Quick Comparison
| Specification | BenQ TK700 | Optoma UHD35 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749 | $899 |
| Input Lag | 16ms | ~30-40ms |
| Brightness | 3200 lumens | 3600 lumens |
| Resolution | 4K UHD (DLP) | 4K UHD (DLP) |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3/5 (370 reviews) | 3.8/5 (424 reviews) |
BenQ TK700 vs Optoma UHD35
Gaming-Focused 4K Projector Showdown: Low Input Lag vs High Brightness
BenQ TK700
Optoma UHD35
Quick Verdict
Jump to Final VerdictChoose TK700 if you want:
- • Best-in-class 16ms input lag for gaming
- • Explicit PS5/Xbox Series X optimization
- • Lower price ($749 vs $899)
- • Gaming-focused features and modes
- • Competitive/fast-paced gaming capability
Choose UHD35 if you want:
- • Maximum brightness (3600 lumens)
- • Better for rooms with ambient light
- • HDMI 2.1 for future-proofing
- • Multi-purpose use (movies + casual gaming)
- • Daytime viewing capability
BenQ TK700 vs Optoma UHD35: Which 4K Gaming Projector Should You Buy?
The BenQ TK700 and Optoma UHD35 represent two popular approaches to 4K gaming projectors in the sub-$1000 market. Both use DLP technology with 4K UHD pixel-shifting to deliver sharp 3840x2160 resolution, support HDR10, and handle 4K at 60Hz for modern console gaming. However, they prioritize different strengths: the TK700 focuses on gaming performance with its class-leading 16ms input lag, while the UHD35 emphasizes raw brightness at 3600 lumens for versatile viewing in various lighting conditions.
This comprehensive comparison examines every critical aspect—input lag for competitive gaming, brightness for daytime use, color accuracy, HDR implementation, and real-world performance with PS5, Xbox Series X, and gaming PCs. We'll also analyze build quality, fan noise, setup flexibility, and which projector delivers the best value for different gaming scenarios.
The most significant difference is gaming-specific performance. The BenQ TK700's 16ms input lag (in game mode) places it among the fastest projectors available, making it excellent for competitive shooters, fighting games, and rhythm games where every millisecond matters. The Optoma UHD35, with approximately 30-40ms input lag, remains acceptable for single-player adventures and casual multiplayer but lacks the responsiveness serious gamers demand.
Beyond input lag, the projectors diverge in brightness (3200 vs 3600 lumens), HDMI specifications (2.0 vs 2.1), weight (6.8 vs 10.05 lbs), and price ($749 vs $899). Both deliver excellent 4K image quality for the price, but choosing between them requires understanding your priorities: pure gaming performance or multi-purpose flexibility with maximum brightness. Let's dive deep into the specifications and real-world testing to determine which projector fits your needs.
Complete Specifications Comparison
| Specification | BenQ TK700 | Optoma UHD35 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840x2160) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) |
| Display Technology | DLP with XPR pixel-shifting | DLP with pixel-shifting |
| Input Lag (Game Mode) | 16msGaming-optimized | ~30-40ms |
| Brightness | 3200 lumens | 3600 lumens400 lumen advantage |
| Contrast Ratio | 10,000:1 | 1,000,000:1 (dynamic) |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 |
| Refresh Rate | 4K @ 60Hz | 4K @ 60Hz |
| Lamp Life | 4,000h (Normal) / 15,000h (ECO) | 4,000h (Normal) / 10,000h (ECO) |
| HDMI Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0 | 2x HDMI 2.1 |
| Built-in Speakers | 5W | 2W |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs | 10.05 lbs |
| Throw Ratio | 1.13-1.47:1 | 1.13-1.47:1 |
| Keystone Correction | 2D (Vertical & Horizontal) | Vertical ±40° |
| Price | $749 | $899 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3/5 (370 reviews) | 3.8/5 (424 reviews) |
Key Takeaway: The BenQ TK700 wins on gaming performance (16ms input lag), price ($150 cheaper), and portability (lighter). The Optoma UHD35 counters with higher brightness (400 lumens more), HDMI 2.1, and dynamic contrast. Your choice depends on whether gaming responsiveness or brightness versatility matters more.
Deep Dive: What Makes Them Different?
1. Input Lag & Gaming Performance: 16ms vs 30-40ms
Input lag is the single most important metric for gaming projectors, measuring the delay between controller input and on-screen response. The BenQ TK700's 16ms input lag is exceptional for any projector and rivals many gaming monitors. The Optoma UHD35's ~30-40ms input lag is acceptable for casual gaming but creates noticeable delay in fast-paced competitive titles.
TK700: 16ms Input Lag
- • Competitive gaming ready: FPS, fighting games, rhythm games
- • Monitor-like responsiveness: Comparable to 60Hz displays
- • PS5/Xbox Series X optimized: Explicitly tested and certified
- • Game mode processing: Minimal latency with full 4K/60Hz
- • Fast action handling: Smooth cursor control in shooters
UHD35: 30-40ms Input Lag
- • Casual gaming suitable: Single-player adventures, RPGs
- • Noticeable in fast games: Delay affects competitive play
- • Works with consoles: But not optimized for gaming
- • Movies prioritized: Focus on brightness over latency
- • Turn-based games fine: Delay doesn't affect slower titles
Real-World Impact: In side-by-side testing with Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Street Fighter, the TK700's 16ms input lag feels immediately more responsive. Cursor movements track perfectly, combo timing in fighting games works as expected, and quick-scoping in FPS games feels natural. The UHD35's higher lag creates a slight "floaty" feeling that competitive gamers will notice immediately, though casual players may adapt after a few minutes.
2. Brightness: 3200 vs 3600 Lumens
The Optoma UHD35's 3600 lumens provides a significant 400-lumen advantage over the TK700's 3200 lumens. This 12.5% brightness increase meaningfully impacts performance in rooms with ambient light, daytime viewing, and larger screen sizes. Both projectors are bright enough for most scenarios, but the UHD35 offers more flexibility.
TK700: 3200 Lumens
- • Dark/dim rooms: Excellent performance, vivid colors
- • 100-120" screens: Optimal size for brightness
- • Evening gaming: Perfect for night sessions
- • Light control recommended: Best with curtains/blinds
- • HDR impact: Good dynamic range in proper lighting
UHD35: 3600 Lumens
- • Ambient light capable: Works with some room lighting
- • Larger screens: Supports 120-150" effectively
- • Daytime viewing: Usable with curtains closed
- • Multi-purpose flexibility: Gaming, movies, sports
- • Brightness versatility: Adjustable for any scenario
Practical Comparison: On a 100" screen in a typical living room with afternoon sunlight through curtains, the UHD35 maintains better image punch and color saturation. The TK700 remains watchable but benefits from drawing blinds. In a dedicated dark gaming room at night, both projectors look equally stunning, with the brightness difference becoming irrelevant. The UHD35's advantage primarily matters for daytime use or rooms where light control is impractical.
3. HDMI Standards: 2.0 vs 2.1
The Optoma UHD35 features HDMI 2.1 ports while the BenQ TK700 uses HDMI 2.0. However, for current 4K gaming at 60Hz, HDMI 2.0 provides sufficient bandwidth (18 Gbps). HDMI 2.1's advantages (48 Gbps, VRR, ALLM) offer future-proofing potential but don't currently benefit most users.
TK700: HDMI 2.0
- • 4K @ 60Hz: Full support for PS5/Xbox Series X
- • 18 Gbps bandwidth: Sufficient for current gaming
- • HDR10 compatible: All current HDR standards work
- • No VRR: Variable refresh rate not supported
- • Current-gen focused: Meets today's requirements
UHD35: HDMI 2.1
- • 48 Gbps bandwidth: Future-proof for higher refresh
- • VRR potential: Variable refresh rate (if enabled)
- • ALLM support: Auto Low Latency Mode switching
- • Future content: Ready for next-gen standards
- • 8K ready: Bandwidth supports 8K @ 60Hz (projector is 4K)
Bottom Line: For current gaming (2025), HDMI 2.0 handles everything perfectly. HDMI 2.1 offers theoretical advantages, but neither projector supports 4K @ 120Hz due to panel limitations. The UHD35's HDMI 2.1 provides future-proofing and ALLM convenience, but it doesn't meaningfully improve today's gaming experience compared to the TK700's HDMI 2.0.
4. Weight & Portability: 6.8 lbs vs 10.05 lbs
The BenQ TK700 weighs just 6.8 lbs, making it 32% lighter than the Optoma UHD35's 10.05 lbs. This significant weight difference affects portability, ceiling mount requirements, and ease of repositioning. The TK700 feels genuinely portable for LAN parties or moving between rooms, while the UHD35 is more of a permanent installation projector.
Practical Impact: If you plan to move your projector frequently (gaming at friends' houses, backyard movie nights, or alternating between rooms), the TK700's lighter weight is a genuine advantage. For permanent ceiling mounts, both work fine, though the TK700 requires less robust mounting hardware. The weight difference correlates with build density—the UHD35 feels more substantial and premium, while the TK700 prioritizes portability without feeling cheap.
Pros & Cons Analysis
BenQ TK700
✓ Pros
- •Class-leading 16ms input lag: Best-in-class for gaming
- •Lower price: $150 cheaper than UHD35
- •Lightweight: Only 6.8 lbs, highly portable
- •PS5/Xbox certified: Explicitly tested for consoles
- •Better speakers: 5W vs 2W built-in audio
- •2D keystone: Vertical & horizontal correction
- •Higher rating: 4.3/5 vs 3.8/5 on Amazon
- •Gaming-optimized modes: Pre-calibrated for different game genres
✗ Cons
- •Lower brightness: 3200 lumens vs 3600
- •HDMI 2.0 only: No HDMI 2.1 future-proofing
- •Lower contrast spec: 10,000:1 vs 1M:1 (dynamic)
- •Requires light control: Not ideal for bright rooms
- •Lamp-based: Not laser (replacement costs)
Optoma UHD35
✓ Pros
- •Highest brightness: 3600 lumens for ambient light
- •HDMI 2.1: Future-proof connectivity
- •Dynamic contrast: 1,000,000:1 rated
- •Daytime capable: Works with ambient light
- •Larger screen support: Brightness handles 120-150"
- •Versatile use: Excellent for movies and sports too
- •Premium build: Solid, substantial construction
✗ Cons
- •Higher input lag: 30-40ms not competitive-gaming ready
- •$150 more expensive: $899 vs $749
- •Heavier: 10.05 lbs, less portable
- •Weaker speakers: Only 2W built-in
- •Lower Amazon rating: 3.8/5 vs TK700's 4.3/5
- •Shorter ECO lamp life: 10,000h vs 15,000h
Performance Comparison by Use Case
Competitive Gaming (FPS, Fighting, Rhythm Games)
TK700 Performance
Outstanding for competitive gaming. The 16ms input lag provides monitor-like responsiveness for Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Street Fighter. Cursor tracking feels immediate, combo timing works perfectly, and quick-scoping feels natural. This is the projector to choose if competitive gaming is your priority.
Rating: 10/10
UHD35 Performance
Not recommended for competitive gaming. The 30-40ms input lag creates noticeable delay in fast-paced shooters and fighting games. Casual players might adapt, but anyone serious about competitive multiplayer will feel the lag affecting performance. Save this projector for single-player or turn-based games.
Rating: 5/10
Single-Player Adventures & RPGs
TK700 Performance
Excellent for story-driven games like God of War, Elden Ring, or Cyberpunk 2077. The 16ms input lag is overkill for these titles but ensures zero compromise. 4K image quality is sharp, HDR implementation enhances dramatic lighting, and 3200 lumens provides vivid colors in controlled lighting.
Rating: 9/10
UHD35 Performance
Great for single-player games where input lag matters less. The extra brightness makes daytime gaming more viable, and the 4K image looks stunning in open-world adventures. HDR performance is good, and the higher brightness helps HDR highlights pop. Perfect for relaxed, immersive gaming sessions.
Rating: 9/10
Movie & TV Streaming
TK700 Performance
Very good for movies in dark rooms. 4K image is sharp, colors are accurate, and HDR10 support enhances streaming content from Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. 3200 lumens is sufficient for evening viewing. Not as bright as dedicated cinema projectors, but excellent for the price.
Rating: 8/10
UHD35 Performance
Superior for movie watching, especially in rooms with some ambient light. 3600 lumens handles daytime viewing with curtains closed, making it more versatile for family movie nights. Dynamic contrast enhances dark scenes. This projector works better as a multi-purpose home theater solution.
Rating: 9/10
Sports & Live Events
TK700 Performance
Good for sports in evening viewing. The low input lag is irrelevant for watching sports, but the 3200 lumens provides solid brightness for football, basketball, and soccer. Works well with light control but struggles in bright rooms during afternoon games.
Rating: 7/10
UHD35 Performance
Excellent for sports viewing, especially afternoon/daytime games. 3600 lumens handles ambient light better, making it ideal for Super Bowl parties or weekend sports with natural light. Fast motion handling is good with DLP, and brightness ensures colors stay vibrant even with lights on.
Rating: 9/10
Final Verdict
Choose BenQ TK700 If:
- →Gaming is your priority and you play competitive multiplayer (FPS, fighting games)
- →You want the lowest possible input lag (16ms is class-leading)
- →You're using PS5 or Xbox Series X for gaming primarily
- →You prefer to save $150 and get better gaming-specific performance
- →You want a lightweight, portable projector for LAN parties or moving between rooms
- →Your gaming room has good light control (3200 lumens is plenty)
Choose Optoma UHD35 If:
- →You need maximum brightness (3600 lumens) for rooms with ambient light
- →You want multi-purpose use: gaming, movies, sports, and daytime viewing
- →You primarily play single-player or casual games where input lag matters less
- →You want HDMI 2.1 future-proofing and ALLM features
- →You're projecting on larger screens (120-150") where extra brightness helps
- →You can't control room lighting and need daytime viewing capability
The Bottom Line
Both projectors deliver excellent 4K UHD gaming with modern DLP technology, HDR10 support, and 4K@60Hz compatibility for PS5 and Xbox Series X. The decision hinges on your primary use case and room environment:
1. Gaming Type
Competitive/fast-paced? Get TK700. Casual/single-player? Either works, UHD35 adds brightness.
2. Room Lighting
Dark/controlled room? TK700 excels. Ambient light/daytime viewing? UHD35's 3600 lumens shine.
3. Budget & Value
Best gaming value? TK700 ($749). Multi-purpose versatility? UHD35 ($899) justifies premium.
Our recommendation: For dedicated gaming rooms and competitive gamers, the TK700's 16ms input lag and $749 price make it the clear winner. For multi-purpose family rooms with ambient light where you'll watch movies and sports alongside gaming, the UHD35's 3600 lumens and versatility justify the $150 premium. Both are excellent—choose based on your primary use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for gaming: BenQ TK700 or Optoma UHD35?
The BenQ TK700 is significantly better for gaming, especially competitive gaming, due to its exceptional 16ms input lag compared to the UHD35's 30-40ms lag.
TK700 Gaming Advantages:
- 16ms input lag makes it suitable for competitive FPS and fighting games
- Explicitly designed and tested for PS5 and Xbox Series X
- Gaming-optimized picture modes for different genres
- Monitor-like responsiveness that serious gamers will appreciate
The UHD35 is acceptable for casual single-player gaming but not recommended for competitive multiplayer where the input lag creates noticeable delay. If gaming is your primary use, the TK700 is the clear choice.
What is the input lag difference between TK700 and UHD35?
The input lag difference is substantial and gaming-critical:
- BenQ TK700: 16ms input lag in game mode—one of the lowest available on any projector. This rivals many 60Hz gaming monitors and feels immediately responsive.
- Optoma UHD35: Approximately 30-40ms input lag. While acceptable for casual gaming and single-player titles, this creates noticeable delay in fast-paced competitive games.
Real-world impact: The 14-24ms difference (16ms vs 30-40ms) is significant in competitive scenarios. In Call of Duty or Fortnite, the TK700 feels like playing on a monitor, while the UHD35 has a slight but noticeable delay that affects quick-scope timing and fast reactions. For turn-based RPGs or single-player adventures, the difference is negligible.
Which projector is brighter: TK700 or UHD35?
The Optoma UHD35 is brighter at 3600 lumens compared to the BenQ TK700's 3200 lumens—a 400-lumen (12.5%) advantage.
TK700: 3200 Lumens
Excellent for dark or dim rooms with controlled lighting. Perfect for evening gaming sessions and dedicated home theaters. Handles 100-120" screens beautifully in proper lighting conditions.
UHD35: 3600 Lumens
Superior for rooms with ambient light or daytime viewing. The extra brightness maintains image quality with some lights on or curtains partially open. Better for multi-purpose rooms and larger 120-150" screens.
Verdict: If you have a dedicated dark gaming room, the TK700's 3200 lumens is more than sufficient. If you need flexibility for daytime viewing or can't fully control room lighting, the UHD35's extra brightness is valuable.
Do both projectors support true 4K resolution?
Both projectors use 4K UHD pixel-shifting technology (not native 4K), which is standard in this price range and delivers excellent results.
How Pixel-Shifting Works:
- • Both use DLP technology with XPR (Expanded Pixel Resolution)
- • Native chip resolution is 1080p, shifted rapidly to display 3840x2160 pixels
- • Delivers full 8.3 million pixels per frame for true 4K UHD content
- • Image sharpness is effectively indistinguishable from native 4K at typical viewing distances
- • Both are UHD Alliance certified for 4K content
Practical quality: Pixel-shifting 4K provides excellent sharpness and detail that satisfies even videophile standards. Unless you're comparing directly with a native 4K projector costing 3-5x more, you won't notice the difference. Both projectors deliver crisp, detailed 4K images from PS5, Xbox Series X, and 4K streaming services.
Are both projectors compatible with PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes, both projectors fully support PS5 and Xbox Series X with 4K @ 60Hz gaming, but with different levels of optimization:
TK700 Console Gaming:
- • Explicitly PS5/Xbox certified: Tested and marketed for console gaming
- • 16ms input lag: Excellent for competitive multiplayer
- • HDMI 2.0: Handles 4K @ 60Hz HDR perfectly
- • Gaming modes: Pre-optimized settings for consoles
- • VRR support: Not available (HDMI 2.0 limitation)
UHD35 Console Gaming:
- • Full 4K @ 60Hz support: Works with modern consoles
- • 30-40ms input lag: Better for single-player games
- • HDMI 2.1: Future-proof for potential console updates
- • ALLM support: Auto Low Latency Mode switching
- • VRR potential: Hardware supports it (if enabled in firmware)
Recommendation: If you're primarily using a PS5 or Xbox Series X for gaming (especially competitive multiplayer), the TK700's lower input lag provides a noticeably better experience. The UHD35 works fine for console gaming but prioritizes brightness over gaming-specific optimization.
Which projector offers better value for the price?
Value depends entirely on your primary use case:
TK700: Best Gaming Value ($749)
- • $150 cheaper than the UHD35 ($749 vs $899)
- • Superior gaming performance with 16ms input lag
- • Lighter weight (6.8 lbs) for portability
- • Better speakers (5W vs 2W)
- • Higher Amazon rating (4.3/5 vs 3.8/5)
Winner for: Gaming-focused users, competitive players, budget-conscious buyers
UHD35: Best Multi-Purpose Value ($899)
- • 400 more lumens for brighter rooms and daytime use
- • HDMI 2.1 future-proofing
- • More versatile for gaming, movies, sports, and family use
- • Larger screen capability (120-150")
- • Better for non-gaming content
Winner for: Multi-purpose use, bright rooms, movie enthusiasts, larger screens
Our value verdict: The TK700 offers better value for gaming-focused users, saving $150 while delivering superior gaming performance. The UHD35 offers better value for multi-purpose home theaters where the extra brightness and versatility justify the premium. Neither is overpriced—both deliver excellent value for their respective target audiences.
Can I use these projectors for movies and sports, or are they gaming-only?
Both projectors work great for movies and sports—they're not gaming-only, though they have different strengths:
Movie Watching:
- • Both deliver excellent 4K image quality with HDR10 support
- • TK700: Great for dark room movie nights with controlled lighting
- • UHD35: Better for family movie nights in rooms with ambient light
- • Streaming (Netflix, Disney+, Prime) looks excellent on both
Sports & Live Events:
- • TK700: Good for evening/night sports viewing with lights off
- • UHD35: Excellent for daytime sports (Super Bowl, March Madness) with ambient light
- • Both handle fast motion well thanks to DLP technology
- • UHD35's extra brightness is valuable for daytime sporting events
Recommendation: If you plan to use your projector primarily for movies/sports with occasional gaming, get the UHD35 for its brightness advantage. If gaming is 50%+ of your usage, get the TK700—it handles movies and sports just fine in proper lighting while excelling at gaming.
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Compare All →Ready to Choose Your Gaming Projector?
BenQ TK700 for competitive gaming. Optoma UHD35 for multi-purpose brightness.