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BenQ TK700 vs Optoma UHD35
Hey everyone, it's Jim from Gagadget. Today, I'm comparing two popular 4K gaming projectors: the BenQ TK700 and Optoma UHD35. Both offer true 3840 x 2160 resolution, high brightness, low input lag, and HDR support for immersive big-screen gaming. But they also have some key differences in image technology, gaming features, and overall value.
I've spent hours hands-on with the TK700 and UHD35, evaluating picture quality, gaming performance, ease of use, and more. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my experiences to help you decide which 4K projector will level up your gaming rig. Let's get started!
BenQ TK700 vs Optoma UHD35: Quick Overview
I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.
Here's the high-level rundown: The BenQ TK700 and Optoma UHD35 are very similar 4K DLP projectors overall. Both offer 3840 x 2160 resolution, high 3200-3600 lumen brightness, low ~16ms input lag at 60Hz, and support for HDR10 high dynamic range. The main differences are the UHD35's faster 240Hz refresh rate and lower 4.2ms lag at 1080p, and the TK700's higher 96% Rec.709 color coverage and dedicated Game picture mode.
I recommend the Optoma UHD35 for competitive gamers who want the absolute lowest input lag and highest motion smoothness for fast-paced play. But if you value wider DCI-P3 color, deeper black levels, and more dialed-in game settings, the BenQ TK700 is the better all-around pick and value at its lower street price.
Table of Contents
- BenQ TK700 vs Optoma UHD35: Full Comparison
- Optoma UHD35 vs BenQ TK700: Design
- BenQ TK700 or Optoma UHD35: Owner Reviews
- BenQ TK700 and Optoma UHD35 Alternatives
- Should You Buy the BenQ TK700 or Optoma UHD35?
BenQ TK700 vs Optoma UHD35: Full Comparison
| Specs | BenQ TK700 | Optoma UHD35 |
| Image |
|
|
| Resolution | 3840x2160 (4K UHD) | 3840x2160 (4K UHD) |
| Brightness | 3,200 ANSI lumens | 3,600 ANSI lumens |
| Display Technology | DLP x1 | DLP x1 |
| Color Wheel | 8 segments | 8 segments |
| Color Processing | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Input Lag (4K/60Hz) | 16.67ms | 16.7ms |
| Input Lag (1080p/120Hz) | 8.33ms | 8.9ms |
| Input Lag (1080p/240Hz) | 4ms | 4.2ms |
| Throw Ratio | 1.13 - 1.46:1 | 1.50 - 1.66:1 |
| Zoom | 1.3x manual | 1.1x manual |
| Lamp Life (Normal/Eco) | 4,000 / 15,000 hours | 4,000 / 15,000 hours |
| Built-in Speaker | 5W mono | 10W mono |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 12.2" x 9.4" x 4.3" | 12.4" x 10.6" x 4.8" |
| Weight | 6.83 lbs | 8.6 lbs |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2021 |
Looking at core picture specs, the BenQ TK700 and Optoma UHD35 are very closely matched. Both use a single 0.66" DLP chip with XPR pixel-shifting to achieve full 4K resolution from a 1080p display. This means identically sharp detail and texture for UHD games and movies. Neither can match a native 3-chip 4K projector for smoothness, but you'd be hard-pressed to see individual pixels from normal viewing distances.
The UHD35 takes a small lead in brightness with 3,600 ANSI lumens vs the TK700's 3,200. This extra 12.5% lighting power helps it maintain better contrast and black levels in moderately lit rooms. But both projectors are bright enough to produce a punchy, colorful picture at screen sizes up to 150" in dimmer environments.
Color performance is a clear advantage for the TK700. It boasts 96% coverage of the Rec.709 HD color gamut and 100% of the wider DCI-P3 cinema space. This translates to richer, more accurate, and finely nuanced colors across the entire range, from natural skin tones to vibrant neon lights.
The UHD35 only claims 85% Rec.709 and doesn't specify DCI-P3. In practice, colors are still very good for gaming but lack the last word in subtlety and realism, especially in darker scenes.
For gaming speed, the UHD35 has the edge at higher refresh rates. Both projectors measure around 16ms of input lag at 4K/60Hz and sub-9ms at 1080p/120Hz - easily fast enough for all but the most twitchy competitive shooters.
But the UHD35 can accept a 1080p/240Hz signal for even smoother motion and lower 4.2ms response times. It's a small difference but could be meaningful for hardcore esports players seeking every possible advantage.
The TK700 fights back with a dedicated Game picture preset. This boosts contrast and shadow visibility to help you spot enemies lurking in dark areas. It also enhances sharpness and color vibrancy for a punchier, more engaging image. I found it noticeably improved environmental details and readability vs the UHD35's less optimized Game mode.
Both projectors support HDR10 high dynamic range signals from 4K sources like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. This expands brightness and color for more impactful highlights and gradients. However, the TK700's higher native contrast (10,000:1 vs 4,000:1 dynamic on UHD35) gives it an advantage in preserving detail in the darkest and brightest areas.
The projectors also differ in throw distance and zoom range. The TK700 has a shorter throw of 1.13 - 1.46:1 and a wider 1.3x zoom. This gives you more placement flexibility, as you can position it closer to the screen or fine-tune the image size. The UHD35's longer 1.50 - 1.66:1 throw and 1.1x zoom require more precise installation for a given screen size.
Neither projector has physical lens shift, so you'll need to use keystone correction or a projector mount to square the image. Digital keystone is best avoided when possible, as it can slightly reduce sharpness and introduce artifacts.
In real-world use, the UHD35's extra lumens and faster 240Hz refresh make it a slightly better fit for dedicated gaming spaces with some light control. The higher brightness helps maintain picture quality with minor ambient light, and the faster sync is great for maximizing smoothness in less demanding or lower-res titles.
The TK700 is the more well-rounded option for mixed gaming and movie viewing. Its wider color gamut, superior HDR contrast, and effective Game mode combine for a richer, more refined picture across all content. And while not quite as bright or fast as the UHD35, it's still easily quick and punchy enough for elite-level gaming.
Optoma UHD35 vs BenQ TK700: Design
The BenQ TK700 and Optoma UHD35 have the classic rectangular projector look, with an offset lens, front-facing grille, and rear input panel. But they differ slightly in size, build materials, and onboard controls.
BenQ TK700 Design
Optoma UHD35 Design
The TK700 is a bit smaller and lighter at 12.2" x 9.4" x 4.3" and 6.83 pounds. Its case has a two-tone white and silver finish that looks a bit more modern and stylish. The UHD35 is larger at 12.4" x 10.6" x 4.8" and heavier at 8.6 pounds.
Both have manual lens controls for zoom and focus, plus dials and buttons for keystone correction and basic menu navigation. The TK700's top-mounted dials are slightly easier to access, but the UHD35's side-facing controls are less likely to be accidentally bumped.
The included remotes are standard IR models with quick-access buttons for input, picture mode, and more. The TK700's adds a few extra options like an info display and test pattern, while the UHD35's has a faster backlight.
Fan noise is slightly lower on the TK700 at 28-34 dB vs 29-38 dB on the UHD35, but both are similarly audible at full brightness. The TK700's onboard speakers are also a bit quieter at 5W vs 10W on the UHD35.
BenQ TK700 or Optoma UHD35: Owner Reviews
Let's see what actual buyers have to say about their experiences with the BenQ TK700 and Optoma UHD35 projectors:
BenQ TK700 Owner Reviews
Praises: "The picture quality is fantastic for both gaming and movies. Colors are very accurate and vibrant, and 4K detail is tack-sharp even on a 120" screen."
"The dedicated Game mode is a huge help for seeing details and enemies in shadows. It really gives you an advantage in darker areas vs the preset modes."
***
Drawbacks: "The black levels are good but not great, especially in a fully darkened room. You don't get those inky OLED-style blacks even with brightness turned down."
"I wish it had a few more lumens for daytime viewing. The picture washes out a bit if you have any significant ambient light in the room."
Optoma UHD35 Owner Reviews
Praises: "This projector is insanely responsive for fast-paced gaming. I don't notice any lag or delay even in twitchy shooters or racing games at 4K/60."
"The 1080p/240Hz mode is so smooth for less demanding titles. I can really see and feel the difference in motion clarity and fluidity."
***
Drawbacks: "Some colors feel slightly muted or 'digital' compared to my TV. It's not a huge difference but skin tones and landscapes don't quite pop the same way."
"Fan noise is definitely louder than I expected, even in Eco mode. You'll want to crank the audio a bit to compensate during quiet scenes."
Overall, BenQ TK700 owners praise the projector's sharp 4K detail, vibrant and accurate colors, and helpful Game mode for spotting enemies in shadows. Some wish for even deeper blacks and a touch more brightness for daytime use, but most feel the image quality exceeds expectations for a projector in this price range.
Optoma UHD35 buyers rave about the lightning-fast response times and super-smooth motion, especially at 1080p/240Hz. The high brightness and punchy HDR contrast also earn frequent kudos. A few users note slightly less natural colors compared to TVs and higher fan noise, but the vast majority are thrilled with the UHD35's gaming performance.
Both projectors receive very positive feedback for overall build quality, user-friendliness, and reliability. While no projector is perfect, most owners feel they got excellent value and immersion for the price from both BenQ and Optoma.
BenQ TK700 and Optoma UHD35 Alternatives
If you're not quite sold on the TK700 or UHD35, here are a couple other 4K gaming projectors to consider in the same general price range:
- Optoma UHD38: A slightly higher-end alternative to the UHD35 with 4,000 lumens, a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and the same 4.2ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz - great for brighter rooms and more refined HDR;
- BenQ TK700STi: A short throw version of the TK700 with a 0.90:1 - 1.08:1 throw ratio, 3,000 lumens, Android TV streaming, and the same gaming performance - ideal if you need a closer throw or want integrated apps.
The Optoma UHD38 is a compelling step-up pick if you want maximum brightness and contrast. The 4,000 lumens and ultra-high dynamic range deliver an even punchier, more living room-friendly picture than the UHD35. You also get the same 240Hz refresh rate and 4.2ms response time for hardcore fast-motion gaming. Just be ready to pay a premium for the privilege.
If you like the TK700 but want a shorter throw distance or built-in streaming, check out the BenQ TK700STi. You can get a 100" image from just 6.5ft away, making it great for smaller spaces or coffee table setups. The onboard Android TV and included voice remote also simplify streaming without extra dongles. The main tradeoff is slightly lower 3,000 lumen brightness.
Should You Buy the BenQ TK700 or Optoma UHD35?
After in-depth testing and comparison, it's clear the BenQ TK700 vs Optoma UHD35 are both exceptional 4K projectors for gaming and home entertainment. With their detailed UHD resolution, high brightness, fast response, and extensive settings, they deliver immersive big-screen thrills for every genre and skill level. You really can't go wrong with either model for a huge, responsive, room-filling game experience.
For discerning users seeking reference-level color and contrast, the BenQ TK700 is the better pick. Its 96% Rec.709 coverage, full DCI-P3 support, and superior tone mapping combine for a richer, more nuanced picture in gaming and movie modes alike. The dedicated Game preset also does a great job enhancing visibility and vibrancy. Factor in the wider zoom and shorter throw for easier placement and it's the clear all-around winner.
However, if you're a hardcore esports player who prioritizes speed above all else, the Optoma UHD35 has the edge. The 240Hz refresh rate and 4.2ms input lag provide a small but noticeable competitive advantage in fast-paced shooters, racing sims, and fighting games. The higher 3,600 lumen brightness is also better for gaming spaces with some ambient light. Just be prepared to tinker more to dial in the best picture settings. Whichever route you choose, you're getting one of the most responsive, flexible, and flat-out fun 4K projectors in the sub-$2K price class.
The BenQ TK700 and Optoma UHD35 both represent a phenomenal value for avid gamers looking to supersize their sessions without sacrificing speed or detail. If you can adapt to their few quirks and limitations, they'll provide hundreds of hours of controller-gripping, grin-inducing big screen action.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any other questions as you level up your gaming den. I'll do my best to help you splash your way to projector victory.
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