Your projector is what brings your simulator experience to life. That’s why it’s well worth the investment in a 4k projector for golf simulator. But with so many great options at your fingertips here at Indoor Golf Outlet, which is right for you?

We love the BenQ lineup of projectors, and we see the BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST compared all the time. There is a little overlap, as each delivers true 4K UHD resolution, short-throw placement for smaller rooms, and a reliable laser light source that holds up over years of use.

Where they diverge, though, is in brightness, performance focus, and fine-tuned features. The AK700ST is designed with golf in mind, whereas the TK710ST is tailored more towards general gaming and entertainment. Here’s a closer look at the BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST:

But whether you choose to go with the BenQ AK700ST 4000-Lumen 4K Short Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector or the BenQ TK710ST 4K 3200lm Laser Short Throw Casual Gaming Projector, Indoor Golf Outlet has you covered. 

Shop both projectors at the lowest prices online backed by world-class service today!

What is the BenQ AK700ST?

This 4K short-throw laser projector is designed specifically with golf simulation in mind. It takes the visual side of your simulator space seriously, pairing professional-grade brightness and color accuracy with features that simplify installation and maximize realism.

“This projector is very easy to setup. It has an auto screen fit button that works great. Super clear picture. I highly recommend.” - Andy

“I was lost trying to figure out which projector to go with, but thanks to the awesome customer support at IGO, I couldn't be happier! The picture is Incredible compared to our old projector, it didn't break the bank, and I never felt like I was being pushed to spend more than necessary to get a top-quality product.” - Jay

“Amazing product. Great value.” - David

Overview of Specs

• Brightness: 4,000 ANSI lumens
• Resolution: True 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) with 8.3 million pixels
• Contrast Ratio: 3,000,000:1
• Light Source: Laser, up to 20,000 hours of lifespan
• Throw Ratio: 0.69–0.83:1
• Picture Modes: Golf Mode, HDR10, HLG, Cinema, Bright, Game, and more
• Zoom: 1.2x motorized zoom
• Noise Level: 32 dB (typical), 29 dB (eco)
• Weight: 7.48 lbs

Key Features

The AK700ST is one of the few projectors on the market that includes a dedicated Golf Mode, enhancing colors and contrast to better replicate the look of real-world fairways, greens, and sand. Every blade of grass and course contour is lifelike.

That said, this projector works just as well for movie nights or streaming sessions thanks to HDR support and exceptional clarity. It’s a versatile choice for your golf simulator setup.

It performs well even if you don’t have perfect light control in your simulator room with 4,000 lumens - enough to maintain clarity on larger golf simulator impact screens. The laser light source lasts up to 20,000 hours with no dimming, so you aren’t stuck replacing lamps. It also consumes less energy than older lamp-based projectors.

Setup is really simple, too, with automatic aspect ratio detection and screen fitting. Whether your setup uses 16:9, 16:10, or even 4:3, the projector adjusts without manual recalibration. 

We get asked all the time, can you use any projector for golf simulator? Not at all. Investing in something like the BenQ AK700ST 4000-Lumen 4K Short Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector pays for itself in the long run. Read our BenQ AK700ST review to learn more. In the meantime, we’ll introduce the other half of our BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST comparison.

What is the BenQ TK710ST?

The BenQ TK710ST is a versatile 4K short-throw laser projector that blends high-performance visuals with features designed for gaming and home entertainment. 

It can absolutely serve in a golf simulator. However, its strengths shine most in spaces where you want a bit more flexibility: movies, streaming, and fast-paced games alongside your sim sessions.

“I love the 4k visuals, and the image is crisp and keeps up while gaming without any noticeable lag. Star Citizen, Fallout 4, Helldivers, and every other game I've played look awesome.” - Tyler

“Easy to install. Not a computer guy. Pleased with picture, only using settings through the projector.” - Aaron

“Used this projector in a theater upgrade. I have never seen such crisp images from a projector before. Easy installation and on the ceiling. User controls are easy to navigate. I have it mounted 11ft from the screen and get a 120" diagonal picture.” - Scott

Overview of Specs

• Brightness: 3,200 ANSI lumens
• Resolution: True 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) with 8.3 million pixels
• Contrast Ratio: 600,000:1
• Light Source: Laser, up to 20,000 hours of lifespan
• Throw Ratio: 0.69–0.83:1
• Zoom: 1.2x optical zoom
• Input Lag: As low as 4 ms (1080p at 240Hz)
• Weight: 6.61 lbs

Key Features

Like we said earlier, the TK710ST is made for gamers. You get close to the lowest input lag in the world for immediate response for FPS, RPG, or sports gaming. HDR game modes optimize visuals based on genre, so you can spot fine details in both bright and shadowed areas.

Like the AK700ST, it produces full 4K UHD resolution. The key distinction is that here, the emphasis is on vibrant color saturation and contrast that performs well even in well-lit living rooms. A 20,000-hour lifespan keeps maintenance minimal. Brightness and color accuracy stay consistent over years of use.

One cool feature here is the TK710ST gives you seamless access to Netflix and other streaming services right from the projector without the need for extra devices. It’s powered by Google-certified Android TV.

Installation is a breeze, with 3D keystone correction, 1.2x zoom, and a 102.5% offset. The TK710ST adapts to different mounting options whether ceiling, tabletop, or shelf.

It’s a solid balance between serious performance and casual usability. But is it the right choice for your golf simulator short-throw projector? We’ll compare and contrast the BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST to help you choose with confidence. 

BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST: Key Differences to Consider

Both these 4k projectors have their place, but the fact of the matter is one is better suited to golf simulator setups. That’s the BenQ AK700ST 4000-Lumen 4K Short Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector. Take a closer look at the BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST and it becomes clear why. 

Resolution and Image Clarity

Both of these projectors deliver true 4K UHD resolution (3840 × 2160) with 8.3 million distinct pixels so you get crisp detail, whether you’re tracking a golf ball in your simulator or streaming a movie. The difference is in optimization:

The TK710ST is optimized for general gaming and entertainment, with HDR Game Modes that adjust shadows and highlights for RPGs, FPS titles, and cinema-quality streaming.

On the other hand, the AK700ST is tuned for golf simulation visuals, with Golf Mode enhancing greens, fairways, and textures for a realistic course feel. It’ll make the lush fairways of Pebble Beach look a little more realistic.

Brightness and Room Versatility

Brightness dictates how well the projector handles ambient light, and the BenQ AK700ST has the obvious edge here with 4,000 ANSI lumens compared to just 3,200 ANSI lumens in the BenQ TK710ST. 

It’s a subtle difference, but it can be seen in larger rooms with 13-15’ wide impact screens. You get sharp visuals even without perfect light control. While the TK710ST is plenty bright for most setups, it’s a bit less “forgiving.”

Light Source and Longevity

Each projector has a laser light engine rated for 20,000 hours, so you won’t have to worry about constant lamp replacements. What this means in practice is both units could last well over a decade if you play 3 hours a day, 5 days a week.

But, there’s an important nuance when you look closer at the BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST here. The AK700ST draws about 15% less power, so it’s a little more efficient. It’s also made from eco-friendly materials.

Latency and Gaming Performance

This is where the BenQ TK710ST separates itself from the BenQ AK700ST. It boasts input lag as low as 4 ms (1080p at 240Hz), 8 ms at 120Hz, and 16 ms at 4K/60Hz. It’s one of the fastest projectors on the market, and just what you need for competitive gaming.

The AK700ST just isn’t designed for this type of use. You won’t get the same ultra-low latency. However, it’s plenty responsive for casual play or streaming. If you’re not in e-sports, you won’t notice the difference. 

Throw Ratio and Screen Sizing

The BenQ AK700ST and TK710ST share a short throw ratio of 0.69-0.83:1 and a 1.2x zoom, meaning they can fill a 13-15’ wide screen from under 8’ away. So what’s the difference between the BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST here? 

The AK700ST comes with Auto Screen Fit, which automatically adjusts to your impact screen’s aspect ratio (16:9, 16:10, 4:3). Meanwhile, the TK710ST offers 3D Keystone correction and flexible offsets, which is great for multi-use rooms.

HDR Performance and Visual Punch

HDR support makes colors pop and dark scenes more dynamic. Both models in this BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST comparison have HDR10, but there are some key caveats.

The AK700ST has HDR10/HLG with Golf Mode optimization to enhance natural greens, fairways, and terrain textures for the most lifelike golf environment possible. 

In contrast, the TK710ST has HDR10 with specialized game modes (HDR-RPG, HDR-FPS). Each mode fine-tunes visuals for different genres, boosting shadows for threat detection or dialing up cinematic depth. But there’s no golf-specific mode, which could be a deal breaker.

Price and Long-Term Value

The final differences worth looking at between the BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST is cost. You’ll pay almost $700 more for the AK700ST, so is it worth it? Only you can answer that based on your goals for your golf simulator space.

The premium price tag reflects its simulator-first tuning, higher brightness, and eco-friendly design. Those who want the most realistic golf simulator experience are willing to pay a bit more for it.

On the other hand, the TK710ST offers excellent value for the money, especially if you anticipate using your space for more than just golf simulation. At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong either way - but we’ll always recommend the BenQ AK700ST for golf simulators.

Bringing Our BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST Comparison to a Close

Both the BenQ AK700ST and BenQ TK710ST are outstanding short-throw projectors that deliver sharp 4K visuals, long-lasting laser technology, and dependable performance. Really, the difference between the BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST comes down to your priorities. 

Check out more comparisons in our blog like the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST or the BenQ AK700ST vs LK936ST. Or, just get in touch with our customer service team at Indoor Golf Outlet, and we’ll help you choose the perfect golf simulator projector today.