There are many gaming monitors that are available in the market. Many consumers will tend to choose the highest resolution, G-SYNC or Free Sync and the highest refresh rates otherwise known as frame rates (FPS). However, the average consumer is clueless on the LCD panel technology used in their LCD monitor.
A monitor’s panel type is a crucial feature that dictates how it performs as well as the kind of tasks it is best suited to accomplish. Therefore, it is important to understand panel technology so that you can be sure to choose the appropriate monitor for your gaming needs.
Here is the list of monitor panels that are widely available in the market, namely TN, IPS and VA display. Each of these displays comes with their own distinctive features to help you better understand which type of panel would best meet your needs.
TN (Twisted Nematic) Display: One of the most common types of LCD monitors currently on the market. They are built with a nematic liquid crystal that sits between two sheets of polarized glass. They are the most affordable panels and readily available because of low manufacturing costs. TN displays are also known for being able to deliver much higher response rates than IPS and VA panels. In fact, there are multiple TN displays out there that feature a high 144Hz refresh rate.
BenQ Zowie XL2720 eSports Gaming Monitor with TN (Twisted Nematic) display
IPS (In-Plane Switching): It is a type of LCD monitor panel. It was manufactured to improve on TN panel technology by improving image quality. The most notable selling point of In-Plane Switching panels is their consistency, improved viewing angles and superior colour accuracy when compared to other LCD technologies. Every colour shade retains its unique identity and distinctiveness regardless of its position on the monitor. These factors make IPS panel suitable monitors for graphic design work as well as for gamers looking for the best visuals possible.
Acer Predator XB271HU Gaming Monitor with IPS (In-Plane Switching) display
VA (Vertical Alignment) Panel: It is a type of LCD panel that utilizes liquid crystals and electrical current. They are manufactured similarly to TN panels but have some improvements to help produce higher quality visuals. One of the greatest strengths of a VA panel is its ability to block light from the backlight when it isn’t wanted. This ability results in higher contrast ratios and deeper blacks which are several times better than the other LCD technologies.
The VA panels also feature improved viewing angles and good colour reproduction. Their excellent colour reproduction abilities make the monitors ideal devices for colour-critical work or for gamers who want to play their games with the best picture quality possible.
MSI Optix MAG271CQR Curved Gaming Monitor with VA (Vertical Alignment) display
The panel you opt for will depend on your own personal needs.
If you are a competitive gamer, nothing will serve you better than a TN panel. TN panels might have weaker images, low contrast, and limited viewing angles, but they offer very fast response times.
However, if you are into the best visuals possible and you want images that are crisper and more detailed while you game, then the ideal panel for you is an IPS panel. IPS panels are excellent in reproducing colour. They also come with a wide viewing angle, which is a feature well-suited for graphic design artists.
VA panels are the compromise panel. They offer accurate colours and wide viewing angles, almost comparable to IPS panels. Their response time is a little slower than that of TN panels, but also a little faster than IPS panels. So, if you want to get a monitor that brings balance to what a TN panel and IPS panel bring, VA panels are the way to go.
Article Source: https://techguided.com/display-panel-types-tn-ips-va/