ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD 27" Curved Gaming Monitor Review
This monitor was reviewed July 29, 2021. You can get the updated version of this monitor on Amazon at a great price also.
Choosing a good gaming monitor can be one of the more difficult decisions for completing your setup. You have to consider the size, refresh rate, response time, resolution, and more. The ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD 27" Curved Gaming Monitor ticks many of these boxes, making it a great choice for gamers seeking performance without breaking the bank.
This 27-inch curved display delivers vibrant colors and minimizes flicker, enhancing the overall gaming experience. While many curved monitors can cost upwards of $600 or more, this ViewSonic model comes in around $300, making it a more affordable option without sacrificing quality.
What's Included?
When you unbox the ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD, you'll find everything you need to get started, including:
ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD 27" Curved Gaming Monitor
Power adapter
DisplayPort 1.2 cable
Quick Start Guide
Key Specifications
Here’s a rundown of the key specs that make this monitor stand out:
Screen Size: 27-inch VA panel
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Contrast Ratio: 4000:1 static
Brightness: 250 cd/m²
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Connectivity: 2 HDMI ports, 1 DisplayPort, 3.5mm audio out
Speakers: Dual integrated stereo speakers
Its 1500R curved screen delivers an optimal field of view, creating a more natural visual experience whether you're playing fast-paced action games or enjoying rich, immersive storylines.
Design and Build Quality
Out of the box, the ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD looks sleek and modern. While the monitor feels a bit heavy at first, this is expected with most 27-inch curved displays. The stand is sturdy, providing solid support without wobbling, and assembly is quick and straightforward.
At 24 x 14 x 3 inches and weighing 8.6 pounds, it's compact enough to fit on most desks without being cumbersome. Its curved design brings an added layer of depth to your gaming or work experience.
Display and Performance
The display is where this monitor truly shines. With its 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, fast-paced games run smoothly, with minimal motion blur or ghosting. The QHD resolution (2560 x 1440) offers sharp, crisp visuals, making every scene in a game or movie look incredibly detailed.
ViewSonic has included several pre-set display modes tailored to specific activities, such as:
Standard
FPS Game
RTS Game
MOBA Game
Movie
Web
Text
MAC
Mono
One notable feature is its ability to filter blue light, reducing strain on your eyes during long gaming or work sessions. The monitor also uses flicker-free technology to prevent eye fatigue, which is especially helpful for people who spend hours in front of the screen.
Gaming Experience
The monitor excels at providing a smooth gaming experience, particularly thanks to AMD FreeSync, which helps prevent screen tearing and stuttering. It pairs well with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, despite only FreeSync being officially mentioned in the manual.
Its FPS preset mode offers fantastic contrast and clarity, but there’s no dedicated RPG mode, which some gamers may miss. Thankfully, the presets can be customized, allowing you to tweak brightness and contrast to your liking.
Audio Quality
Often, built-in speakers on gaming monitors leave much to be desired. However, the dual integrated stereo speakers on the ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD produce decent sound. While they don’t rival higher-end external speakers, they are surprisingly clear, handling gaming sounds and dialogue without the muffled quality that often plagues other monitors.
Connectivity Options
This monitor also provides flexible connectivity options. With two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, it easily supports multiple devices like gaming consoles, PCs, or streaming boxes. The 3.5mm audio jack is another handy feature, allowing you to plug in headphones directly for a more personal experience.
First Impressions
The ViewSonic Curved Gaming Monitor looks really cool when you take it out of the box. It’s a little heavy, but that’s to be expected. This monitor was very easy to set up and the stand is pretty sturdy.
When I powered up the ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD, I noticed the vivid colors immediately. The extra screen space over smaller monitors is a huge plus, particularly when multitasking between gaming and work. Switching between different display presets is simple, and adjustments can be made quickly using the control buttons positioned beneath the ViewSonic logo.
Though the monitor is preset to FPS mode, some might find certain RPGs too dark in certain areas. However, adjusting the brightness or switching to another preset solves this issue easily.
Blue Light Filter and Flicker-Free Technology
One of the standout features is the blue light filter. As someone who often switches between long writing sessions and gaming, this filter significantly reduces eye strain. The flicker-free technology further improves viewing comfort by eliminating screen flicker, which can cause headaches or discomfort during extended use.
Final Impressions
After a month of use, it’s clear that the ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD delivers an excellent balance of performance and affordability. It may be considered a budget gaming monitor, but it doesn't skimp on important features like a high refresh rate, stunning visuals, and comfortable viewing options. Whether you're a casual gamer or someone who needs a reliable monitor for work and play, this model offers great value for its price.
The speakers and presets might not be perfect, but they’re functional enough to meet most needs. Overall, this monitor performs above expectations, especially given its price point.
