1ms vs 4ms: Which One Offers the Ideal Gaming Experience 

1ms vs 4ms is the trending discussion topic among computer users, especially video game lovers. Undoubtedly, each monitor response time provides a different level of gaming experience.

So, this post is here to help you discover more about the two response times and their offerings. Go through this article to opt for the best option and play games like never before.

Comparison Table

Features	1ms	4ms
Responsiveness	Super responsive	Four times less responsive than 1ms
Time taken	One millisecond to display a pixel	Four milliseconds to display a pixel
Images and color updation	As early as the pixel is drawn	Four times slower than 1ms
Image quality	Perfect	From blur to perfect
Refresh rates	240Hz	60Hz and 144Hz
TN utilization possibility	Yes	No
Gaming experience	Smooth	Dull
Noticeable errors	No	Yes

What Are the Differences Between 1ms and 4ms?

The main difference between 1ms and 4ms is that 1ms offers a higher refresh rate than 4ms, and the former produces high-quality images with perfect colors. However, 4ms displays noticeable blur images before producing the correct ones. Plus, 1ms offers a smooth gaming experience, while 4ms doesn’t.

– Response Time

You can say that 1ms will prove to be super responsive as compared to the 4ms PC on your desk. The images are drawn and colored in only one millisecond equals 1/1000th part of a second on the monitor with a 1ms response time. You can now predict that a monitor with a 4ms response time will draw and change the images four times slower than the monitor with a 1ms time.

– Main Features Comparison

• 1ms TN vs 4ms IPS

The 1ms “TN” monitor is super responsive with a poor color range. On the other hand, a monitor with 4ms time and an IPS screen panel proves to be four times less responsive than the former but with the unique characteristic of a wide color range.

So, the gamers often opt for 1ms “TN” monitors as they prefer a less variety of colors. In contrast to this, photographers and creative people love to buy 4ms IPS irrespective of its high price.

• 144Hz 1ms vs 240Hz 4ms

The difference between the two monitor types is the same as discussed above regarding the 1ms vs 4ms. So, if you would like to play games that require instant actions then opt for the 144Hz 1ms. In the other case, 240Hz 4ms would be enough for great computer performance.

• 144Hz 4ms vs 75Hz 1ms

You should opt for the 4ms 144Hz monitor while the debate between 144Hz 4ms and 75Hz 1ms will continue as different people have different priorities and experiences.

– Error Detection Possibility

The possibility of detecting the errors increases a bit on the 4ms monitor.

However, you won’t be able to notice any errors on a monitor with a 1ms response time because it instantly changes the screen state without letting you see the error.

– Is the Difference Between 1ms and 4ms Noticeable?

A human eye might not observe the exact difference between the result offered by 1ms and 4ms response time. However, you might feel a slight change in the shade of the pixel color and your brain will try to ignore the same. Also, the not so obvious blur images might cause eye fatigue.

What Is 1ms Best For?

1ms is the best for gaming and video streaming. The fast refresh rate offered by the 1ms response time monitors allows the focused gamers to never miss a critical chance. Also, perfectly visible images help them to get rid of the frustration caused by the ghost images.

– Support for Refresh Rate

A 1ms computer can handle a high refresh rate of 240Hz. The said combination won’t let your enemies win against you in your favorite game. Note that a monitor with a higher refresh rate must be your priority while you are off to buy a gaming monitor. You’ll be surprised by the gaming experience offered by the same.

Also, you will notice a great positive change in your computer’s performance while it runs your programs.

– TN Utilization Possibility

The given response timing can utilize TN panels. Along with this, it would be a great idea to pair any of your preferred panels except for TN panels with 1ms due to the efficiency of the same.

– Image Quality

The image quality will prove to be perfect for a game lover who is curious about the next step in the game and gets sad when hit by an enemy. The image quality offered by the said response time is perfect. You’ll neither notice any blur effects nor see the transition between images. The smooth transition between the images will let you perform well in the game and win the same.

It is a fact that a lower response time is better than a higher one, as the former prevents ghosting and gives a consistent feel to the users, while the latter doesn’t. Note that the lower the response rate, the better the gaming experience.

– Screen Responsiveness

You can enjoy a highly responsive screen time while using a 1ms computer. The screen display won’t get stuck, and a noticeable amount of time will be saved while playing games and editing videos.

– Drawbacks of Fast Response Time

The given response time attained by 1ms comes with a few drawbacks. The PC with 1ms time won’t be able to achieve complex image processing. Furthermore, it will not be able to maintain full brightness and correct color portions of the monitor’s screen.

Also, note that the screen will take one millisecond to display a pixel on your monitor, which is a good result.

– 1ms vs 5ms

5ms works five times slower than 1ms. However, your screen performance won’t be affected much because the given response time is measured in milliseconds. Still, a 1ms monitor remains the best choice for gaming.

What Is 4ms Best For?

4ms monitors are the best for all tasks except for gaming. It is because the average daily computer tasks won’t need such a higher refresh rate, and a user won’t even notice if your screen refreshed in 1ms or 4ms.

– Support for Refresh Rate

A 4ms response time supports a refresh rate of 60Hz to 144Hz. The given rate works fine with the said response time to provide you with an overall pleasurable experience. Note that the response time of your monitor is more important than its refresh rate because a higher value of the former imposes a negative impact on the high value of the latter. It means that if your monitor has a high response time along with a high refresh rate, then you’ll miss the advantages of the latter due to the drawbacks of the former.

Considering the exact numbers, a response time of 5ms or lower can be paired nicely with a 144Hz or a lower refresh rate. On the other hand, if you want to cherish the benefits of a 240Hz or higher refresh rate, you’ll need to lower the response time to 2ms or less.

– TN Utilization Possibility

The given response timing can not utilize TN panels. In that case, you can opt for the IPS panels to sync with your monitor’s image clarity and response time. However, choosing a different type of panel than the one stated above would be fine too. Plus, there is no harm in switching from one type of panel to another to satisfy your gaming needs.

– Important Features Breakdown

Check other important features and highlights that can affect your decision:

• 4ms Good choice for gamers

4ms response time is good for gaming purposes unless you are not playing FPS games that require you to take extremely quick actions.

So if you are playing average video games, it’s a perfect option.

• 4ms input lag 

Yes, 4ms input lag is good enough, and its efficiency is quite close to 1ms.

• Image quality

You’ll see the blur images followed by clear images on a 4ms computer. The slowly changing images will badly affect your performance in a fast-paced game as you might miss a chance to win due to not being able to see the clear images at first glance.

• Screen Responsiveness

A 4ms screen will respond four times slower than a 1ms screen. You’ll need to wait for the images and the display to be clear to take the next step in the game. Although it won’t affect your daily computer tasks, you might end up losing the game.

• Time Taken To Display a Pixel

A 4ms screen will take four milliseconds to display a pixel on your computer.

FAQs

1. Which Factors Need To Be Considered Before Buying a New Gaming Monitor?

Besides the monitor’s response time, you should consider the screen size, panel type, “refresh” rates, viewing angle, and “aspect” ratio to make the right product decision. Eventually, it will ensure that your money doesn’t go to waste and you enjoy the best time while playing your favorite games.

In addition, be aware that when playing video games, the response time is very important. In gaming, a response time lower than a ping of 20ms ranks first, is considered the best, and is called “low ping.” Next, a response time that comes between the range of 50ms and 100ms is given the second rank and considered from very good to average. Lastly, a ping of 150ms or higher is ranked third, is considered less desirable, and is known as “high ping.”

2. Which Size of the Screen Should Be Considered for Gaming and Why?

A large-sized screen must be considered for gaming because it will let you enjoy the game more as compared to a small screen. You will be able to maintain your focus on the game, and the large visuals will make you feel as if you are a part of the game.

It is why you see huge screens in the gaming rooms. The size of the monitor’s screen has a great effect on your overall gaming experience.

Also, the angle at which you look at the monitor’s screen matters in providing you with a joyful gaming experience. Interestingly, it also depends on your choice of monitor. Hence, it would be better to select a monitor with a value that is greater than or equal to 180.

3. Is a Higher Aspect Ratio Good for Gaming?

The higher the “aspect” ratio, the better the game view and experience. Therefore, don’t forget to consider the “aspect” ratio of your monitor.

Here are the “aspect” ratios of the wide and ultra-wide screens for your assistance:

Widescreen: 16:9

Ultra-wide screen: 21:9

4. Is There Any Difference Between the Results of 0.5ms and 1ms?

There is a slight difference between the results of 0.5ms and 1ms. So, you will notice only a difference of “one pixel” per “2000 pixels per second.”

5. What Do V Sharpness and H Sharpness Mean?

V sharpness is used to adjust the sharpness of the graphics in the vertical direction. On the other hand, H sharpness is used for applying sharpness to the graphics in the horizontal direction.

6. How Can You Increase FPS?

You can increase FPS and optimize your gaming computer by implementing one or more solutions from the list given below:

• Update the “Graphics Card Driver”
• Make beneficial changes in the game settings
• Buy a new SSD or defragment your hard drive
• Close any unnecessary background applications
• Overclock your RAM to its higher speed

Conclusion

As per the above discussion, 1ms and 4ms are both great response times, but you can’t deny the fact that 1ms is the fastest response time. The main difference between the two is that 1ms leaves a zero possibility to display blur images, while 4ms is known for the ghost images that don’t support good gaming.

So, you can freely choose 1ms if you are tired of motion blur, love FPS games and videos, and hate slowly changing images and colors on the screen. But if FPS games don’t fascinate you and you are a person with different interests, then you should go with 4ms.