We tested: KTC H27S25E monitor – bending space

The KTC H27S25E curved display is where speed and image quality meet.

KTC H27S25E – introduction to space bending!

For modern gamers, a monitor is no longer just an accessory, but a fundamental determinant of the gaming experience. This truth is materialized in the KTC H27S25E curved gaming monitor.

The name KTC may still be unknown to many in the domestic market, even though the company's history dates back to the mid-90s. Initially, they operated as an OEM manufacturer, supplying monitor parts or complete solutions to giants such as LG, Samsung or Viewsonic. However, in 2021, they decided to enter the market under their own brand name - thus the KTC (Key To Combat) brand was born.

The H27S25E model is their latest development, which with its 27-inch size and 1000R curvature is not only visually appealing, but also ergonomically beneficial. The curvature perfectly matches the human field of vision, ensuring comfortable use even during long gaming sessions, reducing eye fatigue and increasing the immersive experience.

In the world of gaming monitors, there are two key factors: refresh rate and response time. The KTC H27S25E delivers outstanding performance in both areas, with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 1ms MPRT response time. This speed is not only an advantage in competitive games, but also makes a noticeable difference in everyday use.

The monitor's 2K QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution strikes the perfect balance between image detail and performance requirements. This resolution provides enough detail for modern games while not overloading the graphics card, allowing you to take advantage of the high refresh rate.

The CSOT HVA panel type provides excellent color fidelity, with 124% sRGB and 94% DCI-P3 color space coverage, making the monitor suitable not only for gaming but also for creative work. The 1,07 billion displayable colors and HDR support further enrich the visual experience, although the monitor's brightness limits the full use of HDR capabilities.

In the modern world of e-sports, the KTC H27S25E has several features that can give it a competitive edge: adaptive sync (AMD FreeSync Premium), low blue light emission to reduce eye fatigue, and flicker-free technology for comfort during long gaming sessions. Is all this enough to compete with the bigger names? Let's see what the KTC H27S25E can really do!

KTC H27S25E: elegant curves and thoughtful details

At first glance, the KTC H27S25E gives the impression of a truly modern, albeit not overly sophisticated, gaming monitor. Viewed from the front, it has extremely thin bezels on three sides, which maximizes the usable screen area. Only the bottom bezel is wider, about 1,2 centimeters, with the discreet KTC logo in the middle. However, it is worth noting that after switching on the display, the image on the panel does not fully extend to the physical frame – a 7-8 millimeter black bar runs around it, which is unfortunately a common feature of monitors of this category.

The manufacturer tried to place some gaming design elements on the back of the monitor, which was only moderately successful with the lightning-shaped notch. The plastic quality of the back cover is not outstanding, more typical of entry-level-mid-range products, but there are no assembly problems, creaking, or cracking. The monitor stands stably on its base, which is a particularly important feature for a curved model.

In terms of controls, one of the biggest strengths of the KTC H27S25E is its well-thought-out design. The monitor is controlled by a four-way joystick, which is located on the back panel, on the right side. This is an extremely practical solution, as it is easy to find and provides intuitive use - you no longer have to grope around the bottom frame to find the buttons. The joystick also functions as a button, enabling both on and off, as well as menu navigation and confirmation.

The on state is indicated by a small blue LED in the lower right corner of the frame, which can be turned off from the menu, so it is not distracting in dark environments or while gaming. This small but useful feature also shows the thoughtful optimization of the user experience.

In terms of connectivity, the KTC H27S25E has everything you need. On the back of the monitor, there are two HDMI 2.0 ports, which enable a 2560 Hz refresh rate at a resolution of 1440 x 144. There is also a DisplayPort 1.2 connector, through which the full 240 Hz refresh rate can be utilized at maximum resolution. In addition to the video inputs, a standard headphone output is also available.

The monitor's universal use is facilitated by compliance with the VESA 100 x 100 mm mounting standard, which allows it to be attached to a wall or monitor arm system. The flexible use is further enhanced by the tilt adjustment option between -5° and +20°, with which everyone can find the most comfortable position for themselves. I must note here that although the manufacturer emphasizes the tilt, it does not boast that we cannot rotate or adjust the height of the display. This is one of the costs of cheapness. However, there is no big problem, with a standard height table, the height is perfect for my 184 cm, but there is a good chance that there will be no problem with a height between 160-190 cm.

In terms of dimensions, the KTC H27S25E does not differ significantly from other representatives of the category: with the stand it is 609,4 × 474,1 × 246,7 mm, and without the stand it is 609,4 × 364,7 × 103 mm. Its weight is 4,56 kg with the stand and 3,67 kg without it, which is considered average among 27-inch monitors and provides easy mobility for rearrangement or cleaning.

KTC H27S25E: in the numbers

The technical specifications of the KTC H27S25E are impressive at first glance, especially considering that the manufacturer is a relatively new player in the market of monitors sold under its own brand. The 27-inch screen size is an ideal choice for most users, as it provides enough surface area for games and work, while not taking up too much space on the desk.

The heart of the monitor is the CSOT HVA panel, which combines the advantages of VA and IPS technologies. Thanks to this, it offers an excellent contrast ratio (2500:1) and a wide viewing angle of ±178 degrees in both horizontal and vertical directions. This panel type is capable of displaying 1,07 billion colors (with 8bit+FRC technology), which means professional color performance. The color space volume is outstanding: 124% sRGB, 100% DCI-P3, 107% Adobe RGB and 109% NTSC (Color Gamut Coverage: 100% sRGB, 94% DCI-P3), which makes the monitor attractive not only for gamers, but also for creative professionals.

The display's 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution (QHD or 2K) represents the ideal middle ground between Full HD and 4K. This resolution provides enough detail while not overwhelming the graphics card, allowing for high refresh rates and smooth gaming even with relatively inexpensive cards. The 0,2331 x 0,2331 mm pixel pitch results in fine image detail.

The main attraction of the KTC H27S25E is its 240Hz refresh rate, which is four to five times faster than the 60Hz of traditional monitors. This can be a competitive advantage in games that require fast response times, but also provides noticeably smoother scrolling and movement in everyday use. The 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) response time further reduces the blurring that can be seen in moving images.

The monitor's 1000R curvature means that the edge of the screen is almost the same distance from your eyes as the center, resulting in a more natural viewing experience and less eye strain during extended use. This is especially beneficial for peripheral vision, as it makes it easier to see events at the edge of the screen.

The monitor's brightness is typically 300 cd/m², with a minimum of 250 cd/m², which is not outstanding, let's say it's an average value in the category. Despite HDR support, this brightness level limits the full glory of HDR content, but it is perfectly sufficient for everyday use and most games. Adaptive synchronization technology (AMD FreeSync) compatibility eliminates image tearing and stuttering, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.

In terms of power consumption, the KTC H27S25E consumes a maximum of 65W during operation and less than 0,5W in standby mode. The monitor is powered by an external 19V/3,42A adapter, which operates on a 100-240V, 50/60Hz mains voltage. The eye-friendly low blue light emission and flicker-free technology protect your eyes during long gaming or working sessions, reducing fatigue and potential health problems.

KTC H27S25E on the test bench: Real performance first hand

When I first sat down in front of the KTC H27S25E, I was a bit skeptical. After all, we are talking about a relatively new brand on the market, at least as far as its own brand is concerned. But since I have had previous experience with KTC monitors – I currently use two of these devices, one of which has been serving me faithfully for over a year – I had some confidence in the new model.

At the beginning of the test, the huge advantage of the 240 Hz refresh rate was immediately apparent. It's a world of difference compared to the average 60 Hz or even 144 Hz monitors. This difference is noticeable not only in games, but also in everyday use, such as scrolling simple texts or moving windows. Everything simply feels more fluid and natural. In practice, this means that texts remain readable even when scrolling faster, and the work overall seems smoother. Of course, I also checked it with the UFO test, the image really glides from one side of the display to the other like butter.

The difference between DisplayPort and HDMI connectors was an interesting observation. Not the part where DisplayPort allows for a full 240Hz refresh rate at 2K resolution, while HDMI ports can only provide the same up to 144Hz, because that’s not surprising. In practice, however, I barely noticed this difference, especially during average gaming, as 144Hz is far beyond the capabilities of traditional monitors. I have to add some additional thoughts here to qualify this opinion. On the one hand, my eyes are not what they used to be, so it’s possible that you will see a significant difference that I don’t. On the other hand, I’m pretty much past the average PC gamer age, so…

Of course, I did what I could to make the test work properly, and I shot a little! The 1ms MPRT response time proved to be especially valuable in FPS games. The fast movements of the opponents appeared crystal clear, without any blurring. In the monitor's OSD menu, I had the option to adjust the overdrive function, which offers four options: off, low, medium and high. In my experience, the low setting proved to be optimal - at higher values, I sometimes experienced overshooting (ghosting), which can be distracting.

The FreeSync/G-Sync compatibility was particularly impressive. Adaptive-sync technology not only eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, but also provides an overall smoother experience even with variable frame rates. The operating range between 48 and 240 Hz is more than enough for most gaming situations. I tested it with an NVIDIA card, and adaptive sync worked without any problems.

The 1000R curvature was unusual at first, but I got used to it surprisingly quickly. The biggest advantage of the curved design is that the monitor fills my peripheral vision, which improves my perception, especially in shooters. The ergonomic advantage of the curvature was also noticeable during extended use - my eyes were less tired than with a traditional, flat monitor. It's clear that the 1000R curvature is not just a marketing gimmick, but a real user benefit.

For me, this curvature had another big advantage, as during the test period I mostly placed the KTC H27S25E as a secondary monitor, to my left. Due to the curvature, on the one hand, it fit much better on the desk, and on the other hand, as I turned to the left, the edges of the display did not move away from me, but because of the curvature, they were just as close as the center of the screen. This made me feel very comfortable.

The 2K QHD resolution provides an ideal balance between detail and performance. I saw a clear improvement in quality when switching from Full HD, while it was much less of a burden on my graphics card compared to 4K, allowing me to take advantage of the maximum refresh rate. The 2500:1 contrast ratio of the CSOT HVA panel is impressive - the black tones are really deep, which is especially noticeable in dark scenes or horror games.

In terms of color accuracy, the 94% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB coverage is a significant improvement over standard monitors. I experienced reliable, if not professional, color reproduction when working creatively, editing photos and videos. However, I have some reservations about HDR support. Although the monitor supports HDR, the 300 cd/m² brightness limits its effectiveness - it seems more like a marketing ploy than a true HDR experience. With HDR content, there is some improvement in brighter details (or is this just my imagination), but it is nowhere near as noticeable as on a higher brightness monitor.

Eye-friendly features like low blue light and flicker-free technology proved to be really valuable during long-term use. Even after several hours of use, I experienced less eye strain and headaches. The level of blue light filtering can be easily adjusted in the OSD menu (as long as you are not using the monitor in sRGB mode), which is especially useful for evening use.

The joystick that controls the monitor was a real pleasure to use. This solution is far superior to the mechanical buttons on the bottom edge or the touch-sensitive controls. I have experienced many times that I accidentally turned off the monitor when I reached for a sensitive button while rummaging through objects on the table – this was not the case with the KTC H27S25E.

Overall, the gaming experience has improved significantly with the KTC H27S25E. The high refresh rate, fast response time, curved display, and excellent contrast ratio combine to provide an immersive experience that has a positive impact not only on gaming, but also on everyday use. The only drawback is the lack of a fully functional Type-C port, which would simplify connectivity with modern laptops.

KTC H27S25E: Is it worth the investment?

The KTC H27S25E curved gaming monitor delivers impressive performance overall, especially considering that the manufacturer is a relatively new player in the own-brand monitor market. The technical specifications of the 27-inch, 1000R curved, 240 Hz QHD display compete on paper with similar products from much better-known manufacturers, and more importantly, practical experience also supports this.

The monitor's strengths include thoughtful ergonomics, easy-to-use joystick control, fast response time, and excellent color performance. The 2K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate provide an ideal balance between image quality and performance, while adaptive sync technology ensures a smooth experience. The curved design offers real benefits for both gaming and reducing eye fatigue.

However, there are some shortcomings that are worth considering. The plastic quality of the casing is far below the premium category, you can only tilt the monitor on the stand, HDR support is more of a marketing element due to the limited brightness, and the lack of a Type-C port that simplifies modern connectivity. However, these are not critical issues and can be easily forgiven depending on the price of the monitor.

The KTC H27S25E is therefore an ideal choice for gamers who are looking for a high refresh rate, curved QHD monitor but don't want to pay the premium price of the bigger brands. While you won't get the most advanced technologies without compromise, the KTC H27S25E performs perfectly in terms of essential features and provides the gaming experience you would expect from a modern gaming monitor. For the average gamer, this monitor is more than enough and seems like a good investment in terms of future-proofing.

I probably don't need to say that I've included a coupon with the article so you can buy the display cheaper. So, with the coupon code NNNKTCH27S25E, you can order it from a German warehouse for 103 forints by clicking on the link below:

KTC H27S25E curved gaming monitor

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KTC H27S25E: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of panel does the KTC H27S25E monitor have?

The KTC H27S25E monitor features a CSOT HVA panel that combines the advantages of VA and IPS technologies, providing an excellent contrast ratio (2500:1) and a wide viewing angle of ±178 degrees.

2. What is the maximum refresh rate of the KTC H27S25E?

The KTC H27S25E has a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz, which is available via DisplayPort. The maximum refresh rate via HDMI is 144Hz.

3. What resolution does the KTC H27S25E monitor have?

The KTC H27S25E monitor has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (QHD or 2K), which represents an ideal middle ground between Full HD and 4K.

4. Is the KTC H27S25E monitor compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync technology?

Yes, although the KTC H27S25E is officially AMD FreeSync Premium certified, it is also compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync technology, providing a smooth, tear-free gaming experience with graphics cards from both manufacturers.

5. What is the curvature of the KTC H27S25E and why is it beneficial?

The KTC H27S25E has a 1000R curvature, which means the radius of curvature is 1000 mm. This curvature is close to the natural visual arc of the human eye, so it causes less eye fatigue during prolonged use and provides better peripheral vision.

6. How to control the KTC H27S25E monitor?

The KTC H27S25E monitor can be controlled using a four-way joystick located on the back panel, on the right side. This joystick not only allows navigation, but also turns the monitor on and off and confirms the menu.

7. What connectors does the KTC H27S25E monitor have?

The KTC H27S25E monitor has 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, 1 DisplayPort 1.2 connector and a headphone output.

8. Can the KTC H27S25E monitor be mounted on a wall?

Yes, the KTC H27S25E monitor is compatible with the VESA 100×100 mm mounting standard, so it can be easily mounted on a wall or monitor arm.

9. What color space coverage does the KTC H27S25E monitor have?

The KTC H27S25E monitor has outstanding color space coverage: 100% sRGB, 94% DCI-P3, 107% Adobe RGB and 109% NTSC, making it suitable for both gaming and creative work.

10. Does the KTC H27S25E monitor provide a true HDR experience?

Although the KTC H27S25E supports HDR technology, its effectiveness is limited by the typical brightness of 300 cd/m². HDR support results in a noticeable improvement in brighter details, but does not provide the full HDR experience that higher brightness monitors provide.