BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 360Hz TN with DyAc+
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made using the “Buy” button at the bottom of this post. Where possible, you'll be redirected to your nearest store. Further information on supporting our work.Competitive gamers in particular appreciate the combination of high refresh rates and frame rates. Current 360Hz options on the market (such as the AOC AG254FG we’ve reviewed) use IPS-type panels, which don’t really provide the level of pixel responsiveness required for a strong 360Hz experience. The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K provides an alternative, built around a TN panel – a technology which sacrifices image quality for speed. The monitor makes extensive use of dark matte plastic with reasonably compact stand base and red plastic ‘cable tidy’ as part of the stand neck. This may not be visible depending on seating position and stand height. The monitor includes a detachable ‘Shielding Hood’, with adjustable wings either side of the screen to hamper the peeking ability of others sitting to your sides. The OSD (On Screen Display) can be controlled by a joystick and buttons at the rear, towards the bottom right as viewed from the front. Or with the included wired ‘S Switch’ remote.
A 24.5″ 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) TN panel is adopted, with support for Adaptive-Sync to facilitate technologies such as AMD FreeSync and Nvidia’s ‘G-SYNC Compatible’ with assumed 48 – 360Hz VRR range plus LFC. Other aspects of note include a matte anti-glare screen surface, 1000:1 static contrast ratio and 8-bit colour support. A flicker-free WLED backlight provides ~sRGB gamut coverage and a 320 cd/m² typical maximum luminance. Low Blue Light (LBL) settings are also included to promote a more relaxing viewing experience, with gaming-focused additions such as ‘Black eQualizer’ (improves dark visibility) and ‘Color Vibrance’ (oversaturates image).
BenQ have decided not to specify a pixel response time, due to the fact it would lead to comparisons with the very misleading figures such as ‘0.5ms’ specified for IPS alternatives. The monitor includes a strobe backlight setting designed to minimise perceived blur, DyAc+, which can be used if you wish with VRR disabled. The included stand is fully adjustable, including a generous 155mm (6.10 inches) height adjustment and pivot into portrait. The stand attaches via a quick-release mechanism and can be removed to reveal 100 x 100mm VESA holes for alternative mounting. The ports face downwards and include; AC power input (internal power converter), 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, DP 1.4 and a 3.5mm headphone jack. A dust cover is also included.
Further details can be found on the manufacturer’s website. The monitor is listed for ~$600 USD (€650) with availability expected from mid-October 2022.
