Asus has released its latest gaming monitor, the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM, a 27-inch display that builds upon the success of its predecessor with updated display technology. While the earlier ROG Swift PG32UCDP remains a strong contender, the new PG27UCWM aims for visual refinement at a higher cost, launching at $1,199. This positions it above other OLED options like the PG32UCDP, which is available for $859, and the 1440p MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 at $599.
Design and Connectivity
The PG27UCWM presents a sleek, if somewhat angular, design from the front, featuring an angular stand with an illuminated ROG logo that can be turned off. For users preferring a different setup, an adapter for VESA mounting is included. The monitor’s stand offers comprehensive adjustments and includes a convenient cable management slot capable of accommodating multiple cables.
The monitor boasts robust connectivity, including two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 2.1a port, and a versatile USB-C port that supports video input and up to 90 watts of power delivery. Additionally, two USB-A ports allow the monitor to function as a USB hub, complemented by a KVM switch for seamless switching between USB-C or USB-B connections. A headphone jack is also present for audio output.
Around the back, the PG27UCWM features a transparent plastic casing, offering a distinct cyberpunk aesthetic that contrasts with the typical black ABS plastic found on most monitors. A presence sensor is integrated to help extend the OLED panel's lifespan by dimming the display when no user is detected. This feature did not prove overly sensitive during testing, avoiding unwanted interruptions during gameplay.
Navigating the monitor’s extensive settings is intuitive, thanks to a joystick control located just behind the presence sensor on the bottom edge of the display. The monitor itself features a glossy 4K OLED panel with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. It offers variable refresh rates down to 48Hz and can switch to a 1080p resolution for an accelerated 480Hz refresh rate. The glossy finish, while susceptible to glare in bright environments, is mitigated by a decent anti-reflection coating.
Performance and Image Quality
Objective testing reveals strong performance metrics for the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM. Colorimeter measurements indicated a wide color gamut, achieving 100% sRGB, 89% AdobeRGB, and 97% DCI-P3 coverage. Color accuracy was also excellent, with an average dE1976 of 1.04, making it suitable for professional creative work. These results were observed in the default Racing picture profile, as other profiles, such as Scenery, exhibited significantly lower color accuracy.
In standard usage, the display outputs a comfortable 147.6 nits by default, with deep blacks thanks to its 0.0-nit black levels, resulting in infinite contrast. The default settings also feature a 2.2 gamma curve and a whitepoint of 6600K. Increasing the brightness to maximum raises the white level to 249.7 nits.
HDR performance is a notable strength. While full-screen brightness is moderate, HDR content benefits from higher peak brightness levels. A 10% window measured 519 nits, and with specific HDR settings enabled and brightness at 100%, smaller highlights could reach up to 1,066 nits on a 4% window and 1,172 nits on a 1% window. These peak brightness levels are temporary but provide impactful HDR highlights.
Motion clarity is exceptional, owing to the OLED panel's ultra-fast pixel response times combined with high refresh rates. The monitor maintains sharp details even during fast-paced action in 4K at 240Hz or in 1080p at 480Hz.
Gaming Experience
The PG27UCWM excels in gaming due to its advanced OLED panel, which utilizes an RGB strip sub-pixel arrangement. This configuration avoids the color fringing issues that affected some earlier OLED displays, ensuring crisp text and clean edges in both work and gaming applications.
The 4K resolution on a 27-inch screen provides stunning sharpness, enhancing the visual fidelity of games and movies. The monitor's ability to leverage Dolby Vision with a compatible source further enriches the viewing experience.
For gaming, the 4K 240Hz capability offers an immersive experience with games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, showcasing sharp details and vibrant contrast. For more demanding or fast-paced titles, the option to switch to 1080p at 480Hz, as demonstrated with Hades 2 and Trepang2, ensures fluid gameplay and responsiveness. Switching between these modes is facilitated by a dedicated shortcut button, though an on-screen indicator for mode changes would be beneficial.
While the 1080p resolution can appear less sharp on the 27-inch panel, it is primarily intended for scenarios where achieving frame rates beyond 240fps is critical, and in such fast-paced gameplay, individual pixel clarity becomes less noticeable.
The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM is scheduled for release between late September and mid-October, with a tentative price of $1,199. Availability and final pricing are subject to change.