ASUS VG27AQ and VG27BQ 155Hz WQHD IPS and TN models
As an Amazon Associate and Newegg Affiliate 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.27” models with a 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) resolution and high refresh rate hit the sweet spot for many gamers. The ASUS VG27AQ and VG27BQ of the TUF Gaming line-up are, respectively, IPS and TN models offering such specifications. The styling is in-keeping with many of the company’s recent gaming models. With an interestingly shaped stand base and lots of sharp lines – but a fairly minimalistic design overall. The monitors employ dual-stage bezels, with slim panel borders flush with the screen and slender plastic outer components. The OSD (On Screen Display) is controlled by pressable buttons and a joystick at the rear of the monitor, towards the right side as viewed from in front.
The monitors use 27” 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) panels with a 155Hz refresh rate and support for Adaptive-Sync (includes AMD FreeSync and ‘G-SYNC Compatible Mode’). The AQ model features an IPS-type (In-Plane Switching or similar) panel and is certified ‘G-SYNC Compatible’, whilst the BQ model uses a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel and is noted as supporting ‘G-SYNC Compatible Mode’. The variable refresh rate range is 48 – 155Hz in both cases, with LFC or an LFC-like technology supported for dips below that. The AQ has 178°/178° horizontal/vertical viewing angles with a panel type known for strong colour consistency, whereas the BQ has 170°/160° viewing angles. Both models have a 1000:1 specified contrast ratio, employ matte anti-glare screen surfaces and offer 8-bit colour support. They feature flicker-free WLED backlights, with a 350 cd/m² typical maximum luminance and 99% sRGB coverage specified. HDR10 is supported, although this is only basic support – more of an emulation mode, with the monitors missing the requirements for even the lowest VESA DisplayHDR certification level. Low Blue Light (LBL) settings are also included, to promote relaxing viewing.
A 0.4ms response time is specified for the BQ model, “…the fastest based on internal tests.” (in other words, using an extremely aggressive pixel overdrive level with very strong overshoot as good as guaranteed). The AQ model has a specified 1ms MPRT response time, using the included ELMB (Enhanced Low Motion Blur) strobe backlight setting. Both models feature this strobe backlight setting, specifically ELMB Sync which allows Adaptive-Sync to be used at the same time as the strobe backlight feature. A very rare combination. Both models also feature ‘GameFast Input technology’ to reduce input lag. The included stand offers full ergonomic flexibility and can be removed to make way for an alternative 100 x 100mm VESA compatible solution. The ports are down-firing and include; 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a DC power input (external ‘power brick’). 2 x 2W speakers are included for basic sound output.
Further information can be found on the official product pages for the AQ and BQ models. The monitors are available for ~$450 (£450).