Let me start with a confession: I’m a sucker for curved screens. There’s something about that gentle wrap-around effect that pulls me into games like nothing else. So when ASUS dropped the VG27VQM1B—a 27-inch curved gaming monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate and a price tag that doesn’t make my wallet cry—I had to see if it lives up to the hype. Spoiler: It’s got some surprises.
First Look: “TUF” Enough for My Desk?
Unboxing this thing felt like opening a gamer’s care package. The design is all “TUF Gaming” vibes—matte black, no RGB frills, and a stand that looks like it could survive a rage quit. The 1500R curve is subtle but noticeable, like the screen is giving you a half-hug. I’ll admit, the lack of height adjustment on the stand bummed me out (RIP my poor posture), but hey, tilting it works, and the bezels are slim enough to ignore during gameplay.
Oh, and that anti-glare coating? Lifesaver. My window-facing desk is a battlefield of sun glare, but this monitor handled it like a champ.
Gaming: Buttery Smooth or Just Hype?
Let’s cut to the chase: 165Hz feels good. I fired up Apex Legends and immediately noticed how crispy the movements were. No smearing when I whipped around to dodge a sniper shot, thanks to ASUS’s ELMB Sync tech. It’s like the monitor said, “Ghosting? Never heard of her.” Pair that with FreeSync Premium, and screen tearing was a non-issue, even when my frame rate decided to rollercoaster.
The VA panel’s 3000:1 contrast ratio? Chef’s kiss. Dark corners in Resident Evil Village actually felt dark, not grayish mush. Colors popped without looking cartoonish, though I did tweak the settings a bit—out of the box, reds felt a little too aggressive for my taste.
But here’s the catch: 1080p on a 27-inch screen. If you’re sitting close, you will see pixels. It’s not a dealbreaker for fast-paced games, but if you’re editing photos or watching 4K Netflix, you might side-eye it.
The “Wait, Really?” Moments
- No speakers? C’mon, ASUS. I get cutting costs, but even a tinny backup audio option would’ve been nice.
- USB-C who? Not here, folks. HDMI and DisplayPort only—fair for the price, but my MacBook-using friend glared at me.
- Menu buttons: Why are monitor OSDs always so clunky? The joystick helps, but I still miss my old monitor’s touch controls.
Who’s This For?
If you’re a casual gamer or a budget-conscious esports junkie, this monitor slaps. The curve adds immersion without gimmicks, and the speed is legit. But if you’re a pixel-perfect snob or need ergonomic flexibility, you might wanna keep scrolling.
Speaking of scrolling—want 4K instead? I recently tested the KTC H27P22, a 27-inch 4K/144Hz beast. It’s pricier, but holy detail, Batman. Perfect for RPGs or if you’re a multitasking streamer.
Final Thoughts
The ASUS VG27VQM1B isn’t perfect, but it’s fun. For under $250 (check today’s price here), you get a curved screen that keeps up with your reflexes and doesn’t skimp on contrast. Just don’t expect it to replace your TV—or your productivity monitor.
TL;DR: It’s like the Honda Civic of gaming monitors—reliable, zippy, and great for the price. Now excuse me while I go lose another round of Warzone… blame the monitor? Nah, definitely my aim.
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