The Optoma ZK431ST-B vs BenQ LK830ST may be new, but it’s already one we’re helping customers sort through daily here at Indoor Golf Outlet. It really comes down to where your priorities sit. 

These 4K projectors for golf simulators have similar throw ratios and lumen counts, yet the BenQ model costs $700 more than the Optoma model. So where does that value come from? There are a few areas: input lag at 1080P, noise, and contrast ratio.

We’ll compare and contrast these projectors below and help you decide which is right for your space, if either. Or, you can simply connect with our customer service team today for one-on-one support!

Optoma ZK431ST-B vs BenQ LK830ST At a Glance

Pros and Cons of the Optoma ZK431ST-B

The Optoma ZK431ST-B is fairly new, and we’re excited to be able to offer it to our customers alongside the rest of the Optoma line we carry. Here’s what it brings to the table.

Pros

• 4,100 lumens at $1,799 is impressive value for the money
• Fairly compact and only 6.4 lbs for effortless installation
• Strong 5-year warranty from the manufacturer
• Low power draw at only 178W
• 30,000-hour laser lifespan
• Color optimization with dedicated Golf Sim Mode

Cons

• 300,000:1 contrast ratio falls well behind the BenQ
• 8.4ms input lag at 1080p/120Hz isn’t bad, but again, underwhelming next to BenQ
• No built-in speaker
• 35 dB (normal mode) is noticeable during quieter moments

Pros and Cons of the BenQ LK830ST

We’ve always said BenQ makes some of the best golf simulator projectors on the market, and we think the LK830ST is a top choice for image quality and responsiveness. 

Pros

• 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio for unparalleled course detail
• Ultra-fast 4.2ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz
• IP6X dust-sealed engine for peace of mind in enclosed sim rooms
• Super quiet at 24 dB in eco mode
• 15W built-in speaker
• Supports 1080p output up to 240Hz

Cons

• $2,499 is $700 more than the Optoma ZK431ST
• A little bulkier and heavier at 7.9 lbs
• 230W power consumption generates slightly more heat
• 3-year warranty is 2 years less than Optoma’s

BenQ LK830ST vs Optoma ZK431ST: Side-by-Side Comparison

We want to be very clear - there’s not necessarily a loser in the Optoma ZK431ST-B vs BenQ LK830ST comparison. Both of these are really impressive short-throw projectors for golf simulators. You can’t go wrong either way. Here’s a closer look at them side by side. 

Brightness (Lumens)

The extra 100 lumens from the Optoma ZK431ST doesn’t make a massive difference in a dedicated simulator space with controlled lighting. 4,000 vs 4,100 is almost indistinguishable to the naked eye. 

However, we always advocate going with more lumens if your simulator space has light leaking in from windows or overhead light fixtures that have to stay on while you play. 

Input Lag

Both projectors deliver lightning-fast input lag of 16.7ms at 4K/60Hz. You may see a difference in speed at lower resolutions, though. The BenQ drops to only 4.2ms at 1080P/240Hz. The Optoma takes twice as long to put an image on the screen at 1080p/120Hz. 

This could be a deciding factor if your golf simulator software outputs at 1080p, and you really care about fast visual response.  

Throw Ratio

The throw ratio is identical at 0.496:1, so you’ll be able to fill a 100-inch screen from as close as 4 feet away. You don’t get optical zoom with either projector, so you’ll have to be really strategic in where you mount your golf simulator projector. 

Features

Each projector is equipped with a dedicated golf simulation mode that automatically adjusts color output for realistic course rendering. So you’ll get to experience your favorite courses to the fullest with either one.

The BenQ LK830ST has dust sealing to safeguard the optics in rooms where turf and mat particles might make their way into the air. It also has a built-in speaker so you don’t have to hook up a separate one if you don’t want to. 

The Optoma ZK431ST-B has 360-degree projection flexibility, four-corner keystone adjustment for fine-tuning image alignment, and way lower power consumption (178W vs 230W). 

So both projectors have really great features. Just depends on what you’re looking for. 

Size and Weight

Neither of these projectors is bulky by any means. But the Optoma is a little smaller:

• Optoma ZK431ST-B: 10.8 x 8.5 x 4.5 inches at 6.4 lbs
• BenQ LK830ST: 11.0 x 9.0 x 4.7 inches at 7.9 lbs

It’s not much of a difference, so this is probably not going to make or break your decision. But it is something to keep in mind as you weigh the Optoma ZK431ST-B vs BenQ LK830ST.

Cost

This is probably the biggest difference between the two projectors, honestly. A $700 gap in cost. Yet, the projectors have the same resolution and throw ratio. The cheaper projector in this case (Optoma ZK431ST-B) is actually smaller, has more lumens, and as we’ll get into below, has a better warranty. 

So, you could make the case that the Optoma ZK431ST-B is the better value for your money. You can use the $700 savings to fund other elements of your golf simulator setup.

Warranty

Optoma covers the ZK431ST-B for 5 years. BenQ covers the LK830ST for 3. That extra 2 years makes a big difference as far as peace of mind goes. This is yet another advantage for the new Optoma ZK431ST-B.

Get Personalized Assistance Picking the Right Golf Simulator Projector

These are just two of the many projectors both brands have to offer. For what it’s worth, we’re really excited about the new BenQ AK800ST and BenQ AK900ST. There’s also the new Optoma ZK521ST-B.

The point is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to which is the right golf simulator projector for your space. It comes down to priorities and room fit. Your best bet is to connect with our customer service team today for a tailored recommendation!

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