Review of MSI Modern MD272QP Monitor

MSI MD272QP - A Productivity Monitor

I've had my 23 inch Asus monitor VX238 for the last 8 years and has not let me down. The VX238 is a simple no fuss monitor w/ 2 HDMI ports. and a VGA port. The presence of the VGA port reveals how ancient the monitor is compared to the latest generation of monitors offered today. The lack of ports of the VX238 kind of limits my connectivity to my other devices. It's time to look for a monitor with a more flexible options when it comes to ports.

There are a lot of options today when shopping for a monitor. It would all depend on the features you're looking for and of course the budget. This time around I would like a 27-inch monitor which I think is just the right size for my desk. I'm not going for a gaming monitor as response time, or the refresh rate is not high on my list of features that I need. There are 3 main categories of monitors - Gaming, Business and Creative. Monitors for creators are geared toward people who wants/needs a monitor with high accuracy in terms of color reproduction. I'm more inclined to get a monitor for business which should be fine for the type of work that I do - programming and blogging.

For business type monitors the go to products are usually from Dell, HP and Lenovo. I tried to do more research online and explore monitors from MSI and Gigabyte. Both brands offer monitors with the built-in KVM switch capability. The KVM allows the user to easily switch the monitor source - laptop, desktop, mac, Linux etc. The gigabyte monitor has the KVM feature but the downside is the included stand do not allow for the monitor to pivot to portrait mode orientation. The MSI monitor has the KVM plus it can pivot to portrait mode.

I went for the MSI Modern MD272QP and got it pre-ordered from Datablitz. After just 2 days I got the unit and here is my impression and review.

PROS

✅ Built-in KVM functionality

✅ Included clip for cable management

✅ Good ports selection

✅ OSD menu is simple and intuitive

✅ 75Hz refresh rate

✅ Can swivel to portrait mode

CONS

⛔ USB Type-C cable not included

MSI Modern MD272QP is a simple but elegant design with very minimal bezel and a flexible stand that have tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustment. This model has a WQHD resolution - 2560X1440 w/ 75Hz refresh rate.

a table with a number of specifications for a computer monitor

Partial specs of the MSI Modern MD272QP monitor. Kindly visit MSI website to know the full specs.

Specification

Because the monitor has KVM built-in the available ports are sufficient to connect maximum of 3 devices as input sources. The available ports includes the type C(DP Alternate), HDMI 1.4b and Display Port 1.2. There are also 3 USB ports - USB type B, and 2x USB type A. The USB type B is needed for the upstream connection. What I also like on the MD272QP is that the type-C port supports video and PD charging (@ 65W) at the same time. This means only a single cable is needed to connect and charge a laptop which is quite convenient.

Another noteworthy feature is MSI Anti-Flicker technology. For someone who works on a screen at least 4 to 5 hours straight this helps a lot minimize eye strain. Aside from this MSI Less Blue Light PRO using hardware filter-based technology to reduce blue light emission which is another plus and further lessen eye fatigue.

As in most business type monitors, the MD272QP has anti-glare coating which helps in eliminating reflections specially in bright environments. Audio is also built-in with 2x 2-watt speakers. As in most monitor speaker, the sound quality will not blow you away. It's there if you need one but I would always recommend having a standalone desktop speaker if audiophile quality sound is what you're after. The monitor is VESA compatible so you can hook-up the monitor using a VESA compatible monitor arm. For me I'm ok with the included monitor stand which also includes cable management kit.

Whats in the box

a box of modern computer equipment sitting on a table

The box is huge measuring 37x18x6 1/2 inches which could easily fit a 43" TV.

a box with a bunch of cable and monitor accesories

Box contents: power brick, adjustable stand, USB type B cable, HDMI cable, stickers, documentation, screws for VESA mounting, clip for cable management and that's about it.

The only thing missing in the box that I was hoping I would find is a type-C cable that is DP Alternate compatible. Never mind the HDMI cable or the type B cable I have a bunch of those. Sure you can buy a USB type C cable from a shop or the mall but would it work and display the monitor signal and provide power at the same time? There is a high chance that you buy the wrong USB type C cable. I bought one and cost me ₱800 and it did not work. My son has a high-quality Anker cable he uses for his smartphone, tried that and nope it did not work. As a last resort I ordered a Belkin thunderbolt 4 cable and lo and behold it finally worked! It was an expensive cable and cost me around ₱2,2250 or around $41.

a laptop monitor power supply unit with a power cord

The monitor stand has a tool free design is easy to assemble. The power adaptor is rated at 110W w/ 65W available for PD charging.

computer cables connected to computer monitor

The ports of MSI MD272QP - DC IN, HMDI, Display Port, Type-C, Type-B USB, 2x USB Type A

All the input ports fully populated with cables - HDMI, Display Port, Type-C, USB Type-B and keyboard/mouse dongle.

A simple wiring clip is included in the box and should tidy up the cables. There are 5 buttons for the OSD menu. The buttons make a good click and the menu is simple and intuitive to use.

a computer monitor screen with a computer monitor and keyboard

What does KVM means? It's a terminology for keyboard, video and mouse. KVM switch allows switching of a keyboard, video source and mouse. The switching mechanism could be implemented using hardware or software or both. KVM function is similar to a multiplexer where the input devices are the keyboard, video source and mouse while the output devices are several computers - laptop, desktop, mac etc. Thus, a user working on multiple PC's can just have 1 set of keyboards, monitor and mouse thus saving desk space and improving productivity.

KVM implementation in MSI Modern MD272QP. Image courtesy of MSI.

a screenshot of screen of computer interface

MSI recommends installing the MSI Productivity and Intelligence software to utilize KVM and also customize some monitor settings. To setup KVM for a laptop and a PC, the laptop needs to connect via USB Type-C to the monitor while the desktop PC connects thru either a Display Port or HDMI. A USB Type-B cable needs to be connected to the desktop and the monitor. Both keyboard and mouse can be plugged into the monitors USB Type-A ports. If you're using a wireless mouse and keyboard the receiver should be plug into the monitor USB port.

MSI P.I. software controls the KVM switching of the keyboards and mouse plus the video inputs. The default setting for KVM is auto. You can also manually force the connection to either Upstream which is the HMDI or Display Port connected PC, or the type-C connected PC. When KVM is in auto, both mouse, keyboard and monitor connect at the same input source. Choosing Upstream or Type-C also controls the keyboard and mouse and connects to the chosen input source.

Two options for switching of video inputs - using the quick switch inside the MSI P.I. app or using a shortcut. Inside the Hotkey Setting, the keyboard shortcut can be programmed to switch the video input source. This is more convenient and faster way to switch.

KVM Switch

Display

The display of the MSI modern MD272QP has a WQHD resolution, with fast response time of 4mS, refresh rate of 75Hz, has 250 nits of max brightness and color accuracy 95% of sRGB. For my usage the 95% sRGB rating is fine as I'm not doing any work that needs high degree of color accuracy. Folks with need of higher sRGB rating should consider other monitors that are geared towards Creators.

I like that MSI boost the refresh rate to 75Hz, as most business type monitors are offered at 60Hz. Aside from work related activities I'm using the MSI MD272QP for light gaming. The 4mS response time is good enough response rate such that I don't notice any ghosting or blurring. With the WQHD resolution, HDCR enabled and 250 nits of brightness watching movies on the MSI Modern MD272QP is superb. Just don't forget to connect a soundbar or high-quality speakers for the audio.

a laptop computer monitor and a laptop computer

The MSI Modern MD272QP does not have the fastest refresh rate or the highest sRGB but it's built-in features like KVM switch with MSI Productivity and Intelligence app really makes my work a lot easier and my desk free of clutter. Most business type monitors have built in eye care features and the MD272QP has this covered with its anti-flicker and less blue light technology. For the price of ₱15,195 or about $275, the monitor is considered as mid-range which I think is more than fair considering all the productivity features. My one and only gripe is the exclusion of USB type-C cable. I would think Display Port and USB type-C cables are more important than HDMI and consumers would be glad to see these cables bundled together with the monitor.

Is the MSI Modern MD272QP the right monitor for you? If you're looking to boost your work productivity this monitor is one that needs to be considered. Not a fan of boring black colored monitors? I believe MSI is offering a more unique color scheme - MSI Modern MD272QP Ultramarine.