Dough Spectrum Black review: “OLED spice makes for a pricey monitor mix”

2024-04-12

GamesRadar+ VerdictThe Dough Spectrum Black struts its stuff with a new OLED panel, but its price tag gives it a disadvantage against its glossy gorilla glass predecessor. If you’re nerdy about vibrancy and have a need for speed, this freshly baked entry to Dough’s line-up will be potentially worth investing in. That said, while it boasts marvellous visuals, there are plenty of other similar 1440p screens out there that won’t set you back over $1,000.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$449.99at Best Buy$699.99at Amazon$799.99at WalmartPros+Vivid OLED display+240Hz refresh rate+Glossy gorilla glass+USB-C hub and KVMCons-Expensive compared to rivals-Fiddly controls-Still doesn’t come with stand

GamesRadar+ Verdict

The Dough Spectrum Black struts its stuff with a new OLED panel, but its price tag gives it a disadvantage against its glossy gorilla glass predecessor. If you’re nerdy about vibrancy and have a need for speed, this freshly baked entry to Dough’s line-up will be potentially worth investing in. That said, while it boasts marvellous visuals, there are plenty of other similar 1440p screens out there that won’t set you back over $1,000.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$449.99at Best Buy$699.99at Amazon$799.99at Walmart

TODAY’S BEST DEALS$449.99at Best Buy$699.99at Amazon$799.99at Walmart

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$449.99at Best Buy$699.99at Amazon$799.99at Walmart

$449.99at Best Buy

$699.99at Amazon

$799.99at Walmart

Pros+Vivid OLED display+240Hz refresh rate+Glossy gorilla glass+USB-C hub and KVM

Vivid OLED display

240Hz refresh rate

Glossy gorilla glass

USB-C hub and KVM

Cons-Expensive compared to rivals-Fiddly controls-Still doesn’t come with stand

Expensive compared to rivals

Fiddly controls

Still doesn’t come with stand

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Out of all the gaming monitors I test, OLED displays normally excite me the most. So, upon hearing that the Dough Spectrum Black would blend the display maker’s excellent glossy gorilla glass screen with a vibrant panel, I knew I’d be in for something special. Now that I’ve taken the model out for a test run, I can confirm it lives up to most of my personal hype, but its illustrious price tag means I’d ultimately prefer to drive away with its cheaper LCD sibling.

You might want to sit down for this one, as the Dough Spectrum Black comes in at $1,099.99. Sure, many of thebest gaming monitorsout there sit at over a grand, but we’re talking about a 26.5-inch 1440p display here. It does boast that new OLED panel and aforementioned gorilla glass coating, and I’m open to the idea of those traits justifying the higher MSRP. But, in the context of the QHD screen scene right now, it looks upsettingly pricey at a glance.

And, ultimately, it’s worth not letting the Spectrum Black’s lofty MSRP dominate the conversation, as the screen is pretty unique. Not only that, but Dough seems to be improving its recipe every time it fires a new model into the oven, and it’s exciting to see monitor makers keep on innovating rather than stick with the same old. That said, it has inherent a few traits I’m not on board with from Dough Spectrum One, so it’s not completely off the hook.

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Disclaimer

Specs

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Dough Spectrum Black monitor with Kiki’s Delivery Service wallpaper on woodgrain desk

I’ve already spilled the beans on a few Dough Spectrum Black specs, but allow me to fully run through the recipe. At its core, the model I’m testing is a 1440p 240Hz OLED display paired with a gorilla glass overlay. At this point, it’s safe to say that glossy coatings are the monitor maker’s main party trick, and I’m pretty on board with the visual flair they provide.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyDough Spectrum Black specsRow 0 - Cell 0Model testedAlso availablePrice$1,099.99 (£884.79 est)TBCScreen size26.5-inches31.5-inchesScreen typeOLEDOLEDResolution2560 x 14403840 x 2160Refresh rate240Hz240HzBrightness1,000 nits Peak1,000 nits PeakResponse time0.03 ms GtG0.03 ms GtGViewing angle178° / 178°178° / 178°Contrast ratio1,500,000:11,500,000:1Color support98.5% DCI-P3 100% sRGB98.5% DCI-P3 100% sRGBInputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x Display Port 1.4, 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm auxiliary audio output2x HDMI 2.1, 1x Display Port 1.4, 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm auxiliary audio outputWeight23.02 lb / 10.44KG (without Stand)23.02 lb / 10.44KG (without Stand)

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Dough Spectrum Black specsRow 0 - Cell 0Model testedAlso availablePrice$1,099.99 (£884.79 est)TBCScreen size26.5-inches31.5-inchesScreen typeOLEDOLEDResolution2560 x 14403840 x 2160Refresh rate240Hz240HzBrightness1,000 nits Peak1,000 nits PeakResponse time0.03 ms GtG0.03 ms GtGViewing angle178° / 178°178° / 178°Contrast ratio1,500,000:11,500,000:1Color support98.5% DCI-P3 100% sRGB98.5% DCI-P3 100% sRGBInputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x Display Port 1.4, 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm auxiliary audio output2x HDMI 2.1, 1x Display Port 1.4, 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm auxiliary audio outputWeight23.02 lb / 10.44KG (without Stand)23.02 lb / 10.44KG (without Stand)

1000 nits peak brightness, HDR10, and a 0.03ms response time help drive home the fact that this is a fully-fledged gaming monitor. In fact, it shares a lot in common with theCorsairXeneon 27QHD240, a display that embodies everything I’d look for in a screen for first-person shooters. It is slightly sus that both panels are the exact same size and share almost the same specs, but that’s likely because they’re rocking the sameLGinnards.

Dough rounds off its tasty OLED formula with a generous IO sprinkling, including two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a comprehensive USB-C hub. KVM switching and 100W Power Delivery are also part of the package, giving you another reason to chuck yourSteam Deck dockinto the drawer of doom (we all have one).

Design

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Back view of Dough Spectrum Black gaming monitor

There’s no getting around the fact that the Spectrum Black looks slick, with a vibe that smacks any notion of it being “gamer gear” over the head with a minimalist mallet. Even the new clinically white box it comes in tells me that the company is leaning into the whole Apple Studio alternative vibe, even if the specs don’t quite match up.

(Image credit: Future / Phjil Hayton)

Buttons round back of Dough Spectrum Black gaming monitor

Just as before, the Spectrum Black’s optional stand features one-click installation, meaning it’ll be out of the box and on your desk in seconds. Keep in mind that the pedestal costs $99.99, so you’d really expect it to be pretty swish. And, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t, as it’s a solid piece of aluminium with easy-to-adjust height and pivot functionality, all while rounding off that contemporary vibe the package is going for.

One thing I’ve been debating is whether I think the bezel is a tad thick. I say bezel, but this screen is technically bezel-less like most OLEDs out there. However, just like a bunch of other monitors, there’s an additional black border before you reach the actual panel, and for whatever reason, it feels slightly thicker on this display. I did end up comparing it to the Spectrum One and found that there was a few millimetres of a difference which isn’t remotely a biggie but stopped me from gaslighting myself.

Features

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Dough Spectrum Black monitor with Steam Deck OLED connected via USB-C with SteamOS on screen

It’s safe to say that Dough’s secret weapon when it comes to displays is its use of glossy screens. Now that the monitor maker has thrown Gorilla Glass into the mix, it has managed to grab all the benefits we’d associate with something like a smartphone and implement them into a desktop experience. Sharper text and elevated colors are all boons that were made apparent with the Spectrum One version, and the new OLED Spectrum Black benefits from the same.

Heading into the Spectrum Black’s OSD menu serves as a visual testament to its many features, as it’s bursting at the seams with options. As I already spoiled, some of those relate to the screen’s KVM and USB-C hub abilities, enabling you to hook up multiple machines and migrate all connected peripherals back and forth with a click. 100W Power Delivery will also charge up mostgaming handheldsand compatible laptops while connected, meaning you can use a single cable solution.

Most of the other OSD options the Spectrum Black has to offer are standard fare, with picture settings and pre-sets residing in their own menu. If you’re partial to an integrated crosshair, you’ll be pleased to hear there are a bunch of customizations available, alongside other gaming features like a frame counter. I’d be lying if I said I tend to use either feature during ordinary use, but I was pleased to see a pretty comprehensive maintenance section full of OLED protection tools. I’d say this screen packs more safeguards than most models I’ve tested lately, with the likes of its ‘logo extraction algorithm’ standing out as particularly useful.

Performance

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Dough Spectrum Black with Halo Infinite gameplay on screen

For the most part, the Dough Spectrum Black lives up to my visual expectations, with that OLED screen and glossy coating serving up spectacular vibrancy. That said, I think the face value results are surprisingly close to the cheaperSpectrum One, making for a good argument that IPS displays can still produce tremendous results. Nevertheless, this new model still slaps, especially when fed therightsort of content.

Image1of2(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Image1of2

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Dough Spectrum Black with Horizon: Forbidden West gameplay on screen

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Dough Spectrum Black with Children of the Sun gameplay on screen

Devolver Digital’s Children of the Sun demo has featured in quite a few of my latest monitor reviews, and now that the full game is out, trying it on the Spectrum Black feels mandatory. Just as before, the supernatural sniping romp looks incredible, with Dough’s screen tech platforming all the benefits of OLED. Once again, subtle details also pop thanks to the glossy finish, which is handy in a dense environment that involves carefully landing a shot on far-away enemies.

Yes, I know, I should branch out and play more shooters than just Halo Infinite, but it’s still my go-to for testing screens. At 240Hz, darting through each map feels nice and snappy, with the Spectrum Black’s response rate holding up where it matters. You could argue it’s subjective, but I do think there’s a difference in feel compared to 144Hz screens like the Spectrum One, even if it’s perhaps not quite enough to justify the elevated price point. Still, if it’s respectable refresh rates paired with minimal latency you’re after, Dough’s latest display will check more boxes.

Should you buy the Dough Spectrum Black?

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Dough Spectrum Black key art with main protagonist displayed on Dough Spectrum Black

That’s not to say the Dough Spectrum Black doesn’t bring enough to the table. It throws the same punches as some of my other favorite QHD 240Hz screens out there with no glaring technical caveats. Ultimately, settling on this display fully depends on how much you value both OLED panels and the company’s signature glossy coatings, and I reckon Gorilla Glass is the one thing this monitor provides above its competition.

Today’s best Dough Spectrum Black and Dough Spectrum One deals4 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$699.99$449.99View$699.99View$799.99ViewLow StockShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best Dough Spectrum Black and Dough Spectrum One deals

4 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

$699.99$449.99View$699.99View$799.99ViewLow Stock

$699.99$449.99View

Dough - Spectrum One 27-In….

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$699.99$449.99View

$699.99$449.99

$449.99

$699.99View

Dough Spectrum One 27-Inch…

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$699.99

$799.99ViewLow Stock

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Dough Spectrum Black 27

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How I tested the Dough Spectrum Black

For a month, I used the Spectrum Black as my main monitor for both playing games and productivity. During that time, I delved into the likes of Horizon: Forbidden West and Children of the Sun, while also jumping into Cyberpunk 2077 and Halo Infinite for benchmarking purposes.

For more information onhow we test gaming monitorsand other products, visit ourGamesRadar+ Hardware Policyfor a full rundown.

Dough Spectrum Black 27: Price Comparison

4 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

$699.99$449.99View$699.99View$1,099.99$799.99View$799.99ViewLow Stock

$699.99$449.99View

Dough - Spectrum One 27-In….

Best Buy

$699.99$449.99View

$699.99$449.99

$449.99

$699.99View

Dough Spectrum One 27-Inch…

Amazon

$699.99View

$699.99

$1,099.99$799.99View

Dough Spectrum Black 27

Amazon

$1,099.99$799.99View

$1,099.99$799.99

$799.99

$799.99ViewLow Stock

$799.99View

Dough Spectrum Black 27

Walmart

$799.99View

$799.99

Low Stock

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

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GamesRadar+ Verdict

Specs

Design

Features

Performance

Should you buy the Dough Spectrum Black?

How I tested the Dough Spectrum Black

Contents