BenQ's monitor for coders delivers maximum eye comfort

The BenQ RD280U is an ideal productivity monitor for those who work heavily with text or code.

BenQ says the 28.2-inch 4K monitor is designed specially for programmers.

I don't code much these days, but I do write every single day on apps like Obsidian and AuthoredUp. How does the monitor fare?

Key features

Here are the key specifications of the RD280U monitor.

• DisplayPort, HDMI, or USB-C inputs.
• 90W PD USB-C charging.
• Built-in KVM switch.

The monitor comes with a stand that lets you set height, swivel, tilt and also works with VESA-compatible monitor arms.

Like similar BenQ monitors, a bar under its chin houses various sensors such as presence and light detection sensors - more on those later.

Great for the eyes

It's key claim to fame is probably its long list of eye-friendly features.

• TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware).
• TÜV Rheinland Flicker-free.
• Eyesafe Certified.
• Anti-reflection coated panel.

A couple of them are worth a mention:

Brightness Intelligence

The RD280U can be set to react to changes in ambient light, changing its brightness to match. This is perfect for those who work late into the night.

I think BenQ's implementation is better than any other monitors I've owned - it reacts very quickly, and the sensitivity is also adjustable.

Coding Mode

A coding mode promises better visibility when coding. It works by tweaking contrast, brightness, sharpness, saturation, and gamma settings levels for text/code. And yes, Dark and Light Themes are available.

I couldn't see a difference viewed alongside my 40-inch Dell monitor. Then again, it does cost 3x more, so I'm counting it as a win for the BenQ here.

What I liked

Here are 3 features I really liked about the RD280U.

3:2 screen ratio

The RD280U has an aspect ratio that gives it the same screen height (~40cm) as my 40-inch ultrawide. In my view, this is crucial for productivity.

Packed with features

• "MoonHalo": Beautiful adjustable lighting on back.
• EyeReminder: Prompts you to take eye breaks*.
• EcoPrivacy: Blanks screen after X secs away*.

Using the presence sensor

Display Pilot 2

Almost every setting on the OSD can be configured using the free Display Pilot 2 app if the RD280 is plugged in via USB.

It offers:

• Desktop Partition (With minor tweaking).
• Keyboard shortcuts.
• Many others.

With it, you can even switch to specific monitor modes based on the current app.

Conclusion

The RD280U impressed me as an incredibly polished, well-thought-out product.

Of course, some will note its 60Hz refresh rate and pass. A flicker-free screen is more important for me though.

Are you using an external monitor? What features do you look out for?

You can purchase the RD280U here.