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Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 review: 27 inch OLED gaming just got betterCorsair deliver yet another stunning OLED gaming monitor to the ever expanding marketplace – this time equipped with a blistering 240Hz refresh.
Our resident gaming monitor specialist finally got his hands on Corsair’s latest Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED. This is a stunning 27″ 240Hz OLED gaming monitor that is set to go toe to toe with the LG 27GR95QE and ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDM. It’s the most recent arrival in the brand’s Xeneon line up, looking to offer a more conventional design when compared to the hugely popular – yet fairly expensive – Corsair Xeneon Flex. In this review we will take you through all aspects of the monitor from build quality, screen and gaming performance to ensure that you have all the information to make an informed decision.
Before we get into the detailed hands on review below is a summary of the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 review.
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 monitor
Refresh rate
240Hz
Response time
0.03ms G2G
Screen size
27″
Resolution
2560 x 1440p
How We Review
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Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 review specifications
Like always, we’ll be testing the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 in a variety of areas to see how it stacks up against some of the market’s leading alternatives. We’ll conclude the guide with our thoughts on value, performance, user experience, and aesthetic appeal.
Tech Specs
Refresh rate
240Hz
Response time
0.03ms G2G
Screen size
27″
Resolution
2560 x 1440p
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Panel Type
OLED
Brightness
1000 nits (Peak)
Contrast ratio
Infinte
Viewing angles
178/178
Color gamut
100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED review: hands on photos
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What’s in the box
As you’d expect, the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 comes in a fairly robust box that features some of the monitor’s core specifciations on the exterior. Inside, the monitor sits within two thick layers of polystyrene with thin layers of foam acting as a last scratch-resistant barrier.
Unboxing the monitor was relatively straightforward with little problems in the physical construction. The V-shaped base screws into the neck of the stand via a single thumbscrew. The neck of the stand is then clipped into the back of the monitor with a simple plug-n-play toolless design.
Inside the box, users will find two power cords, a HDMI cable, DisplayPort cable, USB Type-C cable, and a user manual.
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240: design and features
Corsair have knocked it out the park when it comes to aesthetic design once again. The 27QHD240 looks absolutely flawless from every angle – boasting a true bezel-less design that really does add to the immersive qualities this monitor provides.
The monitor features a wide V-shaped stand, relatively thick neck, and a fairly basic all-black color scheme. The rear of the monitor offers little in the ways of aesthetic features, however, it does come with the brand’s trademark geometric pattern on the rear.
Unlike the Corsair Xeneon Flex, there are no inputs on the front of the stand – neither are there any on the rear. Instead, the 27QHD240 features its inputs at the back of the monitor, facing outwards. While it’s not quite as clean as the Flex, it’s certainly a step up from the more generic underside placements.
While the monitor does feel incredibly well made, it does utilize a fair bit of plastic. That said, we noticed very little flex or wobble during testing. All stand functionality and ergonomics felt purposeful and tactile, resulting in a premium feel that is always welcomed. It has as you would expect tilt and swivel options so you can optimise your viewing experience. There is plenty of connectivity with four USB-A ports and one USB-C port.
The OSD control panel can be found on the underbelly of the bottom bezel. Corsair have decided to utilize the joystick approach in this monitor, allowing users to easily navigate through the various menus at hand. There are two buttons to the right of the joystick which allow you to access different areas of the OSD or switch the panel off entirely.
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 – Color Accuracy & Picture Quality
We extensively test every monitor we review for color reproduction to see how it would perform in color-sensitive situations. Despite this monitor being tailored towards gamers, it features a wide color gamut (100% sRGB according to specs) which means both accuracy and HDR performance should be relatively decent.
Like always, we started off the color accuracy testing section of this review by loading up our colorimeter and running a test right out of the box.
Below are the results.
PresetWhite PointBlack DepthContrast RatioAverage ΔE*00GammaLuminance
IDEAL6500K0.00cd/m²Infinite0.002.2120cd/m^2
Racing Mode (out of the box)5883K0 cd/m²Infinity:15.781.71120cd/m2
sRGB mode5933K0 cd/m²Infinity:14.721.71120cd/m2
As you can see from the results above, the 27QDH240 OLED performed to an average standard right out of the box. We recorded a 5883K white point, perfect black depth, and infinite contrast ratio in the panel’s factory settings. As far as average deltaE was concerned, the Corsair Xeneon offered a 5.78 deviation across the testing spectrum (pretty poor accuracy when compared against other OLED alternatives). Gamma was recorded at 1.71 and luminance out of the box was 103 nits – less than the recommended for daily consumption over extended periods of usage.
We wasted no time and moved onto the sRGB emulation preset that was said to be calibrated to a deltaE of 2. Upon testing, that didn’t seem to be the case, with the OLED panel offering an average of 4.72 – almost double the target accuracy. It’s worth mentioning that the picture and color quality of the monitor looked absolutely fantastic – it just wasn’t perfect in terms of accuracy. As you can imagine, black depth and contrast remained the same, offering a perfect score.
PresetWhite PointBlack DepthContrast RatioAverage ΔE*00Maximum ΔE*00Gamma
IDEAL6500K0.00cd/m²Infinite0.000.002.2
Calibrated Profile6465K0 cd/m²Infinity:10.341.272.2
At this stage, we decided to throw the panel through a deep calibration to see what levels of accuracy we could produce. For best results, we left the sRGB values at 100/100/90.
Looking at the results, it’s safe to say that a calibration helped improve the overall accuracy of the monitor exponentially. We ended with an average deltaE of 0.34 (with a maximum value of 1.27) which is more than enough for even the more stringent of content editors.
Once calibrated, the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED showcased good accuracy that would certainly be acceptable for color accurate editing.
Panel Uniformity
Panel uniformity is a test we run to check how uniform the luminance and colors are across the entirety of the screen. During this test, the center square is used as the reference space. Every other square is then tested to see how far it differentiates from the reference.
In an ideal world, we want every square to be green, meaning it hasn’t broken the differential threshold – something we can set at the start of the test.
Note: results will differ from panel to panel.
Panel uniformity for this monitor was pretty darn good – as you can see from the graph above. Every square returned a green score – meaning it passed the recommended tolerance levels set by the software. Ultimately, it offered up a very uniform visual experience that makes this panel a great option for viewing content with large blocks of solid color – such as sporting events.
Viewing Angles
Again, being an OLED panel, the viewing angles on the Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED were exceptional. We viewed the panel from extremely wide angles and didn’t really notice any color shift whatsoever. This is normally the case with OLED panels, with viewing angles being one of the pros.
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 monitor
Refresh rate
240Hz
Response time
0.03ms G2G
Screen size
27″
Resolution
2560 x 1440p
Color Gamut
As part of the calibration process, the DisplayCal will give an accurate measurement of the color gamut the monitor can provide. Below are the results of the color gamut test:
As you can see from the graph above, the Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED returned an impressive 99.9% sRGB gamut coverage – exactly what the marketed specifications said it should.
More impressively, however, was the wide 89.4% Adobe RGB and 95.5% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage – more than requirements needed for a true HDR experience.
Above we’ve included the physical graphs for each color space, showcasing the exact coverage we recorded in the sRGB spectrum. The colored line showcases the size of the gamut this monitor provides. It clearly exceeds the sRGB spectrum which can be seen via the dotted line.
Maximum and minimum peak brightness
We ended the color accuracy and picture quality testing by checking the maximum brightness, minimum brightness, and 120 candelas level on this panel. The results are below:
BrightnessCandelas
100 Brightness288.77cd/m2
0 Brightness65.34cd/m2
26 Brightness120 cd/m²
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 monitor
Refresh rate
240Hz
Response time
0.03ms G2G
Screen size
27″
Resolution
2560 x 1440p
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED: Gaming Performance
With color accuracy and panel uniformity out of the way, it’s time to put the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED through a number of different gaming and response time tests to see how it stacks up in gaming scenarios. Like always, we’ll be testing the monitor across a variety of games to get a greater understanding of how this monitor performs overall.
For this portion of the testing, we enabled Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and set the refresh rate to its max 240Hz.
Competitive gaming
Corsair have definitely landed on the picture quality/ responsiveness sweetspot with this panel. It performs to an incredibly high standard when playing some of the industry’s most competitive games – with CS:GO being our main port of call. We ran a number of different tests to see how the monitor would react in fast-paced settings and it excelled in all.
This should come as no surprise, however, as the LG Displays OLED panel at its core offers a 0.03ms response time – about 3 times quicker than the industry’s fastest TN alternatives. Pair that with the monitor’s impressive 240Hz refresh rate, it’s easy to see why we were so impressed by this monitor’s gaming performance.
We played CS:GO, COD, and PUBG for extended sessions and were never once met with screen tear, ghosting, or any other annoying screen artifact. The 27-inch OLED display also offered up enough real estate to encapsulate your vision in its entirety – allowing you to reach a high level of immersion when playing.
General gaming
I decided to put the competitive gaming aside for a short time while we ran the monitor through a number of more immersive based single player titles. Despite not offering a huge 42-inch display, that didn’t stop the Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED from producing a truly immersive experience. The color accuracy of this panel really offered up an excellent visual experience with not noticeable motion blur when playing a variety of different games – and that’s before enabling the panels HDR functionality. We did hit a slight roadblock when enabled said feature – resulting in a weird washed out block in the center of the screen. Fortunately, simply restarting the monitor resolved this issue quickly.
We played a number of different titles on Corsair’s latest OLED monitor and each offered equal levels of colorful and tear-free enjoyment as the last. Speaking of which, enabling the monitor’s G-Sync (unfortunately it doesn’t AMD Freesync Premium) resulted in a buttery smooth gaming experience – even when frames dropped to around 30 FPS.
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240: our verdict
So, there you have it, our comprehensive review of the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED – Corsair’s latest stab at the OLED gaming monitor marketplace. Overall, we were extremely happy with the gaming performance, colors, and user experience this monitor offered – despite not featuring a huge 42-inch display that we’re slowly being conditioned to want. Instead, the 27-inch OLED display offered stunning image quality and color vibrancy in both gaming and entertainment scenarios.
Gaming performance was crisp, sharp, and artifact free – exactly what you’d want for competitive and single-player gameplay. Additionally, colors felt natural and balanced – not over-saturated like some of the gaming monitor’s we’ve tested over the last 12 months. Additionally, navigating the monitor’s OSD was incredibly easy and fine-tuning the visual experience within it was very intuitive. The display’s port layout was also easily accessible and plentiful – offering up a number of different options for both gamers and editors alike.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the price. This monitor hits shelves for $999/ £1049/ AU$1,749 – making it one of the market’s most expensive 27-inch monitors. Having said that, I dont feel this monitor showcases bad value for money – the features and performance clearly speak for itself. Additionally, the Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED seems to have been priced in alignment with the market’s other 27-inch 240Hz OLED panels – making its pricing understandable. Every though it commands a premium price you get the comfort that Corsair offer 3 year zero dead pixels warranty.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stunning 27-inch OLED gaming monitor, the Xeneon 27QHD240 will be hard to beat and is available now. It features all the features and specifications you could want for a truly exceptional gaming experience, alongside a tonne of additional features which make the day-to-day usage of this monitor a joy. If you can stomach the pricing, this monitor could be the perfect way to futureproof your setup.
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 monitor
Refresh rate
240Hz
Response time
0.03ms G2G
Screen size
27″
Resolution
2560 x 1440p
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Corsair Gaming Keyboard: A Buyer’s Guide
It isn’t too hard to argue that the keyboard is the most essential part of any good gaming setup. First off, without one, you’d struggle to get pretty much anything accomplished, but having a sub-par keyboard can easily do more harm than good.
But how do you know what makes a good keyboard? With so much to remember and so much to look out for when comparing models, it’s no wonder people start to get confused. That’s why today we’re going to look at what makes a great gaming keyboard, some of the features you should be on the lookout for, and of course, some recommendations.
We’ll be focusing on a brand we all know and love today – Corsair. You’d struggle to find a poor keyboard in this lineup. Corsair has a wide range of products that include both wired and wireless versions.
Why Buy A Corsair Gaming Keyboard?
With such a wide range of choices out there, shopping for a brand that you trust is a way that many people narrow down their search to ensure they still end up with a high-quality product.
Corsair’s keyboards have quickly become a staple of many gaming builds due to their great build quality and great set of features. Even though many of these products are built and marketed towards gamers, they’d easily fit in an office environment – as long as you tone down some of your RGB lighting that is.
Where Can You Buy A Corsair Gaming Keyboard?
To get the full picture of what you can expect from Corsair’s lineup, you can check out their full range of products on their website. Here, you’ll be able to filter by product type and even by pre-set categories in the keyboard lineup.
At the moment, these categories are “Speed and responsiveness, lit by a vivid spectrum of color”, “UNPLUG and PLAY with the latest in wireless mechanical keyboards”, “Quality keys, with no distractions” and “Performance gaming starts here”.
If this seems a bit confusing, you can also use filters to narrow down your choice by lighting, switch type, connectivity, keyboard type, and model range.
You’re probably already familiar with the next method of finding products – Amazon. If you want to broaden your search a bit then this online marketplace will allow you a little bit more fine-tuning in your search criteria. Once you have found a product that looks good, you can check out detailed specifications, reviews, and even customer questions to get an idea if this keyboard is right for you.
Which Corsair Gaming Keyboard Is Best for You?
Corsair K55
Tech Specs
Size – Full size, 480 x 166 x 34 mm
Switch – Rubber Dome
Connection Type – Wired, 1.8 m cable length
We’re going to kick off our list today with a great looking budget option. With the price of peripherals seeming to only go up and up, it’s great when we find something in the $50 price bracket that feels premium.
Yes, you’ll have to suffer some sacrifices at this price range but it’s nothing too drastic. The main turn-off that we can see with this keyboard is the fact that it only has membrane switches. This keyboard is still branded towards gamers however, but the mushy feel of a membrane switch is something that is quite hard to get used to after using mechanical switches for so long.
This keyboard probably won’t be winning any awards in the design department either, but that’s not to say that it’s bad. This is a value board that cuts a bit of cost through the use of a two-tone plastic design which may be prone to scratching.
There are, however, a lot of great features for gamers. There is a full row of macro keys on the left of the keyboard that can be customized however you see fit as well as a handy set of media controls located just above the number pad. This does increase the length of the board just a bit but it’s a small price to pay for the extra functionality.
For the price, this is a great keyboard to pick up – especially if you aren’t too sure if you want/need any extra features. You’ll get a decent quality keyboard with some RGB functionality and a handy set of features for the price of a AAA game. Not bad value we’d say.
If you want to read up a little bit more about this keyboard, why not check out our full review here?
Corsair K70 MK.2
Tech Specs
Size – Full size, 438 x 168 x 29 mm
Switch – Cherry MX Speed
Connection Type – Wired, 1.8 m cable length
Moving away from the budget side of things for now, next we’ll be looking at a truly premium keyboard. While it’s still in the wired category, this full-sized keyboard comes with a set of Cherry MX Speed switches and a great host of features to justify its price.
This may be a bit of a different keyboard than you are used to, this is a low profile keyboard that cuts down on the clunky-ness factor while still delivering the same level of precision found in standard keyboards. We wouldn’t say this is the same as typing on a laptop keyboard, but it’s probably the closest you’re going to get while retaining a mechanical feel to the keys.
The design of this keyboard is something special. The RGB features paired with the low profile key-caps make this keyboard seem to almost disappear into your desk. The RGB lighting can be easily customized through Corsair’s iCUE software and there is also an included wrist rest to keep you comfortable during long play sessions.
There is also a handy USB Pass-Through port as well as dedicated media keys on this keyboard which makes it the perfect fit for those who are looking for a keyboard stacked with features. The only thing that we can see missing from this keyboard is a set of dedicated macro keys which could be enough to deter some potential buyers.
If you want to read our full review of the Corsair K70 MK.2, check out the following page where we take a deeper dive into its features.
Corsair K63
Tech Specs
Size – TKL, 366 x 173 x 41mm
Switch – Cherry MX Red
Connection Type – Wireless, up to 25 hours (low brightness), up to 75 hours (backlight off)
If you think a wireless keyboard would suit your gaming setup a bit better than a wired one, Corsair offers a few great options. If you want to avoid spending a fortune, one of the cheaper options is the impressive K63.
Although we say ‘cheap’ it certainly doesn’t feel like it. While you will be paying a fairly large markup for a wireless version of the Corsair K63, you won’t be sacrificing anything in the way of build quality and features.
One thing to remember when picking up this keyboard is that it is a tenkeyless model. If you are attached to having a number pad and tend to use it for games, you won’t find one here. Dedicated macro keys are also absent from this keyboard, however, you will still get a full set of media keys and a wrist rest.
The battery life of the K63 is fairly decent for its price range. You’ll be able to get up to 75 hours with no backlighting and up to 25 if you have the lights turned on. Speaking of the lights, there’s no RGB to speak of here. You do get a nice blue color as the toggleable backlight though which can still be customized through the iCUE software. As the lighting tends to destroy battery life on wireless keyboards though, you probably won’t find yourself missing it much.
Corsair K95 Platinum XT
Tech Specs
Size – Full size, 465 x 171 x 36 mm
Switch – Cherry MX Blue
Connection Type – Wired, 1.8 m cable length
Our most expensive keyboard on the list today is the Corsair K95 Platinum XT. This keyboard is a great fit for those who are competitive gamers or just want the best of the best.
There are six dedicated macro keys on this keyboard and integration with Elgato Stream Deck software. As well as these macro keys, you will also get a full set of media keys which is something that is pretty standard across Corsair’s lineup.
The design of this keyboard isn’t too far off most of the other keyboards on the list. You’ll get an impressive amount of RGB customization as usual with Corsair as well as a sturdy and well-built keyboard that will last for years to come. On the underside of the keyboard, there is also a way for you to route your cable through to help reduce a bit of cable clutter.
Things to Consider
Price Range
The first thing that most of us weigh up when we’re shopping around for any product is the price. Having a clear budget in mind is one of the best first steps when it comes to picking up a new peripheral or piece of hardware.
With keyboards, there’s a huge variety in price so narrowing it down by budget is important. Generally, you can pick up a great budget keyboard for around $50 but be aware that they will lack certain features that the high-end ones will have. Features such as RGB lighting and wrist supports will drive up the price of a keyboard so that’s worth bearing in mind.
Further up the pricing scale, you’ll also get things like macro and media keys, key switches, and individual key lighting. If you’ve got something very specific in mind, you might have to expand your budget somewhat.
Design
The design of a keyboard can sometimes be overlooked but after all, it is taking center stage on your desk. A great looking keyboard can really add something special to your gaming setup, particularly if you’re looking at the flashy, high-end keyboards out there.
Deciding on how you’ll be using the keyboard is perhaps the first consideration. If you’re planning to use this in an office as well as your gaming setup, RGB lighting is probably a no-go. If this is just a personal keyboard, then feel free to shop around for the flashiest designs on the market to help transform the look of your setup.
Size
Keyboards come in a range of different sizes so it’s important to check what size keyboard you want. There are three main sizes to choose from, the self-explanatory full-size ones, TKL, and 60% keyboards. Full-size keyboards are great if you don’t want to miss out on any features including the Numpad and you have space.
The smallest size is the 60% keyboard. These will only have the most essential keys and the keys themselves will often be a bit squished together. Expect tiny arrow keys or a small return key. This can be fine for some but they can be frustrating to type on for others.
Comfort
Comfort is another overlooked aspect of searching for a keyboard. While many gaming keyboards won’t label themselves as ergonomic, most brands are now taking the time to create keyboards and mice that are comfortable for prolonged use.
Some things to look out for include wrist supports and adjustable legs to change the angle of the keyboard. Removable wrist supports are handy because they allow you to adjust according to what’s the most comfortable position for you. However, this will drive up the price a bit so it might be a good idea to test them out in a store to see if you really need them.
Features
What really makes gaming keyboards special is the number of extra features you can play around with. You’ll often find remappable keys, dedicated macro keys, fully customizable RGB lighting, and even wireless technology on more premium models.
Although some of these are offered in most base models, features such as per-key RGB customization and wireless technology can often drive the price of your keyboard upwards. It’s worth making a quick note of what you can and cannot live without on a keyboard before you go shopping – this way you’ll be able to easily filter your results to find that perfect match.
Mechanical vs. Membrane
Depending on whether you prefer a membrane keyboard or a mechanical one, this can have a huge effect on the number of options you’ll have available. Generally, membrane switches are usually reserved for only the most budget of keyboards in the gaming brand.
Some keyboards will even allow you to change these switches out at will, but you will need to pick up two different sets of switches to do so. With mechanical switches also being more durable, we’d definitely recommend going this route for your new gaming keyboard.
Our Verdict
We hope our buyer’s guide today has helped ease a bit of the stress that comes with picking up a new keyboard. As it’s something that you’re going to be using every time you’re on your computer, we know it has to be perfect.
Corsair is a great brand to put your trust into and the amount of options they have available is impressive. We’re sure that even if none of the keyboards we listed today takes your fancy you’ll have no problems finding one that does.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of Corsair gaming keyboards though if you still aren’t too sure on what to pick up, take a quick look at their other products or even some of their competitors such as Logitech and Razer for ideas.
Asus Zenbook 17 Fold Oled Review
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED review
We test & review the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED tablet / convertible laptop device
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is yet another pioneering device from the most innovative laptop manufacturer out there, who have spoiled us this year with new iterations of various interesting designs like the ASUS ROG Flow X16, ASUS ROG Flow Z13, and the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition.
The Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is the largest foldable OLED display device currently available, and the Taiwanese company has had to overcome various technical challenges in order to make it a reality. It can switch between a 17.3-inch, 4:3 2560 x 1920 tablet and a 12.5-inch, 3:2 1920 x 1280 laptop with detachable keyboard, as well as various other partially folded configurations depending on your needs.
The uniqueness of this tablet/laptop on the market does mean however that it fetches a very high price. The question is, is it worth the money? Let’s find out.
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED
CPU
Intel Core i7-1250U
Graphics
Intel Iris Xe (iGPU)
RAM
16GB LPDDR5
Storage
1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0
Screen Size
17.3″ / 12.5”
Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
Specifications & upgradability
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Tech Specs
CPU
Intel Core i7-1250U
Graphics
Intel Iris Xe (iGPU)
RAM
16GB LPDDR5
Storage
1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0
Screen Size
17.3″ / 12.5”
Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
Resolution
4:3 2560 x 1920 / 3:2 1920 x 1280
Panel Type
OLED
Touchscreen?
Yes
Webcam
5MP & HD InfraRed
Weight
3.31lb / 1.50kg
Ports
2x Thunderbolt 4 (65W power delivery), 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Pros
unique foldable design
OLED display with unbeatable contrast & blackpoint
good peak brightness
good sRGB & DCI-P3 color accuracy & gamut
good panel uniformity
great battery life
great build quality
nice aesthetic
Useful software features & efficiencies
Cons
screen too soft for most styluses
underpowered i7-1250U CPU and Iris Xe iGPU
extremely expensive considering the core components
not enough ports
detached keyboard lacks angled stand
central fold visible unless viewed straight on
The 16GB LPDDR5 RAM that comes with every device is soldered on, which unfortunately means upgrading the memory is not possible. The standard 1TB M.2 SSD can however be upgraded down the line, should you wish, potentially up to something as high as 8TB from what we gather. The device comes with a WiFi 6E card.
The highest CPU option available is the Intel Core i7-1250U, a 12th gen U-Series processor designed specifically for convertible thin-and-light laptops and tablets. Given it’s limited to only 2 Performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, don’t expect much in the way of processing power compared to powerful devices like the Flow X16, Flow Z13, and Zenbook 14X OLED, which come with ‘full-size’ laptop CPUs. It would have been nice to see at least a more performance-focused P-series ultralight 12th gen CPU (which come with more cores and higher power allocation than the U-series), and this loadout is somewhat disappointing. Unsurprisingly for a tablet, there is no dedicated graphics card, and the GPU is an integrated Intel Iris Xe model.
Software features & OS
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED uses Windows 11 and you can utilize all of the gestures common to other Windows 11 touchscreen devices.
Design aesthetics
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is a smart-looking device. When folded up, the exterior of the tablet is half covered by a faux leather wrap-around with a dark greyish blue color, which serves to protect the hinge mechanism and contains the kickstand. This binding makes the device resemble a nice office binder/notebook, as does the faux leather protective travel case it comes with (with magnetized flap).
The uncovered section of the top/front of the folded tablet has a pleasing reflective surface, with a dark metallic tint, and a strange optical illusion effect that makes it look slightly concave from certain angles. The Starfleet-esque ASUS triangle logo is also present on this section, and the whole thing looks very tasteful and certainly office suitable. The metallic surface does attract a lot of smudges though, as is typical for this sort of material in other devices.
When you open up the Zenbook 17 Fold, the interior bezel of the device has an unusual soft matte rubberized feel, almost feeling like suede fabric. It’s a fairly mid-sized bezel, but compared to the size of the display it looks fairly unobtrusive.
The wrist rest area of the keyboard around the trackpad is made of the same faux leather as the binding of the tablet, with the plastic keys and trackpad being of a slightly darker shade.
There is no RGB on the tablet, and besides the display itself, the only light source comes from the small power/charging lights of the tablet and detachable keyboard.
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Size, build quality & ergonomics
The dimensions of the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED are as follows:
Looking at the weight now:
tablet: 1.60kg / 3.53lb , tablet & keyboard: 2.00kg / 4.4lb
The Zenbook 17 Fold OLED isn’t exactly light compared to devices like the Surface Pro or iPad, but we wouldn’t call it heavy either, and it’s pretty impressive how portable it is and how nicely it all fits together (keyboard included) – easily transportable in a small bag.
When the kickstand is fully opened up the tablet leans back at about a 40 degree angle. The stand can be brought closer to the laptop, making the screen stand more upright (i.e. closer to a vertical position), though depending on the angle you have it at it’s not always stable if you happen to knock the device.
Overall the build quality is superb, like virtually all ASUS devices. The obvious vulnerable area (the bend in the middle of the screen) still manages to feel relatively sturdy, and ASUS claims it’s good for about 30,000 folds, which it equates to probably five years use if you’re opening and closing it about fifteen times per day. Of course, this is difficult to tell in a review copy, and we’ll have to wait and see how buyers report back on durability over the coming years.
The one downside in build quality terms is the softness of the screen itself. As we will discuss later, the material ASUS have had to use for the foldable OLED panel they’ve used is too soft to be used with most styluses, which implies it will be very easy to scratch and damage. This is a machine that will require handling with care, particularly given its very high asking price.
Keyboard & trackpad
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The Asus Fold bluetooth Keyboard is specifically designed for ASUS Zenbook Fold devices, and has the magnetic clip-on feature already discussed above.
The function keys along the top of the keyboard include a button to enable/disable the touchpad, to project the screen to another device (with PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, or Second Screen only options), a Bluetooth settings shortcut, two shortcut buttons you can bind to different Bluetooth devices, a Snipping Tool shortcut, and a MyASUS shortcut.
The Bluetooth shortcuts are particularly useful, as you can pair the keyboard with something like your smart TV say, and easily switch between using it for your Zenbook 17 FOLD and your television with the touch of a button, then back again.
The keyboard is nice to use when magnetically attached to the device, feels good to type on, but is definitely lacking some sort of retractable stand/feet to angle it upwards when disconnected, as typing fully flat feels a bit uncomfortable after a while.
Alternatively, you can also use the on-screen keyboard with Windows 11, if you prefer touchpad functionality.
Can you use a stylus on the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED?
The official line from ASUS is that the foldable OLED display they’ve used is too soft to be used in conjunction with a stylus, which is a big disappointment in our eyes as this significantly reduces the potential functionality of this device for graphic artists and the like.
You could possibly get away with using a softer, capacitative stylus, however ASUS specifically requested we did not test it with one, so we cannot know for sure whether this is the case.
Hopefully, as ASUS (or a competitor) develop this technology further, we’ll see foldable OLED devices down the line where stylus use is feasible.
Webcam & microphone
The Zenbook 17 Fold OLED has a 5MP camera of about the same quality as a Microsoft Surface Pro X (though worse than that of an iPad Pro). It’s capable of up to 1080p 16:9 30FPS video recording, or 4.9MP 4:3 2560 x 1920 / 3.7MP 16:9 2560 x 1440 photographs.
For some reason in our test the 16:9 video was stuck in portrait when the device was in laptop mode, only switching to landscape when it was turned on its side. We hope this will be resolved in a future software update, as the portrait view whilst in laptop mode doesn’t make the most sense. The change in orientation to the 17.3” 4:3 screen does also seem to reduce the effectiveness of the microphone pickup somewhat, so it’s clearly positioned to be best used in laptop mode.
Both the webcam and microphone were of a good quality when we tested them. There was an audible hiss/hum picked up on the standard microphone mode, but when we enabled Single presenter conference call mode under the AI noise-canceling settings within MyASUS, this was completely removed.
In addition to the main 5MP camera there is also the HD Infrared camera and color sensor, which allow for Windows Hello security features, as well as the AdaptiveLock features already discussed above (under Software). The color sensor also allows for automatic color temperature changes on the display, depending on the ambient light of your surroundings.
Ports & sockets
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Ports and sockets are limited to a 3.5mm audio combo jack and two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports (both with up to 65W charging support and display output). One of the USB-C ports lies on the bottom right side of the display when it’s in laptop mode, the second is on the top left of the top bezel.
This is more than you get with an iPad or iPad Pro, though these are considerably cheaper devices. Considering the price point of the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED we would have liked to have seen a USB-A 3.2 port (as can be found on the ASUS ROG Flow Z13) and possibly even a mini-SD card reader, which can be found on 14-inch laptop devices like the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition. You do at least get a USB-A to USB-C adapter (female to male) is included to help you use any USB-A peripherals you might have.
Audio
ASUS is one of the better Windows laptop manufacturers when it comes to audio quality, and the speakers of the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED are at least as good as those of a Microsoft Surface Pro. There are speaker grills located on the top edge, left edge, and front edge facing the user when the Zenbook 17 Fold is placed into laptop mode. The restrictions of the tablet chassis do mean they don’t match up to other (more laptop-like) ASUS offerings like the ROG Flow X16 though: there’s even less bass replication, the sound is a bit more muffled, and audio quality suffers more at high volumes. Still, the max volume is pretty high for a tablet.
The speakers of the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED are not quite as good as those of an iPad Pro 2023 say, which is unsurprising given Apple’s dominance when it comes to the audio quality of their portable devices.
Battery life
We conducted our usual battery test on the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED in both Tablet mode (fully unfolded) and in Laptop mode with the detachable keyboard attached to the device.
Within MyASUS we set the fan speed profile to Whisper mode, with AI Noise-Canceling and Tru2Life video sharpening both turned off. Target Mode (which dims the brightness of any window on your screen that isn’t currently active, saving power and improving the longevity of your display) is a setting that can definitely improve your battery life in real-world use, however given our test is performed with only single active windows open anyway, we disabled it.
Similarly, we disabled all of the AdaptiveLock settings during the Laptop mode test (the only time they can be activated), so as to make the test fair, although Walk-Away Lock and certainly Look-Away Screen Dimming would be sure to improve battery duration in general use.
We switched all background applications off, where possible played two hours of fullscreen YouTube, and then spent the rest web browsing and typing on GoogleDocs. The brightness was set to 63%, throughout which is the equivalent on this device of 120 cd/m² – the recommended brightness for indoor, daytime use (more on this later).
Tablet mode (17.3″) – c.8.5 hours
Laptop mode (12.5”) – c.9.5 hours
Considering this is an OLED display, the battery results are reasonably impressive, particularly for the fully unfurled 17.3” tablet mode. It’s not completely surprising, given the relatively underpowered CPU, however they’re still quite respectable.
That being said, we did not use any touch screen functionality in our battery test. Using the touchscreen keyboard in Windows 11 for instance would almost certainly sap the battery life of the tablet faster.
Although we didn’t properly test its battery duration, as mentioned the trackpad of the detachable keyboard did seem to perform less responsively as time went on until it was recharged.
Screen
The OLED screen of the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold is quite glossy and reflective, though the high brightness (more on this later) does help to combat this.
When in laptop mode, the display looks like that of any other OLED 12.5” laptop, but when unfolded to its full-size, there is a fairly noticeable band down the centera long the fold line. If you’re looking at this dead on it’s not very noticeable, though from any other slight angle it becomes fairly apparent, which may put some people off who want to use the device in office/screen-sharing settings. You do get used to it however, and the contents of the screen are still legible.
This is not a gaming device, so the 60Hz maximum refresh rate of the display is pretty standard. The display has the typical very high response time of OLED displays (around 0.2ms), however given the 60Hz cap there’s not a massive amount of utility in this.
We conducted all of the following color, contrast, and brightness tests with the screen unfolded to its full size, propped up using the kickstand. We tested the device on three of the different color gamut presets available within MyASUS (sRGB, DCI-P3, and Display P3, which apparently combines the first two for a still wider gamut), which is a relatively unique feature, and one that color professionals will no doubt find useful.
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED sRGB color gamut results
ASUS claims that the display covers over 100% of the sRGB spectrum, and 100% DCI-P3. We tested these claims for all three color gamut presets, and got the following results. As you can see, the sRGB gamut almost hits near enough hits 100% for each, scoring 98.8%, 99.7%, and 99.7% respectively. The DCI-P3 results fell a bit short, scoring a maximum of 97.2% under the DCI-P3 and Display P3 presets, however for most users this would be close enough to work in this spectrum.
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED DCI-P3 color gamut results
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED Display P3 color gamut results
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED color accuracy before calibration
sRGB profile results: 6768K (White point), 0/m² (Black point), infinity:1 (Contrast ratio), 1.78 (average deltaE*00), 2.35 (gamma).
DCI-P3 profile results: 6716K (White point), 0/m² (Black point), infinity:1 (Contrast ratio), 1.76 (average deltaE*00), 2.76 (gamma).
Display P3 profile results: 6805K (White point), 0/m² (Black point), infinity:1 (Contrast ratio), 2.49 (average deltaE*00), 2.35 (gamma).
As is expected from an OLED display, the Black point and Contrast ratio were perfect on each of the three different presets. White point and gamma were less than ideal, but not bad, and the all-important average deltaE values for each were very impressive. We’d definitely recommend using the sRGB profile if you’re doing color-accurate work in this space, the DCI-P3 profile for color-accurate work in that gamut, and perhaps consider the Display P3 setting for watching films and the like.
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED color accuracy post-calibration
Although it’s often unnecessary, we like to see what a quick calibration can squeeze out of a display. In each case calibration only worsened the color accuracy results, and often the white point also. Black point and contrast remained the same, though there was an improvement in the gamma each time towards the 2.2 ideal. Overall there’s no reason to further calibrate the display, unless you have a really specific need to improve the gamma.
sRGB profile, post further calibration: 6350K (White point), 0/m² (Black point), infinity:1 (Contrast ratio), 3.04 (average deltaE*00), 2.15 (gamma).
DCI-P3 profile, post further calibration: 6723K (White point), 0/m² (Black point), infinity:1 (Contrast ratio), 2.19 (average deltaE*00), 2.19 (gamma).
Display P3 profile, post further calibration: 6763K (White point), 0/m² (Black point), infinity:1 (Contrast ratio), 3.15 (average deltaE*00), 2.16 (gamma).
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED panel uniformity
We do a panel uniformity test on all laptops we review after their calibration, which tests for both luminance and color accuracy. We start on the centremost point as a reference and then test all the other sections of the screen (25 in total) to see how they compare.
Generally, any average color variation under 1.00 is good and shows up as green in the image above, though the average consumer won’t be able to tell much difference below 3.00. Visual editors who work with color however may have a keener eye.
The results we got on the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED were very good. Most variation was below 1.00 average delta (in green), with only the two segments in the top right showing a maximum variance of 2.19 and 2.68 (in yellow). This means that the untrained eye likely will notice no variation at all on the screen, with color-trained professionals being able to detect slight discrepancies in the top right. Still, this particular result is good enough for the vast majority of creatives to work with unless they’re operating at the very high end of professional standards.
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED brightness
When using the laptop indoors during the daytime we’d recommend matching the brightness to 120 cd/m² which equates to a brightness setting of 63% under the brightness controls for this laptop.
Final Word
The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is a unique and impressive device, but its enormous price tag (just under $4,000 on launch in the US, and £3,300 in the UK) combined with the lack of stylus support will mean it won’t be of interest to the majority of users. It does have good color replication in sRGB and DCI-P3 ranges, as well as color accuracy and panel uniformity good enough for professionals to work with, which may entice some, but the relatively weak processor means you won’t be able to do much in the way of demanding render workflows or the like. Still, if you’ve got deep pockets the novelty of this device may just swing it for you, and we’re excited to see where ASUS takes the technology next.
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED
CPU
Intel Core i7-1250U
Graphics
Intel Iris Xe (iGPU)
RAM
16GB LPDDR5
Storage
1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0
Screen Size
17.3″ / 12.5”
Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
How We Review
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Is A Gaming Laptop Better Than A Macbook?
Is a gaming laptop better than a MacBook?
We compare Gaming laptop vs MacBook and ask: Is a gaming laptop better than a MacBook?
So, Is a gaming laptop better than a MacBook? Well hold on to your headwear, but for gaming, the answer is a resounding yes. For other uses though, the answer isn’t as clear cut, and ultimately depends on what you prioritize.
See the comparison below for a more thorough breakdown of the relative pros of both.
READ NOW: Top 5 gaming laptop deals December 2023 & Best MacBook Pro alternatives
Gaming laptop vs MacBook
Gaming laptop pros
Access to Windows software: Gaming laptops are Windows laptops, and Windows machines have access to a much wider range of software than is available on the MacOS.
Game compatibility: The fact is there are comparatively far fewer game titles that you can even play on a MacBook compared to a Windows gaming laptop, which is compatible with virtually everything. Even those titles that do technically play on Mac sometimes run very poorly, suffering crashses, bugs, or just lower-than expected performance (more on this below).
Hardware and OS optimized to play games: It’s somewhat obvious that a gaming laptop will be better at playing games, however it’s important to note why. The Windows operating system is just far better suited to getting the most out of a CPU, GPU, and the other internal components than MacOS is when it comes to gaming. This means a MacBook with similarly powerful internal components just won’t run games with as high FPS as you’d get on a Windows gaming laptop, not to mention it often won’t support features like Ray Tracing to the same degree, nor come with features like a MUX Switch.
More powerful CPU, GPU, RAM & SSD options: You are able to get more powerful specifications in a gaming laptop than you can in a MacBook, which translates to better performance in game.
Higher maximum refresh rate: Some of the new MacBook Pros can boost up to 120Hz, but the majority are capped at 60Hz, which is below what you’d want if you’re playing any kind of competitive shooter as it effectively caps you to 60FPS. By definition, gaming laptops tend to have a minimum of 120Hz, and often 144Hz-165Hz refresh rate displays, which is fine for most gamers, though those interested in maximising in-game performance have 240Hz, 300Hz, or 360Hz options.
Much more cost-effective: Whilst the price of gaming laptops varies considerably, almost all of them will let you get core specifications of similar power to a MacBook, for considerably less money. Most of what you’re paying for in a MacBook is the brand, which doesn’t translate to actual performance.
MacBook pros (no pun intended)
Is a gaming laptop better than a MacBook? Final Word
We hope this short guide has helped you answer the question: Is a gaming laptop better than a MacBook? In terms of how it applies to you. Make sure you have a look at our different best gaming laptop guides (organized by price point in the mega menu), which includes the best gaming laptop under $500, best gaming laptop under $1,000, and best gaming laptop under $2,000.
Philips Oled+936 Review: Lg Picture, B&W Sound
The OLED+936 builds on Philips much-lauded OLED935 model, with a next-gen panel from LG Display, updated 5th-gen P5 image engine and an improved Bowers & Wilkins soundbar, complete with iconic Tweeter on Top. The set also boasts HDMI inputs with High Frame Rate support for the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, plus innovative tools to combat image retention.
Whether you’re into high performance home cinema or next-gen gaming, it looks like this new Philips 4K flagship has your back.
Design & Build
Steel frame
Four HDMI ports
Integrated soundbar
The OLED+936 is a beautifully built OLED. A premium steel frame holds the wafer thin panel in place, and there’s barely any depth penalty for the inclusion of four-sided Ambilight.
Our review sample is the 65in model, a hefty giant that tips the scales at 21kg but it’s worth noting that the TV is also available from 48in which is unusual for an OLED TV.
The soundbar system is an integral part of the pedestal stand. It’s tethered by a captive audio cable that’s kept from view via some deft cable management.
Two of the four HDMI’s are full bandwidth 48Gbps, able to accept HFR (High Frame Rate) 4K at 120Hz from a PS5, Xbox Series X or suitably equipped PC. All four HDMI inputs are ARC compatible, with HDMI 2 eARC enabled.
VRR support covers NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync; there’s also ALLM Game mode.
The set comes with a choice of Freeview Play and satellite tuners. There’s also a subwoofer pre-out, optical digital audio output and a CI card slot.
The remote control is fittingly fancy, and feels substantial in the hand. Dedicated buttons offer easy access to Netflix, Prime Video and Rakuten TV.
Specs & Features
Android TV
Anti-screen burn
Four-sided Ambilight
The OLED+936 runs Android 10. While this doesn’t feel particularly different from previous Android TV generations, it runs smooth and fast, no doubt helped by 3GB of DRAM and 16GB of flash memory.
There’s a healthy selection of streaming apps on board, including Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+, while catch-up TV is covered by Freeview Play (including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5, UKTV Play).
More unusually, the set is DTS Play-Fi compatible, meaning it’ll work with existing Play-Fi audio products on a network.
Arguably Philips biggest feature draw remains Ambilight, the long-standing room lighting system. Presented here in a four-sided guise, this halo of light can be synced with a Hue smart lighting system, run sympathetic colours to match on-screen content, or provide vibrant lounge lighting (white, red, blue) to enhance the mood for movies and games.
I measured input lag at 21.6ms in Game mode (1080/60). Given the provision of a high-spec HDMI board I might have hoped for better, but apparently, its latency performance is affected by the set’s P5 Dual engine configuration.
Picture & Sound Quality
LG Display Next-Gen panel
P5 processor
Wide HDR support
The OLED+936 walks a fine line between wow and woe, pushing the envelope when it comes to image processing and motion interpolation, but rarely overstepping the mark.
Philips is unabashed when it comes to colour, texture and detail processing – and I love it. Its latest P5 processor, here running that aforementioned AI Intelligent Dual Picture Engine, manages to squeeze subjective detail out of images that rivals fail to find.
In this latest processor iteration, AI sharpness is improved by Deep Learning, while HD content gets a lift with Ultra Resolution upscaling and stronger Detail enhancement. The screen makes regular HD look naturalistically crisp.
HDR support is refreshingly wide. Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dynamic metadata standards are supported, plus HLG, HDR10 and game-specific HGiG HDR.
A new feature on this set is the ability to measure and react to ambient room light, using Ambient Intelligence. As a consequence, there’s no Dolby Vision IQ support. Philips says it doesn’t need DV IQ because it does the same job better. It’s certainly comparable, maintaining detail in near black even when room lighting is borderline bright.
The set also supports HDR10+ Adaptive, which combines dynamic metadata adjustment with the same ambient light measurement. The format is a bit more limited when it comes to real-world applications, but at least it’s available.
Before you ask, yes, the OLED936 does use the latest LG Display panel technology, promoted as Evo by LG in its own G1 OLED (2023) model, which gives a significant image lift. If you might fancy Mini-LED technology then read our Samsung QN95A review.
I measured peak HDR brightness at just under 950 nits, using a 10 per cent measurement window. This is comparable to the performance of the new Panasonic JZ2000, and even though it uses the same panel technology, is rather higher than the LG G1.
However, note that the 48in model does not use the same panel (LG Display does not manufacture one in this size) so you won’t be getting quite the same experience.
Philips has also upgraded image interpolation on this set, which is good news when it comes to sports coverage (I’m looking at you F1). Fast Motion Clarity helps retain detail, courtesy of 120Hz Black Frame insertion, but I suggest you keep it on its lowest setting, where the original peak light output of the OLED panel is undimmed. Opt for more stringent processing and you’ll see an incremental loss of brightness.
Sonically, this set is one of the best you can buy on the market. That improved Bowers and Wilkins audio system is a knockout. A 3.1.2 configuration, it’s genuinely muscular, making short work of blockbuster movies.
In addition to improvements made to the crossover components, voice coils, and driver cones, there’s been an upgrade to the Dolby Multi-stream decoder used. All of which seems to pay dividends.
The speaker array projects wide and high, and is able to engulf you with clear sound steerage in the virtual plane. Power output is rated at a punchy 70W.
PriceThe range-topping OLED+936 is available in 48-, 55- and 65in screen sizes (aka 48OLED+936, 55OLED+936 and 65OLED+936). priced at £1,499 and £1,799 respectively.
Retailers don’t have the 65in model yet but you can buy the 936 in 48in and 55in from Currys.
There are no equivalent models for the US market, as brand owner TP Vision doesn’t have the rights to that particular marketplace.
Prices are fairly premium but cheaper than the LG G1 and you’re getting the latest OLED tech here. Plus you needn’t factor in buying a separate soundbar so value for money is stronger than many flagship TVs.
Still not sure? Check our chart of the best TVs.
VerdictThe Philips 65-inch OLED+936 sets a high benchmark for premium displays.
Picture quality is outstanding, thanks to the most ambitious P5 image processing engine yet, and that new high brightness LG next-gen panel (although not on the 48in model), while its HDR performance is top-notch, with enviable HDR format support. If only its rivals were as accommodating.
Build and design are first-rate, and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system is tremendously impressive. If you’re looking for an all-in-one that gets everything just about right in a stylish package, then this Philips demands your attention.
It’s a strong contender for TV of the year.
Specs Philips OLED+936: Specs
Display technology: OLED
Screen sizes: 48, 55, 65in
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K
HDMI: x4
HDR support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG
OS: Android 10
Tuners: Terrestrial and satellite
Dimensions:1227.8(w) x 705.6(h) x 49.3(d)mm (65in)
Weight: 21kg (65in)
Zowie Celeritas Ii Gaming Keyboard Review
Last Updated: March 14th, 2023
Simple yet elegant, another classy product from Zowie this time in the shape of an esports ready keyboard. The Celeritas II performs as well as it looks.
The Celeritas II keyboard is a stroke of simplistic genius as the keyboards understated design looks phenomenal. Some may consider the design boring but it is down to preference and this board features some interesting switch development under the keycaps to make up for it. It’s home to optical switches, which are some of the most responsive I have ever used and the board was a pleasure to type and game on. The Celeritas II may not be packed with all the features and RGB you come to expect for a keyboard at this price but it’s hard not to admire when it’s on your desk and it was made with professional gaming in mind.
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Pros
Quality build – Sturdy, well-built keyboard
Switch design – Fantastic optical switches
Elegant – Simplistic and sleek design
Plug and play
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Cons
Weight – could be considered too heavy by some
Limited Features
No Customisation
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Keyboard Size & Weight
Weight: 1890g with cable
Size: 100%
Length: 44.2cm – 17.4 inches
Width: 17cm – 6.7 inches
Height: 3.8cm – 1.5 inches
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Keyboard Tech
Switches: Flaretech Optical Red
OS Support: Windows XP,7,8,10
Media keys: Yes (not dedicated)
RGB: No (backlit: red)
Passthrough: No
Connection: Wired
Cable length: 1.8 m
Cable: Non-braided
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What’s in the box
The box for the Celeritas II follows other Zowie products which seem to match the colour of the product inside. We have a plain black box with a lifesize drawing of the board centered on the front. It’s elegant packaging and does a good job of making it have a more premium feel.
Inside we have:
Celeritas II Mechanical Keyboard
USB to PS/2 adapter
User guide
Design
Size & Weight
The Celeritas II is a full-sized keyboard (100%) encased in a thick, sturdy shell that makes the board look and feel solid. It has a length of 44.2 cm which plonks this board roughly in-between the Corsair K70 and the ROG Strix Flare. This is one of the wider boards I’ve used (17cm) but only by a few millimetres and it isn’t because of dedicated media keys like other keyboards for once. The Celeritas II case is elongated to give you half a wrist rest which seems more for aesthetics than functionality but still provides comfort. The depth is virtually the same as the Corsair K70 MK.2 board at 3.8mm and it appears to be very chunky.
The weight of the board is 1890 grams and is the heaviest board I have ever used. It has some serious heft to it but only when comparing to other boards otherwise it won’t be that much harder to transport if you are used to lugging full-sized keyboards around. I’m a big fan of the weight as the board is cemented to my desk and it just makes it feel like a very durable product that could survive a nuclear blast (doubtful). It would have been nice to see a TKL version of the board for anyone who doesn’t like 100% boards but also for regular tournament goers who don’t want this extra kilogram in their luggage.
Keycaps
Standard black OEM caps are used for the board with that slight ergonomic curve for comfort and the unoffensive font that we see across many keyboards. The keycaps are made from ABS plastic and have a clear legend to help the backlight penetrate. The keys pick up dirt like most boards but the main issue with this standard material for caps is that it does wear down a lot easier. I would prefer to see manufacturers taking this into consideration for keyboards over £100/$100 and implement PBT caps as standard.
Switches
The switches on this Zowie board are my favourite feature. I had never used an optical switch before so I took the cap off and had a look to see what was revealed. There is an LED separate to the backlight of the switch that beams constantly when the button is pressed, the beam is then reflected through the switch into the LED sensor resulting in a keypress. This type of switch is similar to what is used in console pad trigger buttons but don’t let that put you off, it’s essentially just using light instead of an electrical signal. The Flaretech switches are available in red or blue and follow the same characteristics as Cherry switches, the red switches featured in this board are linear and have no tactile bump. Overall the switches seem more reliable and you are less likely to make any accidental double presses when you compare it to Cherry MX Red switches.
Design, Shape & Texture, Case/Internals
I have seen some people refer to this keyboard as boring or plain when they talk about its design and features and I completely disagree. The board sits on my jet black mouse pad next to my black mouse, black monitor, and black bungee where everything is red and black and the setup looks stunning to me. It’s down to preference as we all know but wait till you have one of these boards in your hands before you decide if it’s boring as I think it’s one of the sleekest boards on the market and would look good on anyone’s desk. The keys appear to sit in the case rather than float which is an equally attractive design. So yes it’s a simplistic full-size keyboard and its a fantastic one.
It’s your standard shape but the edges have been rounded. The board has an angle to it and from the side, its shape resembles a doorstop with the thin end being underneath your wrists. It feels like quite a unique design and they have done this as there aren’t any flip-out feet to create that angle which is great unless you prefer a perfectly flat board. Regardless of the lack of a stand, it’s comfortable to use from the get-go and even after a few hours of typing it continued to be an enjoyable keyboard. The board is completely black and is accompanied by some red backlighting which I’m a fan of as the two colours do go well together, especially on peripherals. The shape is wider than most due to the bottom section protruding out like a mini wrist rest but other than its aesthetic appeal its nothing worth noting. There are no media or macro keys around the outside of the board which adds to its understated simple feel but there is a little bit of room above the number pad which I would have preferred to see some dedicated media keys or a volume scroll bar. There are some function buttons doubled up with the F keys at the top of the board which you can control media by using the Fn key along with these.
The material reminds me of the shell to my FK1+, it’s matte black plastic with a soft touch feel and looks superb. It contrasts the standard ABS plastic keys nicely but it does seem to pick up dirt really easily, especially fingerprints meaning if you are a little OCD you may need to get some baby wipes too. There is no give in this material, the board is completely solid and feels excellent to hold.
The branding is kept to a minimum as we would expect apart from a nice etched BenQ logo on the side and that’s it apart from the Zowie logo down the bottom. The underside has nothing going on apart from 4 extra-long rubber feet to provide grip not that this board will move much due to it being a bit of a fatty. The Celeritas II has a no-nonsense cable to go with it, like the Zowie mice it’s a non-braided rubber cable and unfortunately, it can’t be detached. The cable is around 1.8 metres long and you won’t get any issues with the cable as the keyboard is rarely moved but considering this is aimed at e-Sports professionals who travel globally I’d of liked to have seen extra protection.
Features & Performance
As soon as you plug in the board you are met with the vibrant red backlighting and it gives a fantastic visual first impression. The backlighting illuminates the legends from an LED on the switch itself and it’s vivid red colour. They added a bluish-white LED to show when caps lock or number lock is activated rather than having an LED located at the top of the board which we had become used to which is a nice feature but it doesn’t really matter. That’s it for lighting with this board and it’s not like the Asus Rog Strix Flare when it comes to RGB customisation but if you are considering the Zowie board this probably won’t deter you.
The features to this board are minimal and it’s not for everyone but if you are a streamer or MOBA player who needs some serious key customisation then this might not be for you but for casual and professional gamers alike the board does everything you want it to without looking like a Christmas tree. It is worth noting there are some function keys aside from the media ones, you can alter the backlighting brightness and adjust the speed of keystrokes by 1, 2, 4 or 8 times.
The switches’ performance for typing was excellent I found accidental presses were kept to a minimum and I still got nice audible feedback from them that wasn’t deafening. The actuation distance to these switches is 2mm which is similar to the Cherry MX Blues and they have travel of 4mm too. The actuation force is 45g which is the same as the Cherry MX Reds however with the optical switches you get a reduced bounce time. Bounce time is how long it takes the key to ‘bounce’ back into position after a keypress. Now, these Flaretech switches boast a 0.3ms bounce back which might not be noticeable to our human senses but it’s still faster than cherry and this could be a big factor for serious gamers looking for faster response times.
Our Verdict
So most keyboards around this price point will usually be packed with features or millions of colours to illuminate your desk but Zowie went a different way and its something I appreciate. don’t get me wrong I’m an avid fan of RGB in keyboards but it depends on the board and you can help but think RGB would totally spoil the design of this keyboard. I’m not sure why it’s so heavy though it feels great however seeing as its aimed at pro players I can’t quite work out why they would make it harder to transport, I mean at least make the cable detachable! Anyway, complaints aside its one of the nicest looking boards I have had the pleasure of using and I realise maybe simple and understated is the best way to go. Its performance is top drawer, whether I was in-game or typing up this review I had zero issues and a high level of consistency. So if the weight and lack of features don’t worry you and you’d love a sleek and stylish board then you should really consider the Celeritas II from Zowie.
BenQ Zowie Celeritas II
Size
Full-size (100%)
Backlight
Red
Switch
Flaretech Optical Red
Wrist rest
Built in
CHECK PRICE
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