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For gamers, Asus’s TUF Gaming series is likely familiar. The product range includes motherboards, graphics cards, monitors, power supplies, routers, and external drives, known for durability and cost-effectiveness, with a robust design that is highly recognizable. The monitor tested here is the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQML1A, also known as the TUF Gaming 27MAX.

The Asus TUF Gaming 27MAX features a 27-inch screen with a standard 2K resolution, designed specifically for gaming scenarios, equipped with a Fast-IPS panel, utilizing BOE ADS Pro display technology, with a refresh rate that can be overclocked to 260Hz and supports 1ms (GTG) rapid response.

Additionally, this gaming monitor supports Asus’s ELMB Sync technology, AMD FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC compatible, VESA AdaptiveSync, and meets DisplayHDR 400 compliance standards, with a 100% sRGB professional color gamut.

Unboxing: Rugged Appearance, Rich Interfaces

First, let’s take a look at the main body of the monitor, which features a pure black narrow bezel design. The front lower bezel has only the Asus logo, making it quite minimalistic.

The back of the monitor has many highlights; although there isn’t much text information, the lines are rich, and the symmetry is strong, with lines directly engraved on the body, giving it a strong tech vibe that fits the gaming atmosphere very well.

The right side of the monitor (when facing the screen) features five buttons, from top to bottom: a five-way joystick, exit, game shortcut key, image shortcut key, and power button. The middle two shortcut keys support customizable functions.

The monitor comes with a rich array of ports, including 2 HDMI 2.0, 1 DP 1.4, 1 USB-B, and 1 USB-A, allowing multiple source inputs and powering lighting setups to enhance the gaming atmosphere.

The stand also features a black design, with the TUF logo and TUF GAMING text on the back. The bottom of the stand has a removable cover that helps with cable management.

The base features a large V-shaped opening design, with the feet of the base not extending too far beyond the monitor’s plane, so it doesn’t take up too much space. Additionally, the base and stand connection is secured with four screws and two knobs, providing more stability than a single screw knob.

The included cables consist of a power cable, an HDMI cable, and a DP cable, meeting various interface needs without requiring additional purchases.

The stand is secured to the monitor with four screws, providing excellent stability, although it can be somewhat cumbersome; however, once assembled, it is fine. Rubber caps are also provided to cover the screws for a neater appearance.

Once fully assembled, the monitor looks like this; although the front doesn’t reveal much, the design on the back is quite strong, clearly indicating it is part of the TUF Gaming series.

The top of the stand also features a threaded hole for securing external devices, such as a monitor light, microphone, camera, or headphone stand.

To accommodate different usage scenarios and heights, the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQML1A monitor also features ergonomic design, supporting multiple adjustments: tilt +20°~-5°, swivel ±20°, height adjustment 0-130mm, and rotation ±90°, allowing for self-adjustment based on different heights and desk heights, and can also be used as a vertical secondary screen.

Function Interface: OSD Menu + Software Control

The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQML1A monitor not only boasts powerful specifications but also features a dedicated OSD menu designed specifically for gaming. Pressing the five-way joystick in any direction brings up the OSD interface, with a default maximum refresh rate of 240Hz, which can be overclocked to 260Hz in gaming mode.

It also provides 5 levels of variable OD, with different pressure levels between settings, allowing users to select the appropriate level based on gaming needs, achieving faster response times and clearer images in high-speed motion scenarios.

Variable refresh rate technology can dynamically adjust the refresh rate, effectively reducing screen tearing, latency, and stuttering. The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQML1A supports three mainstream modes: G-SYNC compatible, FreeSync Premium, and Adaptive-Sync, making it compatible with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards.

Additionally, this monitor features Asus’s proprietary ELMB/ELMB SYNC motion blur reduction technology, which can be used simultaneously with G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, or Adaptive-Sync for smoother gameplay. Shadow Boost enhances details in dark areas while preventing overexposure in bright areas.

GamePlus is a feature developed by Asus based on the usage of many professional gamers, and its functionality continues to expand. The TUF Gaming VG27AQML1A supports various features including an FPS counter, crosshair, sniper mode, timer, stopwatch, and display.

With the GamePlus features, players can achieve a more professional gaming experience and more convenient control.

When the FPS counter is activated, players can see real-time frame rate information during gameplay, providing two display modes and adjustable positions to avoid covering critical visuals.

Similar to GamePlus, Game Visual can also be accessed via a shortcut key, focusing on managing screen color for an optimal gaming visual experience. Game Visual supports multiple modes including scenery, competition, cinema, RTS/RPG, FPS, sRGB, MOBA Mode, and night vision.

Moreover, the TUF Gaming 27MAX supports 4 levels of blue light reduction, two HDR modes (supporting HDR 400), and adjustments for screen color temperature and saturation. While the OSD offers a rich array of display and gaming functions, the interface remains clear and concise.

If using buttons to control the OSD menu feels cumbersome, the Asus official DisplayWidget Center software provides a more convenient monitor control experience.

DisplayWidget Center supports one-click switching of Gaming Visual display modes, as well as adjustments for brightness, variable OD, and more. It also features AI Visual, which intelligently matches display modes based on the content.

All GamePlus features can also be switched in DisplayWidget Center with a single click.

Users can also add corresponding display modes for software in the App Tweaker for a more professional experience, such as setting editing or design software to sRGB mode and video playback software to cinema mode.

While the monitor experience is primarily determined by panel configuration, the design of the OSD menu reflects the manufacturer’s capabilities. If the monitor does not support a certain technology, the OSD menu cannot add corresponding features. Therefore, the OSD menu of the Asus TUF Gaming 27MAX directly proves the performance of this monitor and Asus’s brand strength, while the DisplayWidget Center software undoubtedly enhances the gaming experience.

Real-Life Display: High Refresh Rate, High Brightness

Having detailed the appearance and OSD features of the TUF Gaming 27MAX monitor, the next step is to test the panel display. To present the display capabilities as accurately as possible, a combination of direct smartphone shots and color calibration with a colorimeter is used.

According to the Spider X2 Ultra test, the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQML1A monitor has a color gamut range of 100% sRGB, 90% AdobeRGB, and 91% DCI-P3, consistent with the claimed values.

Color accuracy, often referred to as color fidelity (△E), has a lower deviation with smaller values. When △E is less than 1.5, it is generally considered color-accurate. A range between 1.5 and 3 is considered very good. The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQML1A monitor’s minimum △E is 0.31, maximum is 4.97, and average is exactly 1, indicating excellent performance.

In the tone response test, the measured gamma value is 2.1, which closely aligns with the standard 2.2 curve. The monitor’s gamma is not adjustable, as the default gamma value in Windows is 2.2. The closer the gamma value is to 2.2, the better the display effect. A higher gamma value increases color saturation but may lead to color discrepancies and loss of shadow details.

The gray scale test measures the color temperature distribution during the transition from black to white, generally with a standard value of 6500K. The absolute temperature of the gray scale for the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQML1A monitor falls between 6700K and 7000K, showing minimal difference.

In the brightness, contrast, and color temperature consistency tests, when brightness reaches 100%, the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQML1A monitor has a brightness of 496 cd/m² (or 496 nit), with a static contrast of 1200:1, meeting mainstream monitor standards. The color temperature variation at different brightness levels is minimal, ranging from 6900K to 7000K.

Based on the tested values, the Asus TUF Gaming 27MAX monitor has crossed the threshold of professional monitors, with all parameters performing excellently. In actual display scenarios, technologies like HDR 400 and motion blur reduction can enhance detail.

Support for various variable refresh rate technologies during gaming provides smooth gameplay with strong contrast and vibrant colors. Even without overclocking, the TUF Gaming 27MAX’s native refresh rate reaches a maximum of 240Hz, meeting the needs of most games and graphics hardware.

With high brightness support, watching high-definition movies in cinema mode results in brighter and more transparent images with fuller colors.

Although the Asus TUF Gaming 27MAX is positioned as a gaming monitor, its outstanding panel quality and ADS Pro display technology ensure excellent color accuracy and overall performance.

In practical usage, it meets the demands for daily work as well as editing, design, and retouching scenarios.

Conclusion: Performance First, Practicality Above All

While gamers might prefer a dedicated professional monitor for a better gaming experience, daily monitor usage typically requires versatility. Thus, even if primarily aimed at high-refresh gaming scenarios, balanced specifications are essential, which is precisely the inherent advantage of the Asus TUF Gaming 27MAX.

In terms of gaming, the monitor’s various technologies and optimizations geared towards gaming scenarios significantly enhance gameplay smoothness; the 260Hz optimal resolution adapts to various gaming scenarios, providing players with an immersive experience of “super high refresh, smooth frame rates,” and can easily accommodate future graphics card upgrades.

Furthermore, in practical tests, parameters such as color gamut, accuracy, temperature, and brightness all performed impressively, exceeding excellent standards. The 2K resolution offers a significantly enhanced visual experience compared to standard 1080P, making it hard to go back once experienced, and it also supports blue light reduction, making it suitable for multi-use.

Considering the comprehensive parameters, brand advantages, and other factors, the Asus TUF Gaming 27MAX stands out as a gaming monitor that emphasizes performance and practicality, presenting strong competitiveness among similar products in the 2000 yuan price range. Whether for casual gaming or serious esports players, an excellent experience can be achieved.