Key Light Family: Which Light Is Right for You

Good lighting helps your camera capture a cleaner, more natural image. But the right light depends on your setup: where the light will sit, how close it is to your face, and how much brightness you need.

Elgato’s Key Light family covers a range of desk and camera setups, and this guide will go over the benefits of each light.

If your light will sit close to your face, you may not need the brightest option. A compact light can work well for video calls, webcam use, and smaller desks.

If your light needs to sit farther away, you will want more output and a larger panel. That gives you more room to position the light, cover more of your face and upper body, and adjust brightness for different rooms or times of day.

A monitor-mounted light is easiest for laptops and small setups. A desk clamp gives you more control over placement. A taller mount helps when you need the light higher or farther from your camera.

Key Light Neo is the easiest choice if your camera is close and your setup needs to stay compact.

Choose Key Light Neo if you want:

• A compact light for video calls and webcam use
• Mounts to your monitor or laptop screen and takes up no desk surface space
• Up to 1000 lumens for close-range lighting
• Adjustable color temperature from 2900 to 7000 K
• Onboard controls for brightness and color temperature
• Control Center and Stream Deck support

Key Light Air MK.2 is the best fit if your desk is your main camera setup.

Choose Key Light Air MK.2 if you want:

• A mid-sized light for streaming, recording, and regular camera use
• Up to 2100 lumens from a larger 15-inch panel
• A desk clamp that keeps your desk surface clear
• Built-in touch controls for brightness, color temperature, and presets
• Control Center over USB-C or Wi-Fi, and Stream Deck support
• USB-C power from a computer, PD adapter, or battery bank
• MagSafe support for compatible holders and battery banks
• Optional Focus Grid for more precise light control

Key Light is the right choice when you need the most output and have room for a larger setup.

Choose Key Light if you want:

• 2800 lumens and a larger panel for more coverage
• A taller metal desk mount
• A light that can sit higher or farther from your camera
• Control Center and Stream Deck support
• A more permanent lighting position

The best light is the one that fits your actual setup. Key Light Neo keeps things compact. Key Light Air MK.2 gives most desk creators more room to adjust. Key Light delivers the most output for larger spaces.

Explore Elgato lighting on elgato.com.