2023 is an exciting year for those in the market for a new gaming display, as multiple brands have recently announced their foray into OLED gaming monitors. LG was the first to unveil its OLED monitors in December 2022, and we've already compared them to Spectrum OLED on our blog. Just yesterday, Acer announced the release of two new OLED monitors featuring impressive picture quality and modern designs at the CES 2023 event. If you're searching for the best OLED gaming monitor, keep reading! This article will compare the Dough Spectrum OLED ES07E2D and the Acer Predator X27U - two 27-inch models with QHD 240Hz OLED technology.
In 2023, gaming enthusiasts have something to look forward to as several brands have announced their entry into the OLED gaming monitor market. Leading the way was LG, who launched their OLED monitors in December 2022, which we have compared to the Spectrum OLED in a previous blog post. Recently, Acer also joined the fray and revealed two new OLED monitors at the CES 2023 event, boasting exceptional picture quality and contemporary designs. If you're on the hunt for the best OLED gaming monitor, this article will provide a comparison of two 27-inch QHD 240Hz OLED technology models: the Dough Spectrum OLED ES07E2D and the Acer Predator X27U. Keep reading for more information.
Spectrum OLED ES07E2D vs. Predator X27U
How Spectrum compares
Despite having similar headline specifications, there are noteworthy differences between them that will significantly affect not only your gaming experience but also your overall user experience.
Glossy OLED vs Matte OLED
A key difference between the Spectrum OLED and the Predator X27U is the type of coating used on their OLED panels. Although a glossy finish is preferred by most consumers, manufacturers commonly use matte panels. Acer employs a standard matte panel, while Spectrum differentiates itself from other gaming monitors by using a glossy coating. This glossy coating guarantees that the monitor's visual performance remains unaffected by ambient lighting, resulting in greater perceived contrast and more vivid colors compared to the Acer OLED model.
Glossy is much better for colour and blacks.
Source: r/Monitors
There is no point in hiding the breakthrough features of OLED technology, such as true-to-life colors and a deep black behind the anti-glare matte panel, from the perspective of our community.
Peak brightness
Peak brightness denotes the maximum amount of light a display can produce. It is a critical factor to consider when selecting a monitor since it affects the display's ability to showcase bright and vivid images and how well the screen performs in brightly-lit rooms. Higher peak brightness can also improve the display's contrast ratio, resulting in more lifelike images with better clarity of finer details. The Spectrum OLED and Acer Predator X27U both advertise a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits, making them excellent choices for an HDR experience. Nonetheless, while the Acer Predator X27U is HDR 10 compatible, the Spectrum OLED will be certified with Display True Black 400.
Ports and Connectivity
When it comes to video inputs, the Acer X27U has limited options with just two HDMI 2.0 ports that can only display up to 144Hz at 1440p. While it's feasible to achieve 240Hz with 1440p using DSC, this could be challenging for the average user to configure. In contrast, the Spectrum OLED and LG UltraGear OLED offer two HDMI 2.1 ports that enable you to maximize the refresh rate at 1440p on your PC. This is particularly relevant if you own or plan to purchase a newer generation console such as the PS5 or Xbox Series S, as compatibility is a crucial factor in choosing the best monitor for your consoles.
HDMI Support for Common TV Video Formats
Both manufacturers have placed a premium on convenience when it comes to their monitors, with both models featuring a USB C input that enables the display to run while the source device is charging. There is a slight disparity in charging capabilities, with the Spectrum's USB C input capable of providing up to 100W of power and the Acer X27U supporting up to 90W. Along with the USB C input, both the Acer X27U and Spectrum OLED have incorporated a built-in KVM switch to enhance convenience. This feature enables you to control two connected desktops or laptops with a single keyboard and mouse.
Design
Taking into account input from our community, it appears that the sleek design of the Spectrum is more attractive when compared to Acer's monitor, which has a more gamer-oriented appearance. While this preference may differ among individuals, the Spectrum's design makes it suitable for use in an office or open area during the day and as a gaming monitor in the evening, catering to the requirements of users who seek a single monitor that can fulfill both work and gaming needs.
Availability and Pricing
The release date for the Acer OLED monitor is set for the second quarter of this year, and the first batch of Spectrum OLED will be shipped in early July, both with a retail price of $1099 in the North American market. However, as a community-driven company, we have a different pricing model for the Spectrum OLED. Similar to our current models, the price of the Spectrum OLED will increase as it gets closer to shipment and global retail release. Early supporters can benefit from our online-only cost structure, without any middleman markups, by subscribing to our OLED page