HKC Gaming Monitors 2026: Three Displays Worth Watching

Introduction

HKC has traditionally focused on the Chinese market, but at Computex 2026 the company showed a clear intent to expand. Three monitors stood out: a 32-inch RGB miniLED model, a 27-inch version with similar technology, and a 24.5-inch esports display with a native 1000Hz refresh rate. Each targets a different type of gamer, and all three are expected to reach markets outside China in the near future.

HKC 32U165VD: RGB MiniLED Flagship

The HKC 32U165VD is a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor that was first shown at CES 2026 under the name M10 Ultra. It has since been renamed as it gets closer to market. The most notable feature is its RGB miniLED backlight, which HKC produces through an exclusive deal with Highense. Unlike traditional white LED miniLED panels, RGB miniLEDs can shift into red, green, or blue channels, allowing for higher brightness, better color brightness, and a wider color gamut.

The 32-inch model uses a VA LCD panel with a glossy finish. Native contrast ratio is quoted at over 3,000:1, and the miniLED backlight adds contrast boosting on top of that. HKC quotes 1,596 miniLED zones, each split into multiple red, green, and blue channels. Full-screen SDR brightness is rated at 1,000 nits, with a peak brightness of 1,400 nits. The company also quotes 99.9% REC 2020 coverage, a figure that comes from combining the backlight gamut with the LCD capabilities.

This monitor is expected to launch in the North American market toward the end of the fourth quarter of 2026 or early in the first quarter of 2027, depending on the manufacturing timeline. The expected price is around $900 US, converted from the Chinese price. That positions it competitively against OLED options of the same size, especially for gamers who want high HDR brightness or prefer LCD to avoid burn-in concerns.

HKC 27U165D: Compact RGB MiniLED Option

The HKC 27U165D is a new addition that was not shown at CES. It uses the same RGB miniLED backlight technology but with a different panel. This model is a 27-inch IPS LCD with a matte finish, a change from the glossy 32-inch version. It still runs at 165Hz and quotes 1,152 local dimming zones, which should create a similar dimming zone density to the larger model.

Brightness specs are lower than the 32-inch version. HKC quotes 550 nits full-screen and 1,000 nits peak SDR brightness, with DisplayHDR 1000 certification. Color gamut is slightly reduced, with 95% REC 2020 coverage, which is still much higher than typical LCDs or OLEDs but not quite the 99.9% of the 32-inch model.

The 27-inch model is expected to launch around the same time as the 32-inch version, in the fourth quarter of 2026 or early 2027, and it should also come to the North American market. The quoted price is around $650 US, which makes it a competitive option for a 27-inch 4K monitor with strong HDR capabilities.

Ant 25ASF: 1000Hz Esports Display

The Ant 25ASF is a 24.5-inch esports gaming monitor with a native 1000Hz refresh rate at 1080p. It uses TN LCD technology, which means it will have some limitations in viewing angles and color quality, but it offers extreme performance in response times. This panel is designed for premium esports gamers who want the highest possible clarity and smoothness.

HKC is manufacturing this panel themselves. The company plans to produce only a few thousand units, not because it is a limited edition, but because they do not see enough market demand for a product like this. This follows a similar pattern to their 750Hz model, which is expected to be available at a price around $1,200 US and will also have a limited production run of 3,000 to 4,000 units. The 1000Hz model is expected to be even more expensive.

The Ant 25ASF is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2027. It should be shown at CES 2027, where more details may be shared. One open question is backlight strobing support, which many gamers look for in high-performance TN LCDs. That information is not available yet.

Buying Advice

These three monitors serve very different purposes. The 32-inch RGB miniLED model is the flagship, offering the highest brightness, the widest color gamut, and the most local dimming zones. It is best for gamers who want a large, bright HDR display and prefer LCD over OLED to avoid burn-in. The 27-inch version is a more compact alternative with similar technology but lower specs and a matte finish. It is a good choice for those who want RGB miniLED in a smaller size.

The Ant 25ASF is a niche product for competitive esports players. The 1000Hz refresh rate is extreme, but the TN panel has trade-offs in color and viewing angles, and the limited production run means it will be expensive and hard to find. It is not a mass-market product, and HKC does not expect it to be.

For most gamers, the 32-inch model offers the best balance of features and price. The 27-inch version is a solid alternative if you prefer a smaller screen or a matte finish. The esports display is worth considering only if you are a serious competitive player who values refresh rate above all else.

Conclusion

HKC is making a clear push into international markets with products that are exclusive to the brand. The RGB miniLED technology is unique, and the pricing for the 32-inch and 27-inch models looks competitive against OLED alternatives. The 1000Hz esports display is an interesting showcase of what is possible, even if it will not have broad appeal. All three monitors are worth watching as they approach release.