When it comes to lighting sources, a key light is among the most important essential elements that any content creator could have in their setup, regardless of whether you’re making videos for Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube or doing live streams to your audience. Notably, Elgato key light MK.2, the next generation of key lights, offers ultra-bright and dimmable complete key light solutions to provide video content creators with the ability to improve their content production quality drastically. But is it truly the ultimate lighting solution for your setup? Let’s test to find out.
Key Takeaways
- The Elgato Key Light MK.2 is a lighting solution that elevates your content creation. Offering ultra-bright, dimmable LEDs with adjustable color temperature settings, this light ensures you always look your best on camera. Its compact and sturdy design makes it easy to set up on your desk, while wireless connectivity allows convenient control through the Elgato Control Center app.
- You should buy the Elgato Key Light MK.2 if you prioritize lighting quality, seek convenience and versatility, and value professional performance.
- You should not buy the Elgato Key Light MK.2 if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, have limited placement options, and are not committed to full-time content creation.
Here are the specifications for the Light:
| Brightness | 2800 Lumens, Adjustable |
| Color range | 2900 – 7000 K, adjustable |
| Power consumption | up to 45 W |
| Dimensions | 13.78 x 9.84 x 1.38 in / 350 x 250 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 2.75 lbs / 1.25 kg |
| Connection | Wi-Fi, 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz, 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Supported encryption | WPA/WPA 2 |
Here are the specifications for the Master Mount L:
| Length | Minimum 22 in / 55 cm, Maximum 49 in / 125 cm (90 cm / 35 in recommended) |
| Clamp | Padded and expandable up to 2.35 in / 60 mm |
| Screw mount | 1/4-inch |
Box Contents
- Elgato Key Light
- Master Mount L
- Power Supply
- Quick Start Guide
Design
The Elgato key light MK.2 has a high-end appearance. Moreover, the sturdy design of the light panel gives it a solid, substantial feel. The stand feels reliable and extremely solid after attaching to a desk, table, or flat surface. Additionally, it does not occupy much space when attached to a table. So, you are just losing a little desk space as a trade-off. If your desk has a flat lip, you can attach the Key Light to it easily using the bottom clamp.
Fortunately, its small size allows the key light to be easily placed into almost any setup without interfering with anything else in the surrounding space. On the downside, it cannot be placed on any other surface until you purchase a separate base. Afterward, you will be able to put the light on the floor. Furthermore, I honestly like how flexible and straightforward the Key Light is for streaming from a PC.
It’s straightforward to put together the Elgato Key Light. I can place it in various spots and move it around quickly. It comes with a ball head to direct the light precisely where you like. As a result, this key light won’t need any rearranging of your PC or monitor, and I see it as a huge advantage. It is pretty user-friendly and different from what you would expect from regular studio lighting.
Notably, Elgato key light MK.2 reaches a considerable height. In addition, the light power cable is lengthy at 102 inches. Unfortunately, the provided plugs are bulky and can obstruct other outlets in the switch. So, that’s not good. Plus, it doesn’t look travel-friendly, but the metal is durable. Surprisingly, disassembling and reassembling is simple, ensuring you don’t lose anything.
Build Quality
The Elgato key light MK.2 has a fantastic appearance with an Opal front diffuser that is very well-designed. The light’s overall dimensions are 350 x 250 x 35 mm. Although, it is pretty small. Still, it is more than enough for its intended purpose. Its 30 mm compact design also makes it ideal for use behind a desk or even against a wall, depending on your needs. Surprisingly, even though it’s LED, it won’t get that hot because there is a lot of airflow around the unit.
Additionally, a standard 1/4-inch thread is mounted in the center of each of the four sides. You can use the provided tripod, but any other 1/4″ mount could also be used. Speaking of the tripod, it is sturdy and comes with a metal clamp that can firmly attach to your desk. It has a sturdy foam grip on the clamp to prevent the surface from scratches, and the design is simple. The other end has two telescopic extensions that are bound with locking nuts.
In addition, a ball joint mount 1/4″ inches in size allows you to find the perfect angle quickly. Half of the product’s thickness is covered through the primary light, with the remaining mainly located in the center power unit. Since it is all functional through Wi-Fi, there is no need for complicated cables; all that is needed is standard power. The power switch has three positions: “I” for on, “O” for off, and “II” for reset.
Connectivity
The Elgato Key Light requires only a power cable to prepare it to function correctly. The light only needs to be turned on, and it can be connected to any device you prefer to customize its settings. It can only be accessed and controlled over a wireless connection. This eliminates the requirement for a USB connection and an abundance of cables by using the provided WiFi connectivity.
Additionally, it can be seamlessly integrated into any of your current streaming setups easily. Moreover, it is also compatible with the Elgato Stream Deck, which is my favorite feature. Streamers were the intended audience for this product, and not many other studio lights offer the same level of functionality. Plus, the clamp/tripod that comes with it is appealing, well-made, and user-friendly.
Software
It is controlled through Elgato Control Center software on your computer or phone. The WiFi connection to the control center is simple and takes a few minutes to set up. You can control the light using your WiFi as soon as you’re connected. The light isn’t directly connected to the internet by this, so if your internet stops working. The lights will continue to function, given that the WiFi router continues to send a signal.
A switch on the back allows you to turn on the Key Lights quickly. However, the Control Center is the only way to make complete brightness and color temperature adjustments. This is handy since it eliminates the need to adjust the light’s back panel to get the desired settings. You can make the adjustments in real-time through the app while watching your video stream and easily adjust the settings you want.
Performance
The Key Light has a maximum brightness setting that produces 2800 lumens. Considering the distance of a few feet from the light source to your subject, that’s exceptionally bright. The overall lighting across the whole panel guarantees that the amount of shadows generated is minimal by the light source directed in the specified direction. The opal glass front of the Key Light diffuses the light from its 160 premium OSRAM LEDs evenly.
The color temperature can vary from 2900K, a warmer, cozier white, to 7000K, at which the color becomes an icy white. Elgato describes these colors as “Sunset Amber” and “Arctic Blue,” respectively. This ensures that the Elgato Key Light remains within the range when the light goes on to change colors. Simply put, it allows you to choose the ideal spectrum for your various environments besides adjusting the brightness.
Regardless of the color temperature range and ultra brightness, you won’t notice any noticeable heat from the Key Light. Generally speaking, you could sweat like crazy at the end of a stream session or a call using traditional studio lighting. Therefore, the Key Lights will maintain an ideal color temperature and level of brightness for your face without producing direct heat in the particular way that other lights do.
This ensures that the Key Lights will not cause discomfort whether you use it during streaming or for long video conversations during your work-from-home sessions. The Key Light can also be utilized for various lighting applications, such as product photos, unboxings, and other content creation photography and videos that need diffused lighting from the standard studio.
From my experience, after dealing with various complicated and unsatisfactory lighting alternatives, I can confidently say that the Key Light is the most aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly option. The key light has an exceptional international plug design that powers it up simply. Moreover, it has a lengthy cable included, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding an appropriate place.
Should You Buy it?
Buy it if
✅You prioritize lighting quality: The Elgato Key Light MK.2 offers ultra-bright, dimmable lighting with outstanding quality and various color temperature options, enhancing content production significantly.
✅You want convenience and versatility: With wireless connectivity, intuitive control software, and sturdy, compact design, the Key Light MK.2 provides a hassle-free lighting solution adaptable to various streaming and content creation setups.
✅You value professional performance: Delivering bright, evenly diffused light with minimal heat output, the Key Light MK.2 ensures optimal lighting for long streaming sessions or video calls, enhancing your on-camera appearance.
Don’t Buy it if
❌You’re looking for a budget-friendly option: With its higher price compared to alternatives, the Elgato Key Light MK.2 may not be suitable for those seeking a more economical lighting solution.
❌You have limited placement options: Without a separate base for floor placement, the Key Light MK.2’s versatility in placement may be restricted, depending on your setup requirements.
❌You’re not committed to full-time content creation: If you’re not heavily invested in streaming, YouTubing, or other forms of content creation, the advanced features and performance of the Elgato Key Light MK.2 may be overkill for your needs, and you may be better off with a simpler, more affordable lighting solution.
Final Verdict
The Elgato Key Light is hard to beat in terms of convenient streaming lighting options. It is designed appropriately to handle various requirements for streamers and content creators to obtain the optimal lighting for your on-camera appearance. Even though some individuals may be unable to afford it due to the high cost, it is still an excellent choice. It would not disappoint you if you wanted a high-end light solution. It would provide an immediate visual boost to everything you do with content creation, whether it involves live streaming, making videos, or anything related.
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[How-To Guides Expert]
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