Quick Answer
Yes, some experienced players can see or feel the difference between 240Hz and 280Hz, but it is subtle. Moving from 240Hz to 280Hz cuts each refresh from about 4.17ms to 3.57ms, so stable frame delivery and clean pixel response matter more than the 40Hz label alone. The change can refine an already responsive setup; it will not repair inconsistent frame times, poor game settings, or a mouse and display connection that is not configured correctly.
What the refresh numbers mean
A monitor refreshes the image in a repeating cycle. At 240Hz, one cycle takes about 4.17 milliseconds. At 280Hz, it takes about 3.57 milliseconds. The difference is roughly 0.6 milliseconds per refresh. That is real, but it is much smaller than the jump from a low-refresh display to 144Hz or 240Hz.
This is why reactions vary. A player who already uses high refresh, has a fast system, and plays a game that delivers stable frames may notice slightly more immediate motion. Another player may see little difference because the game does not reach the target, the pixel response creates visible trailing, or the rest of the setup is limiting the experience.
The Lenovo Legion 27-2c offers a 280Hz mode. Treat it as a capability you must configure and test, rather than a result that appears automatically when the monitor is connected.
Review gaming monitors with the frame rates your own GPU can sustain, not just the highest number on the specification list.
Frame delivery decides whether you benefit
Select the intended refresh rate in Windows, confirm the correct cable and GPU output are in use, and check the game settings. Then use a trusted overlay or repeatable scene to see what frame rate the game actually delivers during play. A menu can report a very high number while a real match runs much lower.
If your system can hold near 240 frames per second but rarely approaches 280, the benefit of the 280Hz mode may be limited in that title. That does not make the monitor unsuitable; it simply puts the difference in context. Reduce graphics settings carefully or use a sensible frame-rate cap if you want more consistent delivery.
Also check pixel response. A high refresh cycle is most useful when the image transitions cleanly enough to show it. Overdrive that is too low can leave dark trailing, while overdrive that is too high can add bright inverse ghosts. Test motion in the games you actually play.
Feel the difference in real play
Use a familiar target-tracking exercise, fast camera pan, or competitive match. Notice whether motion looks stable and whether you can follow a moving target comfortably. Do not expect a dramatic visual transformation from 240Hz to 280Hz. Look for a small refinement in responsiveness and motion continuity.
The Legion 27-2c is listed with a 0.5ms MPRT figure. MPRT measures motion-picture response, not every grey-to-grey transition. Configure the refresh rate, frame delivery, and overdrive setting as a complete system before deciding whether the higher mode helps you.
Compare all gaming monitors once you know whether your priority is a small high-refresh refinement, a different panel behaviour, or a broader change to the whole setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 280Hz noticeably better than 240Hz?
Some experienced players notice the difference, but it is subtle. The benefit is strongest with stable high frame delivery and clean motion response.
How much faster is a 280Hz refresh cycle?
At 280Hz, a refresh takes about 3.57ms. At 240Hz, it takes about 4.17ms.
Do I need 280fps for a 280Hz monitor?
Consistently high frame delivery helps you use the higher refresh mode. Test your real game performance rather than judging only a menu frame rate.
Why does high refresh still look blurry?
Pixel response and overdrive settings can affect visible motion. Test for dark trailing and bright inverse ghosting at the refresh rates you use.
Set 280Hz deliberately, measure real match performance, and judge the subtle gain only after frame delivery and motion tuning are stable.