Gigabyte M27Q PRO 27" 165Hz Review
The Gigabyte M27Q Pro isn't just another fast 1440p monitor. Its secret weapon is a built-in KVM switch, letting you game and work from two computers without desk clutter.
The 30-Second Version
The Gigabyte M27Q Pro is a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor that excels with its 165Hz refresh rate, excellent color accuracy, and a built-in KVM switch for controlling two computers. It's a top-tier pick for gamers who also need a productive home office setup. Just plan on using external speakers.
Overview
If you're looking for a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor that can also handle some creative work, the Gigabyte M27Q Pro is a strong contender. It packs a 165Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and a feature you don't see every day: a built-in KVM switch. This lets you control two computers with one keyboard and mouse, which is a huge win for anyone with a work laptop and a gaming PC on the same desk. For around $300, it's aiming to be the do-it-all screen for your setup. People searching for a '1440p 165Hz monitor with KVM' are looking right at it.
Performance
This thing is fast. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms GTG response time put it in the top tier for smooth gaming, and in our database, it scores in the 92nd percentile for overall performance. That means it's one of the best on the market for keeping up with fast-paced shooters and action games. The 1440p resolution is the sweet spot right now, giving you sharper details than 1080p without demanding the absolute latest GPU like 4K does. The HDR400 support is a nice bonus for brighter highlights in supported games, though it's not going to compete with high-end HDR displays.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent color accuracy and wide gamut (98% DCI-P3) 97th
- Built-in KVM switch is a game-changer for multi-PC setups 92th
- Strong gaming performance with 165Hz and fast response 83th
- Good ergonomic stand with height adjustment 82th
- Includes a USB-C port with video and data
Cons
- Built-in speakers are reportedly very poor quality
- HDR400 is a basic implementation, not true high dynamic range
- Some users have reported reliability concerns
- No swivel adjustment on the stand
- At 28W, it's not the most power-efficient monitor
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 400 nits |
| Color Gamut | 98% DCI-P3 |
| HDR | HDR400 |
| HDR Support | HDR400 |
Connectivity
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | No |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Power | 28 |
| Weight | 6.7 kg / 14.8 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At its typical street price, the M27Q Pro offers a lot. You're getting near-top-tier gaming specs, fantastic color for the price, and that unique KVM feature, all for what many 1440p 165Hz monitors cost without the extras. It makes a compelling argument against more basic models from brands like Acer or Dell's gaming lines, which often skip the USB hub and KVM functionality.
vs Competition
Let's talk competitors. The LG UltraGear 27GP850 is a direct rival with similar specs and often a similar price, but it lacks a KVM. If the KVM is your main draw, the M27Q Pro wins. For pure, bleeding-edge gaming performance, monitors like the MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED or ASUS ROG Swift 32" with OLED panels will blow it away in contrast and response, but they cost two to three times as much. The Samsung Odyssey G9 is a completely different beast (an ultra-wide), and the Apple Studio Display is in another universe for price and focus (creativity, not gaming). For the money, the M27Q Pro's blend of features is hard to beat.
| Spec | Gigabyte M27Q PRO 27" 165Hz | LG UltraGear LG - UltraGear 27" IPS Dual Mode (4K UHD 180Hz, | MSI MPG MSI 32" UHD 4K 240Hz G-Sync Compatible 0.03ms | Samsung Odyssey Neo Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS ROG Swift 32" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor PG32UCDP | Apple Studio Display Apple - Studio Display - Standard glass - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 27 | 32 | 57 | 32 | 27 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 7680 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 5120 x 2880 |
| Panel Type | IPS | IPS | OLED | VA | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 165 | 180 | 240 | 240 | 240 | 60 |
| Response Time Ms | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | - | - |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | - |
| Hdr | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR10+ | HDR10 | ✗ |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Color | Compact | Display | Feature | Ergonomic | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte M27Q PRO 27" 165Hz | 97 | 65.9 | 71 | 82.4 | 82.5 | 92.1 | 63.8 | 43.2 |
| LG UltraGear 27" Dual Mode Compare | 89.8 | 80.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 99.9 | 97.3 |
| MSI MPG 32" Compare | 99 | 72.4 | 98.7 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 99.9 | 96.7 | 73.7 |
| Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57" Dual Compare | 99.4 | 50.4 | 99.6 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 96.3 | 99.4 | 99.3 |
| ASUS ROG Swift 32" Compare | 99.9 | 72.4 | 98.7 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 81.3 | 96.7 | 97.3 |
| Apple Studio Display Studio Display Standard glass Tilt-adjustable stand Compare | 96.7 | 80.4 | 99.4 | 99.6 | 72.3 | 22.5 | 96 | 98.1 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the Gigabyte M27Q Pro good for competitive gaming?
Yes, its 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time put it among the best for fast-paced games like Valorant or Apex Legends, offering smooth, clear motion.
Q: Can you use the USB-C port for a MacBook?
Absolutely. The USB-C port delivers video, data, and power (though not enough to charge a laptop fully), making it a clean one-cable connection for a MacBook or Windows laptop.
Q: How does the M27Q Pro compare to the LG 27GP850?
They have very similar core specs, but the M27Q Pro's key advantage is the built-in KVM switch, which the LG lacks. If you don't need a KVM, the choice comes down to price and brand preference.
Q: Is this monitor good for photo editing?
Its 98% DCI-P3 color coverage is impressive for the price, making it solid for casual photo and video editing. Serious color-critical work still demands a professional-grade, factory-calibrated monitor.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this monitor if you need true, high-contrast HDR for gaming or movie watching—HDR400 is barely an upgrade. Also, avoid it if you rely on built-in monitor speakers; you'll be disappointed. And if you're looking for the absolute fastest, newest panel tech like OLED for pure gaming immersion, your money is better spent on a higher-tier model from MSI or ASUS.
Verdict
So, should you buy it? If you need a single monitor to seamlessly switch between a work laptop and a gaming PC, this is an easy yes. The KVM is implemented well and it's a legit time-saver. For a dedicated gaming rig, it's also a fantastic 1440p high-refresh-rate option with great colors. Just don't buy it for the speakers, and maybe cross your fingers on long-term reliability. For most people building a versatile, high-performance setup, the M27Q Pro gets a strong recommendation.