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Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser Projector vs Optoma ZK431ST-B Projector

Both are Optoma 4K laser short-throw projectors built for golf sims, so the choice comes down to brightness versus throw distance. The ZK521ST-B is the brighter unit at 5,000 lumens and suits larger screens and rooms with more ambient light. The ZK431ST-B is dimmer at 4,100 lumens but throws from closer at a 0.496:1 ratio, which cuts player shadows in tight bays and adds Smart Fit auto alignment. Owners of both report the laser source holds up to always-on use; the ZK521ST-B is the safer pick for big commercial bays, the ZK431ST-B for small home rooms.

  • Choose the Optoma ZK521ST-B if you have a large screen or a room with daylight and need the extra brightness.
  • Choose the Optoma ZK431ST-B if your bay is short on depth and you want the closest throw and automatic screen alignment.

Prices

  • Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser Projector: $2,139.30 at TeciSoft (checked today)
  • Optoma ZK431ST-B Projector: $1,616.95 at Connection (checked today)
  • Difference: the Optoma ZK431ST-B Projector is $522.35 cheaper than the Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser Projector today
Optoma
Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Ultra HD Short-Throw DuraCore Laser DLP Golf Simulation Projector

Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser Projector

Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Ultra HD Short-Throw DuraCore Laser DLP Golf Simulation Projector

$2,139.30at TeciSoftChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit TeciSoft
Pros
  • 5,000 lumens handles larger screens and brighter rooms
  • Golf Sim Mode tunes course colors
  • Optoma Management Suite and app control for installed setups
  • 360-degree and portrait orientation support
  • 30,000-hour laser means no lamp swaps
Cons
  • Needs more distance from the screen than the ZK431ST-B
  • No Ethernet port listed
  • No automatic screen alignment feature
Optoma
ZK431ST-B

Optoma ZK431ST-B Projector

ZK431ST-B

$1,616.95at ConnectionChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Connection
Pros
  • 0.496:1 ultra-short throw fits shallow bays and reduces shadows
  • Smart Fit auto alignment speeds setup
  • Ethernet port for wired network control
  • Same 30,000-hour laser and true 4K as the ZK521ST-B
  • Golf Sim Color Mode included
Cons
  • 4,100 lumens is dimmer on very large screens
  • No management suite or OTA update feature listed
  • Less headroom for rooms with strong ambient light

What separates them

Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser ProjectorOptoma ZK431ST-B Projector
Brightness5,000 lumens4,100 lumens
Throw ratioShort throw, about 0.5:1Ultra short throw, 0.496:1
Light source lifeDuraCore laser, up to 30,000 hoursDuraCore laser, up to 30,000 hours
ResolutionTrue 4K UHD 3840x2160True 4K UHD 3840x2160
Screen alignmentFour-corner and geometric correctionSmart Fit auto alignment via smartphone camera
ConnectivityHDMI, USB, VGAHDMI, USB, Ethernet, VGA
ManagementOMS platform, Smart Control app, OTA updatesNot listed
Golf color modeGolf Sim ModeGolf Sim Color Mode

Price history

  • Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser Projector: lowest $2,156.81 on Nov 10 at Newegg.
  • Optoma ZK431ST-B Projector: lowest $1,586.03 on Nov 10 at Microless.com.

Prices at every store

Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser Projector

  • TeciSoftNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $2,139.30Checked 6 h ago
    Visit TeciSoft
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $2,156.81+ $19.98 shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $2,699.00Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by AdoramaReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $2,699.00+ $13.07 shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • Golf Sim DepotCheck price at Golf Sim Depot
  • Shop Indoor GolfCheck price at Shop Indoor Golf

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 17 stores and price history →

Optoma ZK431ST-B Projector

  • ConnectionNew

    In stock

    $1,616.95Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Connection
  • Microless.comNew

    In stockShips from abroad · duties may apply

    $1,586.03+ $63.00 shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Microless.com
  • GovConnectionNew

    In stock

    $1,779.91Checked 6 h ago
    Visit GovConnection
  • AllSportSystemsNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $1,799.00Checked 5 h ago
    Visit AllSportSystems

Also available at

  • Shop Indoor GolfCheck price at Shop Indoor Golf
  • AllSportSystemsCheck price at AllSportSystems
  • Rain or Shine GolfCheck price at Rain or Shine Golf

Specs compared

SpecOptoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser ProjectorOptoma ZK431ST-B Projector
colorBlackBlack
Display TypeDLPDLP
ConnectivityHDMI, USB, VGAHDMI, USB, Ethernet, VGA
Short ThrowYesYes
Brightness5,000 lumen4,100 lumen
Native Resolution3840 x 21603840 x 2160
Screen Resolution3840x2160 (4K Ultra HD)—
Lamp Life (standard mode) (h)30000—
TechnologyDLP, Laser—
HDMIYes—
3D Type3D—
Light SourceLaser—
Show all 29 specsShow fewer specs
SpecOptoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser ProjectorOptoma ZK431ST-B Projector
Aspect Ratio16:9—
ModelGolf Sim ZK521ST-B—
Projection TechnologyDLP Laser—
ResolutionTrue 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)—
Light Source LifeUp to 30,000 Hours—
Lens TypeShort Throw—
Screen Size Support30" to 300"—
Keystone CorrectionHorizontal & Vertical ±15°—
Image AdjustmentGeometric Correction & Four-Corner Adjustment—

What reviewers say

Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K Laser Projector

Owners and installers of short-throw laser projectors in this class praise the brightness and the shadow-free setup in golf bays. The recurring complaints are size, mounting demands and the lack of smart features.

What people mention
  • BrightnessPraisedOwners say the 5,000-lumen output keeps the image clear in lit golf bays.
  • Throw distancePraisedThe short throw fills a big screen from close up and keeps players from casting shadows.
  • Build and sizeMixedThe rugged chassis is seen as durable but heavy and fussy to mount.
  • Laser lifePraisedThe 30,000-hour laser source is valued for always-on use with no bulb changes.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a bright room?
The ZK521ST-B. Its 5,000 lumens gives more headroom against ambient light, which matters on screens over about 120 inches or in rooms with windows.
Which throws from closer?
The ZK431ST-B at 0.496:1. That lets it sit nearer the screen in a shallow bay and keeps player shadows off the image.
Do both last as long?
Yes. Both use Optoma DuraCore laser sources rated up to 30,000 hours, so neither needs lamp replacements over a long simulator life.
Is the ZK521ST-B worth stepping up to?
Only if you need the extra brightness or want the management suite and app control. If your bay is tight, the ZK431ST-B's closer throw and Smart Fit alignment matter more.
Which is easier to set up?
The ZK431ST-B, thanks to Smart Fit automatic alignment using a phone camera. The ZK521ST-B relies on manual four-corner and geometric correction.
Do both support 3D?
Yes. Both are 3D ready, which suits golf simulation software that offers a 3D mode.

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  • BenQ LK830ST vs ZK431ST-B

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best 4K short-throw laser projectors for golf simulators
  • Best 4K projectors for home golf simulators
All 17 stores and price history →
Orientation Support
360° Projection & Portrait Mode
—
Management PlatformOptoma Management Suite (OMS™)—
Mobile ControlOptoma Smart Control App—
Firmware UpdatesOver-the-Air (OTA)—
Recommended UseGolf Simulation, Simulation, Business, Education—
True 4K resolution—means sharp fairways, readable simulator overla…
3D Ready—Yes
Ultra Short Throw—Yes