Curved monitors have been around for some time now, and if you’re into PC gaming - then chances are you have heard of them.
There are pros and cons to having both a curved monitor and a typical flat monitor. Although a lot of it definitely comes down to personal preference, there are going to be some big points and differences to look out for.
In 2022, the gaming world is seeing some huge changes. Gaming systems are only getting more powerful, plus more people are becoming gamers by the second. So where do we start?
Flat Gaming Monitors
There doesn’t need to be a whole lot of explaining to do when it comes to flat monitors. This is simply because flat monitors have been the norm forever.
Whether it’s TV screens, tablets, monitors, or phones - you should be used to flat screens by now, as they’ve pretty much been the “only” screen up until curved displays were invented.
Why do people go with flat monitors? This is often down to a few reasons:
Firstly, flat monitors usually cost a little bit less than their curved counterparts. Money and budgeting, especially for gaming setups, are important to a lot of people.
Secondly, some people may not find curved monitors to be worth it. There are certainly a lot of people who have tried out gaming on a curved monitor and found that it would be unnecessary to go for one. In fact, some people find that gaming on a curved monitor feels a little unusual, and they’d much prefer using a regular flat monitor.
Curved Gaming Monitors
On the other hand, curved monitors are much newer in comparison to flat displays, and come with a few interesting features.
Curved monitor enthusiasts often mention how much it has helped their eyestrain. That’s because the curved style of these displays imitates the natural curvature of the human eye. This means that longer periods of staring at the screen are going to be a little more comfortable and easier on your eyes compared to flat monitors.
A lot of office workers have also started to make use of the new and fancy curved displays since working a 9 to 5 in front of a screen involves a lot of staring for a prolonged period of time.
Just like curved TV screens, curved monitors certainly help by adding a feeling of immersion into what you’re playing. The curvature of the screen is going to show more in your peripheral vision, which instantly brings a significant amount of your focus to whatever is on the screen.
This is best felt during first-person shooter games or any first-person game for that matter. All the edges, angles, and depth can really be brought out thanks to the curvature of the screen.
The downside? Mainly the pricing - but it is important to realize that curved monitors are going to be only a little more expensive. As the years go by, curved displays are almost at the same price as flat monitors.
Some people may also just not like the aesthetic of having a curved monitor, and find it to be a little unconventional.
Which is Better for Gaming: Flat or Curved Gaming Monitors?
This is something that is entirely up to preference, and it is a good idea to try out gaming on both a curved and flat monitor in order to see which one you prefer. If you play a lot of first-person shooter games, then definitely consider trying out a curved monitor.
If you’re not too fussed with getting “immersed” into the game, then it's perfectly fine to just stick with flat monitors. However, if you suffer from eye strain, headaches, and eye fatigue - then look into getting a curved monitor. As mentioned before, the curvature of the screen imitates the natural curvature of the human eye. Getting rid of eyestrain isn’t guaranteed though.
Verdict
Curved monitors haven’t exactly been around for a long time, but they’ve been around long enough to the point where no one finds them to be a “gimmick”. In fact, curved screens are only selling more and more each year. Maybe at some point in the future, we could see them outsell flat screens.
The first curved monitors and screens really started to come around in the early 2010s, and since then, have grown massively in popularity - especially in the gaming world.
The main selling point for curved screens is that they lead to greater immersion during gameplay and less eye strain. Some curved screens can be extremely wide and have a large amount of curve, which can lead to the ultimate sense of immersion.
Flat screens, having been around for a much longer time are still a safe bet. It really is up to the individual, and personal preference should be the main factor when deciding.
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