You can’t go wrong with a golf simulator projector from BenQ, one of the best brands in the industry - and one we’re proud to carry the full lineup from here at Indoor Golf Outlet. But with so many great models, which is right for you? 

One comparison we see drawn all the time is BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST. We’ll help you narrow it down if you’ve been eyeing these 4k projectors for golf simulators and aren’t sure whether you should go with the budget-friendly BenQ TK700ST or the premium BenQ LK936ST.

The biggest difference between these projectors is their light source and performance class. The BenQ LK936ST uses a long-lasting laser engine that delivers 5,100 lumens of brightness and exceptional color uniformity for dedicated golf studios or teaching bays with ambient light.

On the other hand, the BenQ TK700ST runs on a traditional lamp system. You get true 4K HDR visuals at a more accessible price point for home setups where you can control lighting.

Whether you’re building a commercial simulator or upgrading your home bay, you can shop both models at Indoor Golf Outlet for the best pricing and expert support. Get professional guidance on projector selection and room layout today!

Quick Look at the BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST

The BenQ LK936ST 4K HDR Short Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector

BenQ is known for producing high-quality golf simulators, and the LK936ST is a perfect example of that. This 4K HDR short throw projector for golf simulator has a laser-phosphor light engine rated for 20,000 hours, so you’re getting long-term reliability and consistent brightness without ever having to stress about bulb replacements.

Meanwhile, you get 5,100 ANSI lumens - plenty of headroom to play in rooms that aren’t pitch dark and enjoy vibrant contrast even with ambient light fighting in. Its throw ratio of 0.81-0.89:1 paired with 1.1x zoom lets you get full-sized impact screen projection from tighter setups.

The LK936ST has a really generous lens shift (±60% vertical, ±23% horizontal) and 3D keystone correction, so you can fine-tune alignment without sacrificing image quality.

Color performance is no afterthought, either. The LK936ST covers roughly 92% of Rec.709, and its dedicated “Golf Mode” adjusts color balance to favor skies and greens, minimizing fringing on contrast edges. The dynamic contrast spec of 3,000,000:1 helps scenes pop, even when shadows or darker terrain elements enter the frame.

The connectivity suite is strong. You get dual HDMI 2.0b ports, DisplayPort, HDBaseT, LAN, RS-232, and full remote control so you can integrate seamlessly into any simulator infrastructure. There’s also a built-in 10W mono speaker useful for testing or casual play.

This is definitely one of the best projectors for golf simulation, but at $4,899 it’s pretty pricey. That’s the appeal of the other half of our BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST comparison - it’s the more affordable offering from BenQ.

The BenQ TK700ST 4K HDR Short Throw Golf Simulator Projector

The BenQ TK700ST is geared toward those who want true 4K performance without breaking the bank at only $1,799. It uses a high-quality lamp light source to deliver 3,000 ANSI lumens, which is great for darker, controlled simulator rooms.

You get full details on impact screens thanks to its 4K UHD resolution. It’s perfect for courses, replays, and visual fidelity. But one of its biggest strengths is low input lag. At 4K/60Hz, you get ~16.7 ms lag, and at 1080p/240Hz, down to ~4.2 ms. 

This makes it a really strong pick for swing games, multisport use, or fast-paced simulator software. Its throw ratio of 0.9 to 1.08 and 1.2x optical zoom give enough flexibility to adapt to varying screen sizes and room depths.

Color fidelity is also impressive. The BenQ TK700ST supports 96% Rec.709 so course visuals look natural and vibrant. HDR10 and multiple “Game / HDR / Living Room” picture modes give you some level of flexibility, too. You can easily switch between simulator and entertainment.

The BenQ TK700ST uses 2D keystone (vertical & horizontal) and corner corrections. There’s no lens shift, so setup calls for a bit more care in how it’s mounted. It includes dual HDMI ports, RS-232, and other standard I/O to integrate with your simulator components.

Lamp life does depend on the mode, though. Normal ~4,000 hrs, SmartEco ~8,000 hrs, LampSave ~15,000 hrs. You’ll want to manage brightness vs lifetime to make the most of your investment.

The BenQ TK700ST punches well above its weight class at a fraction of the price you’d pay for the BenQ LK936ST. But is it going to offer the performance you need for your space? Let’s take a closer look at the BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST below. 

BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST: Key Differences to Consider

Both the BenQ LK936ST and BenQ TK700ST are outstanding 4K short-throw projectors. They serve totally different golfers and simulator setups, though. 

The LK936ST is a professional-grade laser model built for long hours and bright environments. It’s as good as it gets. On the other hand, the TK700ST is a budget-friendly but still high-performance option for smaller or darker rooms.

You can get in touch with our customer service team if you want a personalized recommendation between these two golf simulator projectors. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST.

Brightness and Ambient-Light Handling

One of the biggest differences between the BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST is the lumens each puts out. The LK936ST pushes a brilliant 5,100 ANSI lumens for clean, vivid imagery even in partially lit environments.

In contrast, the TK700ST puts out around 3,000 lumens. That’s still strong, but might not be enough in bright spaces that can’t dim the lights. So, you’ll have to think about your space to determine if the BenQ TK700ST is even an option or not. 

Light Source and Long-Term Costs

The differences in lighting between the BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST aren’t just in terms of brightness, but longevity. The LK936ST’s BlueCore laser engine lasts up to 20,000 hours. You get consistent brightness and color with virtually zero maintenance. There’s no bulb replacement or gradual dimming to manage.

So, yes - it’s a really expensive golf simulator projector, but you get what you pay for. In comparison, the BenQ TK700ST relies on a traditional UHP lamp, which can last 4,000 to 15,000 hours depending on mode. It’s more affordable up front, but maybe not in the long run.

Throw Ratio, Screen Size, and Room Depth

Both are short-throw designs, so there’s not a ton of difference there. However, their optics do differ slightly:

• LK936ST - 0.81-0.89 throw ratio: Perfect for large enclosures or deeper bays, capable of filling screens up to 200 inches from roughly 12 ft away.
• TK700ST - 0.9-1.08 throw ratio: Slightly longer, which suits smaller simulator rooms where mounting can sit a few feet farther back.

There’s a lot of nuance in choosing the right projector based on your space and the size of your golf simulator impact screen. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team, and we’ll help you piece everything together nicely. 

Image Alignment and Install Flexibility

This is another big distinguishing factor between BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST. The LK936ST offers full professional alignment tools. You get lens shift (±60% vertical, ±23% horizontal), 3D keystone, and even image rotation correction. It can be mounted off-center or higher without distortion.

The TK700ST includes 2D keystone and corner fit only. Placement has to be a lot more precise. It still does the job if you want a quick, straightforward setup, but pros who need flexibility will appreciate the LK936ST’s control.

HDR, Color Accuracy, and “Golf Mode”

Both projectors deliver sharp 4K HDR visuals, but the LK936ST was tuned with “Golf Mode.” This preset balances greens and blues for realistic turf and sky rendering - something you just won’t get with the TK700ST.

The LK936ST covers 92% of Rec.709 color space, while the TK700ST reaches 96%. So there’s a bit more vibrancy but less calibration depth. In practice, the LK936ST’s contrast (3,000,000:1 vs 10,000:1) delivers richer shadows and better depth in projected fairways.

Noise, Heat, and Duty Cycle

Neither projector is necessarily “loud.” But the LK936ST runs quietly for its power with a laser design. Just around 33 dB in Eco mode. It can handle long sessions without thermal drop-off.

The TK700ST’s fan noise is lower (28 dB Eco), but lengthy high-brightness sessions generate more heat and can shorten lamp life since the projector is lamp-based. 

Latency and Multisport/Gaming Use

This is where the TK700ST fights back a bit. It’s one of the fastest 4K projectors available, with input lag as low as 4 ms at 1080p/240 Hz. 

Now, this might not matter all that much if you’re only using your projector for golf simulation. But if you anticipate using it for multisport simulators and gaming use, it makes a difference. The LK936ST, at ~33 ms, is better suited for golf simulation where precision and realism outweigh reflex timing.

Price and Total Value

For a lot of people, the BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST comes down to price. They’re on totally opposite ends of the spectrum. The LK936ST is priced at $4,899, whereas the TK700ST sits at only $1,799. 

Ultimately, you get what you pay for. You’re getting laser longevity, brightness, and installation flexibility with the LK936ST that you won’t get with the TK700ST. It’s the “buy once, cry once” choice for dedicated golfers and commercial setups.

On the other hand, the TK700ST is a value powerhouse: true 4K, strong color, and excellent lag performance at a fraction of the cost. The decision is yours, and really, you can’t go wrong either way!

Get the Best Prices on Either Golf Simulator Projector at Indoor Golf Outlet!

Indoor Golf Outlet is your trusted choice for either the BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST. We carry the full lineup of BenQ projectors at the lowest prices online, guaranteed. Every order ships fast, and our team of simulator specialists is here to help you choose the perfect model based on your room size, lighting, and setup goals.

We live and breathe golf simulation. That means unlike generic electronics retailers, you get real-world advice, not guesswork. You can also count on us for help integrating your projector with launch monitors, enclosures, and screens.

Whether you’re building a home bay or a commercial teaching studio, Indoor Golf Outlet gives you the performance, service, and value to match your game. Get in touch today!

Wrapping Up Our Comparison of BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST

We get asked all the time, can you use any projector for a golf simulator? No. You need something tailored to golf simulation, and both the BenQ LK936ST and TK700ST are exceptional choices. 

Hopefully, this BenQ LK936ST vs TK700ST comparison has left you with total clarity on what each brings to the table and which best suits your needs. Our blog has more resources comparing the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST, along with a BenQ AK700ST review. 

But remember, you can talk with our team for tailored guidance on your golf simulator setup. Upgrade your simulator today with expert-recommended BenQ technology!