MSI Modern MD272QP Ultramarine 27in Monitor Review

Rating: 8.0.

MSI is continuing to expand its professional monitor line-up, and latest to hit the KitGuru test bench is the Modern MD272QP Ultramarine. This is a screen with no pretensions of crossing over into gaming. While it does support AMD FreeSync, it is built around an IPS panel that will be much better suited to productivity than entertainment applications, although it has strengths when watching video. This screen also offers USB-C video input and KVM capabilities, giving it potential for hot-desk workers.

The MSI Modern MD272QP Ultramarine has a decent if not particularly eye-catching specification. This is a 27in panel with a native resolution of 2,560 x 1,440. The maximum refresh rate is 75Hz. No mention is made of the maximum brightness, but the contrast is 1,000:1, which is typical for an IPS panel. MSI only claims an sRGB colour gamut of 95 per cent, which is a bit of a surprise for a professionally focused screen. Pixel response is also the typical 4ms grey-to-grey of IPS.

All the important video inputs are present, although only one of each. Alongside HDMI and DisplayPort is USB-C. With a secondary USB Type B connection and the ability to switch between them, this screen offers KVM functionality. There is a minijack audio output plus built-in 2W speakers. Physical adjustments are comprehensive, including tilt, swivel, raising and lowering, plus the ability to rotate into portrait orientation.

On paper, the MD272QP ticks all the boxes for workplace usage, and for a penny under £270 it's not too expensive, but does it go beyond this? We put the screen through its paces to find out.

Specification:

• Screen size: 27-inch, 16:9 aspect
• Native resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
• Curvature: No
• Refresh rate: 75Hz, AMD FreeSync
• Panel type: IPS
• Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 (typical)
• Brightness: Not stated
• Response time: 4ms Grey to Grey
• Display inputs: HDMI 1.4b, DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, USB-C x 1 (with 65W power delivery)
• USB hub: Yes, Type B or USB-C input, 2 x USB 2.0 outputs
• Tilt: 5 degrees forward, 20 degrees backward
• Raise: 110mm
• Swivel: 30 degrees left or right
• Portrait: Yes
• Other: Audio output minijack, 2W stereo speakers

Retail Price: £269.99 (inc. VAT)

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