The HP Omen 27k offers top-end specs in a clean and affordable package that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. However, the heat is on for this segment and price range since we now have sub-$500 options like the INNOCN 27G1V or the similarly priced Gigabyte M28U. Let’s check and see if the 27k can outpace its solid opponents in the growing 4K 144Hz arena.
HP Omen 27k Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution:3840 x 2160 UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 400 cd/m2
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 3 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot– No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 DSC x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 1, USB-C x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand (WxHxD): 24.16″ x 20.62″ x 8.79″
- Weight: 16.6 lb
Design and Features
The HP Omen 27k takes a simpler approach to aesthetics compared to the older Omen models with bright red streaks or accents. This model has a matte black aesthetic for that office monitor vibe, but the RGB lighting betrays its gamer-centric nature. The monitor has a bezel-free design, but it still has inner borders.
Its dimensions are manageable even if the 27-inch model is larger than your average monitor. The simple design reduces its depth to 8.79 inches, plus the base is flat, so it should slip under most keyboards with ease. The device is a bit heavier than most at 16.6 pounds, but it’s still easy to move around when needed.
The monitor’s build quality is great, even if it’s now at the lower end of the pricing bracket. The device’s plastic parts are very sturdy, plus there are enough reinforcements so it won’t break down easily. The included stand is firm and stable, so the screen won’t sag or shake during intense battles.
The HP Omen 27k has a dedicated OSD joystick with shortcut buttons at the back. They make everyday operations more convenient with less effort and time, so this is a must-have feature for those who want to calibrate their monitors often. Some gaming variants have remotes, but those are not necessary in most cases.
The stand included with the package only offers tilt and height adjustments, although that’s all you will need. This model was not meant to be a secondary display, so setting it to portrait mode or angling it as a peripheral display was not included. You can use VESA mounts, but that only becomes necessary if space is limited or if you need more flexibility for multi-monitor setups.
The HP Omen 27k offers a lot of connectivity panel options for a monitor in its price range. It includes DisplayPort 1.4, a slot each for HDMI 2.1 and 2.0, plus a USB-C slot that doesn’t have charging but is compatible with DP Alt Mode. You also get two USB ports, a type-B upstream slot, and a 3.5mm jack for speakers or headphones.
It still includes a pair of built-in speakers, but they are limited to 3 watts of power per channel. They are decent for basic use but are incapable of entertainment-grade bass and clarity. The monitor deserves decent headsets, at least since it offers top-end gaming performance.
Display and Performance
The HP Omen 27k sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms boosted response time. The backlight has a 400 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. This model offers HDR 400 capabilities, but we all know how limited that is when it comes to actual HDR performance.
4K is extra sharp on a 27-inch screen, but that could go both ways for mixed-use. It is great for games and movies due to the increased details and clean lines, but anything that involves text, like browsing or document processing, can become a struggle. You will need to use scaling to make letters and numbers legible, but that doesn’t always work correctly.
The HP Omen 27k covers 99% sRGB and 72% of the DCI-P3 color space, so it is not as vibrant as the other 4K 144Hz monitors. However, it’s decently accurate out of the box with a deltaE average of 1.95 which makes it look more neutral. Most users will be happy with the default setting, so only a few minor adjustments will be necessary.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 1.09, making it more suitable for editing work or content creation. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve this, and those aren’t cheap. Buying one isn’t practical for gaming, but those who deal with color-critical work should go with a better monitor first.
The HP Omen 27k’s backlight reached 406 cd/m2 in SDR, but it peaked at 496 cd/m2 when its HDR mode is active. Its contrast reached 1141:1 at 30% brightness, so it has slightly better black luminance even if it can’t compare to VA or OLED alternatives. This renders its HDR 400 certification useless for enthusiasts, but at least it guarantees a wider range of illumination adjustments.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some backlight leaks at the top edge of the screen. This affected dark images or night scenes, but lighter backgrounds like MS Office or browsers are not as bad. Note that this can change with every unit made due to tolerances, so there are better 27ks out there.
The HP Omen 27k’s pixel response time is just as good or comparable with most of the IPS 4K 144Hz monitors out there. You don’t need to much overdrive to optimize it since doing so will add noticeable overshoot. It is great for fast-paced games, and it’s very usable for E-Sports titles like Valorant or CSGO.
It’s also compatible with both FreeSync and G-sync, so you can always enjoy tear and stutter-free gaming. Dual compatibility is essential for high-resolution gaming, so you can freely choose your GPU in the face of rising flagship card prices. Input lag sits at 4ms at 144Hz, so it is great for all types of gaming, including competitive play.
Thoughts on the HP Omen 27k
The HP Omen 27k is a decent choice if you want a reasonably-priced 4K 144Hz monitor for PC and console gaming. It’s equipped to be very flexible with most devices, plus it is designed to last like so many value-oriented products. It’s not the best when it comes to image quality, but it is decently accurate out of the box.
However, we expected that it’s not perfect like so many monitor offerings that have reduced pricing. Its not as vibrant as its peers, and it lacks desirable features like USB-C charging. It is still a decent pick, but the alternatives we mentioned offer better performance or pricing in some cases.
Pros:
- Great Price
- Solid Build Quality
- HDMI 2.1 and USB-C
Cons:
- Lower Gamut Coverage
- No USB-C Charging
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
Leave a Reply