Manufacturer: Sceptre
Model: C275B-QWN168W
Resolution: 2560×1440 QHD
Refresh Rate: Up to 165Hz
Price when reviewed: $249 MSRP
Supplied by: Sceptre
We have tested a variety of Sceptre monitors over the years, from their basic 1080p models to high refresh rate panels targeting gamers.
Table of Contents
The Sceptre 27” Curved Nebula White stands out in its category, bringing a clean white aesthetic to your setup without compromising on performance. Featuring a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT, HDR1000 support, and a 1500R curved VA panel, it is designed for gamers who want a balance of style and substance without spending a fortune.
Design and Build
What’s in the Box
- Power adapter
- HDMI cable
- DisplayPort cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty information
White monitors are still a rarity in the gaming space, and the Nebula White makes a strong first impression on your desk. The luminous light bar on the back adds a subtle ambient glow, while the thin bezels allow the curved panel to remain the focus.
The build quality is solid for the price, with a sturdy adjustable stand that offers height adjustments, helping you get the right angle whether you are working or gaming. The 27-inch 1500R curve is gentle enough not to distort images but noticeable enough to pull the corners of your content into your peripheral vision, which is particularly useful during immersive gaming sessions.
Assembling the monitor is a straightforward process, taking just a few minutes. The stand locks into place with a single screw, and cable management is handled neatly through an opening in the stand.
Display Performance
The Sceptre Nebula White is a 27” QHD monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT response time, HDR1000 support, and a 1500R VA panel.
Brightness and Colour
The monitor achieves a peak brightness of up to 550 cd/m², making it capable of cutting through glare in bright environments. HDR1000 support means games and HDR movies can display brighter highlights and deeper shadows, adding depth and realism to your experience.
Colour reproduction is impressive, covering 99% of the sRGB space, ensuring vivid colours and decent accuracy for gaming and general content consumption. Out of the box, the colours are slightly cool, but with minor calibration, the monitor achieves a natural and balanced look.
Viewing Angles and Uniformity
As is common with VA panels, the Nebula White offers deep contrast ratios, giving games and movies strong shadow detail and richer blacks. Viewing angles are decent but not as wide as IPS alternatives, with minor colour and brightness shifts visible when viewing from sharp angles, although for typical head-on gaming or working positions, this is not an issue.
Brightness is well maintained across the screen with minimal dimming toward the edges, and the 1500R curve assists in keeping the image consistent during gaming.
Response Time and Refresh Rate
The monitor supports up to 165Hz via DisplayPort and up to 144Hz via HDMI, providing a smooth gaming experience in titles such as Fortnite, Valorant, and Apex Legends. The 1ms MPRT ensures ghosting is kept under control, with transitions appearing crisp even during fast-paced action.
During testing in CS2, flick shots and quick peeks felt snappy, with the high refresh rate helping maintain focus and precision in competitive matches. This responsiveness combined with the 1440p resolution makes the monitor a strong candidate for gamers seeking an upgrade from 1080p panels without jumping to more expensive 4K displays.
HDR Performance
HDR1000 functionality on the Nebula White enhances compatible games and movies by increasing the dynamic range. In HDR titles like Forza Horizon 5, the additional brightness during sunny scenes and depth in night-time races add immersion, although like many budget HDR displays, some content may appear overly saturated in HDR mode.
The HDR implementation is most impactful during cinematic gaming and HDR movies, where the added luminance and contrast can make scenes pop.
Connectivity
The monitor offers two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.2, allowing connections to multiple devices such as gaming PCs, consoles, and laptops. A headphone jack is available for quick audio output, while the built-in speakers provide basic sound sufficient for casual use, though gamers may prefer dedicated speakers or a headset for richer audio.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The height-adjustable stand allows the monitor to be positioned for ergonomic comfort, reducing neck and eye strain during long sessions. The ambient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness according to the lighting in your room, reducing the need to manually change brightness when transitioning from daytime to nighttime gaming.
Combined with flicker-free technology and a low blue light mode, the monitor is well-suited for extended usage whether for gaming, streaming, or working.
Gaming Experience
In practical gaming tests, the Nebula White delivered a noticeable improvement in responsiveness over 60Hz and 1080p monitors. Titles like Apex Legends and CS2 benefitted from the high refresh rate, while the curve helped maintain peripheral visibility during high-action moments.
Racing games like Forza Horizon 5 took advantage of the HDR support and wide colour range, while the curve added immersion by pulling the edges of the track into your field of view.
For casual and competitive gaming, the Nebula White delivers a satisfying blend of visual fidelity and responsiveness without demanding the price of premium gaming monitors.
Pricing and Availability
The Sceptre 27” Curved Nebula White is priced around $249 when available, offering considerable value for a 1440p, 165Hz, HDR-capable monitor. It is often stocked on Amazon and major electronics retailers, although availability can fluctuate due to its popularity among gamers seeking white setups.
Considering the feature set, the price is highly competitive, particularly when compared to IPS or OLED monitors with similar specs, which can cost significantly more.
Who Is It For?
This monitor is ideal for gamers wanting to move to 1440p and higher refresh rates while maintaining a clean aesthetic in their gaming or work setup. It is also suitable for users who want a single monitor for gaming, productivity, and media consumption without switching between devices.
The Nebula White’s curved screen and high refresh rate make it particularly appealing for FPS and racing games, while the white aesthetic fits seamlessly into minimalist or themed setups.
Summary
The Sceptre 27” Curved Nebula White QHD 2K Monitor is a strong entry in the midrange gaming monitor market, providing a rare combination of white aesthetics and gaming-focused performance. The 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT, HDR1000 support, and high peak brightness deliver a smooth and visually engaging gaming experience, while the 1440p resolution offers increased clarity over 1080p panels.
Its curved design, adjustable stand, and ambient light sensor enhance comfort during long sessions, making it as practical as it is stylish. The built-in speakers and solid connectivity add to its value, although dedicated audio is recommended for immersive gaming.
If you are looking to upgrade to a 1440p monitor that looks as good as it performs while maintaining a manageable budget, the Sceptre 27” Nebula White deserves a spot on your shortlist. It is an excellent choice for gamers who want to enjoy the benefits of high refresh rate gaming while adding a touch of elegance to their gaming station.
The Sceptre 27” Curved Nebula White QHD 2K Monitor is available on Amazon.