The KTC H27T22 is a decently equipped 1440p gaming monitor with a fast IPS panel and a very low price tag. This kind of monitor is prevalent now, but not all of them sit below the $300 price point or have the same amount of features. Let’s take a closer look at the KTC H27T22 to check if it’s the new budget QHD gaming monitor king based on performance and value.
KTC H27T22 Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 165 Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: None
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot– Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 1, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand(WxHxD): 24.25″ x 19.60″ x 9.91″
- Weight: 13.23 lbs
Design and Features
The KTC H27T22 looks like any typical monitor, so it won’t stand out too much to ruin your setup. It’s finished in matte black, but it has RGB lighting at the back and a bright pink accent on the cable tidy hole. The display has a three-sided bezel-free design, but it still has inner borders like any regular monitor.
27-inch monitors are considerably more significant than the usual monitors, but it is not the most invasively sized in their category. It only needs 9.91 inches of depth, but the large base can offset some of your bigger peripherals if the desk is small. It’s also lightweight for a 27-inch display, so it would be easy to take it with you to events or LAN parties.
Its build quality differs from the first few releases KTC put out in select markets worldwide. The plastics used are now thicker and more durable, and there were no cosmetic defects like gaps or uneven areas. The included stand is firm and stable, so the screen won’t sag or shake while gaming.
The KTC H27T22 also has an OSD joystick at the back near the bottom right of the display if you are facing it. Most budget monitors only have buttons, so this garners plus points for us. Other models go as far as including software OSD implementations and dedicated remotes, but those aren’t 100% necessary for convenience and daily use.
The stand included in the package offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your convenience. Most budget monitors have to do with tilt-limited stands since the lesser design helps save some of the manufacturing costs. You can also use VESA mounts with this model, which is only necessary in some instances.
KTC skimped on the connectivity layout, which only includes essential connectors. You only get a slot each for DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0, plus a 3.5mm jack for your headphones. There is a single USB slot, but it’s unusable, so it’s most likely for firmware updates only.
The KTC H27T22 is also missing a pair of built-in speakers, like most budget monitors. This is probably the most forgivable limitation since gamers often opt for headsets since they are better for focus and immersion.
Display and Performance
The KTC H27T22 sports a 27-inch Fast IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 144Hz resolution, and a 1ms MPRT response time. The backlight has a 350 cd/m2 maximum, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. This model doesn’t have HDR certification but is compatible with HDR10 signals like most monitors.
27-inch 1440p monitors are popular because they are the sweet spot between high-resolution displays and high framerates. They aren’t as demanding or sharp as a 4K screen, so it’s easier to hit 144Hz with most GPUs. They are also quite comfortable for reading and browsing, even if they are crisper than a 1080p variant.
The KTC H27T22 covers 100% sRGB and 93% DCI-P3, which is on par with what its premium competitors can offer. Its default accuracy could be better since the deltaE average is at 2.94m, so gamers won’t notice the difference. The monitor has an sRGB mode, but it did not present a noticeable improvement.
Calibrating the monitor reduced its dE average to 2.41 which is better, but not something you would expect if a colorimeter is involved. This monitor isn’t suitable for editing work, but that’s okay since it isn’t designed and priced for that anyway. It is also possible to get a better score with a different unit since there are tolerances at play.
The KTC H27T22’s backlight reached 415 cd/m2 at 100% brightness, so there is plenty of room for adjustment. The monitor’s contrast reached 1105:1 at 50% brightness, so it’s a bit better than some IPS monitors we’ve tested. However, it’s still incapable of deep blacks, which you can enjoy on VA panels and high-end mini-LED or OLED monitors.
Panel uniformity for the test unit had some flaws at the top edges of the screen. The backlight bleeding added clouding in some scenes, particularly those with dark environments or backgrounds. Note that this can also vary between monitors due to tolerances, so it is possible to get a unit with better results.
The KTC H27T22’s pixel response time can keep up with its premium competitors, so it’s great for fast-paced games. We recommend using the Low overdrive setting for the best possible performance at 165Hz. Pushing it higher will induce overshoot, so it isn’t advisable and necessary for most situations.
The KTC H27T22 is compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync, so you don’t have to worry about tearing and stuttering. This duality is essential so you don’t get stuck without VRR if you ever decide to switch to the other GPU brand. Input lag sits at 4ms at 165Hz, so the monitor is snappy and responsive enough for competitive play.
Thoughts on the KTC H27T22
The KTC H27T22 isn’t perfect, but we’re pleased with what you can get at its very low price point. It’s built well with just the right amount of functionality, and it even includes some RGB lighting to sweeten the deal. The IPS panel isn’t accurate, but it’s vibrant so that games will look great despite the incorrect saturation in some hues.
Some may consider the KTC H27T22’s limitations as deal-breakers even if it’s already extra affordable. There are also some very compelling options at this price range, such as the Gigabyte M27Q which has better performance and a more popular brand name. However, it’s a great value choice, significantly when its price drops and normalizes in the market.
Pros:
- Low Price
- Great Color Coverage
- High Brightness
- FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible
Cons:
- No Certifications
- Limited Connectivity
Paolo is a gaming veteran from the golden days of Doom and Warcraft. Since junior high, he has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues. 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 has also spent half a decade researching, reviewing, and writing about these products and now has over 1400 articles about the best gaming tech under his belt.
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