The catch
Optoma UHD35STx
Calculate the mount position before buying, since the 0.5 throw lens is fixed.
Side by side
Optoma UHD35STx vs Optoma UHZ35: 35STx fits closer while both need a centered mount
Quick verdict
The UHD35STx is the right model if the projector has to stay close to a simulator or gaming screen. The UHZ35 makes sense when a longer room can take advantage of its 1.6x zoom and laser light source. Neither offers lens shift, so both need a carefully centered mount.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Where these two really part ways
Optoma UHD35STx is the better match for “A golf simulator is what I am building” and “For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with”. Optoma UHZ35 is the better match for “I cannot move the position of my shelf or ceiling mount” and “It will stay up on a ceiling mount”.
Where this comes from
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
The catch
Optoma UHZ35
An off-center mount can't be fixed by the broad zoom, because there's no lens shift.
Optoma UHD35STx
- Why pick it
- Your compact simulator or gaming bay calls for a short throw.
- You can mount a fixed 0.5 throw precisely.
- The catch
- Calculate the mount position before buying, since the 0.5 throw lens is fixed.
Optoma UHZ35
- Why pick it
- The projector goes farther back.
- A 1.6x zoom lets you reuse an existing mount.
- The catch
- An off-center mount can't be fixed by the broad zoom, because there's no lens shift.
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What this page compares
A fixed short-throw lamp projector is matched against a flexible standard-throw laser model, both aimed at fast 4K and 240Hz gaming.
This one comes down to throw ratio and optical zoom first, then to the limits of your own setup.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A golf simulator is what I am building
Optoma UHD35STx lists “Fixed 0.5:1” for throw ratio, while Optoma UHZ35 lists “1.40–2.24:1”. Measure your space and mounting points first. This can be a hard limit on fit.
- Optoma UHD35STx
- Better fit
- Optoma UHZ35
- Depends
For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with
Measured from the lens to the screen, its verified lens range overlaps a 100-inch 16:9 picture from 3 to 8 feet.
- Optoma UHD35STx
- Better fit
- Optoma UHZ35
- Depends
It will live in a bedroom or small apartment
In a tighter room, an 80–120-inch image is more practical thanks to its compact body, close-focusing optics or flexible stand.
- Optoma UHD35STx
- Better fit
- Optoma UHZ35
- Depends
I cannot move the position of my shelf or ceiling mount
Optoma UHD35STx lists “None” for optical zoom, while Optoma UHZ35 lists “1.6x”. For optical zoom, this affects image compatibility, placement or picture quality. Compare matching standards before you call either label the winner.
- Optoma UHD35STx
- Depends
- Optoma UHZ35
- Better fit
It will stay up on a ceiling mount
For a permanent ceiling or shelf position, its lens controls, lens memory or installation connections are a good fit.
- Optoma UHD35STx
- Good
- Optoma UHZ35
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Where these two really part ways
Optoma UHD35STx is the better match for “A golf simulator is what I am building” and “For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with”. Optoma UHZ35 is the better match for “I cannot move the position of my shelf or ceiling mount” and “It will stay up on a ceiling mount”.
How we worked this out
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
One of them covers more of your list
Optoma UHD35STx meets 3 of the 3 needs this comparison is built around. Optoma UHZ35 meets 1 and misses “A golf simulator is what I am building” and “For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with”.
How we worked this out
The count uses the current strong and useful fit ratings for these two products. Each need counts once, with no made-up score added on top.
How many models fit “A golf simulator is what I am building”
5 of the 90 home projectors checked fit this need. Optoma UHD35STx makes the cut. Optoma UHZ35 does not.
How we worked this out
The count filters every model in the current category for a strong or useful fit on this single need.
Models that handle “A golf simulator is what I am building” and “For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with”
2 of the 90 home projectors checked handle both “A golf simulator is what I am building” and “For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with”. Optoma UHD35STx makes the cut. Optoma UHZ35 does not.
How we worked this out
You can reproduce the count by filtering the current category for models with a strong or useful fit on both needs.
Plug in your numbers
Will either projector work in your room?
This checks hard limits only. Personal preferences are left out of the math.
Optoma UHD35STx
Does not work with your numbersFor a 120-inch 16:9 picture, the calculated lens position is about 4.36 ft. You entered 9.50 ft.
Optoma UHZ35
Check this one yourselfWe do not have a complete verified lens range for this exact model.
Measure distance from the lens to the screen. The math assumes a 16:9 picture and uses the verified throw range for each exact model.
Option A
Optoma, UHD35STx
UHD35STx
Compact gaming rooms and golf simulator bays suit this fixed short-throw 4K lamp projector with low-latency modes.
- Best for
- 4K gaming and simulators with a short throw
Facts we checked
- Lamp-based 4K DLP light engine at 3,600-lumen
- Short-throw lens, fixed at 0.5:1
- 4.2 ms at 1080p240 and 16.9 ms at 4K60, as specified
Option B
Optoma, UHZ35
UHZ35
This 4K laser gaming projector has a long 1.6x zoom, made for rooms where both a conventional throw and fast play at lower resolution matter.
- Best for
- High-refresh gaming from a longer throw
Facts we checked
- 4K DuraCore laser DLP light engine at 3,500-lumen
- 1.6x optical zoom, with a 1.40–2.24:1 throw ratio
- Response of 4.4 ms at 1080p240, as specified
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Optoma UHD35STx | Optoma UHZ35 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throw ratio | Fixed 0.5:1 | 1.40–2.24:1 | Fit can be a hard limit, so measure your space and mounting points before anything else. |
| Optical zoom | None | 1.6x | For optical zoom, this affects image compatibility, placement or picture quality. Compare matching standards before you call either label the winner. |
| Light source | Replaceable lamp | Laser | For light source, this affects image compatibility, placement or picture quality. Compare matching standards before you call either label the winner. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Optoma UHD35STx
- The lamp is replaceable, and there's no smart streaming platform.
With Optoma UHZ35
- You won't find a built-in streaming platform or serious all-in-one audio.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the home projectors we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 2 of the 90 models checked meet every need here: “A golf simulator is what I am building”, “For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with”, and “Fast or competitive games are what I play”.
2 models fit, out of 90 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “A golf simulator is what I am building”, “For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with”, and “Fast or competitive games are what I play”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optoma UHD35STx |
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| Optoma UHZ35 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Optoma UHD35STx
Your compact simulator or gaming bay calls for a short throw.
See price & reviews on AmazonOptoma UHZ35
The projector goes farther back.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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