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