When shopping for a gaming monitor, "response time" is one of the most frequently mentioned—but often misunderstood—specifications. Many gamers ask: what is the best response time for a gaming monitor, and does it really make a difference in performance?
The reality is that response time is the bridge between your GPU’s power and what your eyes actually perceive. In this guide, we will explain the science of speed. We will look at how it works with the refresh rate. This will help you pick the best display for your playstyle.
What Does Response Time Mean?
At its core, response time refers to how quickly a monitor’s pixels can shift from one color to another. This is typically measured in milliseconds (ms). The refresh rate (measured in Hz) shows how many images your monitor can display each second. Response time affects how clear those images are when they move.
The Consequences of Slow Response Times
If a pixel cannot change colors quickly enough during the game, you may see visual glitches. These glitches can ruin your experience or even cause you to lose a match.
- Motion Blur: A general loss of sharpness during fast movement.
- Ghosting: A faint, trail-like shadow following moving objects across the screen.
- Smearing: Common on older or lower-end panels, where dark colors "bleed" into lighter ones during transitions.
For modern gaming, especially in fast-paced competitive games, a lower response time is key. It helps keep visuals sharp and control precise.
The Core Specs: Refresh Rate vs. Response Time
To understand why a 240Hz monitor is so coveted, you must understand the relationship between these two metrics.
A high refresh rate ensures the "smoothness" of the video. However, if you have a 240Hz monitor but a slow response time, the frames will overlap, creating a blurry mess. To make the best use of high-end hardware, the pixel transition needs to be quicker than the "frame time." This is the time each frame is shown.
Pro Tip: On a 240Hz monitor, a new frame appears every 4.17ms. If your response time is higher than that, you won't experience the true clarity that 240Hz is capable of delivering.
What Is a Good Response Time for Gaming?
In the heat of a match, your monitor’s response time is what stands between a crystal-clear shot and a blurry mess. While refresh rate tells you how many frames per second you see, response time determines how cleanly those frames transition.
1. The 1ms Gold Standard
For most gamers, 1ms (GtG or MPRT) is the sweet spot. It virtually eliminates "ghosting"—that annoying trail left behind by fast-moving objects.
For the Competitive Edge: If you play titles like Valorant or Counter-Strike, speed is non-negotiable. This is where the Titan Army P2510S Plus shines. With its Fast IPS panel and a lightning-fast 1ms GTG response time, it ensures that every flick-shot is rendered with absolute precision at a 240Hz refresh rate.
2. Balancing Immersion and Speed
Not every gamer needs esports-grade specs to enjoy their favorite titles. If you like immersive RPGs or racing games, you can handle a bit higher response time. This trade-off gives you better contrast and a more cinematic feel.
For Immersive Play: The Titan Army C24A1H features a 1ms MPRT response time on a sleek 1500R curved VA panel. It strikes the perfect balance. It offers a 240Hz refresh rate that keeps motion smooth. Its high contrast ratio makes shadows in your favorite games look deeper and more realistic.
3. GtG vs. MPRT: What Should You Look For?
When browsing for a gaming monitor, you will likely see two different measurements for response time. Understanding the difference is key to making an informed purchase.
GtG (Gray-to-Gray): Measures how fast pixels change colors. A low GtG (like on the P2510S Plus) is best for reducing ghosting.
MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time): Measures how long a pixel remains visible. A low MPRT (like on the C24A1H) is great for reducing perceived motion blur during fast camera rotations.
How to Choose the Best Response Time for Your Genre?
The "best" number depends entirely on what you play. In 2026, the standards have shifted as panel technology has evolved. Use the table below to find your ideal match:
| Gaming Genre | Recommended Response Time | Recommended Refresh Rate | Panel Type |
| Competitive Esports (Valorant, CS2) | 1ms or lower (GtG) | 240Hz - 360Hz | Fast IPS / OLED |
| Action & Racing (Forza, CoD) | 1ms - 2ms (GtG) | 144Hz - 165Hz | IPS / VA |
| RPG & Open World (Elden Ring) | 3ms - 5ms (GtG) | 60Hz - 120Hz | VA / IPS |
| Casual/Office Use | 5ms+ | 60Hz - 75Hz | Standard IPS |
Factors That Influence Response Time
Beyond the panel itself, several factors can affect how fast your monitor feels:
- Overdrive Settings: Most monitors have an "Overdrive" feature in the OSD menu. This speeds up pixel transitions but setting it too high can cause "overshoot" (inverted ghosting).
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Panel Technology:
- IPS: Excellent colors and fast GtG.
- VA: Great for a curved monitor due to high contrast, though traditionally slightly slower than IPS.
- OLED: The king of response time, often reaching 0.03ms.
- Input Lag: Do not confuse response time with input lag. Input lag is the delay between pressing a button and the action appearing on screen. A good gaming monitor minimizes both.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Speed
So, what is the best response time for a gaming monitor?
- For the Professional: Anything above 1ms GtG is a compromise. Seek out a 240Hz monitor to ensure your hardware never holds you back.
- For the Enthusiast: A 1ms to 2ms GtG monitor offers a perfect blend of visual fidelity and responsiveness.
- For the Casual Player: Anything under 5ms will provide a vast improvement over standard office displays or older televisions.
By choosing a monitor that matches your games and expectations, you’ll enjoy smoother motion, clearer visuals, and a better overall gaming experience. Titan Army designs gaming monitors with this balance in mind—delivering performance you can feel, not just numbers on a spec sheet.
