One "in-between" option is a single-input monitor like the QNIX 2710.

I've had one for 4 years and it's still going strong. For a TN panel the colors are rich and vivid (uses the same panel as the $1000 Apple displays, IIRC) and there's 1440p 60hz 1ms right out of the box. I bought a perfect pixel one back then, as the normal model often has dead pixels, but I believe they go for about $200 at this point. Mine arrived with zero dead pixels, but you might want to avoid Newegg because of their punitive dead pixel policy.

You might be able to get a good deal on used one. Be aware that they only accept DVI-D dual-link, which is being phased out on newer cards, and even active DVI adapters with USB power ($70-100) can produce artifacts and will not overclock past 60hz.

The risky part is this: it's overclockable, but every monitor has a different threshold. I recently discovered that I could set mine to 96 or 105 hz with no issues. Some people only get up to 75, some people achieve 120! And let me tell you, there is a significant difference in first-person shooters from 60 to 105. I'm playing through Doom with my new GTX 1080 and it's locked in at 105 fps for an incredibly rich and smooth experience.