Monoprice Dark Matter 27" QHD Gaming Monitor: 2560x1440P, VA Display, 240Hz, 1ms, HDR400, FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

“Why this is a deal”

240Hz at 1440p on a 27-inch VA panel is a rare combo that hits both speed and clarity. With adaptive sync for Nvidia and AMD, and basic HDR support, this Dark Matter targets competitive play without dropping to 1080p. If you prioritize motion and contrast over color-critical accuracy, it’s compelling.

“Best for / Not for”

• Best for: PC gamers focused on esports/FPS who can push very high frame rates and want ultra-smooth motion at 1440p.
• Best for: Dark-room gaming where VA contrast delivers deeper blacks than typical IPS panels.
• Not for: Color-critical creators or anyone needing wide viewing angles and the most accurate, consistent color.
• Not for: Console-first players; most consoles top out at 120Hz, so 240Hz headroom goes unused.

“Key things that matter”

• 1440p at 27 inches: Noticeably sharper than 1080p, improving target clarity and UI readability without the GPU cost of 4K.
• 240Hz refresh + VRR: Greatly reduces perceived blur and tearing; you’ll want a strong GPU to feed high, stable frame rates.
• VA panel behavior: High native contrast (typical for this class) deepens blacks, but slower dark-level transitions can cause some smearing.
• HDR400: Entry-level HDR (~400-nit peak, no local dimming). Treat as a modest SDR uplift rather than true HDR impact.
• “1ms” response: Manufacturer-rated; fastest overdrive modes often add overshoot. A balanced mode usually looks cleaner.

“Pros / Cons”

Pros

• Rare 27-inch 1440p/240Hz combo delivers both sharpness and speed.
• VA contrast provides deeper blacks for better immersion in darker games.
• FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible for smooth play across varying frame rates.

Cons

• HDR400 is limited; don’t expect meaningful HDR highlights or shadow detail boosts.
• Typical VA drawbacks: narrower viewing angles and potential dark smearing.

“Our take”

If your priority is fast, tear-free 1440p gaming with strong contrast, this is a smart pick. Skip it if you need IPS-grade color accuracy or genuinely impactful HDR.