The Acer KG251QF combines the term affordable with premium gaming features such as 144Hz refresh rates and adaptive sync for a superb visual experience. Monitors of this caliber used to be available at higher price points, making us glad that brands like Acer are now bringing enthusiast gaming levels to the masses. The Acer KG251QF aims to complement budget gaming rigs built for E-Sports titles, but what compromises will the low price incur once it drops this March?
Acer KG251QF Specifications
- Screen Size: 25 Inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Twisted Nematic (TN)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time:1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 4 Watts)
- Stand: Height – No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 2, DVI x 1, 3.5mm Jack
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 22” x 16.9” x 8.5”
- Weight: 9.3lbs
Design and Features
The Acer KG251QF utilizes a simpler design than the Predator models with its matte black cabinet with slim single stage bezels. What will be immediately on this newer bezel is the thinner panel borders despite the increase in size. The monitor looks like your typical office display, but that fact isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
This model’s proportions are within reasonable limits, plus the flat bulge makes it ideal for wall mounting with VESA armatures. The Acer KG251QF can also be considered lightweight since it weighs in at only a mere nine pounds. These factors make this option a convenient and affordable choice if you want a 144Hz triple monitor setup.
Speaking of mounting, most users will probably opt for this setup because of the Acer KG251QF’s glaring limitation. Unlike its competitor, the AOC G2590PX, this model has to make do with a tilt-only stand which is one of the compromises of the model. If it were us, we’d gladly sacrifice creature comforts for excellent performance, although you might have to live with a monitor base or the extra cost of a VESA stand.
Users have the choice to use DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI for video inputs, but there are no other ports like USB 3.0 for your accessories. At least, the included pair of speakers are a bit more potent at 4 Watts each when compared to the AOC G2590PX’s squeakers with only 2 Watts.
Design and Performance
The Acer KG251QF utilizes a 25-inch TN panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time which enables fantastic gaming performance. As mentioned above, this newer module includes slimmer than before panel borders which should be mostly invisible against the thin bezels. Other specifications listed include a 400cd/m2 maximum brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio which will require testing at some point.
This type of TN display utilizes a 6-bit interface with FRC to produce decent coverage of the sRGB color space which should be sufficient for gaming purposes. The Acer KG251QF will come with a matte anti-glare coating as well, which we hope will not have a detrimental effect on the limited vibrancy imposed by TN technology.
The Acer KG251QF is a gaming monitor from the ground up as shown by its main selling point which is its 144Hz refresh rate. This budget gaming display includes FreeSync with a presumed functional range of 30Hz to 144Hz for buttery-smooth gaming performance. There is no indication of overdrive features unlike on its competitor, but we can assume that this model will post an acceptable input lag result.
Thoughts on the Acer KG251QF
The Acer KG251QF is one monitor we are looking forward to since it will widen the market space for budget 144Hz monitors. Thrifty builders who want smooth and responsive visuals for E-Sports titles like CS:GO and Dota 2 now have the option to own capabilities which a few years ago, only belonged to premium models.
There are compromises such as the limited exterior design, but we still think that the Acer KG251QF will expand the value of your hard-earned cash with its performance. This new variant will drop later this month or on March globally, so keep watching this article for the latest updates on pricing and availability.
Albert says
Do you guys know what average response time / input lag is for this monitor?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Albert! We haven’t tested this monitor yet, so we can’t comment with an accurate result at this time. We will update the article once we get a test unit of the Acer KG251QF!