BenQ’s ZOWIE series gaming monitors are known for their fast refresh rates and good gaming performance. We got a chance to try out the new BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K, an ultra-fast gaming monitor with a 360Hz TN panel for e-sports gaming.
Design
The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K is a high-end monitor that features a 24.5-inch TN panel. The aspect ratio of the display is 16:9 and the screen resolution is 1920 x 1080. The main feature of the display is its blazing-fast 360Hz refresh rate, specifically meant for e-sports gaming. The display also comes with a decent contrast ratio of 1000:1 for those black scenes. The panel is also based on fast liquid crystal technology.
The dimensions of the display are 521mm (Highest) / 366mm (Lowest) x 571mm x 200mm, and the weight of the device is only 6.2kg. The base of the monitor can be easily attached to the stand. The stand of the monitor allows the screen to be adjusted at different flexible angles, and this includes tilting between -5 degrees and 23 degrees of angle, swiveling 45 degrees left/right, and adjusting the height up to 155mm.
There is also an opening on the stand with red-colored rims for cleaner cable management. The rear side also has a hanger to place your gaming headphones when not in use. You can also carry the monitor easily with the help of the handle that is located on the top side of the monitor stand.
The rear side also has the red-colored ZOWIE logo on the top side. The control buttons are located on the left side of the rear panel. This includes the main power button, a joystick for easier navigation of the OSD, and more. On the connectivity side of things, the monitor features a headphone jack, two HDMI 2.0 ports, one Display Port 1.4 port, and a micro-USB port for the S Switch control.
Speaking of which, the S Switch control module is an easier option for gamers who want to quickly change the settings of the monitor in the midst of a competitive online tournament. This also avoids the need for gamers to control the different parameters of the monitor with the rear control panel.
You will also be able to use the monitor shields that are also included in the package. This helps reduce glare on the screen. The monitor packing also includes the stand, the base, a Display Port cable, an HDMI cable, a power cable, an optional S Switch module, a dust cover, and documentation such as a quick start guide, safety instructions, and regulatory statements.
Features
The BenQ XL2566K is considered a flagship monitor that offers optimized smoothness, and lightning-fast response times for competitive gamers. PC gamers will need to use the Display Port 1.4 port to achieve the 360Hz refresh rate. Along with the fast 360Hz refresh rate, the BenQ XL2566K also features the DyAc⁺ technology, which is meant to assist in seeing the position of enemy movements while you perform fast movements. This is also useful if enemy players are also fast-moving targets and applies to FPS games such as CS: GO and Valorant.
The DyAc⁺ display tech also helps to achieve cleaner and sharper images and outlines of moving targets, getting rid of other distractions such as after-image in-game motions. The ZOWIE monitor also enhances the smoothness of the gameplay, thanks to its native 360Hz refresh rate. Gamers will also be able to share their custom XL monitor settings with their teammates or friends with the XL Setting to Share™ feature. You can also choose different color modes, such as FPS1, FPS2, FPS3, Standard, and more.
While we did not have enough time to test games with the monitor, I did run the famous Blur Buster refresh rate tests, and as you can see in the images below, it runs at pure 360Hz of goodness. The MPRT response time shown is 2.5ms, which is very impressive.
You also have features such as the Black eQualizer for deeper blacks, and Low Blue Light mode to reduce eye strain for longer gaming sessions.
Verdict
For gamers who are looking for the fastest monitor for high-speed gaming, we recommend the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K monitor, featuring a 24.5-inch TN panel. The display has native support for 360Hz refresh rate via its Display Port 1.4 port, along with FHD screen resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen also has a stand that supports different flexible angles. The monitor also has a dedicated hanger for headphones, and S Switch control module to easily navigate through the OSD menu.
The 360Hz monitor also has support for the DyAc⁺ display technology, which helps enhance the fluidity, cleaner, and sharper images and motions during gaming. You can also share your monitor settings with other teammates using the XL Setting to Share™ capability. The monitor also has two additional HDMI 2.0 ports, along with a headphone jack. The monitor also comes with shields to help reduce screen glare during gaming.
