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Response Time Explained

What is Response Time?​

Response time refers to the time it takes for liquid crystal pixels to change from one color to another, usually measured in milliseconds (ms).

Simple understanding: The shorter the response time, the faster the image changes, and the clearer dynamic scenes become.

Common Response Time Levels​

  • 1ms: Top-tier gaming monitor standard
  • 4ms: Standard IPS panel level
  • 5-8ms: Entry-level monitors
  • 10ms+: Obviously affects gaming experience

Technical Principles of Response Time​

Measurement Standards​

GTG (Gray to Gray)​

  • Definition: Time for gray-to-gray transition
  • Standard: Currently the most commonly used measurement method
  • Significance: Closer to actual usage scenarios

BWB (Black to White to Black)​

  • Definition: Complete black-white-black cycle time
  • Characteristics: Values are usually larger than GTG
  • Application: Less commonly used by manufacturers

Influencing Factors​

  • Panel Technology: TN < IPS < VA
  • Liquid Crystal Material: Different formulations affect response speed
  • Drive Circuit: Application of Overdrive technology
  • Temperature Environment: Low temperature affects liquid crystal response

How Response Time Affects Gaming​

Ghosting Phenomenon​

Manifestation: Trailing shadows behind fast-moving objects

Severity Levels:​

  • 1-2ms: Almost no ghosting
  • 4-5ms: Slight ghosting, most people not sensitive
  • 8ms+: Obvious ghosting, affects gaming experience

Sensitivity for Different Game Types​

Competitive FPS Games​

  • Requirement: 1-4ms
  • Reason: Fast aiming and turning need clear images
  • Typical Games: CS:GO, Valorant, Apex Legends

MOBA Games​

  • Requirement: Under 4ms
  • Reason: Need quick reactions during team fights
  • Typical Games: LOL, Dota2

Single-player RPG​

  • Requirement: Under 8ms is sufficient
  • Reason: Relatively slow scene transitions
  • Typical Games: The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077

Strategy Games​

  • Requirement: Not sensitive to response time
  • Reason: Slow image changes
  • Typical Games: Civilization 6, Total War series

Response Time Characteristics of Different Panels​

TN Panel​

  • Response Time: 0.5-1ms
  • Advantages: Extremely fast response, no ghosting
  • Disadvantages: Poor color performance
  • Suitable For: Competitive gamers

IPS Panel​

  • Standard IPS: 4-5ms
  • Fast IPS: 1ms
  • Advantages: Accurate colors, good viewing angles
  • Disadvantages: Traditional IPS has slower response

VA Panel​

  • Response Time: 4-6ms
  • Characteristics: Some color transitions are slower
  • Issues: May have black ghosting
  • Suitable For: Video entertainment

Overdrive Technology Explained​

Working Principle​

Goal: Accelerate transitions by applying extra voltage to pixels

Overdrive Level Settings​

  • Off: Slowest response, no side effects
  • Low: Slight acceleration, safe setting
  • Medium: Balance between speed and image quality
  • High: Fastest response, may have side effects

Side Effect: Overshoot​

Phenomenon: Pixels change excessively, creating reverse ghosting Manifestation: Halo effect around edges of moving objects Solution: Lower Overdrive level

How to Choose the Right Response Time?​

Choose by Usage​

Professional Esports​

  • Recommendation: 1ms TN or Fast IPS
  • Reason: Pursue ultimate competitive advantage
  • Trade-off: May sacrifice color performance

Casual Gaming​

  • Recommendation: Under 4ms
  • Reason: Balance gaming experience and colors
  • Choice: Mainly IPS panels

Office & Design​

  • Recommendation: Under 8ms is sufficient
  • Reason: Not sensitive to response time
  • Focus: Color accuracy is more important

Entertainment​

  • Recommendation: Under 5ms
  • Reason: Reduce ghosting when watching action movies
  • Balance: Consider contrast and colors

Methods for Testing Response Time​

Professional Testing Equipment​

  • High-speed Camera: Records pixel transition process
  • Photometer: Measures brightness change time
  • Standard: ISO standard testing methods

Consumer Testing Methods​

  • UFO Test: Blur Busters online test
  • Game Testing: Observe fast-moving scenes
  • Setting Adjustment: Adjust Overdrive levels

Common Misconceptions​

"Lower Response Time is Always Better"​

  • Problem: Ignores Overdrive side effects
  • Reality: Excessive Overdrive creates overshoot
  • Advice: Choose appropriate balance point

"Only Look at Manufacturer Claims"​

  • Problem: Testing conditions may differ
  • Reality: Need to see actual test results
  • Advice: Refer to professional review data

"1ms Must Be Better Than 4ms"​

  • Problem: May be different testing standards
  • Reality: 4ms IPS may provide better experience than 1ms TN
  • Advice: Consider all factors comprehensively

Optimizing Response Time Settings​

Display Settings​

  1. Enable Game Mode: Reduce image processing delay
  2. Adjust Overdrive: Find optimal balance point
  3. Turn Off Unnecessary Effects: Reduce processing time

System Settings​

  1. Exclusive Fullscreen Mode: Reduce system delay
  2. Turn Off V-Sync: If sync technology is available
  3. High Performance Power Mode: Ensure performance isn't limited

Testing Verification​

  1. Use UFO Test: Online test for ghosting
  2. Game Testing: Observe effects in actual games
  3. Compare Multiple Overdrive Levels: Find best settings

Next Section: Color Gamut - Understanding key parameters for color performance