k trade in. You get what you paid, minus taxes and shipping. Capped at the MSRP of the headset so it can't just be abused.

>Displays
It's just a toggle in the companion software, Pitool, and restarting SteamVR if it's running, that's it. How much a performance hit varies depending on how large you set your FoV. The largest is almost 30% performance penalty, while the other settings are less. You'll know when you need it because you'll get things like crosseyed double vision instantly. But the majority of games don't need it now.

Do your research before you buy a Pimax though, I mean it, because they can be temperamental and might be a little overwhelming for a VR newfag. But when they work, they work amazingly. Also if you have an AMD card don't get the 8k X, because newer versions aren't compatible with it.