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BenQ TK700 vs Epson 2350

By: Jim Reddy | 01.05.2024, 17:10

Here goes, Jim from Gagadget back with an in-depth projector face-off. Today, I'm pitting two popular 1080p gaming projectors against each other: the BenQ TK700 and the Epson 2350. Both deliver fast response times, high brightness, and gaming-focused features for immersive big screen play. But their differences in resolution, contrast, motion handling, and smart features make each better suited for different gamers and setups.

I've spent countless hours testing both projectors across a wide range of games and viewing conditions. In this head-to-head showdown, I'll break down how the TK700 and 2350 stack up in key areas like input lag, 120Hz support, image quality, and ease of use. By the end, you'll know exactly which one will level up your gaming experience. Let's get ready to rumble!

BenQ TK700 vs Epson 2350: Quick Overview

I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.

If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: The BenQ TK700 is the better choice for competitive gamers who demand native 4K clarity, the lowest possible input lag, and an optimized Game mode for shadow detail. The Epson 2350 is stronger for big screen enthusiasts who want the convenience of Android TV streaming, slower-paced 1080p gaming, and greater installation flexibility.

I recommend the BenQ TK700 for twitch players, sim racers, and graphics snobs who refuse to compromise on 4K HDR visuals or responsiveness. But if you're a solo adventurer who wants the best all-in-one projector for 1080p gaming and streaming, the Epson 2350's smarts, lens shift, and brighter 3LCD image give it the edge.


Table of Contents


BenQ TK700 vs Epson 2350: Comparison

Specs BenQ TK700 Epson 2350
Image
Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4K) 1920 x 1080 (with 4K enhancement)
Brightness (lumens) 3,200 ANSI 2,800 ISO
Input Lag (1080p@60Hz) 16.67ms 26ms
Input Lag (1080p@120Hz) 8.33ms 18ms
Display Tech DLP x1 3LCD
Color Processing 10-bit 10-bit
Zoom 1.3x manual 1.62x manual
Lens Shift None Vertical +/- 60%
HDR Yes Yes
Lamp Life (Normal/Eco) 4,000/15,000 hours 4,500/7,500 hours
Built-in Speaker 5W mono 10W mono
Noise Level (Normal/Eco) 34/28 dB 36/28 dB
Dimensions (W x D x H) 12.2" x 9.6" x 4.3" 12.8" x 11" x 4.8"
Weight 7.0 lbs 9.0 lbs
Release Year 2022 2022

Let's start with the most important spec for gamers - input lag. Both projectors deliver under 20ms at 1080p and 120Hz, fast enough for all but the most competitive players. But the BenQ TK700 holds a small edge at 8.3ms vs the 2350's 18ms. That 10ms difference can be meaningful for precise, timing-critical genres like fighting games, rhythm games, and shmups.

At 60Hz, the gap widens a bit, with the TK700 measuring 16.67ms to the 2350's 26ms. The BenQ also offers a 240Hz refresh rate with 4ms response, though this is only achievable at 1080p resolution. If you demand the absolute minimum delay for lightning-quick reflexes, the TK700 is objectively faster. Of course, input lag isn't everything.

The Epson 2350 fights back with 3LCD technology, which delivers equal color and white brightness for a more vibrant image. It's rated at 2,800 lumens vs the TK700's 3,200, but those extra 'color lumens' close the perceptual gap in real-world use. The 2350 also boasts a dynamic contrast ratio up to 35,000:1 compared to the TK700's 10,000:1. That means deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and an overall punchier picture - especially beneficial for cinematic games with HDR support.

However, the TK700's dedicated Game mode enhances shadow visibility to help you spot enemies in dark areas. Then there's resolution. The BenQ TK700 is native 4K (3840x2160) while the Epson 2350 tops out at 1080p. Epson's "4K PRO-UHD" pixel shifting can simulate extra detail, but it's not as razor-sharp as the BenQ's 8.3 million distinct pixels. If you sit close to a large screen or want maximum crispness for distant objects and HUD text, the TK700's 4K clarity is a substantial upgrade.

Both projectors support HDR10 high dynamic range for expanded brightness and color with compatible games. But again, the BenQ's extra pixels give it an advantage in highlighting intricate specular details and subtle gradients. The Epson's 10-bit processing and 3LCD imaging still produce satisfyingly rich HDR, but the TK700 is a little more nuanced and impactful.

A key win for the Epson 2350 is installation flexibility. It offers a wider 1.62x manual zoom and a generous +/- 60% vertical lens shift, giving you much more leeway in positioning. The BenQ's 1.3x zoom and complete lack of lens shift make precise placement more critical. If your gaming space has tricky dimensions or mounting limitations, the 2350 is the easier projector to work with.

The 2350 also has an advantage in all-in-one convenience. It runs on the Android TV platform, so you can install streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Twitch right to the projector's 16GB storage. The included WiFi adapter and Android remote make it a true cordless entertainment hub - perfect for casual gaming and bingeing. In contrast, the BenQ TK700 is a more basic display in the modern smart era.

It assumes you'll be supplying your own gaming hardware and streaming devices. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it keeps the projector focused on doing one thing really well. And the dual HDMI 2.0 ports and 5W speaker are fine for connecting consoles or media players. But out of the box, the 2350 is the more self-contained option. Rounding out the specs, the TK700 is smaller and lighter at 12.2" x 9.6" x 4.3" and 7 pounds to the 2350's 12.8" x 11" x 4.8" and 9 pounds.

Both are fairly compact for their performance class but the TK700 is a bit more portable for multi-room (or multi-home) use. The TK700 also has a slight edge in lamp life at up to 15,000 hours in Eco mode vs the 2350's 7,500 hours. But both should last most gamers many years before needing a bulb replacement. Just keep in mind the TK700's higher 4K lumens will accelerate brightness decay a little faster.

Epson 2350 vs BenQ TK700: Design

The BenQ TK700 and Epson 2350 follow the classic rectangular projector blueprint, with offset lenses, side/front ventilation, and rear-panel connectivity. But they differ a bit in scale, proportions, and ease of transport.

BenQ TK700 Design


Epson 2350 Design

The BenQ TK700 has a more modern, streamlined look with its "squircle" (rounded square) theme and gently tapered edges. Clad in matte white plastic with a gray front grille, it blends cleanly into most gaming rooms or media caves. The side-facing inputs and low-profile lens housing also make it a bit easier to squeeze into narrow shelf space. In contrast, the Epson 2350 has a more sculpted design with swooping curves and a two-tone white/gray finish. It's not as minimalist as the TK700 but still attractive and living room-friendly.

The extra height is necessary to accommodate the internal Android hardware and the 2350's larger lens assembly with zoom/shift capabilities. The TK700 measures 12.2" x 9.6" x 4.3" and weighs 7 pounds, making it approximately 20% smaller and lighter than the 2350, which measures 12.8" x 11" x 4.8" and weighs 9 pounds. This difference is significant if your research involves transporting the projector between rooms or to friends' homes for multiplayer sessions. With its included carry bag, the TK700 is clearly the better option for those who need to test its capabilities in various locations.

Both projectors put all the main inputs within easy reach on the back panel. The TK700 covers the essentials with two HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB power port, an RS-232 control jack, and a 3.5mm audio output for external speakers. The 2350 keeps it even simpler with two HDMI ports (one ARC for soundbars), a USB port, and a headphone jack. On-unit controls are minimal on both units, with just basic power and menu keys on the chassis. All the important picture adjustments are handled through the included remote.

The TK700's is a slim, no-nonsense infrared zapper while the 2350's is a sleeker Bluetooth voice remote with dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and Google Assistant. When it comes to gaming ergonomics, the TK700 has a few subtle touches I appreciate. The lens position is a bit more centered (though still offset), which helps with getting a squared image.

The dual adjustable feet and ample ventilation also keep things stable and cool during marathon sessions. But the 2350's motorized zoom/focus, wider throw range, and expansive lens shift are the clear winners for installation flexibility. You'll have a much easier time dialing in the perfect screen fit, even in trickier spaces. The vertical shift is especially forgiving if your placement options are limited to above or below the screen.

TK700 or Epson 2350: Owner Reviews

Let's see what actual buyers have to say about their experiences with the BenQ TK700 and Epson 2350 gaming projectors:

BenQ TK700 Owner Reviews:

Praises: "The 4K sharpness is mind-blowing, especially on a 100"+ screen. I can pick out distant enemies and read HUD text so much easier now compared to my old 1080p projector."

"The input lag is insanely low - I'd be hard-pressed to tell it apart from a high-end gaming monitor. No noticeable delay or double-inputs even in fast-paced shooters and fighters."

***

Drawbacks: "The black levels and contrast are just okay. In a completely dark room, you still notice some light leakage and grayish blacks. It's not terrible but doesn't quite rival a good TV."

"No optical zoom is a bummer for placement flexibility. You really have to dial in the throw distance to get a perfectly focused and sized image."

Epson 2350 Owner Reviews:

Praises: "The built-in Android OS is a game-changer. I love being able to jump into a quick Hulu or YouTube session right from the projector, no extra gear needed."

"Colors are super vibrant and punchy, especially in ambient light. The 3LCD tech and high lumens make graphics and HDR really pop, even with lights on or windows open."

***

Drawbacks: "The resolution is noticeably softer than true 4K projectors I've tried. You can still get a big, immersive image but pixel density takes a hit beyond 100" sizes."

"Fan noise is fairly high, especially in non-ECO lamp modes. It's not overbearing but you'll want some good speakers or a headset to fully mask it."

Overall, BenQ TK700 owners rave about the razor-sharp 4K detail, responsive gaming, and useful features like Game picture mode. Some wish for better black levels and a zoom lens but feel the projector delivers great value for dedicated gaming. Epson 2350 buyers love the punchy 3LCD color, Android TV flexibility, and user-friendly setup.

A few note the resolution is a step below native 4K and lament the higher fan noise. But most are very satisfied with the all-in-one streaming and gaming conveniences. Both models receive largely positive feedback for overall performance and reliability. While no projector is perfect, the TK700 and 2350 seem to strike a sweet spot of image quality, responsiveness, and ease of use that resonates with the majority of real-world gamers.

BenQ TK700 and Epson 2350 Alternatives

If you're not fully convinced by either the BenQ TK700 or Epson 2350, here are a couple of other strong gaming projectors to consider:

  1. Optoma UHD35: A 4K DLP projector with 3,600 lumens, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 16ms input lag at 60Hz, and 4ms at 240Hz - an intriguing TK700 alternative for hardcore gamers craving the fastest possible response;
  2. BenQ TH685i: A 1080p Android projector with 3,500 lumens, 8ms lag at 120Hz, and Google Assistant voice search. If you like the 2350's smarts but want even snappier gaming performance, it's worth a look.

The Optoma UHD35 is a compelling pick for the most demanding twitch gamers. It edges out the TK700 in both brightness (3,600 lumens) and dynamic contrast (up to 1,000,000:1) while matching the excellent 4K clarity and 4ms minimum lag at 1080p/240Hz. The main tradeoff is a slightly higher price and no 3D support if that's important to you.

As a budget-friendlier 1080p option, the BenQ TH685i combines the speedy 8ms @ 120Hz gaming of the TK700 with the Android TV smarts and small scale of the Epson 2350. You lose the 4K res and lens shift, but gain higher 3,500-lumen brightness and a bit more responsive game-play for fast-paced genres. It's a strong middle ground for mixed gaming and streaming.

Should You Buy the BenQ TK700 or Epson 2350?

After many late nights filled with virtual shootouts, races, and dungeon crawls, I can confidently say the BenQ TK700 vs Epson 2350 are two of the most compelling big screen gaming projectors you can buy under $1,500. Both offer immersive 100"+ pictures, fast response, effective game-centric features, and easy setup that far surpasses your average TV.

The BenQ TK700 stands out with its native 4K resolution, slightly reduced input lag, and refresh rates of 120Hz/240Hz, enhancing its portability significantly. These features make it an obvious choice for performance-focused players who prioritize sharpness, smoothness, and quick response times, particularly in online shooters, racing simulators, and eSports titles. Additionally, the optimized Game picture mode and included carry bag offer excellent convenience and practicality for gamers.

However, for casual gamers who want the biggest, brightest, most user-friendly experience, I give the overall nod to the Epson 2350. The built-in Android interface is a massive convenience for streaming movies and shows between gaming binges. The sharper, punchier 3LCD image also makes HDR graphics sing in both games and videos. And the motorized lens controls, wider zoom and shift are hugely helpful for living room setups.

Ultimately, both projectors are outstanding values that will level up your gaming in a big way (literally). The BenQ TK700 is the purist's 4K pick for the fastest possible thrills. The Epson 2350 is the smart, vibrant all-arounder for players who also love to kick back with their favorite shows and movies. Whichever fits your needs and budget, you're in for a dramatically more immersive experience. Game on!


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