Comparison
AK700ST vs ZK521ST-B
A side-by-side look at how the BenQ AK700ST and Optoma ZK521ST-B compare on specs, accuracy, room requirements, and price. No hype — just the parts of the decision a buyer actually weighs.

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Specifications
The numbers, lined up.
Image
| Spec | AK700ST | ZK521ST-B |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | True 4K (3840×2160) | 4K UHD (3840×2160) native |
| Lumens | 4,000 ANSI | 5,000 ANSI |
| HDR | HDR10 | — |
| Color | 95% Rec. 709, Golf Mode preset | — |
| Picture Mode | — | Golf Sim colour mode, factory-calibrated |
- ResolutionAK700STTrue 4K (3840×2160)ZK521ST-B4K UHD (3840×2160) native
- LumensAK700ST4,000 ANSIZK521ST-B5,000 ANSI
- HDRAK700STHDR10ZK521ST-B—
- ColorAK700ST95% Rec. 709, Golf Mode presetZK521ST-B—
- Picture ModeAK700ST—ZK521ST-BGolf Sim colour mode, factory-calibrated
Hardware
| Spec | AK700ST | ZK521ST-B |
|---|---|---|
| Light Source | Laser, IP5X sealed (20,000 hours) | DuraCore laser (30,000 hours) |
| Throw Ratio | 0.69–0.83 (1.2× motorized zoom) | 0.79:1 (short throw) |
| Fan Noise | 29–32 dB (best in class) | — |
| Motorized Zoom/Focus | Yes | — |
| Lens | — | Golf Sim short-throw lens included |
- Light SourceAK700STLaser, IP5X sealed (20,000 hours)ZK521ST-BDuraCore laser (30,000 hours)
- Throw RatioAK700ST0.69–0.83 (1.2× motorized zoom)ZK521ST-B0.79:1 (short throw)
- Fan NoiseAK700ST29–32 dB (best in class)ZK521ST-B—
- Motorized Zoom/FocusAK700STYesZK521ST-B—
- LensAK700ST—ZK521ST-BGolf Sim short-throw lens included
Performance
| Spec | AK700ST | ZK521ST-B |
|---|---|---|
| Input Lag | ~16ms at 4K | 16.7 ms at 4K/60Hz; 8.6 ms at 1080p/120Hz |
- Input LagAK700ST~16ms at 4KZK521ST-B16.7 ms at 4K/60Hz; 8.6 ms at 1080p/120Hz
Software
| Spec | AK700ST | ZK521ST-B |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Screen Fit | Yes (front camera) | — |
- Auto Screen FitAK700STYes (front camera)ZK521ST-B—
Requirements
| Spec | AK700ST | ZK521ST-B |
|---|---|---|
| Built For | — | ~12 ft of depth onto a 130–150 in screen |
- Built ForAK700ST—ZK521ST-B~12 ft of depth onto a 130–150 in screen
Who each one is better for
Both fit the same buyers.
Neither one wins a persona the other doesn’t. The choice comes down to specs, price, and room fit rather than buyer profile.
Both fit
- Performance Seeker
- Showroom
- Family Setup
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