The Elgato Key Light is a versatile and powerful lighting solution designed for content creators, streamers, and professionals. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into its features, benefits, and drawbacks. Additionally, we will examine user experiences and comparisons with other products, both new and older, in the market.
Specification Details
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Brightness | 2800 Lumens, adjustable |
Color Range | 2900 – 7000 K, adjustable |
Power Consumption | Up to 45 W |
LED Type | 160 premium OSRAM LEDs |
LED CRI Rating | > 94% |
Weight | 2.86 lb (1.3 kg) |
Dimensions | 1.18 x 13.77 x 9.84 in (30 x 350 x 250 mm) |
Height (Pole Mount) | Minimum: 22 in (55 cm); Maximum: 49 in (125 cm); Recommended: 35 in (90 cm) |
Clamp Padded | expandable up to 2.35 in (60 mm) |
Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz, 802.11 b/g/n |
Power Input | 100 – 240v, 50/60Hz, 1.8A |
Power Output | DC 13v, 4A |
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that struck me about the Elgato Key Light is its sleek design. It’s incredibly thin and doesn’t take up much space, making it perfect for any setup. The build quality is solid, with a robust metal frame that feels premium and durable.
Ease of Use
Setting up the Key Light was a breeze. It comes with a sturdy desk mount that securely clamps onto the edge of your desk. The best part is the control system – you can adjust the brightness and color temperature via the Elgato Control Center app on your computer or smartphone. This wireless control is incredibly convenient, especially during live sessions.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Elgato Key Light is top-notch. The light it emits is even and soft, reducing harsh shadows and providing a professional look to my videos. I noticed a significant improvement in the overall quality of my streams and recordings. Additionally, it runs cool and silent, ensuring that there’s no unwanted noise or heat affecting my workspace.
Diffusion
This light don’t come with a giant umbrella or a detachable diffusion plate, which can cause many lights to become too dim to use alone at night. However, with the Key Light, the diffusion is built into the panel’s design. Specifically, the Elgato Key Light has 160 small LEDs that illuminate from the edge inwards, before being bounced off the reflective panel inside.
Brightness and Color Temperature Range
The Elgato Key Light truly shines (pun intended) when it comes to brightness and color temperature control. It offers a wide range of brightness levels, up to an impressive 2800 lumens, which is more than enough to illuminate any room. The adjustable color temperature, ranging from a warm 2900K to a cool 7000K, allows for great flexibility depending on the mood and setting of your stream or video.
User Experiences
User experiences with the Elgato Key Light are overwhelmingly positive. Many users praise its ease of use and versatility. Additionally, the lighting quality is exceptional, with content creators reporting significant improvements in their content’s look and feel. Furthermore, the app-controlled functionality receives high marks.
Moreover, seamless integration with other Elgato products is also highly regarded. Users appreciate the ability to fine-tune their lighting setups, enabling them to create different moods or themes for their content. The adjustable brightness and color temperature make this easy, simplifying the process of achieving desired lighting conditions, whether it’s bright and energetic or warm and cozy.
Comparisons
Feature | Elgato Key Light | Elgato Key Light Air |
---|---|---|
Adjustable Brightness | up to 2800 lumens | up to 1400 lumens |
Color Temperature Control | 2900-7000 Kelvin | 2900-7000 Kelvin |
Stand height | 22 – 49 inches | 23.62 – 34.65 inches |
Price | $159.99 | $109.99 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek and compact design: Takes up minimal space.
- High brightness levels: Up to 2800 lumens.
- Adjustable color temperature: Ranges from 2900K to 7000K.
- Wireless control: Convenient adjustments via the Elgato Control Center app.
- Even and soft light: Reduces harsh shadows for a professional look.
- Cool and silent operation: No unwanted noise or heat.
Cons
- Price: On the expensive side compared to other lighting options.
- Desk mount only: Limited mounting options out of the box.
Conclusion
Elgato Key Light is a game-changer for content creators, streamers, and professionals. Not only does it provide professional-grade lighting for various tasks, but it also features adjustable brightness and color temperature. Moreover, the app-controlled functionality ensures seamless integration with other Elgato products, offering an unrivaled lighting experience.
While the Elgato Key Light comes with a higher price tag, its benefits and features justify the investment. Specifically, it delivers exceptional lighting quality and precise control, making it a valuable asset.
For streamers, this light can significantly enhance their on-screen presence. Additionally, content creators can achieve professional-looking videos, and professionals can enjoy high-quality lighting for video conferences. In summary, the Elgato Key Light is an excellent choice that will undoubtedly elevate your content to the next level.