Traditionally, projectors haven’t been great for gaming due to high input lag, which means controls often feel sluggish. However, BenQ offers its TK700 and TK700STi, two of the best gaming projectors on the market. Capable of displaying 4K 60Hz with pixel-shifting video with as low as 16ms of input lag, both projectors pair perfectly with current-generation (current-gen) consoles like the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X/S. But which gaming projector is right for you? Find out in our hands-on BenQ TK700 vs. BenQ TK700STi comparison!
BenQ TK700 vs. TK700STi at a Glance
| Benq TK700 vs. BenQ TK700STi specs | BenQ TK700 | BenQ TK700STi |
| Resolution | 4K 3840 x 2160 | 4K 3840 x 2160 |
| Contrast ratio | 10,000:1 | 10,000:1 |
| Brightness | 3,200 ANSI lumens | 3,000 ANSI lumen |
| Input lag | 16ms (4K 60Hz, 1080p 60Hz) 8ms (1080p 120Hz) 4ms (1080p 240Hz) | 16ms (4K 60Hz, 1080p 60Hz) 8ms (1080p 120Hz) 4ms (1080p 240Hz |
| Throw ratio | 1.127-1.46 (100 inches at 9.8 feet) | 0.9-1.08 (100 inches at 6.5-feet) |
| Game Modes | FPS | FPS, RPG, SPG |
| Black Detail Enhancement | Yes | No |
| Includes BenQ QS01 Android TV dongle | No | Yes |
The BenQ TK700 (our review) and TK700STi (our review) are nearly identical, especially at a first glance. However, there are a few key differences. The TK700STi features a short-throw ratio, slightly lower brightness, more game modes, and comes with BenQ’s QS01 Android TV streaming dongle. By comparison, the TK700 features BenQ’s Black Detail Enhancement for improved fine details in dark scenes. Let’s dive in and look at the TK700STi vs. its TK700 counterpart in-depth.
BenQ TK700 vs. TK700STi Gaming Performance
The BenQ TK700 and TK700STi offer the same low input lag for gaming. You’ll enjoy 16ms of input lag at 4K 60Hz or 1080p 60Hz, 8ms of input lag at 1080p 120Hz, and just 4ms at 1080p 240Hz. Therefore, both projectors work flawlessly with the PS5, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, and even gaming PCs or laptops.
However, the BenQ TK700STi offers a trio of game mode presets: FPS, SPG, and RPG:
- FPS (first person shooter) enhances details for better on-screen visibility of enemies hidden in the shadows and better surround sound to hear footsteps or detect the direction of gunshots.
- RPG (role playing) offers cinematic colors and theatre-like sound for an immersive audiovisual experience.
- SPG (sports) includes accurate colors and boosts vocals to highlight in-game announcer voices.
Contrastingly, the TK700 only includes FPS. Because of its extra game modes, we give the TK700STi a slight edge.
Winner: BenQ TK700STi
BenQ TK700 vs. TK700STi Image Quality
There’s little difference between the BenQ TK700 and TK700STi’s video capabilities. Both are bulb-based DLP projectors supporting 4K ultra high-definition (UHD) 3840 x 2160 pixel resolutions using pixel-shifting. Each sports a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and covers 96% Rec.709 for exceptional color accuracy.
But the BenQ TK700 gets a little brighter with 3,200 ANSI lumens of brightness while the TK700STi is limited to 3,000. That’s nearly a negligible difference, yet still worth noting. Additionally, the TK700 features BenQ’s Black Detail Enhancement which accentuates fine details in darker scenes while still conserving color accuracy. Since the TK700 includes a few extra image quality goodies, it takes the cake.
Winner: BenQ TK700
BenQ TK700 vs. TK700STi Installation and Set Up
The TK700 gives you 2D keystone with auto vertical ± 30 degree and manual horizontal ± 30 degree keystone. On the other hand, the TK700STi packs ± 40 degree vertical, ± 40 degrees horizontal, ± 40 degrees rotation keystone. There are adjustable feet underneath for leveling the projector on a surface like a coffee table as well as screw holes for use with a ceiling mount. You’ll also find a 110% projection offset with both devices.
Where the TK700 and TK700STi differ substantially is throw ratio. While the TK700 has a throw ratio of 1.127-1.46 for producing a 100-inch image from 9.8 feet away from the projector screen, the TK700STi has a throw ratio of 0.9-1.08 for shining a 100-inch image from 6.5-feet back from the screen. Its shorter throw and more generous keystone means the TK700 can fit in smaller rooms for flexible placement.
Winner: BenQ TK700STi
BenQ TK700 vs. TK700STi Smart Features
Although neither projector is a smart projector with built-in streaming capabilities, the TK700STi comes bundled with BenQ’s QS01 Android TV stick. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Netflix, but that’s a fault of Netflix being picky about device compatibility. As such, you’ll need another way to stream from Netflix. Presumably, if you’re purchasing a gaming projector, you plan to hook up a PS5 or Xbox On/Series X/Series S, so you can always just watch Netflix that way. Nevertheless, we’re throwing this one to the TK700STi since it arrives with an Android TV streaming stick while the TK700 doesn’t.
Winner: TK700STi
BenQ TK700STi vs. TK700 Audio Performance
Onboard both units, you’ll find a single 5 Watt treVolo speaker. It gets the job done and is capable of filling up a small to medium-sized room easily. Still, you’re better suited by taking advantage of the TK700 and TK700STi’s eARC, or enhanced Audio Return Channel with an ARC- or eARC-compatible soundbar or receiver. With no difference in their audio capabilities, this is a toss-up.
Winner: Tie
BenQ TK700 Specs
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160) with pixel-shifting
- Brightness: 3,200 ANSI lumens
- Contrast ratio: 10,000:1
- Light source: Lamp
- Projection technology: DLP
- Lamp life: 4,000 hours (normal), 10,000 hours (ECO), 8,000 hours (SmartEco), 15,000 hours (LampSave)
- Throw ratio: 1.127-1.46 (100 inches at 9.8 feet)
- Projection offset: 110%
- Keystone: Auto vertical ± 30 degrees, manual horizontal ± 30 degrees
- 3D support
- Picture modes: 3D, Bright, Cinema, Game, HDR, HDR Game, HDR10, HLG, Living Room, Sport, User
- Input lag: 16.7 ms (1080p@60Hz), 16.7 ms (4K@60Hz), 4.2 ms (1080p@240Hz), 8.3 ms (1080p@120Hz)
- Connectivity: 3x HDMI (1x with eARC support), 1x USB Type A, 1x RS232, 1x optical TOSLink SPDIF, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
- Speaker: 1x 5 Watt treVolo-tuned speaker
- In the box: TK700 projector, remote, power cable, batteries, documentation
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 4.3 x 9.6 inches (312 x110 x 246 mm)
- Weight: 6.8 lbs. (3.1 kg)
BenQ TK700STi Specs
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) with HDR10
- Brightness: 3000 ANSI lumens
- 10,000:1 contrast ratio
- Light source: Lamp
- Throw ratio: 0.9-1.08 (100-inch image from 6.5-feet back from the screen)
- 1.2x zoom
- 110% projection offset
- Image adjustments: ± 40 degree vertical, ± 40 degrees horizontal, ± 40 degrees rotation
- 3D support
- 96% Rec.709 color coverage
- Image modes: Bright, Cinema, Game, HDR, HDR Game, HLG, Living Room, Sport, User
- Inputs/outputs: 3x HDMI (including 1x with eARC), 1x RS232, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
- Input lag: 1.6ms (4k 60Hz, 1080p 60Hz), 4.2ms (1080p 240Hz), 8.3ms (1080p 120Hz)
- Audio: 1x 5W Trevolo speaker
BenQ TK700 vs. TK700STi: Final Thoughts
Ultimately, both the TK700 and TK700STi are exceptional gaming projectors with the versatility to play movies well, even in a room with lots of ambient light. While the two devices are pretty similar, we think the TK700STi is a better value. Its short-throw ratio gives you flexible placement options and the QS01 Android TV streaming stick, while unable to play Netflix, adds smart features. The TK700STi also sports more game modes and better keystone. For most folks, we recommend the TK700STi.
However, the TK700 is still a great choice and comes with BenQ’s Black Detail Enhancement which the TK700STi doesn’t have. The TK700 also gets a bit brighter, though the difference isn’t huge Ultimately, you don’t have a bad option when comparing the BenQ TK700 and BenQ TK700STi.
For more choices, check out the best gaming projectors on the market.
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