Colour-managed reference users
You compare digital artwork, photographs or design references and need the display’s stated colour coverage and calibration claim to fit the colour space of your files.
Who this is for
Shared-desk device switchers
You use the desk with more than one computer or regular user and want to work out whether the screen, keyboard and mouse can switch without repeated cable changes.
Desk sharers with limited space
You need to reposition the monitor for different users and account for the stand, available desk space, lighting and reflections.
What matters when choosing
Start with the artwork’s colour space, then plan the connections and peripheral switching, and finally check how the whole workstation will fit its regular users.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Colour-space fit | Identify whether your references use sRGB, Rec.709, Adobe RGB or DCI-P3. Check coverage, colour modes and calibration claims for the exact model. | If my files use a particular colour space, I need a display mode that fits them rather than a wider-gamut claim for its own sake. Around 42% of consumers put colour-space fit first. |
| Device switching | Count the computers and shared peripherals. Check video connections, laptop charging requirements and whether you need a KVM switch rather than multiple display inputs. | When computers take turns at one desk, I want the keyboard and mouse to move with the screen without repeatedly swapping cables. Connection and switching needs come first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Desk fit and positioning | Measure the desk and stand footprint; check adjustment or VESA mounting options. Position the screen and lighting to limit glare. | If several people use the workstation, I need room to reposition the screen and manage reflections. Around 25% of consumers prioritise desk fit and positioning. |
Buying pitfalls
-
Choosing the widest gamut without checking the files
BenQ UK specifies 99% sRGB and 99% Rec.709 for the PD2705U, while ASUS UK specifies 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 for the PA279CRV. Those claims address different reference workflows.
Identify the colour space in which the artwork is viewed or delivered, then check the exact monitor’s coverage and suitable display mode.
-
Assuming every USB-C connection does the same job
Video, charging and other connection features depend on both the monitor and the connected equipment. Dell UK notes that some Thunderbolt, USB-C, HDMI and daisy-chaining functions require compatible hardware.
Check the laptop’s video output, charging requirement and required cable against the monitor’s stated capabilities before relying on a one-cable setup.
-
Confusing multiple inputs with a KVM switch
Multiple inputs let a monitor accept different video sources; a KVM switch is intended to share keyboard and mouse control between computers, as BenQ UK explains.
List the peripherals that need to switch. If the monitor has no suitable integrated KVM, check a separate compatible switching setup.
That setup may require a separate switch, additional cables or duplicate peripherals.
-
Treating a monitor feature as a complete workstation setup
An adjustable screen alone cannot address desk layout or reflections. The UK Health and Safety Executive advises considering screen position and lighting as part of display-screen work.
Measure the space, arrange lighting to reduce glare and assess the whole workstation for its regular users.
Relevant monitor brands to consider
BenQ
BenQ UK positions the 27-inch 4K IPS PD2705U around sRGB and Rec.709 reference work and switching between connected computers.
- BenQ UK specifies 99% sRGB and 99% Rec.709 coverage, a factory calibration report, an integrated KVM, USB-C power delivery rated at 65 W and 100 × 100 mm VESA mounting for the PD2705U.
- Check whether 65 W meets your particular laptop’s charging requirement. The PD2705U specifications do not describe every BenQ monitor.
ASUS ProArt
The PA279CV and PA279CRV address different colour-space needs within the ProArt range.
- ASUS UK specifies 100% sRGB and Rec.709 coverage for the PA279CV; for the PA279CRV it specifies 99% Adobe RGB and DCI-P3, factory pre-calibration to Delta E <2, and USB-C power delivery up to 96 W.
- Match the claim to the exact model and your reference files. The PA279CRV’s wider-gamut specification should not be assumed for every ProArt display.
Dell UltraSharp
Dell UK presents the 27-inch 4K U2725QE as an IPS Black Thunderbolt hub monitor with an adjustable stand.
- Dell UK lists 100% sRGB, 100% BT.709 and 99% DCI-P3 coverage for the U2725QE, along with height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustment.
- Check your computer and cable before depending on its Thunderbolt, USB-C, HDMI or daisy-chaining features; Dell UK makes those functions conditional on compatible hardware.
Joybuy product choices
These monitors offer different ways to approach reference artwork at a shared desk, including stated colour-space features, connection options and screen-positioning choices. Check the exact variant against your files, computers and available space.
No image available
ASUS ProArt PA27DCE-K OLED 4K UHD
Consider this OLED model if its colour-space and calibration claims match the artwork you use for reference.
The product name specifies an OLED 4K UHD display. For a shared setup, check peripheral switching and laptop-charging requirements separately.
For prolonged display of static artwork, follow the listing’s advice to avoid sustained high brightness because of burn-in risk.
No image available
Dahua 32-inch 4K 165 Hz Curved OLED
Consider the larger curved screen if it fits your desk and the viewing arrangement suits your artwork.
The product name lists 3840 × 2160 resolution, 99% DCI-P3 coverage, USB-C with 65 W power delivery and a USB hub. Check whether its colour claims meet your workflow and whether your laptop can use the intended USB-C functions.
If one keyboard and mouse must serve two computers, confirm a suitable switching arrangement separately.
No image available
iiyama ProLite XUB2792UHSU-B6 27-inch 4K UHD
The 27-inch format is worth considering when a larger screen would take too much room at a shared desk.
The product name specifies a 4K UHD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. If repeatable colour matching matters, check the exact model’s colour coverage and calibration information before choosing it.
Confirm the connections, laptop-charging capacity and peripheral-switching setup you need.
No image available
ASUS Eye Care VY27UQ 4K UHD 60 Hz
Consider this model if its display connections and positioning options meet the needs of your shared desk.
The product name specifies 4K UHD resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate. For reference artwork, check the exact model’s colour-mode and calibration claims rather than relying on resolution alone.
Plan separately for any laptop charging or shared keyboard-and-mouse arrangement you require.
No image available
BenQ MA320UP 32-inch Nano Glossy IPS 4K UHD USB-C
This Mac-oriented monitor may suit a shared desk if its larger screen and device features work for every regular user.
The product name specifies a 32-inch IPS 4K UHD display, USB-C and a height-adjustable stand. Check its precise P3 coverage and calibration claims against your reference files.
If the desk also serves other computers, confirm their compatibility and how the keyboard and mouse will switch.
Questions and answers
Do I need a wide-gamut monitor for reference artwork?
Not unless your reference material or colour-managed workflow calls for it. For sRGB or Rec.709 files, check coverage and an appropriate mode for those spaces; for Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 work, check the exact model’s stated wider-gamut coverage and calibration claim. ASUS UK and BenQ UK specify different colour-space coverage for their individual creative-monitor models.
What if two computers use the same monitor?
Decide whether you only need to change the video source or also need to share a keyboard and mouse. The latter calls for a suitable KVM arrangement: BenQ UK specifies an integrated KVM for the PD2705U, while multiple video inputs alone do not establish peripheral switching. Check both computers’ connections.
Will one USB-C cable carry video and charge my laptop?
Only if the monitor, laptop and cable support the required functions and the monitor’s power delivery meets the laptop’s charging needs. Check the laptop’s video-output capability and charging requirement against the exact monitor specification before planning a one-cable desk.
Does a shared office monitor need a workstation assessment?
For workers who use display screen equipment daily for continuous periods of an hour or more, the UK Health and Safety Executive says employers must assess the workstation and reduce risks. The assessment concerns the whole setup, including equipment, furniture and working conditions; an adjustable monitor alone does not complete it.