23.6″ ACER KG241Q Review
The Acer KG241Q is one of the cheapest 24-inch monitors available from a significant brand, costing about £113 in the United Kingdom and $125 in the United States. It makes the Acer an attractive option if you need a good screen but don’t want to spend a fortune on it. However, cheaper goods typically lack features and are of worse quality, so let’s test out the Acer KG241Q to see if it can buck the trend.
23.6″ ACER KG241Q Specifications
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Speakers | 2 x 2W |
| Static Contrast | 1000:1 |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Weight | 4.42kg |
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Rapid reaction time with minimal delay in input
- AMD’s FreeSync technology supports refresh rates of up to 144 fps.
- Several in-game options, including VRB, are available.
Cons
- Poorer picture quality compared to IPS and VA displays.
- Reduced field of view
- Rotating stand
Optical Resolution
The Acer KG241QP is based on a 23.6″ TN (Twisted Nematic) screen that supports 8-bit colour depth via dithering (6-bit + 2-bit FRC), has a peak brightness of 300 nits, and has a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1. As can be expected with a TN panel monitor at this price point, blacks are greyish, and colours are poor in compared to comparably priced IPS and VA panel displays.
Thus, this gaming monitor is not recommended if you value an immersive visual experience. The Acer KG241QP is one of the cheapest gaming monitors that are great for fast-paced competitive gaming, thanks to its GtG (grey to grey pixel transition) reaction time of 1ms and refresh rate of 144Hz.
Suggested Retail Price and Availability
The Acer KG241Q that we tested costs about £113 in the UK and US$125, making it the most reasonably priced monitor in the company’s KG1 line. The screen that was tested for this article has the model number UM.UX1EE.006. There are a total of three 24 versions available. The KG241QBM is the next available item, and it can be purchased for £114 with the part number UM.UX1EE.001. It’s the same screen as the one we evaluated but with built-in 2W speakers for stereo sound.
Design
The Acer display has the appearance and feel of a budget option. Instead of the thin bezels and polished metal of more expensive screens, this one has chunky borders and a ’90s-style glossy plastic finish. The back of the stand is made of cheap plastic, and the stand itself is unremarkable. Its shaky, unstable construction matches the KG241Q’s lacklustre good looks.
The back panel wiggles around quite a bit. The large borders around the screen also prevent its use in a multi-monitor arrangement. The Acer is unobtrusive enough when sitting on a desk, and the display’s build quality faults won’t be a problem if they’re never activated. The 4.42-kilogram weight and the 567-by-61-millimeter screen size are both reasonable.
Performance
At a refresh rate of 144 hertz, the screen can show more than twice as many images per second as a regular 60-hertz screen. The improved clarity and fluidity of movement are most noticeable in fast-paced games like first-person shooters and racing games.
If your PC can deliver the necessary frame rates, 144Hz will improve the experience of all games without capped frame rates. The Acer KG241Q P’s speedy 1ms GtG response time ensures no motion blur or trailing behind fast-moving objects, letting you keep your eye on your goals without distraction.
Description and Functions
The Acer KG241Q’s basic features complement its understated appearance. TN technology, used for the underlying display, is currently the most cost-effective method of making flatscreen displays. TN panels are cheaper than VA and IPS screens but can’t compete with them in terms of colour fidelity and viewing angles.
The 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD resolution is adequate for typical tasks. However, it becomes problematic when you need to use more than two programs side by side. The Acer only supports 8-bit colours, not the more advanced 10-bit colours, making it useless for any colour-critical work.
Should You Buy It?
The Acer KG241Q is a solid option if you’re on a tight budget but still want a high-performance monitor for gaming. Its standout features include a rapid 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate, which are crucial for competitive gaming. AMD FreeSync support is a bonus, ensuring smooth gameplay by reducing screen tearing and stuttering.
However, if you prioritize picture quality and wide viewing angles, you might consider alternatives with IPS or VA panels, which offer better colour accuracy and contrast. The KG241Q’s TN panel does fall short in these areas, making it less suitable for tasks requiring high colour fidelity, such as photo editing or immersive media consumption.
Verdict
The Acer KG241Q is an excellent budget-friendly gaming monitor that delivers where it matters most for gamers: fast response times and high refresh rates. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy competitive gaming without breaking the bank. However, it compromises picture quality and design, making it less ideal for users who need a monitor for professional work or immersive entertainment. The KG241Q is a worthwhile purchase for gamers seeking affordability and performance.
FAQs
Does the Acer KG241Q have built-in speakers?
Yes, the KG241QBM variant has built-in 2W speakers, although their performance may not be suitable for an immersive audio experience. External speakers or headphones are recommended for better sound quality.
Can the Acer KG241Q be used in a multi-monitor setup?
While technically possible, the KG241Q’s chunky bezels and lack of a flexible stand make it less ideal for a multi-monitor arrangement. Monitors with thinner bezels and more adjustable stands are better suited for such setups.
Is the Acer KG241Q suitable for professional photo or video editing?
No, the KG241Q uses a TN panel, which does not offer the colour accuracy and viewing angles required for professional photo or video editing. IPS or VA panels would be more suitable for such tasks.
What kind of ports are available on the Acer KG241Q?
The Acer KG241Q typically comes with HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs, providing various connectivity options for various devices.
How adjustable is the stand of the Acer KG241Q?
The KG241Q stand is quite basic and lacks advanced ergonomic adjustments. It only offers tilt adjustment, which may not be sufficient for users who require more flexibility in positioning their monitor.
