At a glance
| Type | Lighting |
|---|---|
| Works With | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Stream Deck |
| Connect | Mains power, Wi-Fi control |
- Model Key Light
- Released 2018
ElgatoLast updated on November 2026
Elgato Key Light Review
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On this page
Overview
The Elgato Key Light is a larger, brighter LED panel than the Key Light Air, rated up to 2,800 lumens with 2,900 to 7,000 K colour temperature, mounted on a desk clamp pole and controlled over Wi-Fi.
- Up to 2,800 lumens
- 2,900 to 7,000 K colour range
- Desk clamp keeps the desk clear
- App and Stream Deck control
Key Takeaways
- Elgato's brightest desk panel
- Clamp pole mount
- Ideal as a key light at 1 to 2 m
Best For
- Creators
- Presenters
- Larger home offices
Avoid If
- Your desk is small and close to a wall
- You need USB power
Pros & Cons
The Key Light is the brighter, bigger sibling of the Key Light Air. It lights you evenly from further away, clamps to the desk edge and works with Stream Deck. Smaller desks are better served by the Air.
PROS
- Up to 2,800 lumens
- 2,900 to 7,000 K colour range
- Desk clamp keeps the desk clear
- App and Stream Deck control
CONS
- Large panel for small desks
- Mains power required
- Wi-Fi only control
Review Scores
Score Breakdown
8.5/10 Expert Score
- Primary Output Performance8.8/10
- Build & Desk Ergonomics8.3/10
- Software Suite & Automation8.9/10
- Universal Compatibility7.7/10
- Setup & Installation7.9/10
How this score is calculated
Each criterion is the weighted average of its available spec scores (0–10) from our Accessories scoring matrix. Empty specs are skipped, not scored as 0. The Expert Score is the weighted average of the scored criteria, shown out of 10; stars = Expert Score / 20, rounded to the nearest half star.
| Criterion | Weight | From specs | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Output PerformanceAccessory Type (Lighting, Mounts & Stands, Docks & Hubs, Capture, Backdrops, Other): Lighting → 7.0; Light Output: Up to 2,800 lumens → 9.3; Color Temperature: 2900–7000 → 9.6; Mount Type: Desk clamp with telescopic pole → 9.0; Height Adjustment: Yes (telescopic pole) → 10.0; Tilt / Swivel: Yes (ball joint) → 10.0; Key Features: 160 LEDs → 6.5; Materials: Aluminium frame → 8.0 | 40% | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| Build & Desk ErgonomicsMaterials: Aluminium frame → 8.5; Mount Type: Desk clamp with telescopic pole → 8.0 | 20% | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Software Suite & AutomationApp / Software Control: Yes → 10.0; Companion App: Elgato Control Center → 9.0; Key Features: 160 LEDs → 6.0 | 15% | 8.9 | 8.9 |
| Universal CompatibilityOS Support: Windows → 8.5; Connection: Mains power, Wi-Fi control → 6.0; Compatible Devices: Any webcam → 7.0 | 15% | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| Setup & InstallationPlug and Play: No (app setup) → 7.0; In the Box: Key Light → 9.0; Mount Type: Desk clamp with telescopic pole → 7.0; OS Support: Windows → 9.5 | 10% | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Expert Score | 8.5/10 | ||
Elgato Key Light Review
The Key Light was one of Elgato’s first lighting products, released in 2018 for streamers who needed soft, adjustable light. It became popular with remote workers once video calls became daily, and it remains the brightest model in Elgato’s desk panel range.
Primary Output Performance 8.8/10
- Type Lighting
- Light Up to 2,800 lumens
- Color Temp 2900–7000
- Mount Desk clamp with telescopic…
Build & Desk Ergonomics 8.3/10
- Materials Aluminium frame
- Mount Desk clamp with telescopic…
Software Suite & Automation 8.9/10
- App Yes
- App Elgato Control Center
- Features 160 LEDs
Universal Compatibility 7.7/10
- OS Windows
- Connect Mains power, Wi-Fi control
Setup & Installation 7.9/10
- Plug & Play No (app setup)
- In Box Key Light
- Mount Desk clamp with telescopic…
- OS Windows
Full Specifications
General
| Best For | Bright, even light for creators and presenters |
|---|---|
| Accessory Type (Lighting, Mounts & Stands, Docks & Hubs, Capture, Backdrops, Other) | Lighting |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Brand Compatibility | Any webcam |
| Use Case | Key light for calls and recording |
Compatibility
| Works With | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Stream Deck |
|---|---|
| Connection | Mains power, Wi-Fi control |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS (Control Center), iOS and Android app |
| Plug and Play | No (app setup) |
Features
| Key Features | 160 LEDs, up to 2,800 lumens, 2,900–7,000 K, clamp pole |
|---|---|
| Adjustable | Yes |
| App / Software Control | Yes |
| Power | Mains adapter |
| Height Adjustment | Yes (telescopic pole) |
| Tilt / Swivel | Yes (ball joint) |
| Light Output | Up to 2,800 lumens |
| Color Temperature | 2900–7000 |
| Mount Type | Desk clamp with telescopic pole |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) |
| Companion App | Elgato Control Center |
Design & Build
| Materials | Aluminium frame |
|---|
In the Box
| In the Box | Key Light, desk clamp, pole, power adapter |
|---|
Identifiers
| Model Number | Key Light |
|---|
Product Details
| Brand | Elgato |
|---|---|
| Model | Key Light |
| Model number | Key Light |
| Release year | 2018 |
Price Comparison
| Store | Price | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Elgato.comOfficial Elgato store | See price | View deal (opens in a new tab) |
The Verdict
I’d pick the Key Light if you sit back from your desk, present or record videos and want plenty of light in reserve. For a compact desk, the Key Light Air MK.2 is enough.
FAQs
How bright is the Elgato Key Light?
Up to 2,800 lumens.
What colour temperatures does it cover?
2,900 K to 7,000 K.
How does it mount?
On a telescopic pole with a desk clamp.
How do I control it?
With Control Center on Windows or macOS, the mobile app or Stream Deck.
Does it need Wi-Fi?
Yes for app control. It uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Can it run on USB power?
No. It uses a mains power adapter.
How does it differ from the Key Light Air?
It is larger and brighter, and it uses a clamp pole rather than a desk stand.
Do I need two?
One is enough for most calls. Two give a more even, studio-like look.
