If you’re into the world of Twitch streaming, chances are you’ve heard of Shroud. As one of the most popular and influential streamers on the platform, Shroud, whose real name is Michael Grzesiek, has captivated audiences with his exceptional skill and charisma in games like CS:GO, Valorant, PUBG, and Apex Legends. With millions of followers and subscribers, Shroud has not only become a gaming icon but has also earned a reputation for using top-notch gaming equipment.
One particular piece of his gaming setup that has piqued the interest of aspiring streamers and gaming enthusiasts alike is his choice of monitor. In this article, we’ll delve into why Shroud might have chosen this monitor, what makes it stand out, and if it’s the right choice for you.
What monitor does Shroud use for gaming? And why?
Shroud uses the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B monitor. Which is a 27 inch, curved, 1440p resolution ultra wide monitor designed for fast paced gaming. A truly exceptional monitor perfect for the kind of competitive games Shroud plays. Although this is a fantastic monitor in its own right, Shroud most likely chose this out of sponsorship reasons through Alienware.
Let’s break down why Shroud would use this by first looking at his most commonly played games.
PUBG, Valorant, CS:GO, and Escape from Tarkov – are all competitive first-person shooter games that require fast reflexes, precise aiming, and strategic thinking. In these games, players engage in intense gunfights with opponents while trying to complete objectives and survive in a hostile environment. The games often have a high skill ceiling, with professional players and teams competing in tournaments for large prize pools. The ability to quickly spot and track opponents is crucial in these games, making a monitor with a large field of view, high refresh rate, and fast response time, like the one Shroud uses, a significant advantage.
High refresh rate
A monitor’s refresh rate refers to the number of times it can display a new image in one second. In Shroud’s case, his monitor has a refresh rate of 165Hz, meaning it can display up to 165 frames per second. This is significantly higher than the standard 60Hz refresh rate found on most monitors.
For a professional gamer like Shroud, a high refresh rate is beneficial because it allows for smoother and more fluid gameplay. In fast-paced games like CS:GO, Valorant, and PUBG, every millisecond counts, and having a high refresh rate can give players an edge in terms of reaction time and input lag. It also reduces the amount of motion blur and screen tearing that can occur during fast movements, making it easier for players to track their targets and aim accurately. Overall, a high refresh rate monitor can significantly improve a player’s performance in competitive gaming.
It is much easier to perform an action “frame perfect” if there are more frames available.
Here’s a video showing the impact of a higher refresh rate.
Curved QHD screen
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B monitor boasts a 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) panel with a 1500R curvature, providing an immersive viewing experience that allows for greater focus and reduced distractions. This is classed as a 4K monitor – here’s a list of all gaming resolutions.
The curved design also ensures that every point on the screen is equidistant to the viewer’s eyes, contributing to greater viewing comfort over extended periods of use, helping to create a somewhat healthier streaming environment.
For Shroud, who streams for hours at a time, the monitor’s ergonomic design ensures that he can maintain optimal posture and minimize eye strain during long gaming sessions. The wider viewing angle and reduced distortion and color shift also allow him to see more of the game world and react more quickly to changes, giving him an edge in competitive games where split-second decisions can make all the difference.
Overall, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B monitor provides Shroud with the visual clarity, immersion, and ergonomic design he needs to stay at the top of his game for extended periods of time.
Enhanced graphics
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B monitor features various technologies that enhance the gaming experience. Firstly, the monitor uses the ASUS-exclusive Extreme Low Motion Blur technology, which reduces smearing and motion blur to make objects in motion look sharper, resulting in more fluid and responsive gameplay.
Secondly, the monitor is compatible with HDR10 high dynamic range, which enhances color and brightness levels to exceed the capabilities of ordinary monitors, providing a more realistic and immersive gaming experience.
Thirdly, the monitor features ASUS GameVisual Technology with seven pre-set display modes to optimize visuals for different types of content, including an FPS mode that enhances details in dark areas to improve visibility during gameplay.
Finally, the monitor uses ASUS Ultra-Low Blue Light technology to reduce potentially harmful blue light emissions and features four different filter settings that can be adjusted to control the amount of blue light reduction. Another comfort feature for Shroud personally.
All these features combined would benefit Shroud by providing a more immersive and comfortable gaming experience with clearer visuals, less motion blur, improved color accuracy, and reduced eye strain. Additionally, these enhancements would also benefit the viewers, providing a better quality stream with improved graphics, making it easier to follow the action and stay engaged with the gameplay.
Conclusion – Why does Shroud use the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B monitor?
Shroud, being a professional gamer, requires a monitor that can keep up with his exceptional skills and provide an immersive and comfortable gaming experience. While he was most likely given the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B monitor due to his profile, he would have ensured that it has specific features that are advantageous for him.
Related – How to get gaming sponsorships
One of the main features of Shroud’s ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B monitor is its 165Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother and more fluid gameplay experience. The high refresh rate reduces motion blur, input lag, and screen tearing, providing a competitive edge for fast-paced games like CS:GO, Valorant, and PUBG, which Shroud frequently plays.
Additionally, the monitor’s 27-inch WQHD panel with a 1500R curvature and Extreme Low Motion Blur technology provide a fluid and responsive gaming experience with less motion blur, making it easier for Shroud to track targets. The monitor’s compatibility with HDR10 high dynamic range and ASUS GameVisual Technology allows Shroud to optimize visuals for different types of content, enhancing color accuracy and providing a more immersive gaming experience.
Finally, the monitor’s ergonomic design and Ultra-Low Blue Light technology reduce eye strain and provide greater viewing comfort over extended periods of use, allowing Shroud to focus on the game without distraction and stream for hours at a time.
Overall, Shroud uses the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B monitor with 165Hz refresh rate because it provides him with the visual clarity, immersion, and ergonomic design he needs to stay competitive at the highest levels of professional gaming. The monitor’s specific features, combined with Shroud’s exceptional skills and experience, make for an unbeatable gaming setup that sets him apart from the competition.
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