HP OMEN 27q Gaming Monitor Review Stunning QHD Display with 165Hz Refresh Rate

Description

Eye-Catching Design and Build Quality
The HP OMEN 27q QHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor has an undeniably sleek and modern design that feels right at home on any desk setup. Its matte black finish combined with a subtle, minimalist aesthetic makes it a perfect addition to both gaming and work environments. I found the adjustable stand to be incredibly convenient; its tilt, pivot, and 100mm height adjustments allowed me to customize the monitor’s position for maximum comfort during long gaming sessions. The inclusion of easy cable management features was a small but thoughtful touch that kept my desk clutter-free and organized. It’s also worth noting that 85% of the plastics used are made from post-consumer recycled materials—a commendable step towards sustainability.

Immersive Visual Performance
The 27-inch QHD display (2560 x 1440) truly stands out with its crisp and vibrant visuals. I immediately noticed how the 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut brought games and media to life, delivering colors that were incredibly rich and lifelike. Whether I was exploring vibrant fantasy worlds or watching high-definition content, the level of detail was remarkable. The peak brightness of 400 nits was another highlight, especially when playing games with darker environments—it provided deeper blacks and brighter whites, which added depth to every scene. The 165Hz refresh rate combined with a 1ms GtG response time eliminated motion blur entirely, making fast-paced action games feel incredibly fluid. The experience felt seamless and distraction-free, even during the most chaotic in-game moments.

Customization and Gaming Features
One of the standout aspects of this monitor is its integration with the OMEN Gaming Hub, which allowed me to tweak nearly every setting to my liking. From adjusting refresh rates to customizing the color profiles, the level of control offered was impressive. I appreciated how this feature made it easy to optimize the monitor for different games and tasks, ensuring the best possible performance. Another notable addition was the VESA Certified AdaptiveSync, which guaranteed smoother gameplay by syncing the monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate of my GPU. This feature worked flawlessly, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering entirely.

Good Points

• Exceptional QHD resolution for sharp and detailed visuals.
• 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensure smooth and responsive gameplay.
• Wide color gamut (99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3) provides vibrant and accurate colors.
• OMEN Gaming Hub offers extensive customization options.
• Adjustable stand and cable management enhance the user experience.

Areas of Concern
The monitor, while exceptional in many ways, does have a few shortcomings worth mentioning:

• The on-screen display (OSD) menu could be more intuitive. Navigating through settings took some trial and error before I got the hang of it.
• HDR performance is somewhat limited, especially when compared to other gaming monitors in the same price range.
• The plastic build, while eco-friendly, doesn’t feel as premium as some competitors with metal finishes.

Market Rivals
When compared to other popular monitors, like the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ or the LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B, the HP OMEN 27q holds its own in several areas. The color accuracy and brightness are on par with the ASUS model, but the OMEN’s adjustable stand offers more versatility. The LG UltraGear monitor, on the other hand, provides slightly better HDR performance but falls short in terms of refresh rate, as it maxes out at 144Hz. Where the OMEN excels is its 165Hz refresh rate, which gives it an edge for competitive gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Additionally, the inclusion of the OMEN Gaming Hub provides customization features that many rivals simply don’t match.

Price to Quality Ratio
From my perspective, this monitor offers excellent value for the price. Its combination of QHD resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and vivid color performance makes it a strong contender in the gaming monitor market. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the features it packs justify the investment. You’re getting a monitor that not only performs well for gaming but also excels in everyday productivity tasks. To me, it feels like a balanced choice for gamers and professionals alike who want a reliable, feature-rich display without completely breaking the bank.

Additional information