Best Non-Apple Monitor for Reading and Writing Text with an M4 Mac mini?

I just upgraded to a 2024 M4 Mac mini from a late 2015, 21.5 inch, Retina 4K iMac that continues to serve me well but is getting slow and cannot take updates to MS Office and some other professional software. I recently upgraded to a new M4 Mac mini through a local authorized Apple reseller, and so far, all is great in terms of the computer and software. The sales associate was extremely helpful in terms of memory, add-ons, etc. He recommended a 27" MSI MAG2724Q RFQD E2 monitor, native in 2560 x 1440 resolution. For the most part, the screen is fine, but I have been spoiled rotten by my old Retina display, and all the text on the new monitor looks feathered (in terms of fountain pen language) or a bit pixelated, especially with the two monitors sitting side-by-side as they are now. I read and write for a living, so I would like to replace the excellent text-reading experience of the iMac.

I don't think I can justify the Apple Studio Display option in terms of cost. Is there a sub-$1000 monitor option (or even sub-$800) that will give me the Retina display reading experience? I've been looking at some of the BenQ options, and I generally understand that I am moving away from a 218 PPI experience. This new (problematic) monitor comes in at about 108 PPI. Would moving up to a 163 PPI be a clear improvement? It seems like some reviewers think it is 218 or bust, while others see 163 as equally good. I am trying to stay in the 24–27" diagonal range for the monitor size.

Thanks in advance for any advice you are able to offer!