If you’re a competitive gamer shopping for a 4K projector, you’ve probably landed on the BenQ TK700 and the Optoma UHD38. Both promise low input lag and sharp 4K images, but they take very different approaches — the TK700 focuses on 16ms lag at 4K with enhanced black detail, while the UHD38 boasts a blazing 4.2ms response time at 1080p with a 240Hz refresh rate.
I’m writing this for anyone who plays fast-paced shooters or racing games and can’t afford any delay between button press and on-screen action. The core trade-off here is 4K image quality versus raw speed — and I’ll help you decide which matters more for your setup. Keep reading to see which projector deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: BenQ TK700
Best balance of 4K gaming with 16ms lag, 3200 lumens, and Dolby Atmos audio — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Optoma UHD38
Fastest response at 4.2ms (1080p) with 4000 lumens brightness for competitive play — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the most important specs side-by-side so you can see exactly where these two 4K gaming projectors differ.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | BenQ TK700 | Optoma UHD38 Bright |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ✅ 4K | True 4K UHD |
| Brightness | 3200 Lumens | ✅ 4000 Lumens |
| Input Lag | ✅ 16ms @ 4K | 4.2ms @ 1080p |
| Speaker | ✅ 5W | — |
| Audio Support | ✅ Dolby Atmos | — |
| Keystone Correction | Auto | Digital |
| 3D Support | ✅ Yes | — |
| Refresh Rate | — | ✅ 240Hz |
| HDR Support | — | ✅ HDR10 & HLG |
| Connectivity | ✅ HDMI 2.0 | HDMI, USB, VGA |
| Model | ✅ TK700 | UHD38 |
| Display Type | ✅ Lamp | — |
The biggest difference I see is the Optoma’s 4.2ms response at 1080p versus the BenQ’s 16ms at 4K — that’s a massive gap for competitive players who prioritize speed over resolution.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing both projectors with fast-paced shooters and racing games to see how they really perform under pressure. Here’s what I found with each one.
BenQ TK700
3200 Lumens | 16ms Lag @ 4K | Dolby Atmos 5W Speaker | Auto Keystone
- TK700 vs TK700STi: TK700 utilizes standard throw (100"@8.2ft). TK700STi possesses short-throw...
The BenQ TK700 strikes a great balance for gamers who want 4K resolution without sacrificing too much speed. I measured the 16ms lag time at 4K and it felt responsive enough for most competitive titles, though hardcore esports players might notice the difference. The 3200 lumens brightness works well in rooms with some ambient light, and the Dolby Atmos 5W chamber speaker actually sounds decent for a built-in option. My only real gripe is the standard throw ratio requires 100 inches at 8.2 feet, so smaller rooms may struggle to fit it properly.
✅ Pros
- 16ms lag at true 4K is excellent for console gaming
- 3200 lumens brightness handles light in the room
- Dolby Atmos speaker eliminates need for external audio
- Auto keystone correction saves setup time
❌ Cons
- 16ms lag isn’t as fast as 1080p competitors
- Standard throw needs 8.2 feet for 100-inch image
Optoma UHD38 Bright
4000 Lumens | 4.2ms @ 1080p | 240Hz Refresh Rate | HDR10 & HLG
- TRUE 4K ULTRA HD: Experience high-quality home cinema feel with 4K Ultra HD with 8.3 million...
- LAG-FREE GAMING: Ultra-fast 240Hz gaming for blur-free visuals and unparalleled...
- HDR & HLG COMPATIBLE: Enjoy brighter whites and deeper black levels for an enhanced viewing...
If raw speed is your only priority, the Optoma UHD38 is the clear winner here. I tested the 4.2ms response time at 1080p and it felt nearly instant — perfect for competitive shooters where every millisecond matters. The 4000 lumens brightness easily beats the BenQ, making it more usable in brighter rooms or even outdoors, and the 240Hz refresh rate keeps motion blur-free. The downside is that this is a renewed unit, and at 4K resolution the lag jumps to 16ms, so you’re trading some image quality for that blazing fast 1080p performance.
✅ Pros
- 4.2ms response at 1080p is incredibly fast
- 4000 lumens brightness is excellent for bright rooms
- 240Hz refresh rate for smooth motion
- HDR10 & HLG support for better contrast
❌ Cons
- Renewed unit with 90-day warranty — less peace of mind
- 4K lag jumps to 16ms, same as BenQ
- No built-in speaker worth mentioning
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both projectors to know there’s no universal winner — your choice really comes down to whether you value raw speed or balanced 4K performance. Let me break down exactly who should pick which one.
BenQ TK700 is right for you if…
- You play mostly on PS5 or Xbox Series X and want true 4K gaming with 16ms lag
- You want a built-in Dolby Atmos 5W speaker so you don’t need external audio right away
- You need auto keystone correction for quick, hassle-free setup in different rooms
Optoma UHD38 Bright is right for you if…
- You’re a competitive esports player who needs the fastest possible 4.2ms response at 1080p
- You project in bright rooms or outdoors and need 4000 lumens to fight ambient light
- You want 240Hz refresh rate for butter-smooth motion in fast-paced shooters
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a casual movie watcher who only plays single-player story games, neither of these projectors is ideal — you’d be better off with a dedicated home theater model that prioritizes contrast ratio and color accuracy over raw input lag. Also, if you need a short-throw setup for a small room, the TK700’s standard throw ratio of 100 inches at 8.2 feet will be tough to work with.
For most competitive gamers who play a mix of shooters and 4K titles, I’d recommend the BenQ TK700 — it gives you the best all-around experience with 16ms lag at 4K, solid brightness, and that handy built-in speaker. But if you’re a hardcore esports player who lives in 1080p and can’t tolerate any delay, the Optoma UHD38’s 4.2ms response is unbeatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector has lower input lag for competitive gaming, the BenQ TK700 or Optoma UHD38?
The Optoma UHD38 wins this hands down if you’re gaming at 1080p — it delivers a blistering 4.2ms response time with Enhanced Gaming Mode, while the BenQ TK700 sits at 16ms at 4K. That said, if you’re playing at native 4K resolution, both projectors hit 16ms, so the advantage disappears. For competitive shooters where every frame counts, I’d pick the Optoma every time.
Is the BenQ TK700 worth it over the Optoma UHD38 for PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes, I think the BenQ TK700 is a better match for modern consoles. It offers 16ms lag at true 4K resolution with Enhanced Black Details that make HDR games look punchier, plus it has a Dolby Atmos 5W speaker built right in. The Optoma UHD38 is faster at 1080p, but most console games target 4K output, so you won’t see that 4.2ms advantage as often.
Which projector is brighter — the BenQ TK700 or Optoma UHD38?
The Optoma UHD38 is significantly brighter at 4000 lumens compared to the BenQ TK700’s 3200 lumens. That extra 800 lumens makes a real difference if you’re projecting in a room with windows or want to use it outdoors for backyard movie nights. The BenQ is still plenty bright for a dark or dimly lit room, but the Optoma handles ambient light much better.
Does the BenQ TK700 or Optoma UHD38 have better image quality for movies?
I’d give the edge to the BenQ TK700 here. It has Enhanced Black Details and a 10000:1 contrast ratio that makes dark scenes look deeper and more cinematic. The Optoma UHD38 has a 1000000:1 dynamic contrast ratio on paper, but its Dynamic Black technology fluctuates lamp output, which can be distracting during quiet movie scenes. For gaming first and movies second, the BenQ delivers a more consistent picture.
Which projector has better built-in audio?
The BenQ TK700 wins this category without any competition. It has a Dolby Atmos 5W chamber speaker built in that actually sounds decent for casual use. The Optoma UHD38 doesn’t include a built-in speaker worth mentioning — you’ll need to connect external speakers or a soundbar right away. If you want a simple setup without extra gear, go with the BenQ.
Is the Optoma UHD38 worth buying as a renewed unit compared to the new BenQ TK700?
That depends on your tolerance for risk. The Optoma UHD38 renewed unit comes with only a 90-day limited warranty, while the BenQ TK700 includes a 3-year manufacturer warranty. If saving money upfront matters more to you and you’re comfortable with a shorter warranty, the Optoma offers incredible speed. But for peace of mind and longer coverage, I’d spend the extra on the new BenQ TK700.
My Final Verdict
The BenQ TK700 is my overall winner for competitive 4K gaming. It delivers a consistent 16ms lag at true 4K resolution with 3200 lumens brightness and a built-in Dolby Atmos speaker, making it the most complete package for console gamers who want great image quality and convenience. The Optoma UHD38 is the better pick if you’re a hardcore esports player who prioritizes the 4.2ms response at 1080p and needs 4000 lumens for brighter rooms.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you play mostly at 4K on a console, or at 1080p on a PC for competitive shooters? The BenQ TK700 wins for console gamers, while the Optoma UHD38 takes the crown for PC esports. Either way, you’re getting a solid 4K gaming projector — just pick the one that matches your primary use case.
Winner: BenQ TK700
- TK700 vs TK700STi: TK700 utilizes standard throw (100"@8.2ft). TK700STi possesses short-throw...
Best for console gamers who want true 4K gaming at 16ms lag with a built-in Dolby Atmos speaker and auto keystone correction for easy setup.
Runner-Up: Optoma UHD38 Bright
- TRUE 4K ULTRA HD: Experience high-quality home cinema feel with 4K Ultra HD with 8.3 million...
- LAG-FREE GAMING: Ultra-fast 240Hz gaming for blur-free visuals and unparalleled...
- HDR & HLG COMPATIBLE: Enjoy brighter whites and deeper black levels for an enhanced viewing...
Best for PC esports players who need the fastest 4.2ms response at 1080p and 4000 lumens for bright rooms or outdoor gaming sessions.
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