What is the best short throw 4K projector for gaming?
A strong short throw 4K gaming projector should combine true 4K UHD detail, very low input lag, high refresh rate support, and enough brightness for casual daytime use. The Optoma UHD35STx fits that profile well because it pairs 3840 x 2160 resolution with input lag as low as 4.2ms in Enhanced Gaming Mode at 1080p and 240Hz. That makes it a practical choice for fast console and PC gaming where responsiveness matters as much as image size.
Its 0.5:1 short throw lens is another reason it stands out for gaming setups. You can create a 100-inch image from just over a meter away, which is helpful in bedrooms, game rooms, or apartments where a long-throw projector would not fit. It also supports HDR10 and HLG for improved contrast and highlight detail.
This model is best for gamers who want a big-screen experience without placing the projector across the room. The main tradeoff is that, like many lamp-based projectors, you will still get the best overall picture in controlled lighting rather than direct sunlight.
Is a short throw 4K projector better than a standard projector for small rooms?
Yes, a short throw 4K projector is often the better option for small rooms because it can create a large image from much closer to the wall or screen. The Optoma UHD35STx uses a 0.5:1 throw ratio, so it can produce a 100-inch image from just over a meter away. That makes it easier to use in tighter spaces where a standard projector would need much more distance.
For gaming and home entertainment, short throw placement also helps reduce shadows and keeps people from walking through the light path as often. That is useful in living rooms, bedrooms, and multi-use spaces. The UHD35STx adds 4K UHD resolution, 3,600 lumens of brightness, and low-lag gaming performance, so it is not just a space-saving option, it is also designed for high-performance use.
The tradeoff is placement precision. Short throw models can be more sensitive to alignment, and with a fixed zoom lens, you have less flexibility than some long-throw projectors. This projector is best for shoppers who want a very large image in a room with limited depth.
What are the disadvantages of a short throw 4K projector?
The main disadvantages of a short throw 4K projector are tighter placement tolerance, less zoom flexibility, and a greater need for careful screen alignment. Because the projector sits closer to the wall, even small positioning changes can affect image geometry more noticeably than with a standard throw model. On the Optoma UHD35STx, the fixed lens design means placement planning matters if you want the cleanest image size and fit.
Another tradeoff is that short throw projectors can highlight wall imperfections more easily if you are not using a proper projection screen. If image accuracy matters, pairing it with a flat screen is the better choice. Like many bright home entertainment projectors, it also performs best in dimmer rooms for the most cinematic black levels, even though its 3,600-lumen output helps in moderate ambient light.
That said, these drawbacks are often worth it for people who need a big 4K image in a smaller room. The UHD35STx is especially appealing for gamers and movie fans who want a 100-inch-plus image without mounting the projector far back in the room.
Is the Optoma UHD35STx good for both gaming and home theater use?
Yes, the Optoma UHD35STx is built to handle both gaming and home entertainment, which is one of its biggest advantages. For gaming, it offers input lag as low as 4.2ms at 1080p 240Hz, making it suitable for fast competitive play. For movies, sports, and streaming, it delivers 4K UHD resolution, HDR10 and HLG support, and a rated 3,600 lumens for a bright, detailed image.
Its short throw lens also makes it easier to use in living spaces where a traditional home theater projector might need too much distance. You can get a 100-inch image from just over a meter away, and it supports screen sizes up to 300 inches if the room allows. Amazing Color technology is designed to improve color accuracy and help content look natural.
This projector is best for buyers who want one display for console gaming, TV, sports, and movie nights. The built-in 10W speaker is convenient for portable use, but for a fuller home theater experience, most shoppers will still want to connect an external sound system.
How far back does the Optoma UHD35STx need to be for a 100-inch screen?
The Optoma UHD35STx needs to be just over a meter, or roughly 3.3 feet, from the screen to produce a 100-inch image. That is possible because it uses a 0.5:1 short throw ratio, which is designed for large images at close range. This makes it a practical choice for rooms where you cannot place a projector far back.
For shoppers comparing projector types, this is one of the biggest advantages of a short throw projector. You can put it on a table or mount it much closer to the wall, which helps reduce cable runs and minimizes the chance of people crossing in front of the image. It can also simplify gaming setups where seating is relatively close to the screen.
The key thing to remember is that short throw projectors benefit from careful alignment. The UHD35STx includes horizontal and vertical keystone correction, but best picture quality usually comes from positioning the projector as squarely as possible. It is a strong fit for users who want a large screen in a compact room without moving to an ultra short throw model.
Immerse yourself in Ultra HD gaming, live sports, and TV shows with the Optoma UHD35STx. This short throw projector delivers bright 4K UHD images with lightning-fast input lag as low as 4.2ms and a 240Hz refresh rate for competitive gaming. Place it just a few feet from the wall to create a massive 100-inch image, or go up to 300 inches for a true cinema experience. HDR and HLG compatibility, along with Amazing Color technology, ensure accurate, true-to-life colors in well-lit rooms. Dual HDMI inputs and a built-in 10W speaker make setup simple, while the compact 7.72 lb design lets you take it anywhere for movie nights or gaming marathons.
5°C~40°C/41°F~104°F, max altitude 3000M/9843ft, max humidity 85%
Remote control
Backlit home remote
Speaker count
1
Watts per speaker
10W
In the box
AC power cord
In the box
Remote control
In the box
2x AAA batteries
In the box
Basic user manual
Input lag
4.00ms
Power supply
100 ~ 240V, 50 ~ 60Hz
Power consumption (standby)
0.5W
Power consumption (min)
220W
Power consumption (max)
320W
Dimensions (W x D x H)
12.4" x 10.63" x 4.65"
Gross weight
10.32 lbs
Net weight
7.72 lbs
UPC
796435 81 453 3
Highlights
With a short throw lens, a 100” image can be projected from just over a meter away. This allows the projector to be placed closer to the wall, reducing shadows for easier presentations.