The KTC H32T13 is a very affordable monitor with a large screen and specifications that are geared towards casual gaming and multitasking. That low price limits some of its specifications, but it is still a fantastic deal. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers to know if it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
KTC H32T13 Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Response Time: 3ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes
- Stand: Height – No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 2, HDMI 2.0x 1, 3.5mm Jack x 1
Design and Features
The KTC H32T13 looks discrete, so it is not too flashy like some of the brand’s other offerings. The monitor has a matte black finish, so it doesn’t stand out too much despite the larger-than-usual display. The screen has a bezel-free design on three sides, although it still has thin inner borders if you look closely enough.
Unboxing the monitor was straightforward, but it does come fully disassembled. The base arrives in three different pieces, and we recommend building that first before inserting it into the chassis, even if the instructions say otherwise. You will need to connect small screws into tight spots, and it is going to be more difficult if done as intended.
The hinge for the stand is worryingly small, but it was surprisingly strong and tight when screwed in properly. It has a snap-on cap to conceal the unpretty mechanism, completing the business appeal of the device. It’s an inconvenient experience to put it together, but it’s better everywhere else.
You only get a power brick and an HDMI cable that seems to be of good quality. Other monitors often include other accessories like a DP cable, which has DP slots, but the omissions are understandable because of the low price. You can also operate the monitor at full speed with HDMI, so the basic inclusions are sufficient.
Its build quality is surprisingly very good compared to other low-priced offerings in the market. The stand was limited, but it did not wobble as long as the screws were torqued properly into their slots. The plastic panels are thick and sturdy, so they won’t warp or crack just like that with moderate force.
We like that the KTC H32T13 has an OSD joystick with a large nub at the back of the monitor. It’s near the right-hand side of the display, so it’s not too difficult to reach despite the screen’s size. The OSD doesn’t have a lot of tweakable options, but at least it’s a breeze to navigate it.
The included stand is limited to tilt, so it might be difficult for some to get a comfortable angle, such as a large screen. It can use VESA mounts, but that’s an added expense that may not be practical for those who are hunting for deals. We love the metal base since it’s thin and flat and able to hold the large screen stably.
We were surprised with the KTC H32T13’s connectivity layout. It includes two slots each for DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, so you can use it for a multitude of devices simultaneously. It has a 3.5mm jack for headphones, but it doesn’t have USB slots like most business monitors.
You also get a pair of speakers with this monitor to complete its lineup of features. They are not entertainment or gaming grade but are usable for more basic tasks. We still recommend using a separate set or your headphones for games and movies, but it is always nice to have a backup set.
Display and Performance
The KTC H32T13 boasts a 32-inch IPS monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 75Hz refresh rate, and a 3ms response time. The max brightness is listed at 350 cd/m2 while the contrast is at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. This model doesn’t have sophisticated HDR features, but that’s understandable since it’s a budget model.
A 1440p monitor would be the next logical upgrade for 1080p displays, which are common in business or budget gaming setups. It offers more space and upgraded clarity, so it will work great for any application. This model isn’t as sharp as a 27-inch variant, but the extra pixels are still there to improve visuals.
It’s worth mentioning that the monitor worked flawlessly once it was plugged into our testing rig. G-Sync and FreeSync are available on DisplayPort, so you will need to get a cable if you want to use that feature. The device also ran cool and quiet.
The KTC H32T13 covered 96% of sRGB and 73% of DCI-P3, so it is not as vibrant as most modern IPS models. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 1.83, so it is decent out of the box. Most users won’t need to calibrate it for daily use since it’s already balanced out of the box.
Calibrating it with the Calibrite Display Plus improved the dE average to 0.8, making it considerably better than most budget models for editing and content creation. We didn’t tweak the settings at all and just let the colorimeter create a profile for it. It looks great and neutral after that, but the downside is that you will need a gadget that costs at least a hundred more than the monitor itself to achieve the same.
The KTC H32T13’s backlight only reached 243 cd/m2 at 100%, so it’s way off from the specs listed online. Its contrast was also limited to 820:1, rendering it unable to produce deeper blacks like other panels we’ve tested. This is acceptable for daily use, but it might not be the best option for immersive gaming or well-lit offices.
Its panel uniformity also had flaws at the lower left and right quadrants of the screen. The variances exceeded 10% so that they would be noticeable in distinct instances like dark scenes or deep-colored backgrounds. Note that this can vary with every unit made due to tolerances, so there are better ones out there.
The KTC H32T13’s pixel response time is great despite its limitations, such as its 75Hz refresh rate. Persistence and blurring were mostly minor, so it can still offer excellent motion clarity. It’s not suitable for E-Sports titles, but it’s usable for our favorite hobby most of the time.
The KTC H32T13 is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync, so tougher and more demanding games won’t be prone to tearing or stuttering. Dual compatibility is always essential for saving money since you won’t need to buy another monitor if you want VRR but switched to the other GPU brand. Its input lag sits at 9ms at 75Hz, so it’s responsive enough for most uses.
Thoughts on the KTC H32T13
The KTC H32T13 is an excellent choice for budget-oriented builds since it is so affordable. You get a large 1440p screen with decent color performance out of the box for less than $200. Its build quality has also improved compared to older KTC monitors, indicating that the brand is growing in the right direction.
There are some imperfections, like the limited stand and the way its assembly was designed. It’s difficult to ask for more since it’s priced very low, but there definitely is room for improvement. It’s a great pick for budget builds, but gamers should focus on a 144Hz option since they have become more affordable now.
Pros:
- Very Affordable
- Excellent Color Accuracy (Calibrated)
- Improved Build Quality
Cons:
- Complex Assembly
- Limited Brightness and Contrast
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 has the 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 and create reviews that accentuate the seldom-explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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