Differences between TN and IPS

TFT LCDs, or Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Displays, are the type of display commonly found in a variety of electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, computer monitors, and televisions. TFT LCDs come in two versions: TN (Twisted Nematic) and IPS (In-Plane Switching). Both have their unique advantages and disadvantages, which we'll cover in this article.

The main difference between TN and IPS TFT LCDs is the way they align the liquid crystals. In a TN panel, the liquid crystals are twisted in a way that allows light to pass through vertically polarizing filters. This results in fast response times, high refresh rates and low cost manufacturing. However, TN panels also suffer from narrow viewing angles, poor color accuracy, and limited contrast. TN panels are suitable for applications where cost and speed are the most critical factors, such as gaming monitors.

IPS panels, on the other hand, use a different orientation of liquid crystals, which offer wider viewing angles, better color reproduction, and higher contrast. IPS panels use crystals that are arranged horizontally, rather than twisted, and they stay in the same alignment regardless of viewing angle. IPS panels require a more complex manufacturing process, so they are more expensive than TN panels. However, they are well suited for applications that require accurate color representation, such as photo and video editing.

A monitor's viewing angle is the widest angle at which you can view the screen without losing image quality. In a TN panel, the horizontal and vertical viewing angles are limited to around 160°. Any viewing angle beyond these limits will result in a significant loss of color accuracy and contrast. IPS panels, on the other hand, have significantly wider viewing angles, typically around 178° both horizontally and vertically. This makes IPS panels suitable for applications that require multiple people to view the screen at the same time, such as public displays.

Another important factor to consider when comparing TN and IPS panels is response time. The response time of a display is the time it takes for a pixel to switch from one color to another. Due to the simple pixel structure, TN panels have a much faster response time than IPS panels. This makes TN panels ideal for gaming and other fast-paced applications where response time is critical. IPS panels, on the other hand, have slower response times, but they make up for it with better color accuracy and viewing angles.

Color reproduction is another key factor to consider when selecting a TFT LCD monitor. TN panels have a limited color gamut and less color accuracy than IPS panels. This is due to their narrow viewing angle and simple manufacturing process. On the other hand, IPS panels have a wider color gamut and offer better color accuracy than TN panels. This makes IPS panels ideal for applications that require accurate color representation, such as photo and video editing.

Contrast is a measure of the difference between the lightest and darkest parts of an image.  TN panels have lower contrast ratios than IPS panels because of their narrower viewing angles and less color accuracy. IPS panels, on the other hand, have a higher contrast ratio and are able to display deeper blacks and brighter whites. This makes them suitable for applications that require high contrast, such as watching movies or playing games.

In summary, when looking for a TFT LCD display, there are several factors to consider, such as viewing angle, response time, color gamut, and contrast. TN panels are suitable for cost-sensitive and fast-paced applications, such as gaming, while IPS panels are better for applications that require accurate color representation and wider viewing angles, such as photo and video editing. Ultimately, the choice between TN and IPS panels depends on the specific requirements of the application and the budget of the user.