“Unlock Gaming Potential: An In-Depth Review of the KTC H32S25E 32″, Your Affordable 1440p 240Hz VRR Monitor!”

There exists an overwhelming number of displays in today’s market across every price tier imaginable. Choosing just one is nearly overwhelming, and brand loyalty feels inconsequential since the panel itself typically derives from providers like Samsung, LG, or Sony.

The lower end of the spectrum is even less straightforward, as the options seem nearly infinite, with fresh models debuting nearly every month nowadays.

KTC offers a selection of monitors spanning various budgets and sizes, catering to distinct types of computer users. Today, I will discuss a gaming display that KTC graciously provided to me for review and to share my insights.

This is the H32S25E, a 32″ 1440p display that features VRR and a 1000R curve, which creates a profound impact when positioned directly in front of it. Personally, I prefer a gentler curve like 1500R or 1800R, as a display of this size with such a pronounced curvature can create an illusion of distortion when focusing on straight lines.

Specifications
Model number	H32S25E
Size	32″
Panel type	VA with LED backlight
Panel curve	1000R
Resolution	2560×1440
Refresh	240Hz FreeSync/G-Sync
Brightness	300 nits max
Contrast ratio	4000:1
Colour range	Up to 122% sRGB
Response time	1ms GTG
HDR	Yes but not certified to a standard
Audio	3.5mm output jack
Ports	2x HDMI 2.0 (2560×1440 144Hz), 2x DisplayPort 1.4 (2560×1440 240Hz), USB 2.0 (FW upgrade only)
VESA support	100x100mm
In the box	DisplayPort cable, power cord, power adapter, assembly tool, stand, monitor, user manual
Price	$330

Out of the box

The H32S25E (I will refer to it as the H32 hereafter…) is delivered in two segments: the stand and the monitor. It is fairly straightforward to put together without needing the included screwdriver tool since the bottom screw of the stand includes a thumb tab, and the only movement available for the stand is vertical tilt. This limitation is disappointing but understandable given its price point.

The overall build quality is sturdy; however, it’s predominantly plastic, with the exception of the stand. There are no elaborate features with the H32; it is quite basic in its offerings. The USB port does not function as a hub since there is no USB uplink; it is solely designated for firmware updates, and the only audio output is through the 3.5mm jack, lacking HDMI-ARC functionality as well.

Features & OSD

As noted, this is an economical monitor, hence it comes with no extra features, just the essentials that are expected. Console gamers who may have been interested in using this as part of their setup should consider alternatives, as the HDMI ports are limited to v2.0, not 2.1, which the latest generation consoles utilize.

For reference, here are the HDMI specifications required for previous and current generation consoles:

• PS4/Xbox One/Xbox One S: HDMI 1080p 60Hz with HDR, high-speed HDMI, or HDMI 1.4

• PS4 Pro/Xbox One X: HDMI 2.0 or a premium HDMI cable for 4K 30Hz or 1080p 60Hz with HDR

• PS5/Xbox Series X|S: HDMI 2.1 or an ultra high-speed HDMI port for 4K 60Hz-120Hz and 1080p 120Hz

The OSD control is managed via a single joystick located on the back right side of the monitor; while it functions well, I find the placement of the joystick inconvenient as it necessitates reaching around the back each time, compared to standard placements at the bottom of the bezel common on other displays.

We have support for FreeSync and G-Sync here, and both worked seamlessly. I tested it on both Nvidia (RTX 4090) and AMD (6800XT) systems without any problems, although VRR was not operational on my Linux testing machine, which I suspect is due to the age of the GPU in that system.

Strangely, on Linux, I managed to select 4K (as shown above), which operated at 30Hz (likely a limitation of the iGPU, possibly capable of higher), and setting the display scaling to approximately 125% yielded satisfactory results.

image sharpness as well, which was somewhat unexpected since I couldn’t configure a greater resolution on Windows than the default 2560×1440 at 240Hz through DisplayPort.

Visuals & Performance

Based on my experience, all three types of LCD panels—VA, TN, and IPS—can exhibit significant variability in backlight bleed. IPS panels usually manage bleed the best, but within this price bracket, you essentially play the BLB lottery, and this H32 is similarly affected. The unit I possess shows considerable bleed that is visible straight on, but becomes immediately apparent the moment you shift even slightly off-center, which is distinct from VA tint (similar to a form of IPS glow).

The demonstration above illustrates my point; this is just slightly off center, which frequently occurs when utilizing a monitor of this size while multitasking or simply sitting in a relaxed posture instead of upright and directly aligned with the panel.

The problem is evident in dark games as well. Above is an example taken while playing Silent Hill 2 Remake; the experience is indeed less than ideal, which is unfortunate because VA panels generally provide better black levels compared to the other LCD types referred to.

Although the image quality may not be optimal during dark game sessions, I connected the screen to the AMD 6800XT system for some fast-action gaming, and this is where the panel truly performs. Unlike other VA panels, I noticed only minimal ghosting at 240Hz. It’s a significantly enhanced experience compared to the Huawei MateView GT 34″ Ultrawide, which is the only other VA panel in my possession, although it maxes at 165Hz.

Hence, the image quality is certainly satisfactory when not engaged in dark games, which is to be anticipated for nearly all LCD-based monitors. If you sit directly in front of the H32, the VA tint and backlight bleed are diminished; however, even a slight shift from the center will make these characteristics noticeable and potentially distracting.

KTC highlights the extended color gamut of the H32, although this is partly to meet HDR capabilities, even if the HDR lacks certification to a display standard like DisplayHDR True Black or HDR10+. It’s merely labeled as ‘HDR’. I tested it briefly and found it rather mediocre, nothing remarkable, and there is no sophisticated local dimming present with this panel, so the HDR performance is inherently limited.

I also believe exploring color accuracy yields little benefit due to the previously mentioned issues with contrast/image shift at any position that isn’t precisely central when viewing the screen. A colorimeter measures directly facing the display, so its readings do not accurately represent the reality when sitting a few feet away at a workstation.

It is apparent that the H32 is primarily designed as a high-performance gaming monitor, offering 240Hz and VRR at 1440p on a 32″ display. While VA might not be the optimal option for gaming, it does have an advantage over IPS, which is fitting for a monitor within this price bracket, particularly at 32″; however, this gaming advantage may only be realized by PC gamers and last-generation console users, since there’s no HDMI 2.1 support to utilize the capabilities of current-gen consoles.

The concluding test aims to showcase the extent of ghosting/trailing using the widely recognized UFO test. This was captured at 1/1250s to eliminate any possibility of camera blur, with the panel set to its default 240Hz and FreeSync enabled.

Some ghosting is observable, but nothing significant, and as a benchmark reference, this is how it appears on a QD-OLED panel also at 240Hz:

Wrap-Up

Priced at $330, the H32 provides an economical entry point into 240Hz 32″ gaming, even with the resolution being at 1440p; however, you need not fret about that resolution, as it remains sharp and clear during gaming.

Reviewing comments throughout the internet, it appears this model occasionally appears in flash sales for around $230, an even more enticing price. If you don’t spend much time playing dark games, then this monitor is an excellent means to embark on high-performance 1440p PC gaming.

Indeed, it presents some drawbacks: absent built-in speakers, no HDMI-ARC, no HDMI 2.1, and no additional features beyond the basic requirements for a 240Hz VRR display. However, at $330, I am uncertain what more could have been anticipated, particularly at this screen size.

What you receive is satisfactory image quality when dark content isn’t being displayed, commendable performance with good motion ghosting control due to the high refresh rate, which is only accessible through DisplayPort.

I would recommend it at this price, though if it can be acquired during a flash sale, it becomes a straightforward decision. Regardless, it is significant to understand the quirks and characteristics of a more economical VA panel to minimize any potential disappointment.

It is unfortunate that VA-based panels have never completely overcome the issues associated with dark scene gaming. The hue/glow is more distracting than IPS glow, and IPS does not suffer from the same image shifting concerns when viewed from a non-central viewpoint. Backlight bleeding is further enhanced in panels featuring MiniLED backlighting, along with offering dimming zones for improved HDR results.

Of course, these functionalities come at a higher cost, features that can’t consistently be anticipated at this price point.

Finally, the power adapter for this monitor is external, and due to a logistical issue with the review sample, KTC provided a universal adapter from Amazon, which worked flawlessly. Thus, anyone who worries about the adapter that accompanies the H32 failing after some years can easily utilize a universal one, just ensure it matches the output specifications and everything should work smoothly.