When it comes to gaming monitors, it’s important to find the type of panel that will provide the best visual experience. Ultimately, the choice of panel type will depend on the user’s personal preferences, as well as their budget. But, generally speaking, what are the best panel types for gaming monitors? Let’s take a look.
TN Panels
TN panels, which stands for twisted nematic, tend to be the most affordable option. They also have the impressive quality of being able to produce the quickest response times, making them the ideal choice for hardcore gamers who want accurate reactions in fast-paced games. On the downside, the colour reproduction of TN panels is often not as vibrant as with other panel types.
IPS Panels
IPS, or in-plane switching, panels are becoming increasingly popular for gaming monitors. IPS technology allows each pixel to be independently controlled, resulting in incredibly accurate and vibrant colour. However, one of the drawbacks of IPS panels is their slower response time, which can cause problems for gamers who require lightening-fast reflexes.
VA Panels
VA, or vertically aligned, panels are positioned between IPS and TN in terms of price. VA panels boast great native contrast, deep blacks and intense colour. VA panels also provide a decent response time and wide viewing angles, making them a great choice for gamers who want to make the most out of their gaming experience without breaking the bank.
OLED Panels
OLED, or organic light emitting diode, panels are the highest quality option. OLED panels have outstanding colour accuracy and high contrast, as well as incredibly fast response times. The only downside is that OLED panels are very expensive, with high-end models pushing well past the $500 mark.
Factors To Consider
When deciding which panel type is right for you, it’s important to consider a few factors. Firstly, decide how important vibrant colour and lightning-fast response times are to you. If you are looking for affordability, a TN panel might be the best option. On the other hand, if you want top-notch picture quality and don’t mind spending a bit extra, then an IPS or VA panel would be more suitable. Finally, if you really want to push the boat out and get the very best, then an OLED panel could be the choice for you.
Refresh Rates
Another factor to look out for is the monitor’s refresh rate. Refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz) and refers to the number of times per second a display can update with new images. When it comes to fast-paced gaming, it’s important to get a monitor with as high of a refresh rate as possible, as this will ensure maximum fluidity and smoothness. Generally, TN and VA panels are better for high refresh rates, while IPS and OLED panels can often struggle with lower refresh rates.
Resolution
Finally, it’s essential to consider the resolution of the monitor. Resolution is measured in pixels, and indicates how much detail a monitor can render at a given time. For most gamers, a resolution of 1920×1080 is a good compromise between performance, price and picture clarity. However, if you’re looking for an ultra-high resolution experience, then a 4K resolution monitor might be worth considering.
Advanced Adaptive-Sync Technology
There are also panels which support advanced adaptive-sync technology, such as G-Sync and Freesync. This technology helps reduce screen tearing and other image issues, allowing for smoother and more fluid gaming. Generally speaking, TN and VA panels are better for adaptive-sync technology, while IPS and OLED panels can sometimes struggle.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best panel type for a gaming monitor, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, budget and the specific features that you’re looking for. TN panels offer excellent response times at an affordable price, while IPS and VA panels offer great picture quality. OLED panels are the top-of-the-range choice, but they are very expensive. Finally, those who are looking for advanced adaptive-sync technology should consider TN or VA panels.
