Gigabyte Releases Glossy MO27Q28GR OLED Monitor: Premium Gaming Display Hits $599 With Tandem Tech

Gigabyte has launched the MO27Q28GR in the US, marking the retail debut of its glossy-finish alternative to last year's matte MO27Q28G OLED gaming monitor. Both models share LG Display's advanced Tandem OLED panel technology, but the new GR variant targets users seeking superior color performance in controlled lighting environments.

At the heart of both displays lies LG's 27-inch 2560x1440 Tandem OLED panel, which stacks two OLED layers to achieve 1,500 nits peak HDR brightness – a 25% increase over previous-gen WOLED tech – while consuming 20% less power. This architecture enables the 0.03ms gray-to-gray response times crucial for competitive gaming at the monitor's 280Hz maximum refresh rate, with both FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatibility eliminating screen tearing.

The defining upgrade comes in the RealBlack Glossy coating, which replaces the matte finish of the earlier model. Glossy panels reduce light diffusion through the surface layer, yielding deeper blacks and more saturated colors compared to their matte counterparts. As demonstrated in Gigabyte's comparison imagery, this creates noticeably richer contrast in environments where ambient light can be controlled, though matte finishes retain advantages in brightly lit rooms.

Priced identically to its matte sibling at $599.99, the MO27Q28GR undercuts Asus's comparable ROG Strix OLED XG27AQWMG ($649) by $50. Beyond the price advantage, Gigabyte includes a hardware KVM switch for seamless peripheral sharing between multiple devices and a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode (though limited to 15W power delivery). Asus counters with a proximity sensor designed to activate screen-saving features when users step away, potentially extending panel longevity.

I/O connectivity covers modern gaming needs:

• 2× HDMI 2.1
• 1× DisplayPort 1.4
• 1× USB-C (DP Alt Mode, 15W PD)
• 1× USB-B upstream
• 2× USB-A downstream

The monitor includes height and tilt adjustment and ships with a three-year warranty covering OLED burn-in – a critical consideration for desktop users displaying static elements.

Practical Analysis:

• Glossy vs. Matte: Competitive gamers prioritizing color fidelity and contrast in dimmer environments will benefit most from the glossy coating. Matte remains preferable for sunlit rooms.
• Value Proposition: At $50 less than Asus's offering with equivalent core specs, Gigabyte's inclusion of KVM functionality makes it compelling for multi-device users despite the lower USB-C power delivery.
• Burn-in Management: Unlike Asus's proximity sensor, Gigabyte relies on pixel-refresh routines and its warranty coverage. Users should employ automatic taskbar hiding and screensavers.

Available now via Amazon with estimated delivery March 5-9, the MO27Q28GR delivers cutting-edge OLED performance at a strategic price point, though buyers must weigh coating preferences against their gaming environment.