How to read a gaming kit spec sheet without being misled

Jargon buster

Model code

The exact product identifier, often including region and layout, such as CH-9226C65-UK.

Typical

The value a product normally achieves, rather than its peak.

Static contrast

The ratio between the brightest white and darkest black within one image.

Dynamic contrast

A contrast figure based on adjusting the backlight over time; not comparable with static contrast.

Actuation

The point (or force) at which a key press registers.

NKRO

N-key rollover: every key press registers correctly, however many are pressed at once.

IP rating

An ingress protection code for dust and water resistance, such as IP32.

VESA DisplayHDR

A certification with set brightness and contrast levels for HDR monitors.

RRP

Recommended retail price: the manufacturer's full list price, before offers.

Start with the full model code, not the product name

Product names are shared across several versions; model codes are not. Samsung's “27-inch Odyssey G3” name covers more than one model. The G30D (LS27DG302EUXXU) and the newer G30H (LS27HG302EUXXU) have different refresh rates, 180 Hz and 200 Hz. Samsung's UK store showed the G30D with a “Where to buy” link rather than a price, while the G30H was on sale directly.

Keyboard codes often include the layout. Corsair's K55 CORE RGB UK model is CH-9226C65-UK, and the K70 CORE UK model is CH-910971E-UK. Razer's titles read “Ornata V3 Tenkeyless - UK - Black”. If the code ends in a different region, the keys may not match a UK layout.

Typical, maximum and minimum: the small words that change a number

Many figures carry a qualifier that changes what they mean:

• Typical: what the product normally does. Samsung lists the Odyssey G5 G50F at 300 cd/m² typical brightness and 240 cd/m² minimum.
• Max: the highest value, sometimes only reachable under specific conditions. Samsung writes “Max 180Hz” for refresh rate.
• Min: on response time, the fastest single transition measured, often with the strongest overdrive setting. ASUS lists “0.3ms (GTG, min)” for the TUF Gaming VG27AQE5A.
• Dynamic contrast: a figure based on changing the backlight over time, not what one image can show. MSI lists 1000:1 static contrast and a far larger dynamic figure for the MAG 274QF. Compare static contrast figures.

When two products quote the same type of figure with the same qualifier, they can be compared. When they do not, they cannot.

Ports and versions: the spec line that decides console fit

For a monitor, the connections section often matters more than the headline numbers. Look for three things:

1. The version number: “HDMI 2.0” and “HDMI 2.1” support different console features. Sony describes PS5 VRR as needing HDMI 2.1 VRR, and Xbox says 4K at 120 Hz needs HDMI 2.1.
2. The per-port refresh rate: MSI states the MAG 274QF runs 1440p at up to 144 Hz over HDMI 2.0b and 180 Hz over DisplayPort 1.4a. ASUS lists an HDMI vertical frequency range of 48 to 150 Hz for the VG27AQE5A, against 165 Hz over DisplayPort.
3. The number of ports: one HDMI input means swapping cables if you have two consoles.

Some spec sheets leave the version out entirely. LG's spec table for the 27G411B-B lists one HDMI port without a version. Missing information is worth noting, not assuming. The console compatibility guide explains what each console needs.

Keyboard spec lines decoded: switches, rollover and polling

• Switch type: “rubber dome” or “membrane” (Corsair K55 CORE), brand hybrids such as Razer “Mecha-Membrane”, and mechanical switches described as linear, tactile or clicky. Brand names such as MLX Red or HyperX Linear Red usually come with a feel description; read that rather than the colour name.
• Actuation and travel: how far a key moves and how much force it takes. Logitech lists 4 mm travel and 50 g actuation force for the G213; HyperX lists 1.8 mm actuation for its Linear Red switches.
• Rollover / anti-ghosting: how many simultaneous key presses register correctly. Logitech lists 6-key rollover for the G413 TKL SE; Corsair lists full n-key rollover (NKRO) for the K70 CORE.
• Polling rate: how often the keyboard reports per second. 1,000 Hz is standard; HyperX lists up to 8,000 Hz for the Origins 2 65.
• Switch lifespan: given in millions of presses. SteelSeries lists 20 million for the Apex 3 TKL and HyperX 80 million for its Linear Red switches. These are manufacturer ratings, not measured lifetimes.

Ratings, certifications and warranty terms worth checking

Some lines refer to outside standards or firm commitments, which makes them more useful than adjectives.

• IP ratings: the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL lists IP32 water and dust resistance. Other keyboards give a spill volume instead, such as 300 ml for the Corsair K55 CORE and 60 ml for the Logitech G213. Neither means waterproof.
• VESA DisplayHDR: a certification with defined brightness levels. “HDR10 support” or “HDR Ready” only means the monitor accepts an HDR signal.
• Adaptive sync labels: FreeSync, FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatible each refer to a specific programme.
• Energy class: UK monitor listings show an energy label. Samsung lists class E for both Odyssey models we checked.
• Warranty: MSI lists 3 years on the MAG 274QF, and Corsair lists 2 years on its K-series keyboards. Warranty length is a firm term, unlike a marketing claim.

RRP, sale price and the “was” price

Manufacturer stores often show two prices. On 3 November 2026, Samsung's UK store listed the Odyssey G5 G50F at £149 with an RRP of £179. Logitech showed the G213 at £49.99 against £59.99, and MSI showed the MAG 274QF at £119 against £169. Some brands, such as AOC on its UK site, do not show a price at all.

On Kitcheckuk we quote the full RRP from the manufacturer's UK page and the date we checked it, because sale prices change week to week. A sale price is real while it lasts, but it is not a fixed reference point. When comparing shops, compare like with like: the same model code, the same layout and the same bundle contents.

What a spec sheet cannot tell you, and a pre-purchase checklist

Specs describe a product; they cannot describe how it feels to use. A spec sheet will not tell you how a key feels under your finger, how loud it sounds at night, whether a stand wobbles, or how consistent panels are from one unit to the next. For those, try products in a shop or read independent measurements. Under UK consumer rules, you can usually cancel an online order within 14 days of receiving the item, even if nothing is wrong with it, though you may have to pay the return postage.

A quick checklist before you buy:

1. Copy the full model code from the manufacturer's UK page.
2. Check the layout (UK/ISO) for keyboards, and the HDMI version and HDMI refresh rate for monitors.
3. Note which figures are typical, maximum or minimum.
4. Check compatibility against the console's own support page.
5. Compare against the RRP and check what is in the box.

See how this works in our keyboard and monitor comparisons.