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1ms vs 4ms: Monitor Response Time for Competitive Gaming

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26 Nov 2025 | Quick Read | 👤 MonitorMuse

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1ms vs 4ms: Monitor Response Time for Gaming Explained

In the high-stakes world of competitive gaming, a single millisecond can be the difference between a glorious win and a frustrating loss. You've seen the specs: 1ms vs 4ms. But does that tiny 3-millisecond gap in monitor response time really matter for your game in South Africa? Is it just marketing hype, or the secret edge you’ve been missing? Let's break it down, no jargon allowed. 🚀

[Purple] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-PP / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PP / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SFB-PP / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-PP / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PP / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Forest Green] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-FST / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-FST / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-FST / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-FST / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-FST / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[White] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-WT / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PWT / Arozzi Vernazza Soft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPU-WT / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-WT / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-WT / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Pink] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-PNK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PNK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PNK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-PNK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PNK / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Black] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-BK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PURE-BLACK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PBK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-BK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-BK / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Black] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-BK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PURE-BLACK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PBK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-BK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-BK / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

Understanding Monitor Response Time

Before we dive into the 1ms vs 4ms debate, what even is monitor response time? Simply put, it’s the speed at which a pixel on your screen can change from one colour to another (usually measured from grey-to-grey, or GtG). A lower number means a faster transition.

Why does this matter for competitive gaming? Two words: motion blur. A slow response time creates "ghosting," a blurry trail behind moving objects. This can make it incredibly difficult to track fast-moving opponents in games like Valorant or Apex Legends, turning a clear shot into a frustrating miss.

The Real-World Difference: 1ms vs 4ms

Let's be honest, three milliseconds (0.003 seconds) is an incredibly short amount of time. For most daily tasks like browsing the web or watching videos, you would never notice the difference. Even for many casual, story-driven games, a 4ms monitor is perfectly fine and delivers a fantastic experience.

But when victory is decided by fractions of a second, the story changes. For a highly competitive player, minimising every possible delay is crucial. A 1ms response time ensures the absolute crispest image during rapid motion. This means when you quickly flick your mouse to track an enemy, the image on screen stays sharper, making your target easier to hit. It’s a small advantage, but in a competitive environment, small advantages stack up to create a complete competitive setup that gives you the edge. ✨

[Forest Green] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-FST / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-FST / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-FST / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-FST / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-FST / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[White] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-WT / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PWT / Arozzi Vernazza Soft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPU-WT / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-WT / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-WT / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Black] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-BK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PURE-BLACK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PBK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-BK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-BK / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Purple] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-PP / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PP / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PP / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-PP / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PP / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Black] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-BK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PURE-BLACK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PBK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-BK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-BK / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Pink] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-PNK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PNK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PNK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-PNK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PNK / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

Who Actually Needs a 1ms Monitor?

So, who should be prioritising a 1ms monitor response time for their gaming rig?

Esports Aspirants & Professionals: If you're competing in tournaments or grinding the ranked ladder with serious intent, 1ms is non-negotiable. You need every advantage you can get.
FPS & Fighting Game Fanatics: Games that rely on lightning-fast reflexes and precise tracking benefit the most. Think CS:GO, Overwatch, and Street Fighter.
Motion Blur Haters: Some gamers are simply more sensitive to ghosting and motion blur. If you find it distracting, a 1ms monitor will provide a noticeably cleaner picture.

Ultimately, your performance depends on more than just your screen; comfort plays a huge role in long gaming sessions. Pairing your fast monitor with the right gaming chair ensures you stay focused and pain-free when it matters most.

TIP FOR YOU

Panel Pro Tip ⚡

Don't just look at the response time! Check the panel type. TN panels are often the fastest (1ms) but can have weaker colour reproduction. Modern IPS and VA panels offer stunning visuals and are now catching up, with many hitting that 1ms mark. For a balance of speed and beauty, a fast IPS monitor is often the sweet spot for South African gamers.

Beyond Response Time: What Else Matters for Competitive Gaming?

A low monitor response time is a key piece of the puzzle, but it's not the only one. To truly optimise your setup, you also need to consider:

Refresh Rate (Hz): This is how many times your screen updates per second. A higher refresh rate (like 144Hz or 240Hz) provides smoother motion and is arguably more impactful than the 1ms vs 4ms difference.
Input Lag: This is the total delay between you performing an action (like clicking your mouse) and seeing the result on screen. It's a combination of your peripherals, PC processing, and monitor delay.
Sync Technology: NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync prevents screen tearing by synchronising your monitor's refresh rate with your GPU's frame output.

[Black] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-BK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PURE-BLACK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PBK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-BK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-BK / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Pink] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-PNK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PNK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PNK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-PNK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PNK / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Purple] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-PP / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PP / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PP / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-PP / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PP / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[White] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-WT / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PWT / Arozzi Vernazza Soft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPU-WT / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-WT / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-WT / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Pink] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-PNK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PNK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PNK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-PNK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PNK / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Forest Green] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-FST / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-FST / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-FST / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-FST / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-FST / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

Your monitor is the window to your game, but it's powered by the machine behind it and situated in your personal battle station. Ensuring you have a solid gaming desk provides the stable foundation your high-performance gear deserves. And once your core performance is sorted, you can customise your rig's aesthetics to match your winning style. 🔧

The verdict on 1ms vs 4ms monitor response time for competitive gaming is clear: it depends on you. For the dedicated competitor, 1ms offers a tangible, albeit small, advantage in clarity. For most other gamers in SA, a high-quality 4ms monitor will be more than enough to enjoy immersive and successful gaming sessions.

Ready to See the Difference? The 1ms vs 4ms debate is all about your personal gaming goals. Whether you need lightning-fast reflexes for competitive play or stunning visuals for immersive worlds, we've got the screen for you. Explore our huge range of gaming monitors and find the perfect display to dominate your game.

For esports, 1ms reduces ghosting and motion blur vs 4ms, especially at 240Hz. For casual play, a quality 4ms IPS is often fine.

Input lag vs response time are different. Faster response time cuts blur; input lag affects control delay. Aim for low input lag plus fast GtG for shooters.

GtG vs MPRT differ: GtG measures pixel transition, MPRT reflects motion blur time. For esports, low GtG with tuned overdrive or strobing gives the clearest motion.

Modern fast IPS with 1ms GtG rivals TN and has better color. TN still wins at extremes. For ips vs tn for esports, pick 240Hz IPS with solid overdrive.

Overdrive speeds transitions; too much causes overshoot inverse ghosting. Match overdrive to refresh rate to avoid artifacts.

At 240Hz, sub-2ms GtG helps. A well-tuned 2ms IPS can beat a bad 1ms spec. For FPS, the best response time is about 3ms or less with low overshoot.

Use the Blur Busters UFO Test and a pursuit camera to spot ghosting, overshoot, and MPRT effects. Check reviews for measured GtG and input lag data.