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1ms vs 3ms ( Response Time Guide )

1ms vs 3ms

Confused between the 1ms vs 3ms response time? In this article, you will see 1ms compared to 3ms response time

Response Time refers to:

“the time taken by a pixel in an image to change.”

This response time is measured in milliseconds (ms). Different monitors have different response times, and hence the quality of the display is not the same in each monitor.

While purchasing a new monitor for yourself, you will come across various specifications such as resolution, and screen size, which are surely important factors to consider. But, along with these, you must also consider the response rate that a monitor is able to deliver.

A monitor with a higher response time will give tearing or ghosting effects, while a monitor with a lower response time will prevent stutter or tear or any other latency or input lag that can cause a delay in the gameplay which is a great deal for competitive gamers.

For maximum speed 1ms response time is perfect that can be used for hardcore gaming but for casual gaming 5ms response time seems great.

1ms vs 3ms response time

There are different response times, and each is idyllic for a different purpose. Since today’s article is all about 3md and 1ms response rate, let’s stick to it and find out what these actually are.

If you are reading this article to choose a 1ms monitor or 3ms monitor then keep reading.

3ms response rate

In order to understand what 3ms response time is, you must understand how response time works and how it is calculated. As told above, it is the measure of time taken for a change. You might see different colors flashing on your screen, but behind it, all is the mechanism of response rate.

A response rate of 3ms is generally referred to as a great response time since it is able to switch from one color to another in 3 milliseconds that provide a high-quality, non-blurring images on the screen. With this incredible rate of response, 3ms monitors are excellent if you are in search of a highly responsive display that has the capability to deliver smoother output without flickering.

1ms response rate

1ms response rate works through the same technology of colors shifting from one to another to display objects on the screen. However, the 1ms response rate is considered the best response rate among all since it delivers images at the best pace. Though the monitors with 1ms of response rates are recommended for passionate gamers, who tend to play competitive games that require zero image blurring or flickering.

The best response rates can be described as “lesser the response rate, better the performance.” Several monitor manufacturing companies out there have started to construct monitors with a 1ms of response rate exclusive for expert, competitive gamers. 

Advantages and disadvantages of both

Technologies have several benefits, but there is no technology that comes with zero disadvantages, and similar is the case with response rates. Albeit both the 3ms and 1ms response rates are great for the users, especially for professional gamers or expert photographers, before buying a monitor, you must look at both the advantages and disadvantages of these response times so that you can make a decision accordingly.

 

3ms response time

Advantages: One of the biggest advantages of the 3ms response rate is its ability to provide the users with a smoother display experience that is not straining to the eyes.

Disadvantages: No matter how less the response rate your monitor display delivers, it won’t be of any help to the performance of your monitor. In other words, even if you get high-quality images, videos, and smoother gameplay, the risk of lagging persists.

1ms response time

Advantages: Since it is the best response time that has the ability to show high definition, smooth, and not at all blurry images, this is the perfect choice for gamers for their fierce action gaming and professionals who have high-quality videos and images to edit. 

Disadvantage: The downside of the 1ms response rate is similar to that of the 3ms response rate as by reducing the response time, you won’t be able to enhance your monitor’s performance. Also, the chances for input lag and resolution quality could cause troubles.

Differences and comparisons between 1ms and 3ms

We are confident that by now, you must have understood what response rates are and do they work. Now that you have known it let us tell you that there is not a major difference that can be seen between the two response times, i.e., 1ms and 3ms. 

The technical difference between the two response rates is notable mostly on a monitor with 144Hz, especially if your monitor’s frame rate is constantly greater. Since the difference is pretty small, users get used to it in no time and don’t even feel anything wrong with the response rate.

Both the response rates are considered as a great choice for the smoothest performance of “images,” not the monitor. Though there is no major difference in the quality of output, there is no point in jumping onto the expensive one, especially if you are on a budget.

Uses of 3ms response time

Monitors having a response rate of 3ms are usually recommended to be used by people who are gamers by profession and require a supreme quality of gameplay with minimum input lack and no blurring at all. These monitors are highly valued by photographers, graphic designers, filmmakers, etc.

Is 3ms bad for gaming?

We have already answered this question above in the article as well, but in case you have missed it, here is the answer:

No! 3ms response rate is not bad for gaming; in fact, it is an incredibly impressive response rate to have in your monitor, especially when you are a pro gamer who doesn’t want flickering or blurring to impact their intense gaming sessions.

Is 1ms better than 144Hz?

A 144Hz monitor must have a minimum of 6.9ms in order to shift the pixels, so it does not really make a difference if it has 1ms of response time or 5ms. The refresh rate and response rate of a monitor are two separate factors that work for different things. Hence, we cannot compare the two in terms of better performance. 

Is 3ms response time good for 144Hz?

For gaming purposes, an excellent response time is between 1ms to 3ms that too on a standard monitor with 60Hz. But, if you are going for a 144Hz monitor with a 3ms of response rate, you can see an extremely slight difference if you compare it with a 1ms response rate. Otherwise, you won’t even be able to differentiate if there is any difference. 

All in all, a 3ms response rate is actually good for a 144Hz monitor.

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Robert Smith

Robert Smith is a technology lover and loves to write about laptops, monitors, printers, tablets, Apple products and anything that's related to computers and games. He is passionate enough that he maintains this blog regarding tech updates on a daily basis.