![\"NZXT](\"https:\/\/platogaming.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/nzxt-canvas-27q-3.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nExpert\u2019s Rating<\/h3>\n\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Attractive and robust design<\/li>\n
- Four video inputs including USB-C<\/li>\n
- Great color performance<\/li>\n
- High motion clarity at 144Hz and 165Hz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Limited image quality adjustment<\/li>\n
- Speakers not included<\/li>\n
- HDR mode is barebones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Our Verdict<\/h3>\n
The Canvas 27Q is an excellent debut from NZXT into the display market. While its lack of image quality controls may turn off some content creators, the other elements it brings to the table such as an attractive design, great color performance, and exceptional motion clarity will appeal to even the most demanding of gamers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Price When Reviewed<\/h3>\n
$319.99<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tBest Prices Today: NZXT Canvas 27Q\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNZXT<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$319.99<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\nThere\u2019s a new competitor in the packed monitor market: NZXT. The company launched a pair of debut displays, the NZXT Canvas 27Q and Canvas 32Q, in July of 2022. I\u2019m reviewing the smaller of the pair here. NZXT isn\u2019t turning the monitor world on its head with these new options, but the Canvas 27Q is a good choice if you want to game at 1440p.<\/p>\n
\nThis review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best gaming monitors<\/a>. Go there for information on competing products and how we test them.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: The specs<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s specifications are typical of a 1440p gaming monitor. It has an IPS display panel, a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, and supports adaptive sync on both AMD and Nvidia hardware. Video connectivity is a bit better than usual, with USB-C joining a pair of HDMI ports and a lone DisplayPort.<\/p>\n
\n- Display size: 27-inch<\/li>\n
- Native resolution: 2,560\u00d71,440<\/li>\n
- Panel type: IPS<\/li>\n
- Refresh rate: Up to 165Hz<\/li>\n
- HDR: Yes, HDR10<\/li>\n
- Adaptive sync: AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible<\/li>\n
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB Type-A, USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, USB-B (Upstream), 3.5mm audio<\/li>\n
- Stand adjustment: Height, tilt, swivel, pivot<\/li>\n
- VESA mount: Yes, 100x100mm<\/li>\n
- Speakers: No<\/li>\n
- Price: $359.99 MSRP ($319.99 without stand)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Canvas 27Q carries an MSRP of $359.99. That\u2019s not extravagant but towards the upper end of pricing for a 27-inch, 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 165Hz. Is NZXT\u2019s debut 27-inch monitor worth paying a premium?<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: Design<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q is available in one of two colors: white or black. Such a choice is rare in the world of computer monitors. Alienware has offered white and black options in the past. Only a handful of monitors, like Samsung\u2019s Smart M8<\/a>, are sold with multiple options. <\/p>\n\n\nThe NZXT Canvas 27Q is offered in two colors with the stand sold separately.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
NZXT lets shoppers buy the stand in the opposite color of panel, if desired. That means you can combine a white stand with a black monitor, or vice-versa, for stormtrooper vibes. This pairs nicely with NZXT\u2019s H-series PC enclosures<\/a>.<\/p>\nPlastic dominates the monitor\u2019s materials. NZXT has opted for thick panels and a pleasing, glossy texture that looks attractive at a distance. Bezels are thin on three sides, but large on the bottom chin. The monitor\u2019s branding is subtle, as the glossy NZXT logo is borderline invisible until the light hits at just the right angle. <\/p>\n
The stand, which is a $40 add-on option to the panel\u2019s $319.99 MSRP, is more durable than the monitor itself, with full metal construction and an elegant, attractive look. A series of holes drilled along the stand\u2019s spine provide extra flair and are used to attach a cable management hook.<\/p>\n
\n![\"NZXT](\"https:\/\/platogaming.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/nzxt-canvas-27q-1.jpg\")
\nA minimalistic design that offers style and functionality.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
It\u2019s functional too, with adjustments for height, tilt, and pivot, plus 90 degrees of rotation for use in portrait orientation. The stand base is small and sits flat, so you can stack things on top of the base. <\/p>\n
NZXT also sells the monitor with a monitor arm that allows an even wider range of adjustment. I didn\u2019t receive an NZXT monitor arm for review, however, so I can\u2019t comment on its quality.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: Features and menus<\/h2>\n
A solid range of connectivity is found on the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s rear panel. It has two HDMI 2.0 inputs and one DisplayPort 1.2 input, plus a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. That\u2019s a total of four video inputs, which is excellent for a monitor in this price bracket.<\/p>\n
The USB-C port doesn\u2019t support Power Delivery, so it won\u2019t charge a connected laptop. Though disappointing, this is to be expected given the Canvas 27Q\u2019s price. The USB-C port can act as an upstream port for the two USB-A ports, however, so the monitor does provide some utility when a USB-C laptop is connected. <\/p>\n
A joystick on the left flank controls the monitor\u2019s menus. It\u2019s a large joystick, which makes it easy to use, and the menu system feels responsive. A handful of shortcuts can be accessed by moving the joystick to the left, right, up, or down.<\/p>\n
Image quality adjustments include the usual array of brightness, contrast, sharpness, and saturation options, plus precise gamma presets and three color temperature options (normal, cool, and warm). Color can be tweaked across red, green, and blue.<\/p>\n
The monitor has a number of preset modes, but they fail to impress. Most wildly alter image quality in ways I didn\u2019t find pleasing. The \u201cProfessional\u201d setting is the biggest miss. I hoped this might be an sRGB mode. Instead, it merely changes color temperature to warm, lowers brightness, and makes some ill-advised tweaks to contrast and sharpness. <\/p>\n
This is a small, but not trivial, issue. NZXT\u2019s marketing suggests the monitor is more versatile than its competition. That\u2019s not the case. It supports a range of image-quality adjustment that, if anything, is slightly less versatile than most mid-range monitors.<\/p>\n
What about audio? Well, there isn\u2019t any \u2013 at least, not in the form of speakers. The 3.5mm audio-out jack is all you get. Some competitors, such as the Gigabyte M27Q X and Acer Nitro XV272, include speakers.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: SDR image quality<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q is a 27-inch, 1440p monitor. It has an IPS panel and lacks the premium panel technology, such as Quantum Dots or IPS Black support, that can be found in most expensive competition. Still, the monitor\u2019s SDR image quality is commendable. <\/p>\n
\n![\"NZXT](\"https:\/\/platogaming.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/nzxt-canvas-27q-brightness.png\")
<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Brightness comes in at a very respectable 379 nits. While far from record-setting, this level of SDR brightness is higher than is typical of a 27-inch monitor in this price range. It\u2019s very bright out of the box, so much so that I had to turn it down to about 25 percent of its maximum for normal use.<\/p>\n
This, along with the screen\u2019s matte finish, makes the NZXT Canvas 27Q a great option if you need to use a monitor in a brightly lit space. However, Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X <\/a>is even brighter and will appear more brilliant. <\/p>\n\n![\"NZXT](\"https:\/\/platogaming.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/nzxt-canvas-27q-contrast.png\")
<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Contrast comes in at a ratio of 1080:1, which is fine but not exceptional for an IPS monitor. There\u2019s a decent sense of depth and dimensionality when using the monitor in a bright room. <\/p>\n
The IPS panel\u2019s black-level performance is not great and the dreaded \u201cIPS glow,\u201d which creates a hazy gray look in dark scenes, is visible in a dark room. It\u2019s no worse than the competition, however.<\/p>\n
My review monitor had good luminance uniformity. The corners appear slightly brighter than the center if examined closely, but this is only obvious if you go looking for it. I didn\u2019t notice any large, distracting bright spots along the edges of the monitor. <\/p>\n
\n![\"NZXT](\"https:\/\/platogaming.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/nzxt-canvas-27q-color-gamut.png\")
<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q dashes ahead of the pack in color gamut, reaching 97 percent of DCI-P3 and 87 percent of Adobe RGB. These are excellent results that show the Canvas 27Q can display a wider range of colors than most competitors. Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X is superior but also more expensive.<\/p>\n
The result is a vibrant experience. Colors are a bit oversaturated at times, especially when viewing content designed for a more narrow color gamut, but most people won\u2019t find this to be an issue. On the contrary, it looks great straight out of the box. <\/p>\n
Content creators will love the wide color gamut. The added range of colors makes it possible to work with a broader range of color critical content. It\u2019s not as good as monitors that use an IPS panel with Quantum Dots, or an OLED monitor, but it\u2019s solid for the price.<\/p>\n
As mentioned, there\u2019s no dedicated sRGB\u2014or, in fact, any mode that targets a specific color gamut. It\u2019s hard to precisely target a specific color gamut without software-based calibration, which will limit the monitor\u2019s appeal to some users.<\/p>\n
\n![\"NZXT](\"https:\/\/platogaming.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/nzxt-canvas-27q-color-accuracy.png\")
<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Color accuracy is also superb, with an average color error beating all comers, including the Gigabyte M27Q X. That\u2019s a great result and, as visible on the graph, it\u2019s at the top of the competitive set. This means colors will look very close to what was intended.<\/p>\n
Color temperature is a bit wonky, however. The \u201cnormal\u201d setting, which is the default, comes in at around 7300K. That\u2019s above the preferred target of 6500K and leads to a somewhat clinical, sterile look. The real problem, however, is that the \u201cwarm\u201d setting is far too <\/em>warm, coming in at 5300K. This leaves you with two unsatisfactory options: \u2018normal,\u201d which looks too stark, and \u201cwarm,\u201d which seems too mellow, even dusty. <\/p>\nThe Canvas 27Q\u2019s 1440p resolution is a good mid-point between 1080p and 4K. It packs a respectable 108 pixels per inch, which is high enough to appear sharp in most situations. And unlike 4K, which requires a high-end graphics card for acceptable performance, 1440p is playable on mid-range options like the Nvidia RTX 3060<\/a> and AMD Radeon RX 6600. <\/p>\nThe Canvas 27Q\u2019s overall performance is not far off the Gigabyte M27Q X which, though superior, carries a much higher MSRP. The Canvas 27Q beats some older alternatives, like the BenQ EX2710Q. It even keeps up with the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, a much more expensive 4K 144Hz gaming monitor. <\/p>\n
In short, the NZXT Canvas 27Q delivers great image quality for the price. Gamers will love its bright, punchy look. Content creators will also enjoy it, but some may find its quirks (like color temperature) annoying.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: HDR image quality<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q supports HDR but lacks any level of VESA DisplayHDR certification. NZXT, to its credit, downplays HDR compatibility. The official Canvas 27Q website mentions HDR10 support but, aside from a single HDR10 logo in the monitor\u2019s promotional trailer, it\u2019s otherwise kept low-key.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s good, because the monitor\u2019s HDR10 support is basic. An HDR signal is detected automatically, flipping the monitor to HDR mode, but the monitor lacks features necessary to make the most of HDR. The monitor doesn\u2019t seem to be brighter in HDR mode than in SDR mode. It also lacks a dynamic backlight. This, combined with the IPS panel\u2019s mediocre contrast, makes for a rather flat experience.
That\u2019s fine. Good HDR performance is not available in monitors sold around the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s price point. The best HDR monitors, like the Alienware AW3423DW<\/a> and Asus ROG Strix PG32UQX, are priced above $1,000.<\/p>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: Motion clarity<\/h2>\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n- Attractive and robust design<\/li>\n
- Four video inputs including USB-C<\/li>\n
- Great color performance<\/li>\n
- High motion clarity at 144Hz and 165Hz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Limited image quality adjustment<\/li>\n
- Speakers not included<\/li>\n
- HDR mode is barebones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Our Verdict<\/h3>\n
The Canvas 27Q is an excellent debut from NZXT into the display market. While its lack of image quality controls may turn off some content creators, the other elements it brings to the table such as an attractive design, great color performance, and exceptional motion clarity will appeal to even the most demanding of gamers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Price When Reviewed<\/h3>\n
$319.99<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tBest Prices Today: NZXT Canvas 27Q\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNZXT<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$319.99<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\nThere\u2019s a new competitor in the packed monitor market: NZXT. The company launched a pair of debut displays, the NZXT Canvas 27Q and Canvas 32Q, in July of 2022. I\u2019m reviewing the smaller of the pair here. NZXT isn\u2019t turning the monitor world on its head with these new options, but the Canvas 27Q is a good choice if you want to game at 1440p.<\/p>\n
\nThis review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best gaming monitors<\/a>. Go there for information on competing products and how we test them.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: The specs<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s specifications are typical of a 1440p gaming monitor. It has an IPS display panel, a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, and supports adaptive sync on both AMD and Nvidia hardware. Video connectivity is a bit better than usual, with USB-C joining a pair of HDMI ports and a lone DisplayPort.<\/p>\n
\n- Display size: 27-inch<\/li>\n
- Native resolution: 2,560\u00d71,440<\/li>\n
- Panel type: IPS<\/li>\n
- Refresh rate: Up to 165Hz<\/li>\n
- HDR: Yes, HDR10<\/li>\n
- Adaptive sync: AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible<\/li>\n
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB Type-A, USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, USB-B (Upstream), 3.5mm audio<\/li>\n
- Stand adjustment: Height, tilt, swivel, pivot<\/li>\n
- VESA mount: Yes, 100x100mm<\/li>\n
- Speakers: No<\/li>\n
- Price: $359.99 MSRP ($319.99 without stand)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Canvas 27Q carries an MSRP of $359.99. That\u2019s not extravagant but towards the upper end of pricing for a 27-inch, 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 165Hz. Is NZXT\u2019s debut 27-inch monitor worth paying a premium?<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: Design<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q is available in one of two colors: white or black. Such a choice is rare in the world of computer monitors. Alienware has offered white and black options in the past. Only a handful of monitors, like Samsung\u2019s Smart M8<\/a>, are sold with multiple options. <\/p>\n\n\nThe NZXT Canvas 27Q is offered in two colors with the stand sold separately.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
NZXT lets shoppers buy the stand in the opposite color of panel, if desired. That means you can combine a white stand with a black monitor, or vice-versa, for stormtrooper vibes. This pairs nicely with NZXT\u2019s H-series PC enclosures<\/a>.<\/p>\nPlastic dominates the monitor\u2019s materials. NZXT has opted for thick panels and a pleasing, glossy texture that looks attractive at a distance. Bezels are thin on three sides, but large on the bottom chin. The monitor\u2019s branding is subtle, as the glossy NZXT logo is borderline invisible until the light hits at just the right angle. <\/p>\n
The stand, which is a $40 add-on option to the panel\u2019s $319.99 MSRP, is more durable than the monitor itself, with full metal construction and an elegant, attractive look. A series of holes drilled along the stand\u2019s spine provide extra flair and are used to attach a cable management hook.<\/p>\n
\n\nA minimalistic design that offers style and functionality.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
It\u2019s functional too, with adjustments for height, tilt, and pivot, plus 90 degrees of rotation for use in portrait orientation. The stand base is small and sits flat, so you can stack things on top of the base. <\/p>\n
NZXT also sells the monitor with a monitor arm that allows an even wider range of adjustment. I didn\u2019t receive an NZXT monitor arm for review, however, so I can\u2019t comment on its quality.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: Features and menus<\/h2>\n
A solid range of connectivity is found on the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s rear panel. It has two HDMI 2.0 inputs and one DisplayPort 1.2 input, plus a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. That\u2019s a total of four video inputs, which is excellent for a monitor in this price bracket.<\/p>\n
The USB-C port doesn\u2019t support Power Delivery, so it won\u2019t charge a connected laptop. Though disappointing, this is to be expected given the Canvas 27Q\u2019s price. The USB-C port can act as an upstream port for the two USB-A ports, however, so the monitor does provide some utility when a USB-C laptop is connected. <\/p>\n
A joystick on the left flank controls the monitor\u2019s menus. It\u2019s a large joystick, which makes it easy to use, and the menu system feels responsive. A handful of shortcuts can be accessed by moving the joystick to the left, right, up, or down.<\/p>\n
Image quality adjustments include the usual array of brightness, contrast, sharpness, and saturation options, plus precise gamma presets and three color temperature options (normal, cool, and warm). Color can be tweaked across red, green, and blue.<\/p>\n
The monitor has a number of preset modes, but they fail to impress. Most wildly alter image quality in ways I didn\u2019t find pleasing. The \u201cProfessional\u201d setting is the biggest miss. I hoped this might be an sRGB mode. Instead, it merely changes color temperature to warm, lowers brightness, and makes some ill-advised tweaks to contrast and sharpness. <\/p>\n
This is a small, but not trivial, issue. NZXT\u2019s marketing suggests the monitor is more versatile than its competition. That\u2019s not the case. It supports a range of image-quality adjustment that, if anything, is slightly less versatile than most mid-range monitors.<\/p>\n
What about audio? Well, there isn\u2019t any \u2013 at least, not in the form of speakers. The 3.5mm audio-out jack is all you get. Some competitors, such as the Gigabyte M27Q X and Acer Nitro XV272, include speakers.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: SDR image quality<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q is a 27-inch, 1440p monitor. It has an IPS panel and lacks the premium panel technology, such as Quantum Dots or IPS Black support, that can be found in most expensive competition. Still, the monitor\u2019s SDR image quality is commendable. <\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Brightness comes in at a very respectable 379 nits. While far from record-setting, this level of SDR brightness is higher than is typical of a 27-inch monitor in this price range. It\u2019s very bright out of the box, so much so that I had to turn it down to about 25 percent of its maximum for normal use.<\/p>\n
This, along with the screen\u2019s matte finish, makes the NZXT Canvas 27Q a great option if you need to use a monitor in a brightly lit space. However, Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X <\/a>is even brighter and will appear more brilliant. <\/p>\n\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Contrast comes in at a ratio of 1080:1, which is fine but not exceptional for an IPS monitor. There\u2019s a decent sense of depth and dimensionality when using the monitor in a bright room. <\/p>\n
The IPS panel\u2019s black-level performance is not great and the dreaded \u201cIPS glow,\u201d which creates a hazy gray look in dark scenes, is visible in a dark room. It\u2019s no worse than the competition, however.<\/p>\n
My review monitor had good luminance uniformity. The corners appear slightly brighter than the center if examined closely, but this is only obvious if you go looking for it. I didn\u2019t notice any large, distracting bright spots along the edges of the monitor. <\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q dashes ahead of the pack in color gamut, reaching 97 percent of DCI-P3 and 87 percent of Adobe RGB. These are excellent results that show the Canvas 27Q can display a wider range of colors than most competitors. Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X is superior but also more expensive.<\/p>\n
The result is a vibrant experience. Colors are a bit oversaturated at times, especially when viewing content designed for a more narrow color gamut, but most people won\u2019t find this to be an issue. On the contrary, it looks great straight out of the box. <\/p>\n
Content creators will love the wide color gamut. The added range of colors makes it possible to work with a broader range of color critical content. It\u2019s not as good as monitors that use an IPS panel with Quantum Dots, or an OLED monitor, but it\u2019s solid for the price.<\/p>\n
As mentioned, there\u2019s no dedicated sRGB\u2014or, in fact, any mode that targets a specific color gamut. It\u2019s hard to precisely target a specific color gamut without software-based calibration, which will limit the monitor\u2019s appeal to some users.<\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Color accuracy is also superb, with an average color error beating all comers, including the Gigabyte M27Q X. That\u2019s a great result and, as visible on the graph, it\u2019s at the top of the competitive set. This means colors will look very close to what was intended.<\/p>\n
Color temperature is a bit wonky, however. The \u201cnormal\u201d setting, which is the default, comes in at around 7300K. That\u2019s above the preferred target of 6500K and leads to a somewhat clinical, sterile look. The real problem, however, is that the \u201cwarm\u201d setting is far too <\/em>warm, coming in at 5300K. This leaves you with two unsatisfactory options: \u2018normal,\u201d which looks too stark, and \u201cwarm,\u201d which seems too mellow, even dusty. <\/p>\nThe Canvas 27Q\u2019s 1440p resolution is a good mid-point between 1080p and 4K. It packs a respectable 108 pixels per inch, which is high enough to appear sharp in most situations. And unlike 4K, which requires a high-end graphics card for acceptable performance, 1440p is playable on mid-range options like the Nvidia RTX 3060<\/a> and AMD Radeon RX 6600. <\/p>\nThe Canvas 27Q\u2019s overall performance is not far off the Gigabyte M27Q X which, though superior, carries a much higher MSRP. The Canvas 27Q beats some older alternatives, like the BenQ EX2710Q. It even keeps up with the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, a much more expensive 4K 144Hz gaming monitor. <\/p>\n
In short, the NZXT Canvas 27Q delivers great image quality for the price. Gamers will love its bright, punchy look. Content creators will also enjoy it, but some may find its quirks (like color temperature) annoying.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: HDR image quality<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q supports HDR but lacks any level of VESA DisplayHDR certification. NZXT, to its credit, downplays HDR compatibility. The official Canvas 27Q website mentions HDR10 support but, aside from a single HDR10 logo in the monitor\u2019s promotional trailer, it\u2019s otherwise kept low-key.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s good, because the monitor\u2019s HDR10 support is basic. An HDR signal is detected automatically, flipping the monitor to HDR mode, but the monitor lacks features necessary to make the most of HDR. The monitor doesn\u2019t seem to be brighter in HDR mode than in SDR mode. It also lacks a dynamic backlight. This, combined with the IPS panel\u2019s mediocre contrast, makes for a rather flat experience.
That\u2019s fine. Good HDR performance is not available in monitors sold around the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s price point. The best HDR monitors, like the Alienware AW3423DW<\/a> and Asus ROG Strix PG32UQX, are priced above $1,000.<\/p>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: Motion clarity<\/h2>\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Limited image quality adjustment<\/li>\n
- Speakers not included<\/li>\n
- HDR mode is barebones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Our Verdict<\/h3>\n
The Canvas 27Q is an excellent debut from NZXT into the display market. While its lack of image quality controls may turn off some content creators, the other elements it brings to the table such as an attractive design, great color performance, and exceptional motion clarity will appeal to even the most demanding of gamers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Price When Reviewed<\/h3>\n
$319.99<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tBest Prices Today: NZXT Canvas 27Q\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNZXT<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$319.99<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\nThere\u2019s a new competitor in the packed monitor market: NZXT. The company launched a pair of debut displays, the NZXT Canvas 27Q and Canvas 32Q, in July of 2022. I\u2019m reviewing the smaller of the pair here. NZXT isn\u2019t turning the monitor world on its head with these new options, but the Canvas 27Q is a good choice if you want to game at 1440p.<\/p>\n
\nThis review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best gaming monitors<\/a>. Go there for information on competing products and how we test them.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: The specs<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s specifications are typical of a 1440p gaming monitor. It has an IPS display panel, a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, and supports adaptive sync on both AMD and Nvidia hardware. Video connectivity is a bit better than usual, with USB-C joining a pair of HDMI ports and a lone DisplayPort.<\/p>\n
\n- Display size: 27-inch<\/li>\n
- Native resolution: 2,560\u00d71,440<\/li>\n
- Panel type: IPS<\/li>\n
- Refresh rate: Up to 165Hz<\/li>\n
- HDR: Yes, HDR10<\/li>\n
- Adaptive sync: AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible<\/li>\n
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB Type-A, USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, USB-B (Upstream), 3.5mm audio<\/li>\n
- Stand adjustment: Height, tilt, swivel, pivot<\/li>\n
- VESA mount: Yes, 100x100mm<\/li>\n
- Speakers: No<\/li>\n
- Price: $359.99 MSRP ($319.99 without stand)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Canvas 27Q carries an MSRP of $359.99. That\u2019s not extravagant but towards the upper end of pricing for a 27-inch, 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 165Hz. Is NZXT\u2019s debut 27-inch monitor worth paying a premium?<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: Design<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q is available in one of two colors: white or black. Such a choice is rare in the world of computer monitors. Alienware has offered white and black options in the past. Only a handful of monitors, like Samsung\u2019s Smart M8<\/a>, are sold with multiple options. <\/p>\n\n\nThe NZXT Canvas 27Q is offered in two colors with the stand sold separately.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
NZXT lets shoppers buy the stand in the opposite color of panel, if desired. That means you can combine a white stand with a black monitor, or vice-versa, for stormtrooper vibes. This pairs nicely with NZXT\u2019s H-series PC enclosures<\/a>.<\/p>\nPlastic dominates the monitor\u2019s materials. NZXT has opted for thick panels and a pleasing, glossy texture that looks attractive at a distance. Bezels are thin on three sides, but large on the bottom chin. The monitor\u2019s branding is subtle, as the glossy NZXT logo is borderline invisible until the light hits at just the right angle. <\/p>\n
The stand, which is a $40 add-on option to the panel\u2019s $319.99 MSRP, is more durable than the monitor itself, with full metal construction and an elegant, attractive look. A series of holes drilled along the stand\u2019s spine provide extra flair and are used to attach a cable management hook.<\/p>\n
\n\nA minimalistic design that offers style and functionality.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
It\u2019s functional too, with adjustments for height, tilt, and pivot, plus 90 degrees of rotation for use in portrait orientation. The stand base is small and sits flat, so you can stack things on top of the base. <\/p>\n
NZXT also sells the monitor with a monitor arm that allows an even wider range of adjustment. I didn\u2019t receive an NZXT monitor arm for review, however, so I can\u2019t comment on its quality.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: Features and menus<\/h2>\n
A solid range of connectivity is found on the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s rear panel. It has two HDMI 2.0 inputs and one DisplayPort 1.2 input, plus a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. That\u2019s a total of four video inputs, which is excellent for a monitor in this price bracket.<\/p>\n
The USB-C port doesn\u2019t support Power Delivery, so it won\u2019t charge a connected laptop. Though disappointing, this is to be expected given the Canvas 27Q\u2019s price. The USB-C port can act as an upstream port for the two USB-A ports, however, so the monitor does provide some utility when a USB-C laptop is connected. <\/p>\n
A joystick on the left flank controls the monitor\u2019s menus. It\u2019s a large joystick, which makes it easy to use, and the menu system feels responsive. A handful of shortcuts can be accessed by moving the joystick to the left, right, up, or down.<\/p>\n
Image quality adjustments include the usual array of brightness, contrast, sharpness, and saturation options, plus precise gamma presets and three color temperature options (normal, cool, and warm). Color can be tweaked across red, green, and blue.<\/p>\n
The monitor has a number of preset modes, but they fail to impress. Most wildly alter image quality in ways I didn\u2019t find pleasing. The \u201cProfessional\u201d setting is the biggest miss. I hoped this might be an sRGB mode. Instead, it merely changes color temperature to warm, lowers brightness, and makes some ill-advised tweaks to contrast and sharpness. <\/p>\n
This is a small, but not trivial, issue. NZXT\u2019s marketing suggests the monitor is more versatile than its competition. That\u2019s not the case. It supports a range of image-quality adjustment that, if anything, is slightly less versatile than most mid-range monitors.<\/p>\n
What about audio? Well, there isn\u2019t any \u2013 at least, not in the form of speakers. The 3.5mm audio-out jack is all you get. Some competitors, such as the Gigabyte M27Q X and Acer Nitro XV272, include speakers.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: SDR image quality<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q is a 27-inch, 1440p monitor. It has an IPS panel and lacks the premium panel technology, such as Quantum Dots or IPS Black support, that can be found in most expensive competition. Still, the monitor\u2019s SDR image quality is commendable. <\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Brightness comes in at a very respectable 379 nits. While far from record-setting, this level of SDR brightness is higher than is typical of a 27-inch monitor in this price range. It\u2019s very bright out of the box, so much so that I had to turn it down to about 25 percent of its maximum for normal use.<\/p>\n
This, along with the screen\u2019s matte finish, makes the NZXT Canvas 27Q a great option if you need to use a monitor in a brightly lit space. However, Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X <\/a>is even brighter and will appear more brilliant. <\/p>\n\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Contrast comes in at a ratio of 1080:1, which is fine but not exceptional for an IPS monitor. There\u2019s a decent sense of depth and dimensionality when using the monitor in a bright room. <\/p>\n
The IPS panel\u2019s black-level performance is not great and the dreaded \u201cIPS glow,\u201d which creates a hazy gray look in dark scenes, is visible in a dark room. It\u2019s no worse than the competition, however.<\/p>\n
My review monitor had good luminance uniformity. The corners appear slightly brighter than the center if examined closely, but this is only obvious if you go looking for it. I didn\u2019t notice any large, distracting bright spots along the edges of the monitor. <\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q dashes ahead of the pack in color gamut, reaching 97 percent of DCI-P3 and 87 percent of Adobe RGB. These are excellent results that show the Canvas 27Q can display a wider range of colors than most competitors. Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X is superior but also more expensive.<\/p>\n
The result is a vibrant experience. Colors are a bit oversaturated at times, especially when viewing content designed for a more narrow color gamut, but most people won\u2019t find this to be an issue. On the contrary, it looks great straight out of the box. <\/p>\n
Content creators will love the wide color gamut. The added range of colors makes it possible to work with a broader range of color critical content. It\u2019s not as good as monitors that use an IPS panel with Quantum Dots, or an OLED monitor, but it\u2019s solid for the price.<\/p>\n
As mentioned, there\u2019s no dedicated sRGB\u2014or, in fact, any mode that targets a specific color gamut. It\u2019s hard to precisely target a specific color gamut without software-based calibration, which will limit the monitor\u2019s appeal to some users.<\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Color accuracy is also superb, with an average color error beating all comers, including the Gigabyte M27Q X. That\u2019s a great result and, as visible on the graph, it\u2019s at the top of the competitive set. This means colors will look very close to what was intended.<\/p>\n
Color temperature is a bit wonky, however. The \u201cnormal\u201d setting, which is the default, comes in at around 7300K. That\u2019s above the preferred target of 6500K and leads to a somewhat clinical, sterile look. The real problem, however, is that the \u201cwarm\u201d setting is far too <\/em>warm, coming in at 5300K. This leaves you with two unsatisfactory options: \u2018normal,\u201d which looks too stark, and \u201cwarm,\u201d which seems too mellow, even dusty. <\/p>\nThe Canvas 27Q\u2019s 1440p resolution is a good mid-point between 1080p and 4K. It packs a respectable 108 pixels per inch, which is high enough to appear sharp in most situations. And unlike 4K, which requires a high-end graphics card for acceptable performance, 1440p is playable on mid-range options like the Nvidia RTX 3060<\/a> and AMD Radeon RX 6600. <\/p>\nThe Canvas 27Q\u2019s overall performance is not far off the Gigabyte M27Q X which, though superior, carries a much higher MSRP. The Canvas 27Q beats some older alternatives, like the BenQ EX2710Q. It even keeps up with the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, a much more expensive 4K 144Hz gaming monitor. <\/p>\n
In short, the NZXT Canvas 27Q delivers great image quality for the price. Gamers will love its bright, punchy look. Content creators will also enjoy it, but some may find its quirks (like color temperature) annoying.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: HDR image quality<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q supports HDR but lacks any level of VESA DisplayHDR certification. NZXT, to its credit, downplays HDR compatibility. The official Canvas 27Q website mentions HDR10 support but, aside from a single HDR10 logo in the monitor\u2019s promotional trailer, it\u2019s otherwise kept low-key.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s good, because the monitor\u2019s HDR10 support is basic. An HDR signal is detected automatically, flipping the monitor to HDR mode, but the monitor lacks features necessary to make the most of HDR. The monitor doesn\u2019t seem to be brighter in HDR mode than in SDR mode. It also lacks a dynamic backlight. This, combined with the IPS panel\u2019s mediocre contrast, makes for a rather flat experience.
That\u2019s fine. Good HDR performance is not available in monitors sold around the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s price point. The best HDR monitors, like the Alienware AW3423DW<\/a> and Asus ROG Strix PG32UQX, are priced above $1,000.<\/p>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: Motion clarity<\/h2>\n
Our Verdict<\/h3>\n
The Canvas 27Q is an excellent debut from NZXT into the display market. While its lack of image quality controls may turn off some content creators, the other elements it brings to the table such as an attractive design, great color performance, and exceptional motion clarity will appeal to even the most demanding of gamers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Price When Reviewed<\/h3>\n
$319.99<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tBest Prices Today: NZXT Canvas 27Q\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNZXT<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$319.99<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\nThere\u2019s a new competitor in the packed monitor market: NZXT. The company launched a pair of debut displays, the NZXT Canvas 27Q and Canvas 32Q, in July of 2022. I\u2019m reviewing the smaller of the pair here. NZXT isn\u2019t turning the monitor world on its head with these new options, but the Canvas 27Q is a good choice if you want to game at 1440p.<\/p>\n
\nThis review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best gaming monitors<\/a>. Go there for information on competing products and how we test them.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: The specs<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s specifications are typical of a 1440p gaming monitor. It has an IPS display panel, a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, and supports adaptive sync on both AMD and Nvidia hardware. Video connectivity is a bit better than usual, with USB-C joining a pair of HDMI ports and a lone DisplayPort.<\/p>\n
\n- Display size: 27-inch<\/li>\n
- Native resolution: 2,560\u00d71,440<\/li>\n
- Panel type: IPS<\/li>\n
- Refresh rate: Up to 165Hz<\/li>\n
- HDR: Yes, HDR10<\/li>\n
- Adaptive sync: AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible<\/li>\n
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB Type-A, USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, USB-B (Upstream), 3.5mm audio<\/li>\n
- Stand adjustment: Height, tilt, swivel, pivot<\/li>\n
- VESA mount: Yes, 100x100mm<\/li>\n
- Speakers: No<\/li>\n
- Price: $359.99 MSRP ($319.99 without stand)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Canvas 27Q carries an MSRP of $359.99. That\u2019s not extravagant but towards the upper end of pricing for a 27-inch, 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 165Hz. Is NZXT\u2019s debut 27-inch monitor worth paying a premium?<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: Design<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q is available in one of two colors: white or black. Such a choice is rare in the world of computer monitors. Alienware has offered white and black options in the past. Only a handful of monitors, like Samsung\u2019s Smart M8<\/a>, are sold with multiple options. <\/p>\n\n\nThe NZXT Canvas 27Q is offered in two colors with the stand sold separately.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
NZXT lets shoppers buy the stand in the opposite color of panel, if desired. That means you can combine a white stand with a black monitor, or vice-versa, for stormtrooper vibes. This pairs nicely with NZXT\u2019s H-series PC enclosures<\/a>.<\/p>\nPlastic dominates the monitor\u2019s materials. NZXT has opted for thick panels and a pleasing, glossy texture that looks attractive at a distance. Bezels are thin on three sides, but large on the bottom chin. The monitor\u2019s branding is subtle, as the glossy NZXT logo is borderline invisible until the light hits at just the right angle. <\/p>\n
The stand, which is a $40 add-on option to the panel\u2019s $319.99 MSRP, is more durable than the monitor itself, with full metal construction and an elegant, attractive look. A series of holes drilled along the stand\u2019s spine provide extra flair and are used to attach a cable management hook.<\/p>\n
\n\nA minimalistic design that offers style and functionality.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
It\u2019s functional too, with adjustments for height, tilt, and pivot, plus 90 degrees of rotation for use in portrait orientation. The stand base is small and sits flat, so you can stack things on top of the base. <\/p>\n
NZXT also sells the monitor with a monitor arm that allows an even wider range of adjustment. I didn\u2019t receive an NZXT monitor arm for review, however, so I can\u2019t comment on its quality.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: Features and menus<\/h2>\n
A solid range of connectivity is found on the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s rear panel. It has two HDMI 2.0 inputs and one DisplayPort 1.2 input, plus a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. That\u2019s a total of four video inputs, which is excellent for a monitor in this price bracket.<\/p>\n
The USB-C port doesn\u2019t support Power Delivery, so it won\u2019t charge a connected laptop. Though disappointing, this is to be expected given the Canvas 27Q\u2019s price. The USB-C port can act as an upstream port for the two USB-A ports, however, so the monitor does provide some utility when a USB-C laptop is connected. <\/p>\n
A joystick on the left flank controls the monitor\u2019s menus. It\u2019s a large joystick, which makes it easy to use, and the menu system feels responsive. A handful of shortcuts can be accessed by moving the joystick to the left, right, up, or down.<\/p>\n
Image quality adjustments include the usual array of brightness, contrast, sharpness, and saturation options, plus precise gamma presets and three color temperature options (normal, cool, and warm). Color can be tweaked across red, green, and blue.<\/p>\n
The monitor has a number of preset modes, but they fail to impress. Most wildly alter image quality in ways I didn\u2019t find pleasing. The \u201cProfessional\u201d setting is the biggest miss. I hoped this might be an sRGB mode. Instead, it merely changes color temperature to warm, lowers brightness, and makes some ill-advised tweaks to contrast and sharpness. <\/p>\n
This is a small, but not trivial, issue. NZXT\u2019s marketing suggests the monitor is more versatile than its competition. That\u2019s not the case. It supports a range of image-quality adjustment that, if anything, is slightly less versatile than most mid-range monitors.<\/p>\n
What about audio? Well, there isn\u2019t any \u2013 at least, not in the form of speakers. The 3.5mm audio-out jack is all you get. Some competitors, such as the Gigabyte M27Q X and Acer Nitro XV272, include speakers.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: SDR image quality<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q is a 27-inch, 1440p monitor. It has an IPS panel and lacks the premium panel technology, such as Quantum Dots or IPS Black support, that can be found in most expensive competition. Still, the monitor\u2019s SDR image quality is commendable. <\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Brightness comes in at a very respectable 379 nits. While far from record-setting, this level of SDR brightness is higher than is typical of a 27-inch monitor in this price range. It\u2019s very bright out of the box, so much so that I had to turn it down to about 25 percent of its maximum for normal use.<\/p>\n
This, along with the screen\u2019s matte finish, makes the NZXT Canvas 27Q a great option if you need to use a monitor in a brightly lit space. However, Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X <\/a>is even brighter and will appear more brilliant. <\/p>\n\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Contrast comes in at a ratio of 1080:1, which is fine but not exceptional for an IPS monitor. There\u2019s a decent sense of depth and dimensionality when using the monitor in a bright room. <\/p>\n
The IPS panel\u2019s black-level performance is not great and the dreaded \u201cIPS glow,\u201d which creates a hazy gray look in dark scenes, is visible in a dark room. It\u2019s no worse than the competition, however.<\/p>\n
My review monitor had good luminance uniformity. The corners appear slightly brighter than the center if examined closely, but this is only obvious if you go looking for it. I didn\u2019t notice any large, distracting bright spots along the edges of the monitor. <\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q dashes ahead of the pack in color gamut, reaching 97 percent of DCI-P3 and 87 percent of Adobe RGB. These are excellent results that show the Canvas 27Q can display a wider range of colors than most competitors. Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X is superior but also more expensive.<\/p>\n
The result is a vibrant experience. Colors are a bit oversaturated at times, especially when viewing content designed for a more narrow color gamut, but most people won\u2019t find this to be an issue. On the contrary, it looks great straight out of the box. <\/p>\n
Content creators will love the wide color gamut. The added range of colors makes it possible to work with a broader range of color critical content. It\u2019s not as good as monitors that use an IPS panel with Quantum Dots, or an OLED monitor, but it\u2019s solid for the price.<\/p>\n
As mentioned, there\u2019s no dedicated sRGB\u2014or, in fact, any mode that targets a specific color gamut. It\u2019s hard to precisely target a specific color gamut without software-based calibration, which will limit the monitor\u2019s appeal to some users.<\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\nMatt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Color accuracy is also superb, with an average color error beating all comers, including the Gigabyte M27Q X. That\u2019s a great result and, as visible on the graph, it\u2019s at the top of the competitive set. This means colors will look very close to what was intended.<\/p>\n
Color temperature is a bit wonky, however. The \u201cnormal\u201d setting, which is the default, comes in at around 7300K. That\u2019s above the preferred target of 6500K and leads to a somewhat clinical, sterile look. The real problem, however, is that the \u201cwarm\u201d setting is far too <\/em>warm, coming in at 5300K. This leaves you with two unsatisfactory options: \u2018normal,\u201d which looks too stark, and \u201cwarm,\u201d which seems too mellow, even dusty. <\/p>\nThe Canvas 27Q\u2019s 1440p resolution is a good mid-point between 1080p and 4K. It packs a respectable 108 pixels per inch, which is high enough to appear sharp in most situations. And unlike 4K, which requires a high-end graphics card for acceptable performance, 1440p is playable on mid-range options like the Nvidia RTX 3060<\/a> and AMD Radeon RX 6600. <\/p>\nThe Canvas 27Q\u2019s overall performance is not far off the Gigabyte M27Q X which, though superior, carries a much higher MSRP. The Canvas 27Q beats some older alternatives, like the BenQ EX2710Q. It even keeps up with the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, a much more expensive 4K 144Hz gaming monitor. <\/p>\n
In short, the NZXT Canvas 27Q delivers great image quality for the price. Gamers will love its bright, punchy look. Content creators will also enjoy it, but some may find its quirks (like color temperature) annoying.<\/p>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: HDR image quality<\/h2>\n
The NZXT Canvas 27Q supports HDR but lacks any level of VESA DisplayHDR certification. NZXT, to its credit, downplays HDR compatibility. The official Canvas 27Q website mentions HDR10 support but, aside from a single HDR10 logo in the monitor\u2019s promotional trailer, it\u2019s otherwise kept low-key.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s good, because the monitor\u2019s HDR10 support is basic. An HDR signal is detected automatically, flipping the monitor to HDR mode, but the monitor lacks features necessary to make the most of HDR. The monitor doesn\u2019t seem to be brighter in HDR mode than in SDR mode. It also lacks a dynamic backlight. This, combined with the IPS panel\u2019s mediocre contrast, makes for a rather flat experience.
That\u2019s fine. Good HDR performance is not available in monitors sold around the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s price point. The best HDR monitors, like the Alienware AW3423DW<\/a> and Asus ROG Strix PG32UQX, are priced above $1,000.<\/p>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: Motion clarity<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNZXT<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$319.99<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n There\u2019s a new competitor in the packed monitor market: NZXT. The company launched a pair of debut displays, the NZXT Canvas 27Q and Canvas 32Q, in July of 2022. I\u2019m reviewing the smaller of the pair here. NZXT isn\u2019t turning the monitor world on its head with these new options, but the Canvas 27Q is a good choice if you want to game at 1440p.<\/p>\n This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best gaming monitors<\/a>. Go there for information on competing products and how we test them.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s specifications are typical of a 1440p gaming monitor. It has an IPS display panel, a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, and supports adaptive sync on both AMD and Nvidia hardware. Video connectivity is a bit better than usual, with USB-C joining a pair of HDMI ports and a lone DisplayPort.<\/p>\n The Canvas 27Q carries an MSRP of $359.99. That\u2019s not extravagant but towards the upper end of pricing for a 27-inch, 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 165Hz. Is NZXT\u2019s debut 27-inch monitor worth paying a premium?<\/p>\n The NZXT Canvas 27Q is available in one of two colors: white or black. Such a choice is rare in the world of computer monitors. Alienware has offered white and black options in the past. Only a handful of monitors, like Samsung\u2019s Smart M8<\/a>, are sold with multiple options. <\/p>\n The NZXT Canvas 27Q is offered in two colors with the stand sold separately.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n NZXT lets shoppers buy the stand in the opposite color of panel, if desired. That means you can combine a white stand with a black monitor, or vice-versa, for stormtrooper vibes. This pairs nicely with NZXT\u2019s H-series PC enclosures<\/a>.<\/p>\n Plastic dominates the monitor\u2019s materials. NZXT has opted for thick panels and a pleasing, glossy texture that looks attractive at a distance. Bezels are thin on three sides, but large on the bottom chin. The monitor\u2019s branding is subtle, as the glossy NZXT logo is borderline invisible until the light hits at just the right angle. <\/p>\n The stand, which is a $40 add-on option to the panel\u2019s $319.99 MSRP, is more durable than the monitor itself, with full metal construction and an elegant, attractive look. A series of holes drilled along the stand\u2019s spine provide extra flair and are used to attach a cable management hook.<\/p>\n A minimalistic design that offers style and functionality.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s functional too, with adjustments for height, tilt, and pivot, plus 90 degrees of rotation for use in portrait orientation. The stand base is small and sits flat, so you can stack things on top of the base. <\/p>\n NZXT also sells the monitor with a monitor arm that allows an even wider range of adjustment. I didn\u2019t receive an NZXT monitor arm for review, however, so I can\u2019t comment on its quality.<\/p>\n A solid range of connectivity is found on the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s rear panel. It has two HDMI 2.0 inputs and one DisplayPort 1.2 input, plus a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. That\u2019s a total of four video inputs, which is excellent for a monitor in this price bracket.<\/p>\n The USB-C port doesn\u2019t support Power Delivery, so it won\u2019t charge a connected laptop. Though disappointing, this is to be expected given the Canvas 27Q\u2019s price. The USB-C port can act as an upstream port for the two USB-A ports, however, so the monitor does provide some utility when a USB-C laptop is connected. <\/p>\n A joystick on the left flank controls the monitor\u2019s menus. It\u2019s a large joystick, which makes it easy to use, and the menu system feels responsive. A handful of shortcuts can be accessed by moving the joystick to the left, right, up, or down.<\/p>\n Image quality adjustments include the usual array of brightness, contrast, sharpness, and saturation options, plus precise gamma presets and three color temperature options (normal, cool, and warm). Color can be tweaked across red, green, and blue.<\/p>\n The monitor has a number of preset modes, but they fail to impress. Most wildly alter image quality in ways I didn\u2019t find pleasing. The \u201cProfessional\u201d setting is the biggest miss. I hoped this might be an sRGB mode. Instead, it merely changes color temperature to warm, lowers brightness, and makes some ill-advised tweaks to contrast and sharpness. <\/p>\n This is a small, but not trivial, issue. NZXT\u2019s marketing suggests the monitor is more versatile than its competition. That\u2019s not the case. It supports a range of image-quality adjustment that, if anything, is slightly less versatile than most mid-range monitors.<\/p>\n What about audio? Well, there isn\u2019t any \u2013 at least, not in the form of speakers. The 3.5mm audio-out jack is all you get. Some competitors, such as the Gigabyte M27Q X and Acer Nitro XV272, include speakers.<\/p>\n The NZXT Canvas 27Q is a 27-inch, 1440p monitor. It has an IPS panel and lacks the premium panel technology, such as Quantum Dots or IPS Black support, that can be found in most expensive competition. Still, the monitor\u2019s SDR image quality is commendable. <\/p>\n Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Brightness comes in at a very respectable 379 nits. While far from record-setting, this level of SDR brightness is higher than is typical of a 27-inch monitor in this price range. It\u2019s very bright out of the box, so much so that I had to turn it down to about 25 percent of its maximum for normal use.<\/p>\n This, along with the screen\u2019s matte finish, makes the NZXT Canvas 27Q a great option if you need to use a monitor in a brightly lit space. However, Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X <\/a>is even brighter and will appear more brilliant. <\/p>\n Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Contrast comes in at a ratio of 1080:1, which is fine but not exceptional for an IPS monitor. There\u2019s a decent sense of depth and dimensionality when using the monitor in a bright room. <\/p>\n The IPS panel\u2019s black-level performance is not great and the dreaded \u201cIPS glow,\u201d which creates a hazy gray look in dark scenes, is visible in a dark room. It\u2019s no worse than the competition, however.<\/p>\n My review monitor had good luminance uniformity. The corners appear slightly brighter than the center if examined closely, but this is only obvious if you go looking for it. I didn\u2019t notice any large, distracting bright spots along the edges of the monitor. <\/p>\n Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The NZXT Canvas 27Q dashes ahead of the pack in color gamut, reaching 97 percent of DCI-P3 and 87 percent of Adobe RGB. These are excellent results that show the Canvas 27Q can display a wider range of colors than most competitors. Gigabyte\u2019s M27Q X is superior but also more expensive.<\/p>\n The result is a vibrant experience. Colors are a bit oversaturated at times, especially when viewing content designed for a more narrow color gamut, but most people won\u2019t find this to be an issue. On the contrary, it looks great straight out of the box. <\/p>\n Content creators will love the wide color gamut. The added range of colors makes it possible to work with a broader range of color critical content. It\u2019s not as good as monitors that use an IPS panel with Quantum Dots, or an OLED monitor, but it\u2019s solid for the price.<\/p>\n As mentioned, there\u2019s no dedicated sRGB\u2014or, in fact, any mode that targets a specific color gamut. It\u2019s hard to precisely target a specific color gamut without software-based calibration, which will limit the monitor\u2019s appeal to some users.<\/p>\n Matt Smith<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Color accuracy is also superb, with an average color error beating all comers, including the Gigabyte M27Q X. That\u2019s a great result and, as visible on the graph, it\u2019s at the top of the competitive set. This means colors will look very close to what was intended.<\/p>\n Color temperature is a bit wonky, however. The \u201cnormal\u201d setting, which is the default, comes in at around 7300K. That\u2019s above the preferred target of 6500K and leads to a somewhat clinical, sterile look. The real problem, however, is that the \u201cwarm\u201d setting is far too <\/em>warm, coming in at 5300K. This leaves you with two unsatisfactory options: \u2018normal,\u201d which looks too stark, and \u201cwarm,\u201d which seems too mellow, even dusty. <\/p>\n The Canvas 27Q\u2019s 1440p resolution is a good mid-point between 1080p and 4K. It packs a respectable 108 pixels per inch, which is high enough to appear sharp in most situations. And unlike 4K, which requires a high-end graphics card for acceptable performance, 1440p is playable on mid-range options like the Nvidia RTX 3060<\/a> and AMD Radeon RX 6600. <\/p>\n The Canvas 27Q\u2019s overall performance is not far off the Gigabyte M27Q X which, though superior, carries a much higher MSRP. The Canvas 27Q beats some older alternatives, like the BenQ EX2710Q. It even keeps up with the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, a much more expensive 4K 144Hz gaming monitor. <\/p>\n In short, the NZXT Canvas 27Q delivers great image quality for the price. Gamers will love its bright, punchy look. Content creators will also enjoy it, but some may find its quirks (like color temperature) annoying.<\/p>\n The NZXT Canvas 27Q supports HDR but lacks any level of VESA DisplayHDR certification. NZXT, to its credit, downplays HDR compatibility. The official Canvas 27Q website mentions HDR10 support but, aside from a single HDR10 logo in the monitor\u2019s promotional trailer, it\u2019s otherwise kept low-key.<\/p>\n That\u2019s good, because the monitor\u2019s HDR10 support is basic. An HDR signal is detected automatically, flipping the monitor to HDR mode, but the monitor lacks features necessary to make the most of HDR. The monitor doesn\u2019t seem to be brighter in HDR mode than in SDR mode. It also lacks a dynamic backlight. This, combined with the IPS panel\u2019s mediocre contrast, makes for a rather flat experience.\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: The specs<\/h2>\n
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NZXT Canvas 27Q: Design<\/h2>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: Features and menus<\/h2>\n
NZXT Canvas 27Q: SDR image quality<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: HDR image quality<\/h2>\n
That\u2019s fine. Good HDR performance is not available in monitors sold around the NZXT Canvas 27Q\u2019s price point. The best HDR monitors, like the Alienware AW3423DW<\/a> and Asus ROG Strix PG32UQX, are priced above $1,000.<\/p>\nNZXT Canvas 27Q: Motion clarity<\/h2>\n