Bottom Line
The Acer KB272 EBI is an overall excellent budget monitor thanks to its 100Hz refresh rate, but we recommend investing in a 144Hz/165Hz display instead.
Good news! The old budget 60Hz-75Hz monitors are slowly getting replaced by 100Hz models for more fluid gameplay and an overall smoother experience.
In fact, the difference between 60Hz and 100Hz is much more noticeable than the difference between 100Hz and 144Hz, which allows even users on a budget to enjoy smooth motion clarity!
Keep in mind that Acer has a lot of monitors with similar names. The full name of the model we’re reviewing is Acer KB272 EBI. Scroll down for a list of all models with similar Acer and Aopen (Acer sub-company) names.
Image Quality
The Acer KB272 EBI is based on an IPS panel with 178° wide viewing angles, ensuring that the image remains the same regardless of the angle you’re looking at it. Along with ~95% sRGB color space coverage, this makes for fairly accurate and vivid colors without over-saturation.
As expected from an IPS display, there’s some IPS glow and the static contrast ratio amounts to 1,000:1, so you won’t get as deep blacks as that of similarly priced VA panels with ~3000:1 contrast ratios, but you get wider viewing angles and a faster pixel response time speed!
Next, the monitor has a peak brightness of 250-nits, which is minimal as far as modern LED-backlit displays go. However, the screen can still get more than bright enough under normal lighting conditions.
If you plan on using the monitor in a particularly bright room without any blinds, we recommend getting a brighter (though also more expensive) display instead.
Now, a lot of users will find the Full HD 1920×1080 screen resolution to be too low for a 27″ sized screen as you get a mediocre pixel density of 81.59 PPI (pixels per inch), which results in somewhat pixely text and details. In games and videos, this issue is not as bothersome, especially if you’re sitting a bit further from the screen.
In fact, if you’re sitting at least around 42″ (107cm) away from the screen, the individual pixels won’t be noticeable. If you’re sitting closer than that and want sharp text, we recommend going with a 24″ 1080p model instead (92 PPI) or investing in a 27″ 1440p display (109 PPI).
In case you mostly play games, websurf and watch videos – and you want a 27″ screen but don’t have a good enough GPU for 1440p, the Acer KB272 EBI will do fine.
Performance
As you can see, a 100Hz refresh rate provides a noticeable boost in motion clarity as opposed to 60Hz and 75Hz displays. This doesn’t only apply to games as just moving your cursor around and scrolling web pages will feel a lot smoother as well.
Additionally, keep in mind that in order to see the full benefits of 100Hz in games, you’ll also need to have a high frame rate – ideally 100FPS – but, even at lower frame rates, you still get lower input lag and less noticeable screen tearing in comparison to 60Hz/75Hz.
There are three response time overdrive modes: Off, Normal and Extreme, which we recommend leaving at the default Normal mode since it’s a bit faster than Off without adding any overshoot as Extreme.
The pixel response time speed is not as fast as that of the best budget 144Hz gaming displays, but there’s only minor trailing visible behind fast-moving objects. Input lag performance is excellent at ~6ms of delay, which is imperceptible.
The Acer KB272 EBI monitor also supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-100Hz variable refresh rate range for tear-free gameplay up to 100FPS. Sadly, since it lacks a DisplayPort input, VRR is only usable with AMD Radeon graphics cards over HDMI.
NOTE
NVIDIA’s G-SYNC Compatible mode is not supported due to the lack of a DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 inputs.
The 48-100Hz VRR range also means that you get LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) support. So, even if your frame rate drops to 47FPS, LFC will make the monitor jump to 94Hz (47FPS x 2) in order to prevent screen tearing.
Features
At the rear of the monitor, you’ll find a power button, three hotkeys and a directional joystick for quick and easy navigation through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu.
Useful features include Black Boost (improves visibility in dark scenes), various picture presets and a refresh rate tracker.
In addition to the standard image adjustment tools (brightness, contrast, color temperature, etc.), the Acer KB272EBI also offers sharpness, gamma and 6-axis hue/saturation settings.
Further, the monitor supports Visual Response Boost (VRB), which uses backlight strobing to reduce perceived motion blur at the cost of picture brightness. However, this technology introduces flickering that’s invisible to the human eye, but those sensitive to flicker might get headaches after prolonged use.
Additionally, VRB cannot be used at the same time as a variable refresh rate – it can only be set at fixed refresh rates of 75Hz, 85Hz or 100Hz.
The backlight of the monitor is flicker-free (unless VRB is enabled) and there’s an integrated low-blue light filter mode.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is fairly sturdy and offers tilt adjustment by -5°/15° – you can also detach it and mount the screen via the 75x75mm VESA pattern.
Next, the screen has ultra-thin bezels at the top and at the sides, and there’s a light matte anti-glare coating that prevents reflections without making the image too grainy.
Connectivity options include one HDMI 1.4 port and one VGA (D-Sub) input.
Price & Similar Monitors
The Acer KB272 EBI price amounts to ~$120, which is a bit expensive, considering you can find 27″ 1440p 100Hz IPS display for the same price, such as the KTC H27T13.
There are plenty of 1080p 100Hz models with similar names and specifications, so be sure to check them out below to see if any of them are on sale.
Apart from the panel type and design, there are no big differences. We recommend checking out the Acer SH242YE model, which has a fully ergonomic stand and a 24″ 100Hz IPS panel for $100.
If you want a higher contrast ratio for deeper blacks, get a VA panel model, but keep in mind that they don’t have quite as wide viewing angles. They also have a bit slower response time speed, so there’s more ghosting (mainly in dark scenes).
In case you want a higher pixel density for sharper text and details, get a 24″ model.
ViewSonic also offers 24″ and 27″ 1080p 100Hz IPS models, the Omni VX2416 and VX2716 with built-in speakers and a headphone jack.
| Monitor | Size | Panel | Refresh Rate | VESA Mount Compatible |
| Acer SB272 EBI | 27” | IPS | 100Hz | No |
| Acer KB272 EBI | 27” | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer KB272 E0bi | 27″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer CB272 E | 27” | IPS | 100Hz | Full Ergonomic Support |
| Acer KG271 E | 27″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer KB272 Hbi | 27” | VA | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer KG273 Hbmix | 27” | VA | 100Hz | No |
| Acer EK271 Hbi | 27” | VA | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer SB242Y EBI | 24” | IPS | 100Hz | No |
| Acer SH242Y Ebmihx | 24″ | IPS | 100Hz | Full Ergonomic Support |
| Acer SH242Y Ebmihux | 24″ | IPS | 100Hz | Full Ergonomic Support + USB-C 65W PD |
| Acer R240HY E3bi | 24″ | IPS | 100Hz | No |
| Acer QG241Y Ebii | 24″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer KG241Y Ebmiix | 24″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer B247Y Ebmiprx | 24″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer CB242Y D3bmiprcx | 24″ | IPS | 100Hz | Full Ergonomic Support + Webcam |
| Acer SB242Y Ewi | 24″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer SB240Y G0wi | 24″ | IPS | 120Hz | No |
| Acer SB240Y G0bi | 24″ | IPS | 120Hz | No |
| Acer KB252Q E0bi | 25″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer EK251Q Ebi | 25″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer SB242Y Hbi | 24” | VA | 100Hz | No |
| Acer EK241Y Hbi | 24” | VA | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer KC242Y Hbi | 24” | VA | 100Hz | Yes |
| Acer KG243Y Hbmix | 24″ | VA | 100Hz | No |
| Acer SB222Q Hbi | 22” | VA | 100Hz | No |
| Acer SB222Q Ebi | 22″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Aopen 24CL1Y Ebi | 24″ | IPS | 100Hz | Yes |
| Aopen 24SA2Y Hbi | 24″ | VA | 100Hz | No |
| Aopen 27SA2 Hbi | 27″ | VA | 100Hz | No |
While it’s great to see 60Hz/75Hz monitors getting replaced by 100Hz models, the best 144Hz-165Hz gaming monitors are often only $10 – $30 more expensive.
So, if you’re a gamer, we recommend getting the BenQ EX240 or the KTC H24T09P instead. You can also find 27″ models for $130 – $140, such as the Xiaomi Redmi G27 and the Sansui ES-G27F2.
Finally, there are even 27″ 1440p high refresh rate models available for around $150, including the Acer SB272UE with 100Hz, and the KTC H27T22S with 180Hz.
Besides the higher refresh rate, some of these models also offer a lot faster pixel response time speed, wider color gamut, better design and more extensive connectivity options.
Conclusion
The Acer KB272 EBI is an excellent monitor overall and we’re glad 100Hz is slowly becoming the norm as it does offer a big advantage over 60Hz/75Hz.
However, it should definitely be a bit cheaper as there are a lot better gaming monitors for just $10 – $30 more.
Specifications
| Screen Size | 27-inch |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 (Full HD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (Widescreen) |
| Refresh Rate | 100Hz |
| Response Time (GtG) | Not specified |
| Visual Response Boost | 1ms (MPRT) |
| Adaptive-Sync | FreeSync (48-100Hz) |
| Ports | HDMI 1.4, VGA |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 (static) |
| Colors | 16.7 million (8-bit) |
| VESA | Yes (75x75mm) |
The Pros:
- Wide viewing angles
- Plenty of features, including FreeSync up to 100Hz over HDMI (for AMD GPUs)
- Decent response time, low input lag
- VESA mount compatible design
The Cons:
- Tilt-only stand
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
- No DisplayPort input
- Low pixel density
