BenQ RL2755HM review – console gaming monitor

After living with the XL2730Z, BenQ have kindly let me borrow their RL2755HM monitor for review. The RL2755HM has been designed with console gamers in mind so let’s have a looksee.

The XL series is obviously aimed at the enthusiast or Pro gamers but the more casual or recreational gamer might not be prepared to fork out for all the lovely things they see as being additional, rather than essential.

This is where BenQ’s RL series steps in as it is intended for use with game consoles specifically — so it is challenging your TV rather than pro gaming screens. It also has console-specific features as well as having a focus on speed and response time which are a gamer’s must have.

BenQ RL2755HM design

The BenQ RL27545HM is not an eye catching monitor in so much that it is covered in matte black which is only broken up by the red RL series badge and, if you go snooping around the rear, there’s a red cable holder and little red oblong which flips down to create a headphone hanger.

This not to say that it is unattractive, it’s just not going to wow you on first passing it.

The screen is also matte and does a good job of stopping glare, which is great news for gamers, especially if this monitor is going to sit in the main room of the home.

The headphone hanger is not the only neat design point. The shape of RL2755HM’s base has been made specifically so that it is perfect for resting your controller on when not in use. It even has a rubbery strip that runs across its top edge to stop your controllers sliding off it.

OK, this feature may not be on you long or shortlist of requirements but I like it.

Remember all those positioning options you get on the XL2730Z? Well, on the RL2755HM you get vertical tilt and… well, that’s it. So it’s either lower my chair (I have reasonably long legs as I am 6’2″) or stand the monitor on my TC Electronics Impact Twin as I do with my Philips screen.

Connectivity-wise the BenQ RL2755HM has pretty much what you need with two HDMI, one DVI and one VGA port. BenQ hasn’t included any USB ports as spotted on the other one I had on loan but then, this makes total sense given that this monitor is designed for use with a console. At least, with a pair of HDMIs you have the option to have your PC and a console hooked up at all times.

For audio, there’s a 3.5 mm jack socket but you also get audio through the HDMI connection. I would, however, suggest using headphones or some external speakers rather than relying on the monitor’s 2 x 2 watt in-built sound slingers. There is very little bass from these and, if you do more than check out a few YouTube videos, I think you’ll miss out on too much especially when gaming or watching movies.

BenQ RL2755HM set up

After playing with the OSD (on screen display) menu on the previous BenQ, I had an idea what was in store but was also prepared to see a pared down version.

Surprisingly, the comprehensive menu has all the configuration options as provided on the XL-series gaming monitors: brightness, contrast, gamma, colour temperature and sharpness. There are also various dedicated picture profiles, including FPS and fighting game modes.

This is great for those of you who like to squeeze the best out of your gaming rig and what it bespoke to your own preferences.

BenQ RL2755HM performance

The BenQ RL2755HM is a 1080p TN-paneled monitor and possesses excellent backlighting which has a positive knock-on effect of it being able to produce some impressive contrast and sharp colours.

Gaming and watching films is truly enjoyable and the evenness of colours and brightness across the screen is remarkable. I am assuming the reason for the RL2755HM being 1080p (1920 x 1080) rather than, let’s say, 2560 x 1440 is because it has been built to be affordable. The same reason why the positioning options are limited.

This is still very much a gamer’s monitor though and the 1ms grey to grey (GTG) response time is excellent.

The Black eQualizer is present on the RL2755HM, the setting which lightens dark areas so that you can spot enemies hiding in the shadows quicker. This monitor also has a Fighting Mode.

The Fighting Mode was co-designed with Justin ‘JWong’ Wong of Evil Geniuses. Through this feature, gamers can access specific colour calibration settings that help them highlight the characters in combat, giving them the boost they need to improve their gameplay.

Thanks to the monitor’s flicker free picture and low blue light tech gaming sessions can continue for hours without feeling fatigued. Obviously, regular breaks will help you in avoiding breaking your eyes 😉

BenQ RL2755HM review conclusion

It might not have all the bells and whistles that the XL2730Z has but it is also a darned sight cheaper. Whilst it might be positioned in the ‘affordable’ bracket BenQ have managed to pack the RL2755HM with everything a console player, or PC gamer for that matter, needs.

The 1ms GTG respsonse time is pretty much a gamer prerequisite and the variety of colour settings and gaming modes available through the OSD menu should get you your particular preferences.

The build quality is typically good and the thin bezels and no-nonsense styling of the RL2755HM means that you’ll be concentrating on what’s on the screen.

Add to that the neat touches of the controller stand and headphone hanger I really don’t think you can go wrong with this monitor, especially for the price.

BenQ RL2755HM price and availability

You can grab a BenQ RL2755HM right now for under £200 at Amazon.co.uk or via the BenQ online store.