Is VA or IPS better for gaming?

When it comes to choosing the best monitor for gaming, one of the critical decisions you'll face is whether to go for an IPS (In-Plane Switching) or VA (Vertical Alignment) panel. Both types of panels have distinct characteristics that can impact your gaming experience in different ways, so understanding their pros and cons is crucial for making the right choice.

In this blog post, we’ll compare VA and IPS panels for gaming, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each, and helping you decide which one is better suited to your needs.

What Are VA and IPS Panels?

• IPS Panels are a type of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that uses in-plane switching technology to control the alignment of the liquid crystals. IPS panels are known for their superior color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and consistent brightness.
• VA Panels, another type of LCD, use vertical alignment technology for controlling the liquid crystals. VA panels are famous for their high contrast ratios and deeper blacks, which make them ideal for darkroom gaming.

Comparison Between VA and IPS for Gaming

1. Color Accuracy and Vibrancy

• IPS:
  • Known for better color accuracy and color reproduction, IPS panels offer vivid, vibrant colors and are ideal for games where color richness and clarity are essential. This makes them popular among designers, video editors, and gamers who prioritize color fidelity.
  • Best for: Games with vibrant worlds, colorful graphics, and fast-paced visuals (e.g., FIFA, Overwatch, League of Legends).
• VA:
  • VA panels tend to have worse color accuracy compared to IPS, and color shifts may be noticeable when viewed at an angle. However, VA panels are improving in this area and may still offer adequate color reproduction for gaming.
  • Best for: Games that are less reliant on color vibrancy but require deep blacks (e.g., Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Cyberpunk 2077).

2. Black Levels and Contrast

• VA:

  • One of the standout features of VA panels is their superior contrast ratio and deeper black levels. VA panels have the ability to block more light from behind the screen, resulting in true black areas and better contrast. This is especially important for gaming in dark rooms.
  • Best for: Dark, atmospheric games, or games with high contrast between light and dark areas (e.g., Resident Evil Village, The Witcher 3).

• IPS:

  • While IPS panels can achieve good contrast, they are not as good at producing true blacks as VA panels because of the light leakage from the backlight. This can result in grayish blacks in dark scenes, which may be noticeable, especially in shadow-heavy games.
  • Best for: Games with lots of bright and vibrant colors, where contrast is less critical (e.g., Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate).

3. Response Time and Refresh Rate

• IPS:

  • IPS panels traditionally had slower response times compared to VA panels, but modern IPS panels, especially those built for gaming, can now offer response times as low as 1ms. Additionally, IPS panels can achieve high refresh rates (up to 240Hz and beyond), making them great for competitive gaming.
  • Best for: Fast-paced games where fast responses are needed, such as FPS games (Call of Duty, Fortnite, Apex Legends).

• VA:

  • VA panels, though generally slower than IPS in terms of response time, have less motion blur and better black levels during fast movements due to their higher contrast. This can sometimes give the impression of more clarity in fast-moving scenes, even though the response time may be a few milliseconds higher than IPS.
  • Best for: Games where sharp contrast and motion clarity are more important than ultra-fast response times.

4. Viewing Angles

• IPS:

  • IPS panels are known for their wide viewing angles. The colors and brightness on an IPS screen remain consistent even when viewed from sharp angles. This makes them a great choice for gaming with multiple players or watching movies from different spots in the room.
  • Best for: Multiplayer gaming or situations where you need to view the screen from multiple angles (e.g., couch gaming with friends).

• VA:

  • VA panels suffer from narrower viewing angles. If you move too far off-center, the color shifting becomes noticeable, and blacks can appear washed out. This can affect the experience when playing with multiple people or viewing from a distance.
  • Best for: Single-player gaming experiences or if you’re playing from a fixed, central position.

VA vs IPS: Which is Better for Gaming?

1. Best for Competitive Gamers (FPS, Racing, and Fast-Paced Games)

If you're a competitive gamer playing FPS games (e.g., Call of Duty, CS:GO, Fortnite) or racing games, where quick response time, fast refresh rates, and color accuracy are crucial, IPS panels are generally the better choice. Modern IPS monitors offer 1ms response times, high refresh rates (144Hz, 240Hz, and beyond), and fantastic color reproduction, making them ideal for a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

2. Best for Immersive, Cinematic Gaming (Single-Player, Story-Driven Games)

If you prefer immersive and cinematic gaming, where deep blacks and high contrast are essential for atmosphere, a VA panel might be better suited for your needs. VA panels excel at producing true blacks and creating a more dramatic contrast, which enhances the visual quality of dark and atmospheric games like The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077.

3. Best for General Gaming and Budget Options

For casual gamers or those who want a balanced experience with good color accuracy, IPS panels are typically the way to go. They deliver better all-around performance, especially for bright and colorful games like Super Mario Odyssey or Overwatch.

Is It Worth Upgrading from VA to IPS for Gaming?

The decision to upgrade from VA to IPS ultimately depends on your gaming preferences and the type of content you consume. Here are some things to consider:

• Upgrade to IPS if:

  • You need better color accuracy, wider viewing angles, and faster response times.
  • You play competitive multiplayer games or games with fast-moving scenes where quick responses and color clarity matter.
  • You enjoy bright, vibrant games and want a more consistent viewing experience from any angle.

• Stick with VA if:

  • You prefer deep blacks and higher contrast, particularly for cinematic or story-driven games.
  • You don’t mind the narrower viewing angles and want a better experience in dark environments.

Conclusion

Both VA and IPS panels have their strengths and weaknesses, so the choice between them depends on your gaming needs:

• IPS is generally better for fast-paced gaming, competitive players, and those who want excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
• VA shines in contrast-heavy games with deep blacks and high contrast ratios, making it ideal for immersive single-player experiences.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you prioritize: speed and color accuracy (IPS) or contrast and deep blacks (VA).