BenQ TK700 vs BenQ TK700STI

Hey everyone, it's Jim from Gagadget! Today, I'm pitting two immersive 4K gaming projectors head-to-head: the BenQ TK700 and TK700STi. Both deliver stunning true 4K resolution, realistic HDR, and specialized game modes for a competitive edge. But their key differences in throw distance, brightness, and smart features make each suited for different players and spaces.

I've spent hours gaming on both the TK700 and TK700STi, evaluating image quality, input lag, color performance, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll highlight where each projector shines (literally) to help you pick your perfect big screen gaming companion. Let's level up!

BenQ TK700 vs TK700STi: 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 and TK700STi share the same true 4K resolution, HDR support, and ultra-low 16ms input lag for fast-twitch gaming. The key differences are the TK700STi's short throw lens for closer placement and Android TV streaming. It also has preset FPS/RPG/SPG modes. The TK700 is a bit brighter at 3200 vs 3000 lumens.

I recommend the BenQ TK700STi for most gamers, especially those with small to mid-sized rooms. The short throw, smart features, and genre-optimized presets are meaningful upgrades. But if you have a larger space and value maximum brightness over streaming convenience, the TK700 remains an excellent choice.

Table of Contents

• BenQ TK700 vs TK700STi: Full Comparison
• BenQ TK700STi vs TK700: Design
• BenQ TK700 or TK700STi: Owners Reviews
• BenQ TK700 and TK700STi Alternatives
• Should You Buy the TK700 or TK700STi?

BenQ TK700 vs TK700STi: Comparison

Specs	BenQ TK700	BenQ TK700STi
Image
Resolution	3840x2160 (4K)	3840x2160 (4K)
Brightness	3,200 ANSI lumens	3,000 ANSI lumens
Contrast Ratio	10,000:1	10,000:1
Display Tech	0.47" DLP x1	0.47" DLP x1
Input Lag	16.67ms (1080p/60Hz)	16.9ms (1080p/60Hz)
Throw Ratio	1.13 - 1.46	0.90 - 1.08
Zoom	1.3x manual	1.2x manual
Lamp Life	4,000 hrs (Normal) / 15,000 hrs (Eco)	4,000 hrs (Normal) / 15,000 hrs (Eco)
Audible Noise	34 dB (Normal) / 28 dB (Eco)	35 dB (Normal) / 29 dB (Eco)
Built-in Speaker	5W	5W
Dimensions	12.2" x 9.5" x 4.3"	12.2" x 9.7" x 4.3"
Weight	6.83 lbs	6.83 lbs
Release Date	February 2022	May 2021

Starting with the fundamentals, both the BenQ TK700 and TK700STi deliver true 4K UHD resolution - that's 8.3 million pixels on screen for incredible sharpness and detail. Whether you're exploring vast open worlds or picking off distant enemies, the added clarity of 4K makes a huge difference over 1080p gaming. I was continuously impressed by how much more I could see in my favorite titles.

The TK700 takes a slight lead in overall brightness, cranking out 3,200 ANSI lumens versus the TK700STi's 3,000. While not a massive gap, those extra lumens do help maintain better contrast and color saturation when gaming with some room lights on. Both are bright enough to cast a 100"+ image in moderate ambient light, but the TK700 has an edge for daytime sessions or less light-controlled spaces.

Gamers will be thrilled to know both projectors boast an ultra-low input lag of just 16ms at 1080p/60Hz - on par with many dedicated gaming monitors. I couldn't perceive any delay in fast-paced shooters or fighting games. The 8ms lag at 1080p/120Hz and 4ms at 1080p/240Hz are equally impressive for competitive players with high refresh rate PCs or consoles.

A big difference emerges in installation flexibility. The TK700STi's short throw lens can cast a 100" image from just under 7 feet away, while the TK700 needs over 8 feet for the same size. That makes the STi much easier to position in smaller rooms or apartments. Paired with vertical keystone correction and a 1.2x manual zoom, it adapts nicely to most spaces.

The other headline feature of the TK700STi is Android TV streaming built-in. The included Wi-Fi dongle and Bluetooth remote let you watch Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and more right from the projector - no extra devices needed. The interface is snappy and intuitive, and the ability to download apps from the Google Play Store adds tons of content options. The standard TK700 requires a separate streaming stick or player.

Both projectors support HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range for improved contrast and color with compatible games and content. The expanded brightness and wider gamut create a more realistic, visually striking image. I consistently preferred gaming in HDR versus SDR when given the option.

The TK700STi also includes special FPS, RPG, and SPG picture presets. These optimize the image for specific game styles - boosting shadow detail and contrast in FPS mode, bumping color vibrancy for fantasy RPG worlds, and so on. The effects are subtle but appreciated for fine-tuning visuals. The standard TK700 offers more general "Bright" and "Living Room" modes.

In most other respects, the TK700 and TK700STi are evenly matched. Both use a 0.47-inch DLP chip and 10,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and minimal "rainbow effect". Both cover 100% of the Rec.709 color space, have a low 28-35dB fan noise, and include a serviceable 5W speaker for impromptu audio. And both offer an excellent 15,000-hour lamp life in Eco mode to keep maintenance costs down.

BenQ TK700STi vs TK700: Design

The BenQ TK700 and TK700STi share near-identical white chassis with rounded corners, side-facing vents, and offset lens placement. The main visible difference is the TK700STi's two HDMI ports to the TK700's one.

BenQ TK700 Design

BenQ TK700STi Design:

Both measure about 12" wide, 4" high, and 10" deep, and weigh a hair under 7 pounds. This makes them reasonably portable for gaming nights at friends' places or outdoor movie showings. Just be mindful of throw distance - even the short throw TK700STi needs 6ft 10in for a 100" image.

Connectivity is virtually the same with two HDMI 2.0 ports (HDCP 2.2), VGA input, 3.5mm audio out, RS-232C for control systems, and USB Type-A (for power/firmware updates). The extra HDMI on the TK700STi is appreciated for connecting both a gaming console and streaming device.

Lamp access is bottom-facing on both models for easy bulb swaps down the line. And the integrated adjustable feet and threaded mounting holes allow for flexible positioning on tables, shelves, or ceiling brackets.

BenQ TK700 or TK700STi: Owners Reviews

Let's see how the BenQ TK700 and TK700STi stack up in real-world use based on owner experiences:

BenQ TK700 Owner Reviews

Praises: "The 4K picture and HDR color are insane for the price. Every game looks so crisp and vibrant, even with my lights on"

"16ms input lag feels just as responsive as any monitor I've used. It's a huge screen without the huge delay."

***

Drawbacks: "Streaming from my PS5 and Roku is great, but I wish it had built-in apps like the TK700STi for an all-in-one solution."

"The blacks are pretty good for a DLP projector but not plasma-level if you're really picky. Just don't expect OLED performance."

BenQ TK700STi Owner Reviews

Praises: "The short throw is a godsend for my small gaming den. I'm getting 110 inches of 4K goodness from just 7ft away!"

"The Android TV OS and remote are super convenient. I can jump from gaming to Netflix to Disney+ without any extra devices."

***

Drawbacks: "The built-in speaker is mediocre at best. For immersive game audio you definitely want external speakers or a soundbar."

"No lens shift or horizontal keystone means placement needs to be pretty exact. Ceiling mounting could be tricky in some rooms."

Overall, owners of both projectors are thrilled with the 4K sharpness, smooth gaming response, and HDR impact. BenQ TK700 buyers frequently praise the impressive brightness and contrast for the price. Some wish for the TK700STi's integrated streaming but are happy adding a third-party stick.

TK700STi users adore the space-saving shortthrow and all-in-one Android TV convenience. The game-optimized picture presets also earn consistent kudos. A few folks note the lack of lens shift for tricky installations, but most are very satisfied with the up-close placement flexibility.

Both models receive high marks for build quality, fan noise, and overall value. While no projector is perfect, the vast majority of buyers say the TK700 and TK700STi have exceeded their expectations for big screen 4K gaming. Just plan to pair them with a decent sound system for the full cinematic experience.

BenQ TK700 and TK700STi Alternatives

If you're not completely sold on the BenQ TK700 or TK700STi, here are a couple other 4K gaming projectors worth considering:

1. Optoma UHD38: A high-performance option with 4,000 lumens, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and an ultra-fast 4.2ms response time at 1080p/240Hz - great for competitive multiplayer;
2. ViewSonic X1000-4K: A well-rounded alternative with 4K/HDR, 3,000 LED lumens, dual 20W Harman Kardon speakers, and built-in Wi-Fi for easy streaming.

The Optoma UHD38 is an absolute beast for dedicated gamers. With its searing 4,000-lumen brightness, 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and 0.47" DLP chip, it delivers an incredibly punchy, detailed 4K picture. The headlining 4.2ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz is among the lowest of any projector, ensuring buttery smooth motion and instantaneous response. HDR10 and HLG support sweeten the pot.

On the other hand, the ViewSonic X1000-4K prioritizes all-in-one ease of use. The integrated Wi-Fi, app store, and bundled remote make it a breeze to stream content from Netflix, Prime Video, and other services. The LED light source pumps out an impressive 3,000 lumens while lasting up to 30,000 hours - 2-4X longer than traditional lamps. And the powerful Harman Kardon speakers deliver loud, clear audio without extra gear.

Should You Buy the TK700 or TK700STi?

After many hours hands-on with the BenQ TK700 vs BenQ TK700STi, I'm confident they're two of the best 4K gaming projectors under $2,000. The razor-sharp detail, ultra-low input lag, high brightness, and gamer-centric features make them exceptional values for the money. You really can't go wrong with either for immersive big screen action.

The BenQ TK700STi edges out the standard TK700 for most buyers thanks to its short throw lens, Android TV streaming, and game-specific picture presets. These quality-of-life upgrades make it much easier to plop down and start playing or watching in almost any room. The out-of-box simplicity and space efficiency are hard to beat.

However, the standard BenQ TK700 remains an excellent choice for certain setups. If you have a larger space and want to maximize brightness and screen size, its higher 3,200-lumen output and 1.3x zoom will be appreciated. It's also a bit cheaper if you don't need or want the smart TV features.

Whichever model you choose, you're in for a treat when you fire up your favorite titles. The massive 4K picture, silky-smooth motion, and vibrant HDR colors create a level of immersion that's simply unmatched by TVs at this price. Prepare to be blown away by the added detail and realism, whether you're storming the battlefield or exploring lush open worlds.

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