Having previously evaluated the entry-level Twisted Minds 27″ FHD, we now examine its larger counterpart, the Twisted Minds TM32QHD165VA. This model features a 32-inch display and a 165 Hz refresh rate, an upgrade from the 27-inch FHD’s 100 Hz. The monitor exhibits a clean and modern design, with the panel conveying a sense of robustness and quality. However, upon handling the base, it becomes apparent that the stand offers no adjustability in terms of height, swivel, or tilt. While the stand initially feels somewhat unstable during assembly, this concern dissipates once the monitor is fully set up.
The rear of the monitor houses four inputs: two HDMI 2.1 ports and two DisplayPort v1.4 connections. These ports are conveniently recessed and elevated, facilitating tidy cable management. An audio output is also available.
With the monitor connected via HDMI, we proceeded to testing. The TM32QHD165VA was initially configured as a secondary display (the rationale for this will be discussed later). The lack of physical adjustability immediately presented a challenge, preventing optimal positioning relative to the primary display. A compromise was ultimately reached. Initially, the screen exhibited a slightly washed-out appearance compared to the primary display (a 27-inch, 4K, 60Hz LG monitor), raising concerns about the Twisted Minds screen’s image quality. However, these concerns were quickly alleviated through adjustments within the monitor’s OSD menu, allowing for calibration to match the settings of the primary display. The question remains: why was the TM32QHD165VA not used as the primary display if the image quality could be optimized?
The primary reason for this is the screen’s considerable 32-inch size. At this size, the 2560 x 1440 resolution results in a pixel density that is subjectively too low. Tasks such as reading text and working in applications like Photoshop or InDesign exhibit noticeable pixelation. While usable, the experience is less refined compared to the 4K resolution of the primary display.
It is important to note that the TM32QHD165VA from Twisted Minds is primarily marketed as a gaming monitor, and its strengths lie in this area. The 2560 x 1440 resolution combined with HDR proves to be sufficient for delivering an excellent visual experience in gaming scenarios. The 165 Hz refresh rate allows for frame rates of up to 165 fps, contingent on the capabilities of the system’s hardware and the game’s settings. A key advantage is the ability to reduce the resolution to achieve higher frame rates without significantly impacting the visual experience. This contrasts sharply with the primary display, which is limited to 60 fps. Testing with the upcoming title Witchfire demonstrated a remarkably smooth and fluid gaming experience.
When HDR is enabled within a supported game (requiring initial activation), the visual fidelity is significantly enhanced. Colors are vibrant, and blacks are rendered with impressive depth and accuracy. This also translates favorably when using the monitor for movie playback.
A minor drawback of the TM32QHD165VA is its slightly lower brightness compared to competing monitors in a similar price bracket. While the difference is not substantial, the Twisted Minds screen has a rated brightness of 300 cd/m², whereas some competitors offer 350-400 cd/m².
As previously mentioned, the TM32QHD165VA is designed for gaming, and it includes optional crosshair overlays intended to aid in First Person Shooter games. While subjective, we found the crosshairs to neither significantly improve nor detract from the gaming experience in Witchfire.
In conclusion, we recommend the TM32QHD165VA as a compelling gaming monitor despite its limitations. The lack of positional adjustments and slightly lower brightness are minor considerations when weighed against its numerous advantages, including high refresh rates (without screen tearing) and HDR support. While the resolution may be perceived as too low for its size for primary desktop use, this is a matter of personal preference. Our preference for a smaller, higher-resolution display led to its use as a secondary monitor. For gaming, the TM32QHD165VA offers a worthwhile alternative for immersive gaming and movie experiences.
Twisted Minds provided a review unit for this evaluation. The provision of review samples does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted independently with the interests of our readers and consumers as our primary focus.
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