Choosing Your Gear

Key Light Air MK.2 vs Key Light Air: What's the difference?

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Key Light Air made it easy to add soft desk lighting to a camera setup. Key Light Air MK.2 keeps that idea but updates nearly every aspect of the experience: brightness, panel size, power, controls, mounting, and setup flexibility.

If you already own Key Light Air, this guide helps you decide whether Key Light Air MK.2 is worth the upgrade. If you are choosing a light today, Key Light Air is legacy hardware, while Key Light Air MK.2 is the current, improved model.

At a glance

Feature Key Light Air Key Light Air MK.2
Status Legacy hardware Current model
Panel size 205 x 205 mm 319 x 207 mm
Brightness 1400 lm Up to 2100 lm
CRI > 92% > 94%
Power Included power adapter USB-C from computer, adapter, or battery bank
Controls Wi-Fi Wi-Fi, USB-C, touch controls
Mounting Weighted base with telescopic pole Desk clamp with telescopic ball mount and height markings
MagSafe No Yes
Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Focus Grid No Optional available

Key Light Air is now legacy hardware and no longer manufactured. It can still work in its supported hardware and software configuration, but it is not the current model.

More brightness and a larger panel

Key Light Air MK.2 reaches up to 2100 lumens, compared with 1400 lumens on Key Light Air. That gives you more light to work with if your room is darker, your light sits farther away, or you want more flexibility without running at full brightness.

The panel is also larger. Key Light Air uses a 205 x 205 mm square panel, while Key Light Air MK.2 uses a 319 x 207 mm rectangular panel. The larger surface gives you broader, softer coverage for desk video, streaming, recording, and calls.

USB-C power instead of a fixed adapter setup

Key Light Air uses an included power adapter. Key Light Air MK.2 moves to USB-C power, so you can connect it to your computer, a PD-compatible adapter, or a PD-compatible battery bank.

For everyday desk use, connecting to your computer can provide enough brightness for many setups. For full 2100-lumen output, use a PD-compatible adapter or battery bank rated 30 W or higher.

Important: P30 Power Supply is sold separately. When buying from elgato.com, it is free at checkout, but it is not included in the box and is not available through other retailers.

More ways to control your light

Key Light Air relies on Wi-Fi control. Key Light Air MK.2 gives you more ways to adjust and shape your light.

Use the built-in touch controls to change brightness, adjust color temperature, or recall one of two saved presets directly from the panel. For software control, connect through Control Center over USB-C or Wi-Fi. Stream Deck control is supported too.

Key Light Air MK.2 also supports Focus Grid, an optional magnetic accessory that narrows the light’s spread for more precise control. Use it when you want less spill, a darker background, or a more directed look.

Together, these updates make Key Light Air MK.2 easier to use in more places, including setups where Wi-Fi is unreliable, unavailable, or restricted.

A cleaner, more flexible setup

Key Light Air uses a weighted base with a telescopic ball mount. Key Light Air MK.2 includes a desk clamp with a telescopic ball mount.

The clamp attaches to most desks up to 6 cm thick and helps keep your desk surface clear. The ball mount lets you tilt and rotate the light, while numbered height markings make it easier to return to the same position each session.

Key Light Air MK.2 also includes three 1/4-inch threads, so it can work with standard mounting systems like Multi Mount.

In addition, Key Light Air MK.2 adds a MagSafe-compatible ring on the back. That lets you snap it onto compatible holders or battery banks when you want to move between setups. This is useful if you want to move your light from your main desk to another filming spot, or pair it with a PD-compatible battery bank for a more portable setup.

Should you upgrade from Key Light Air?

Upgrade to Key Light Air MK.2 if you want a light that fits better into a modern desk setup. The biggest improvements are not just about brightness. They are about everyday use: easier control, more flexible power, cleaner mounting, and more ways to move or position your light.

You can keep using Key Light Air if it already gives you enough light, you are happy with Wi-Fi control, and the weighted base still works for your desk.

Explore Key Light Air MK.2 on elgato.com.

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