Virtual reality is in full swing, and everyone is clamoring about what VR headsets are the best on the market. As this emerging technology continues to grow, a barrage of accessories that you can DIY or buy have also surfaced.
The idea of immersing yourself into a digital world is one we are all intrigued by. There is a wide variety of options when it comes to what is possible within the virtual environment.
The 3D printing community is taking note of this market, creating innovative VR accessories that you can print right at home. There’s also a few useful items you can purchase to enhance your virtual reality experience.
From affordable devices like Google Cardboard to more expensive headsets, including Playstation VR, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive, we’re showcasing the coolest and most useful VR accessories that you can DIY or buy.
Samsung VR Gear Fan Cover
What is it? A 3D printable cover for the Samsung Gear VR headset.
What can it do? This DIY cover for the Samsung Gear VR is designed to ensure your headset has proper airflow and doesn’t overheat. The cover takes charging ports into account, and even offers a ability to integrate a magnet for wireless charging.
Difficulty level? Expert. This VR cover might be easy to print, but it does require some assembly via soldering and additional purchases. For starters, you’ll need to purchase Dual Male Y Micro USB cable, along with an 80mm 5vdc brushless fan with brass sleeve. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you can also add an NEO magnet behind the fan, allowing for wireless charging.
The print takes an estimated 1200 minutes to complete, without considering assembly time.
Where can I find it? The Samsung Gear VR Fan Cover can be downloaded from MyMiniFactory. It was designed by Lucas Garrow.
Belt Clip for Playstation VR Cable
What is it? A belt clip for your Playstation VR cables.
What can it do? The cable connecting the Playstation VR headset is considered by many to be heavy, potentially impacting the user experience. Eliminate this hinderance with this 3D printable belt clip. Attach this VR accessory to device housing and clip it right onto your belt, allowing you to truly immerse into the digital world.
Difficulty level? Easy. Simply print this VR accessory upside down with supports, which will keep the clip that is holding the breakout box in place.
Where can I find it? The Belt Clip for Playstation VR Cable can be downloaded from Thingiverse. It was designed by user Björn TM.
3D Printed Wearable Video Goggles
What is it? Forget the name brands, you can 3D print your own DIY Wearable Video Goggles.
What can it do? Experience the virtual world without breaking the bank. This DIY project will enable you to create your own VR headset. With personal display enhancements, this 3D printable headset is ideal for camera operators. The enclosure houses a 5′ HDMI display and an Arduino Micro with a 9-DOF motion sensor. The outer hood pictured above is printed in PLA and NinjaFlex. By mounting a pair of aspheric lenses to the inner faceplate, you can create a split screen for stereoscopic video, essentially building your own DIY Oculus Rift.
Difficulty level? Expert. This project requires patience, non-printable components, and some pretty advanced assembly. Luckily, the goggles were created by adafruit, one of the more legit DIY developers in the 3D printing community. They’ve created a step-by-step guide for how to create what could be the coolest of all the VR accessories on our list.
Where can I find it? The DIY Wearable Video Goggles can be downloaded from Thingiverse. It was designed by adafruit.
Oculus Rift Sensor Mount
What is it? This DIY mount will allow you to mount your Oculus Rift sensors in the perfect position.
What can it do? This 3D printable sensor mount allows users to hang up their Oculus Rift CV1 sensor in precise locations. Simply use a 3M command strip to wall mount your sensor for improved field of view.
Difficulty level? Easy. This 3D printable model requires no supports or rafts, and seems like quite a quick project. The 3D model comes equipped with a hole for the sensor’s stem that might be too tight, but this can be scraped out using a flat head screw driver.
Where can I find it? The Oculus Rift Sensor Mount can downloaded from Thingiverse. It was designed by DoctorLaser.
Oculus Rift CV1 Stand
What is it? The Oculus Rift CV1 Stand is a station to hold all of your VR accessories in one neat place.
What can it do? This DIY stand for the Oculus Rift will give you a home for your VR device, Xbox controller, Oculus Remote, and Oculus Touch. Equipped with a dust shield to protect the Oculus Rift lenses and a holder for the controllers.
Difficulty level? Intermediate. This stand is completely 3D printable, but comes in six separate parts that must be assembled. The example above was printed at a 0.3 mm layer height with 10 percent infill.
Where can I find it? This Oculus Rift CV1 Stand is downloadable via Thingiverse, and was designed by user BlackBanshee.
HTC Vive Controller Wall Mount
What is it? A wall mount to safely hang up the controllers for your HTC Vive.
What can it do? This DIY project offers a simple, yet effective way to mount your Vive controllers to the wall. It comes in a larger size, which holds two controllers, or a smaller version that mounts just one (but is easier to print).
Difficulty level? Easy. This 3D printable item needs no support structures and is quickly printable. It’s important to note that the model contains a very steep overhang that might prove troublesome for some printers, so you might want to enable supports to be on the safe side.
Where can I find it? The HTC Vive Controller Wall Mount can be downloaded from Thingiverse. It was designed by a German software developer who goes by SG-O.
Playstation VR Stand
What is it? A 3D printable stationary stand that will allow you to prop up your Playstation VR right on your desk.
What can it do? Not only will this DIY stand give you place to showcase your PSVR headset, it will allow you to do so in a tasteful. This modern design looks like it was purchased straight from Sony, but can be manufactured right on your desktop print bed.
Difficulty level? Intermediate. This print doesn’t require supports or a raft, but there is some assembly involved. Screws with a 4mm outer diameter and 3mm inner diameter are needed to attach the top part to the base. The base itself is split into two separate files, and can be glued together after the printing process is complete.
Where can I find it? The Playstation VR Stand can be downloaded from Thingiverse. It was designed by hachi roku, and was inspired by this equally awesome 3D printable Playstation VR stand.
Collective Minds VR Showcase Charge & Display Stand
What is it? A premier charge and display stand for the Playstation VR headset and other complimentary VR accessories.
What can it do? This PSVR showcase stand provides a home for everything you need to fully immerse yourself into the digital world of Playstation. This stand allows you to charge up two Dualshock4 and Touch controllers, while also proudly displaying your PSVR headset.
Where can I find it? You can purchase the Collective Minds PSVR Charge & Display Stand at Amazon.
Fovitec StudioPRO (HTC Vive)
What is it? Designed for use with the HTC Vive, this home lighting studio will allow you to set up your own gaming setup.
What can it do? Looking to create a professional VR gaming experience in your own home? The studio is designed for photo and video, and is the perfect component to help you set up you HTC Vive VR environment. This kit comes with two studio light stands, two tripod mini ball head mounts, and one equipment carrying bag
Where can I find it? You can purchase the Fovitec StudioPRO (for HTC Vive) at Amazon.
Hard Travel Storage Carrying Case for Samsung Gear VR
What is it? A hard shell carrying case to keep your Samsung Gear VR safe while you transport it around the physical world.
What can it do? This hard carrying case is perfect for both storage and travel, holding the Gear VR headset and controllers all in one place. If you invested money into your headset and VR accessories, the last thing you want is for your device to be scratched and banged up. And so, HermitShell has created the ideal case to keep your Samsung Gear headset protected.
Where can I find it? You can purchase the Hard Travel Storage Carrying Case for Samsung Gear VR at Amazon.
License: The text of "10 Best VR Accessories To DIY or Buy" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.