Gaming monitors come in all shapes and sizes, and some are even equipped with curved screens, but why is this?
If you're looking to upgrade your monitor and are not quite sure whether to go for a curved or flat option, we've got everything you need to know right here.
Let's dive in!
Why Are Monitors Curved?
Some monitors are curved in order to match the curvature of the eye and consequently provide a more natural field of view when looking at the screen.
Curved monitors attempt to replicate your natural, three-dimensional field of vision, by wrapping around your eye and creating a sense of depth by expanding into your peripheral vision.
Curved monitors are therefore generally considered more immersive than flat ones as they enable viewers to see the whole screen at once.
Read More: Are Curved Monitors Better For Gaming?
What Are Curvature Ratings?
When looking at some of the best curved monitors for gaming, you may have noticed terms such as 1500R, 1800R and 3000R crop up.
These numbers refer to the severity of the curvature of any given monitor, for example, the lower the number preceded by 'R', the steeper the curve.
Therefore, the lower the R number, the more immersive the viewing experience should be.
R refers to the radius and is measured in mm, which may seem a little confusing at first, it is essentially the radius of the circle if you were to create a ring with a ton of curved monitors.
So for example, if you follow the curved of a 1800R monitor and form a circle, the radius will be 1800mm.
Not only does this number refer to the radius, but it is also considered the optimal viewing distance of the monitor, so for a 2000R monitor, you should be seated 2000mm away.
Read More: Best Curved Monitor For Gaming: Our Top Picks
Are Curved Monitors Better?
While we know there is some debate about the best monitor screen size and best panel type, there is also discussion as to whether a curved or flat screen is better.
In terms of raw specs, there is little difference between flat and curved monitors, both can offer the same screen technology and refresh rates, for example, amongst the best 144Hz monitors, both can be found.
According to a study from Harvard Medical School, there were significant differences between participants when using a curved vs flat monitor.
For example, participants using curved monitors reported less blurred vision, reduced strain, whereas with flat monitors they experienced greater difficulty focusing and their eyes felt more tired.
However, this was not the case for everyone, some participants reported greater discomfort when using the curved monitor, this suggests that which is better can ultimately come down to personal preference and which feels better for you as an individual.
If you're looking to upgrade your setup, whether it be with a stunning HDMI 2.1 Monitor or standout 240Hz monitor, we'd say both flat and curved options are definitely worth considering.
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