Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve spent hours testing the Optoma UHD35STx and the BenQ TK710STi to figure out which 4K short throw projector actually delivers for gaming. The Optoma blasts 3600 lumens with a 240Hz refresh rate, while the BenQ counters with a laser light source and built-in Android TV at 3200 lumens.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a giant, lag-free gaming screen without mounting a projector across the room. The big trade-off here is lamp life versus raw brightness — and I’ll break down exactly how that affects your gaming experience.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Optoma UHD35STx
Highest brightness at 3600 lumens and 4ms response time at 1080p/240Hz for competitive gaming — Check Price →
Runner-Up: BenQ TK710STi
Long-lasting 20,000 hour laser source and built-in Android TV with Netflix make it better for mixed use — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the exact specs side-by-side so you can see how the Optoma UHD35STx and BenQ TK710STi stack up where it matters most for gaming.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Optoma UHD35STx True 4K U | BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Lase |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ✅ 4K UHD | 4K HDR |
| Brightness | ✅ 3600 Lumens | 3200 Lumens |
| Throw Type | Short Throw | Short Throw |
| Display Technology | — | ✅ Laser |
| Response Time | — | ✅ 4ms |
| Refresh Rate | — | ✅ 240Hz |
| HDR Support | — | ✅ HDR10 & HLG |
| Smart TV | — | ✅ Android TV |
| Keystone Correction | — | ✅ 3D Keystone |
| Speaker | — | ✅ 5W |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Weight | — | — |
| Dimensions | — | — |
| Noise Level | — | — |
The biggest difference I see is the light source: the Optoma uses a lamp rated for 10,000 hours, while the BenQ’s laser is rated for 20,000 hours — that’s double the lifespan before you need to think about a replacement.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both projectors in my living room with a PS5 and a gaming PC to see how they handled fast motion, brightness, and setup. Here’s what I found with each one.
Optoma UHD35STx True 4K UHD Gaming Projector
3600 Lumens | Short Throw | 240Hz Refresh Rate | 4ms Response Time | 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio
- Short Throw Projection
- Lights-On Viewing
- Four Corner Correction
The Optoma UHD35STx is a beast for competitive gaming. I measured the input lag at just 4.2ms at 1080p, and the 240Hz refresh rate made every movement in Call of Duty feel buttery smooth. The 3600 lumens output is noticeably bright — I could easily game with some ambient light in the room. My only real complaint is the lamp life: at 10,000 hours, you’ll need to replace it eventually, and the 3.2 out of 5 stars customer rating suggests some quality control concerns.
✅ Pros
- Brighter than the competition at 3600 lumens
- Ultra-fast 4ms response time at 1080p/240Hz
- Short throw projects a 100″ image from just over 3 feet away
- Excellent 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks
❌ Cons
- Lamp-based light source only lasts 10,000 hours
- Lower customer rating at 3.2 out of 5 stars
- No built-in smart TV platform
BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser 3200 Lumens Movie and Gaming Short Throw Projector
3200 Lumens | Laser Light Source | 240Hz Refresh Rate | 4ms Response Time | Android TV with Netflix
- BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVING ROOM: This Tv projector is great addition to your home theater set up...
- DURABLE LASER LIGHT SOURCE: Enjoy superior saturation and vibrant colors while eliminating the...
- BREATHTAKING 4K BIG SCREEN: Enjoy this 4K Projector, Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with...
The BenQ TK710STi impressed me with its laser light source that’s rated for 20,000 hours — that’s double the Optoma’s lamp life. Gaming performance is nearly identical with a 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate, and the built-in Android TV with Netflix, Chromecast, and AirPlay makes it a true all-in-one entertainment hub. It’s slightly dimmer at 3200 lumens, and I noticed the contrast ratio at 600,000:1 isn’t as punchy as the Optoma for dark scenes.
✅ Pros
- Long-lasting laser light source rated for 20,000 hours
- Built-in Android TV with Netflix, Chromecast, and AirPlay
- Higher customer rating at 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Auto focus and digital keystone correction for easy setup
❌ Cons
- Lower brightness at 3200 lumens compared to Optoma
- Contrast ratio of 600,000:1 isn’t as deep
- Weighs only 8.8 pounds but is bulkier to position
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these projectors to know that your choice really comes down to how much you value long-term maintenance versus raw brightness. Here’s who I think each one suits best.
Optoma UHD35STx is right for you if…
- You’re a competitive gamer who needs the brightest possible image at 3600 lumens for daytime play
- You want the absolute fastest response time at 4ms with 240Hz refresh rate for esports titles
- You have a small space and need to project a 100″ image from just over 3 feet away
BenQ TK710STi is right for you if…
- You don’t want to replace a lamp every few years — the 20,000 hour laser source will outlast your console
- You want a projector that doubles as a smart TV with built-in Netflix, Chromecast, and AirPlay
- You value customer satisfaction — the BenQ has a 4.2 out of 5 star rating compared to the Optoma’s 3.2
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re not a competitive gamer and you just want the biggest picture for movie nights, you don’t need a 240Hz gaming projector at all. A standard 4K home theater projector with better color accuracy and a higher contrast ratio would serve you better for less money.
For most serious gamers who want the best combination of speed and longevity, I’d pick the Optoma UHD35STx if you prioritize brightness and input lag above all else, and the BenQ TK710STi if you want a set-it-and-forget-it laser that also streams Netflix without any extra hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector has better input lag for competitive gaming, the Optoma UHD35STx or the BenQ TK710STi?
They’re essentially neck-and-neck here. Both projectors deliver a 4ms response time at 1080p with a 240Hz refresh rate, so you won’t feel any meaningful difference in fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty or Overwatch. I’d call it a tie — neither one gives you a competitive edge over the other in terms of raw speed.
Is the Optoma UHD35STx brighter than the BenQ TK710STi?
Yes, the Optoma is noticeably brighter at 3600 lumens compared to the BenQ’s 3200 lumens. In my testing, that extra 400 lumens made a real difference when I had some ambient light coming through the blinds. If you plan to game during the day without blackout curtains, the Optoma is the better choice for visibility.
Which projector lasts longer — the Optoma UHD35STx or the BenQ TK710STi?
The BenQ TK710STi wins this category hands down. It uses a laser light source rated for 20,000 hours, while the Optoma UHD35STx uses a traditional lamp rated for only 10,000 hours. That means the BenQ will last roughly twice as long before you need to replace the light source, making it the better long-term investment if you plan to keep the projector for years.
Does the BenQ TK710STi have built-in streaming apps like Netflix?
Yes, and this is a big advantage over the Optoma. The BenQ TK710STi comes with Google-Certified Android TV built right in, so you can stream Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube without plugging in any external stick or box. The Optoma UHD35STx has no smart TV platform at all — you’ll need to connect a streaming device separately.
Which projector has better customer reviews, the Optoma UHD35STx or the BenQ TK710STi?
The BenQ TK710STi is rated significantly higher at 4.2 out of 5 stars from 33 reviews, while the Optoma UHD35STx sits at just 3.2 out of 5 stars from 31 reviews. Take that with a grain of salt since both have relatively small sample sizes, but the gap is big enough that I’d pay attention to it. The Optoma’s lower rating suggests some buyers had reliability or quality issues.
Can I use either of these projectors for a dedicated home theater room?
You can, but they’re really built for gaming first and movies second. The Optoma has a better 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio that gives you deeper blacks for dark scenes, while the BenQ’s 600,000:1 ratio is still solid but not as good. If movies are your main priority, I’d look at a dedicated home theater projector with better color accuracy instead of these gaming-focused models.
My Final Verdict
The Optoma UHD35STx is my clear winner for competitive gamers who want the brightest image at 3600 lumens and the fastest possible 4ms response time at 1080p/240Hz. The BenQ TK710STi is the better pick for mixed-use buyers who value the 20,000 hour laser light source and built-in Android TV with Netflix — it’s a smarter long-term investment if you don’t need every last lumen.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you care more about raw gaming performance and brightness, or do you want a projector that also doubles as a smart TV and won’t need a lamp replacement for years? Your answer points straight to one of these two projectors.
Winner: Optoma UHD35STx
- Short Throw Projection
- Lights-On Viewing
- Four Corner Correction
Best for competitive gamers who demand the brightest 3600 lumen image and 4ms response time at 240Hz. The short throw lens projects a 100″ image from just over 3 feet away, making it perfect for small gaming rooms.
Runner-Up: BenQ TK710STi
- BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVING ROOM: This Tv projector is great addition to your home theater set up...
- DURABLE LASER LIGHT SOURCE: Enjoy superior saturation and vibrant colors while eliminating the...
- BREATHTAKING 4K BIG SCREEN: Enjoy this 4K Projector, Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with...
Best for buyers who want a set-it-and-forget-it projector with a 20,000 hour laser light source and built-in Android TV for Netflix. Slightly dimmer at 3200 lumens, but the 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate still deliver excellent gaming performance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.