HKC has introduced a new high-speed gaming monitor aimed squarely at competitive players who want more than a standard 1080p esports display. The new HKC Shield 25Q360B combines a sharp QHD resolution, a 360Hz refresh rate, Mini-LED backlighting, and quantum-dot color technology in a 24.5-inch form factor designed for fast-paced gaming.
In China, the monitor is listed with a regular price of around $383, while the pre-sale price lowers it to approximately $295. That pricing makes it an aggressive option for gamers looking for premium display features without stepping into the much higher price range often associated with advanced Mini-LED gaming monitors.
The HKC Shield 25Q360B features a 2560 x 1440 resolution, commonly known as QHD, Quad HD, 2.5K, or sometimes 2K. This gives players a noticeable jump in image clarity compared to traditional 1080p esports monitors, while still keeping performance-friendly demands for high frame rates. For competitive titles where speed and visual detail both matter, the combination of QHD and 360Hz could be a strong balance.
One of the biggest highlights is the Quantum Dot Mini-LED backlight system. HKC uses 1,152 local dimming zones, allowing different parts of the screen to brighten or dim independently. This setup is designed to deliver deeper blacks, stronger contrast, and more impactful highlights compared to typical edge-lit or standard backlit LCD monitors. As with all Mini-LED displays, real-world blooming control will depend on the content being shown and how effectively HKC’s local dimming algorithm manages bright objects against dark backgrounds.
HDR performance is another key selling point. The Shield 25Q360B is rated for a peak brightness of up to 1,400 nits and carries DisplayHDR 1400 certification. For everyday SDR use, HKC lists a typical brightness of 550 nits, which is still higher than many conventional gaming monitors. This level of brightness should make the display suitable for vivid gaming, media viewing, and bright desktop environments.
Color coverage is also positioned as a strength. The quantum-dot panel is rated for 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage and 100% sRGB coverage, making it appealing not only for gaming but also for users who want rich, accurate colors for content creation or media consumption. The monitor supports 10-bit color through an 8-bit panel with frame rate control, and HKC says the display is factory calibrated with a Delta E value of 2 or lower for improved color accuracy out of the box.
For motion clarity, HKC includes DIC 2.0 dynamic blur-reduction technology. This feature offers three adjustable levels and works together with the company’s LCD light-and-shadow tracking system. According to HKC, the technology synchronizes Mini-LED backlight behavior with on-screen content to reduce motion artifacts, halos, and blur during fast-moving gameplay. This could be especially useful in shooters, racing games, battle royale titles, and other games where quick visual response is critical.
Connectivity is another area where the Shield 25Q360B looks well-equipped. The monitor includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 2.1 connection, and a full-featured USB-C port with up to 90W power delivery. The USB-C port allows compatible laptops to connect to the display and charge through a single cable, making the monitor useful for hybrid gaming and productivity setups.
HKC also includes a built-in USB hub with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, along with KVM support. This allows users to control two connected systems with the same keyboard and mouse, which is convenient for those who switch between a gaming desktop and a work laptop.
The design follows a modern gaming monitor style, with slim bezels on three sides and RGB lighting on the rear. The included ergonomic stand supports height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot, giving users flexibility to position the screen comfortably. A 100 x 100mm VESA mount is also supported for those who prefer using a monitor arm or wall mount.
Overall, the HKC Shield 25Q360B appears to be a feature-packed 24.5-inch gaming monitor that blends speed, sharpness, strong HDR credentials, wide color coverage, and versatile connectivity. With a 360Hz refresh rate, QHD resolution, Mini-LED local dimming, and a competitive pre-sale price, it could become an attractive choice for gamers who want esports-level responsiveness without giving up image quality.
At the moment, the monitor does not appear to have a dedicated product page on HKC’s official website.
