The PK32 and PK31 both include LED light sources that can display 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, so they can display most of the colors found in HDR and gaming content. However, the 4LED RGBA light source in the PK32 is one of its most significant differences from the PK31, which uses a standard 3LED RGB configuration.

Standard RGB LED systems that combine red, green, and blue diodes can deliver good color reproduction. The limitation of three-channel LED lighting is that warm intermediate tones, particularly the amber and deep orange regions of the spectrum, must be approximated by mixing the red and green channels. While this approach works well when displaying most content, an RGB LED system can struggle to render scenes dominated by firelight, warm sunlight, or skin tones under warm lighting.

The PK32’s light source includes a fourth amber LED channel, so rather than approximating amber through mixing, the RGBA system produces it natively. The practical result is a more natural and nuanced rendering in warm-toned content without sacrificing the strong primary color saturation that makes LED light sources visually compelling for gaming and action content.

The amber channel also contributes to PK32’s ability to produce 1100 lumens, compared to PK31's 900. This higher brightness is beneficial when displaying content on larger screens or in rooms with ambient light.

Both the PK32 and PK31 share an identical chassis measuring 9.37 by 8.46 by 4.64 inches. The design is a compact, squared-off black DLP enclosure with a front-facing lens, side ventilation grilles, and a port cluster located on the rear panel. The physical footprint is comparable to a large hardcover book lying flat, and the low-profile height of under five inches means both projectors project forward and slightly upward from a flat surface without requiring front-leg extension for standard table placement.

The PK32 weighs 6.1 lbs, while the PK31 weighs 5.2 lbs. The PK32's motorized lens assembly and additional LED components account for the extra weight. Both projectors are light enough to be easily carried from room to room. There is a standard 1/4"-20 tripod mount thread on the underside of both units, which is useful when setting up the projector where they need to be elevated above table height or angled from a non-standard position.

The port cluster is cleanly recessed to protect connections during transport, and the adjustable feet allow fine-tuning of tilt for placement on uneven surfaces. Neither model includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any wireless display capability. There is no onboard smart platform, no wireless audio output, and no app-based control.

The PK31 lens is equipped with manual focus and zoom rings. The PK31’s 1.1x manual zoom lens has a throw range at 1.5:1 to 1.65:1, so the projector needs to be placed approximately 11 feet away from the screen for a 100” image.

The PK32's lens assembly is motorized, so zoom and focus adjustments are made using the remote control. The 1.3x motorized optical zoom in the PK32 has a throw ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.46:1. This range allows the projector to produce a 100” image from approximately 8.5 feet.

The menu system is extensive for a portable projector. There are settings to adjust the image, including gamma, color temperature, and CMS basic audio settings. There are even test patterns and a wall color adjustment. The font used by the menu OSD is small, so it is a little difficult to read from a distance.

Neither the PK32 nor the PK31 has a built-in smart operating system or a media player, so you will need to plug a streaming device or media player into their HDMI inputs to watch content. The USB-A (5V/1A) port on both models can power most streaming sticks, keeping the setup to a single power cable from the projector. You can also access streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus on a PlayStation or Xbox, so you could also use your gaming Console to watch movies and TV shows.

The standard three-channel RGB LED system used in the PK31 generates colors by combining discrete red, green, and blue emitters and can reproduce 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The color reproduction of the PK31 is as good as or better than that of any RGB LED compact projector I have reviewed. While 3LED RGB systems produce strong saturated primaries, they must approximate the warm intermediate hues between red and green, specifically amber and deep orange, through color mixing.

The PK32 uses a four-LED (RGBA) light source that includes a fourth amber LED channel.  The result of this four-channel LED lighting system is that warm colors like sunsets, fire effects, skin tones, and golden lighting in games look more natural and more nuanced on the PK32.

So, if you play cinematic games like God of War, Horizon Forbidden West, Zelda, or Red Dead Redemption 2, you’ll notice richer warm color reproduction on the PK32. When watching movies and TV shows, skin tones and warm scenes look more realistic. The colors produced by the PK31 look good, but I preferred the image on the PK32.

In a properly darkened room, both projectors deliver black-level and shadow-detail performance that is better than that of many compact DLP projectors in their price range. The contrast performance is unlikely to disappoint its target audience in normal viewing conditions. Shadow detail in dark gaming environments, underground levels, and night-time cinematography renders well, preserving perceptible detail in the lower third of the brightness range.

Both the PK32 and PK31 use a 0.47-inch DLP DMD chip along with XPR pixel-shifting technology to display 4K UHD on-screen resolution. At viewing distances of 8 to 12 feet from a 100-inch screen, fine textures in game environments, text in UI elements, and details in movie photography with excellent clarity.  

Even when viewing content on my 100” screen from as close as six feet, I didn't see much visible screen door effect. The ability to get closer to the screen enhances the overall feeling of immersion when gaming or watching a movie.

The PK32 and PK31 support HDR10 and HLG, and both projectors delivered a good-looking HDR image in a darkened room. The 95% DCI-P3 color coverage means that both projectors can reproduce most of the color found in HDR content. While the unit’s HDR tone mapping is good, highlights in some bright highlights in HDR content mastered above 2000 lumens are clipped because PK32 and PK31 do not include dynamic tone mapping.

Based on the PK32's rated brightness of 1100 lumens, I recommend sticking to screens below 90 inches to get a good-looking HDR image in a darkened space. When viewing HDR on the PK32, I suggest sticking the screens around 75 inches.

Whether watching SDR or HDR, the PK32’s color reproduction was good, but I preferred the image on the PK32. The four RGBA LED light source used in the PK32 really does improve the look of skin tones, making them look more natural than most LED-equipped projectors. I thought they looked better than many RGB laser-equipped DLP projectors that cost significantly more.

The PK32 supports 3D as well. However, optional active 3d glasses are required, and there is a brightness penalty.  The fact that 3D is supported makes the PK32 stand out for users who still value 3D games and movies. Due to the projectors' limited brightness, if you're going to use 3D, I would recommend keeping the screen smaller than 85 inches.

The PK32's USB-C Alt Mode input can connect a PC and a portable gaming device and, thanks to its 5V/2A power delivery, simultaneously charge a device like a Nintendo Switch during play.

If you’re playing Call of Duty, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, or competitive racing games, these projectors feel responsive and immediate. The PK32 and PK31 should appeal to gamers looking for an affordable way to enjoy a massive, immersive 4K image while benefiting from ultra-low input lag.

While the PK31 at $1,099 is a good option for budget-constrained buyers, we recommend that most buyers in this segment step up from the PK31 to the PK32. The $200 premium buys an upgraded four-LED lighting system that is brighter and delivers better skin tones. You get a motorized zoom lens with autofocus and auto /keystone connection. The unit’s shorter throw allows PK32 to display a larger image while being closer to the screen.

The PK32 also includes a second HDMI input, a USB-C display input, eARC, and stereo speakers instead of mono. These upgrades genuinely improve the daily gaming and entertainment experience.

The PK32 and PK31 both offer strong color reproduction and excellent gaming capabilities, making them a great option for someone looking for a portable 4K projector for gaming and home entertainment. However, if you could swing the extra $200, upgrading to the PK32 is worth every penny.