BenQ - X3100i

Native contrast of the 3100i has a lot left to be desired. MKii and Vision master pro are big advancements for the mid end consumer grade community. My only concern is with the reliability of these brands. In my time I've seen a lot of projectors go south rather quickly. Benq has a pretty good track record in my opinion.  You can't have the best of both worlds with these DLP projectors. Personally I'd rather live with a little input lag over borderline acceptable picture quality

For the price the 3100i is really good for gaming.

The benq x3100i is sick for gaming. I love it. Movies look awesome too. And I'm comparing that to my OLED TVs. Obviously not as black but the brightness and colors are phenomenal.

my votes for the x3100i

I think the led and laser models are best for ease of use and longevity. Benq has some of the cheaper ones: the ht2060 is 1080p but seems pretty solid and the cheapest option id go for. The x3100i (i have an older model of this one, lots of hours no issues yet) and the x500 are the two that are a step up. There is a laser one too I think that is between those but I don’t remember the model off the top of my head. Whatever you do make sure it fits your intended space, these models have limited image adjustment and keystone takes away a lot of the positives of these models. I also recommend a quality seller NOT amazon just in case you do need to deal with replacement/warranty stuff. A dedicated projector site will help you compare models easier too.

We don’t know about the valerian reliability yet. Just no way to know, too new. There is no way to beat the sun as it will put 300,000 lumens on a 10x10 screen. Projectors are 3,000 just just can’t compete. The valerian is likely pretty good, benq 3100 is a good choice as is the Epson 3800.

Yes the 3100, that‘s what I actually meant to write in op.. but I guess especially when it comes to gaming that will be the best one.

I also have a x3100i. I use it at 50% -50% split between movies and games ( ps5 pro ). Sitting at 5m distance from 160” screen. Black level is great to me at night. Although my room is light controlled, little bit light creeps through edges, which doesn’t washout the projection but slightly affect the overall crispiness of the image. I project it on wall. I thought of buying a screen but I am so happy how the way it looks now so decided not buy at this time. Conclusion : if gaming is in your use case, you can’t ignore x3100i !!! PS: I play long games ( like division 2, COD, Elden Ring etc ) in eco mode and other content in dynamic.

I went with the BenQ TK700 they make it in a short throw as well if that matters. I tried the X3100 when it first came out and the running noise was so loud with it being suspended right above my head in the theater. I'm happy with the Tk700. It's my third BenQ. For the money it does everything I want it to do. It could have better colors especially in HDR but all around a solid projector for gaming and movies.

Unicorn possibly, I don’t see why you’re getting a projector if your wife won’t watch in the dark. Contrast is not good compared to a TV if any lights are on. It’s fine, but I wouldn’t say worth the cost. More like 90s era large rear projection tvs. I have an x3100i no problem with fan noise, looks good in the pitch black (not just dark) but I’d love to upgrade to an nz7 or thereabouts