Elgato and streaming lighting—they’ve gone hand in hand for years. Now the manufacturer has reimagined its popular Key Light Air. And it’s been revamped so thoroughly that really only the name remains the same: the compact 20-centimeter panel with a stand has been replaced by a 15-inch panel with a table clamp, while the brightness has increased from 1,400 to up to 2,100 lumens. It also features touch controls on the device and flexible USB power delivery, and to complement this, Elgato is introducing the Focus Grid—the first light modifier for the Air series. Officially, the new version is called the Key Light Air MK.2. In our Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 review, we take a closer look at the new panel and its honeycomb grid. The spec sheet reveals one drawback: To achieve full brightness, the light requires a sufficiently powerful power source, yet a power adapter is not included in the standard package.
Technical Specifications for the Elgato Key Light Air MK.2
| Product | Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 + Focus Grid |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Edge-lit LED panel (15 inches) for desktop mounting |
| Brightness | Up to 2,100 lumens, depending on the power source |
| Color Temperature | 2,900 to 7,000 K, continuously adjustable |
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) | over 94% |
| Power consumption | up to 30 W |
| Power supply | USB-C port, PD-compatible power adapter, or PD-compatible power bank; power adapter not included |
| Control | Touch controls with presets, Control Center via USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, Stream Deck support |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth, USB |
| Mounting | Table clamp (60–88 cm height), 3× 1/4-inch threads, MagSafe ring |
| Dimensions / Weight | 319 × 207 × 33 mm, 735 g (panel only) |
| What’s Included | Panel, USB-C cable (250 cm), desk mount with clamp, quick start guide |
| Price (at the time of testing) | €149.99; Creative Bundle with Focus Grid: €164.99 (on the manufacturer’s website) |
Package Contents & Setup
Elgato has been promoting its nearly plastic-free packaging for some time now—according to the company, the rate is 95 percent. In our experience, the reality actually exceeds the advertising: Cardboard holds the parts in place, and even the panel and small parts are enclosed in paper and lightweight cardboard sleeves. No plastic as far as the eye can see. The commitment to sustainability extends to the device itself: According to the nameplate, half of the housing is made from recycled material.
The Key Light Air box contains:
- Key Light Air MK.2 (LED panel)
- Table mount with clamp
- USB-C-to-USB-C cable (250 cm)
- Quick Start Guide
The Focus Grid comes separately in a flat cardboard box with its own quick start guide. However, a power adapter is not included in the standard package. For our test, Elgato therefore provided us with the compatible P30 power adapter separately. Anyone who purchases the Key Light Air MK.2 and does not yet own a USB-C PD power adapter with sufficient power output will need to order one separately. To achieve full brightness, the power source should provide at least 30 watts. Furthermore, since only a USB-C-to-USB-C cable is included, older USB-A power adapters cannot be connected without an additional cable.
Setup follows a simple principle: Screw the clamp to the edge of the desk, insert the telescoping rod, attach the panel, and you’re done. There was one limitation with our height-adjustable desk: Because of the rail under the tabletop, the clamp doesn’t quite fit there. That’s not a big deal, though—the contact surface is large enough, and the assembly sits securely without wobbling. If you have a desk with a base frame, you should still quickly check the edge beforehand. One well-thought-out detail stands out during adjustment: A centimeter scale is printed on the rod. Once you’ve found your desired height, you can use it to restore that exact setting at any time—for example, after moving the desk or rearranging your space.
What’s new? Almost everything
The name says it all: The MK.2 has little in common with the old Key Light Air from 2020. The panel has grown from a 20.5-centimeter edge length to a 15-inch diagonal—that is, 38 cm—while the brightness has jumped from 1,400 to up to 2,100 lumens. This brings the Air class close to the larger Key Light, which we’ve already tested with its 2,800 lumens.
The second major change concerns the mounting, as the predecessor’s freestanding base has been replaced by a table clamp with a telescoping rod. This saves space on the desk and positions the light higher above the camera. Third, the light finally works without an app: A touch control panel on the device allows for quick adjustments directly on the panel, whereas with the predecessor, the Control Center app was the only option.
The fourth new feature is the flexible USB-C power supply. The MK.2 can be powered via a USB-C port, a PD power adapter, or a PD power bank, making it significantly more portable than the previous Key Light Air and the larger Key Light. However, there’s one important catch: The brightness depends directly on the power source. Elgato breaks this down transparently:
| Power Source | Brightness |
|---|---|
| 27 W or higher (e.g., P30 power adapter) | approx. 2,100 lumens (100%) |
| 20 W or higher | approx. 1,270 lumens (80%) |
| 15 W and up | approx. 750 lumens (60%) |
| 7.5 W and up | approx. 400 lumens (40%) |
| less than 7.5 W | approx. 180 lumens (20%) |
We also experienced just how seriously Elgato takes this tiered system. When plugged directly into our computer’s USB port, the app limited the light to 20 percent—that is, 180 lumens. According to Elgato’s table, this level corresponds to a power supply of less than 7.5 watts; and from 7.5 watts onward, around 400 lumens are expected. At least the app communicates this with exemplary transparency, displaying the notice—including the limitation—right on the screen. The good news: A special Elgato power adapter isn’t strictly necessary. So if you own a modern PD charger with sufficient wattage, you might be able to skip buying the P30 altogether.
On the other hand, the new range of connection options is a welcome improvement: The app can be controlled via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or directly via USB. Wi-Fi pairing, in particular, was a frequent source of errors with the previous model.
And the back offers several mounting options. There are three 1/4-inch threads to choose from: one in the center for the included rod, and two more along the bottom edge for tripods or alternative mounts. There’s also a MagSafe ring there for magnetic mounts. So if you want to mount the panel away from the desk clamp, you have plenty of options.
Control Center & Stream Deck: The Ecosystem
As usual, the light is controlled via Elgato’s Control Center app for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. There, you can continuously adjust brightness and color temperature, and the software also allows you to centrally group multiple lights. But the real standout feature is the Stream Deck integration. Turn the light on, increase the brightness, switch presets—all of these actions are assigned to physical buttons. Anyone already part of the Elgato ecosystem can seamlessly integrate the new Air. Setup was really straightforward for us. The Control Center app finds the light via Bluetooth, after which you enter the Wi-Fi password once. That’s all it takes to pair it. There’s no trace of the Wi-Fi frustrations we experienced with the previous model. The Bluetooth step in between eliminates the need for the old setup procedure. There’s also a dedicated Wi-Fi button on the back for wireless pairing.
First impression: Lights on
In terms of build quality, Elgato stays true to its style: Everything fits together neatly and nothing creaks. Despite its size, the panel is surprisingly light, which works to the advantage of the mechanism, as the rod and hinge hold it effortlessly in any position. But things really get exciting once you turn it on. The edge-lit panel delivers a wide, soft light with no individual LEDs showing through. Instead, the multi-layer diffusion distributes the brightness evenly across the entire surface, so there are no visible hotspots.
And this surface really packs a punch. The 2,100 lumens make a statement: at full brightness, the Air easily illuminates even larger desk setups, while a fraction of that is sufficient for a typical video call. In between, the brightness can be finely adjusted to suit the situation. The same applies to the color temperature, which ranges from warm white to cool daylight white: from a cozy evening stream to an office-style setup, anything is possible.
The touch panel also does its job well. You can adjust the brightness and color temperature directly on the panel using the touch surfaces. The controls respond reliably, making the app unnecessary for quick adjustments. This is especially convenient for anyone who turns on the light spontaneously for a video call—it saves you from having to reach for your smartphone.
However, the most important test is—and always will be—looking through the webcam. When you turn on the Key Light Air, the image changes significantly: The face is illuminated more evenly, image noise visibly decreases, and the camera no longer has to compensate as much electronically for the lack of brightness. It is precisely this difference that demonstrates just how much the right lighting can improve image quality during streaming or video calls.
Focus Grid: The Honeycomb Grid for Directional Light
Let’s move on to the most exciting part of our Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 review: the accessories. The Focus Grid is a honeycomb-structured light modifier that Elgato is offering for the first time in the Air series. Such grids are familiar from the world of photography and video, as they concentrate the light in one direction and reduce stray light to the sides.
The grid is also a first: With the Focus Grid, Elgato is offering its own light modifier for the Air series for the first time. According to the packaging, the grid is compatible exclusively with the MK.2, meaning owners of older models are left out.
Installation is simple, as the flexible grid attaches magnetically to the panel and stays securely in place as soon as it’s placed on top. It can be removed just as quickly when you want to switch it out. In practice, the Grid noticeably alters the light. The area behind and to the side of the light remains significantly darker, while the light is concentrated on the face. Anyone looking directly at the light is also less likely to be dazzled. However, some brightness is lost through the grid. With 2,100 lumens to spare, however, that’s a minor sacrifice.
The grid is particularly interesting for anyone who streams and lives in the same room. Less stray light means less glare on the walls, fewer reflections on the monitor, and a calmer overall environment. On the other hand, if you want to use the entire room as a soft light source, simply leave the grid off.
Who will benefit from this setup?
The target audience is broader than the “streaming” label might suggest. Sure, streamers and YouTubers are the core clientele—for them, a key light is a must-have anyway. But anyone who regularly participates in video calls will benefit just as much. The difference between a ceiling light and a directional key light is just as noticeable in a Teams meeting as it is on Twitch. And thanks to USB and power bank operation, the new Air even works as a portable light for shoots away from your desk.
The Focus Grid, on the other hand, is aimed at a more specialized group. If you’re streaming from a corner of your living room and want to keep the rest of the room dark, this is the right tool for you. Depending on how you position it, it can also reduce reflections on monitors or eyeglass lenses. Casual callers, on the other hand, can save themselves the extra cost.
Where does the new Air fit in?
With its upgrade to 15 inches and 2,100 lumens, the new Air slots in between the previous models. The large Elgato Key Light from our test remains the flagship for maximum brightness at 2,800 lumens. The new Air counters with touch controls, USB operation, and the optional Focus Grid—features that the larger model doesn’t offer. Elgato has already discontinued the old Key Light Air. So, anyone wavering between the two Key Light sizes will now be choosing between raw brightness and modern features.
A practical tip for buyers: Retailers are likely to still have some remaining stock of the old Key Light Air from 2020 for a while, so the quickest way to check is to look for the “MK.2” suffix—though “15 inches” or “2,100 lumens” will also indicate the new version. If it says “1,400 lumens” and has a freestanding base, it’s the old model in your shopping cart, which is why it’s worth taking a second look—especially with supposed bargains. At the time of testing, Elgato also offers the MK.2 as a “Lights only” version without a mount, while it’s also available in bundles with the Focus Grid or a power adapter.
Conclusion of the Elgato Key Light Air MK.2 Review
The new version of the Key Light Air is much more than just a facelift; with a larger panel, more light, touch controls, USB power, and—for the first time—a matching light shaper, Elgato has made improvements in all the right places. In our test, the soft, wide-area light was particularly impressive, but the new flexibility in mounting and power supply also stood out positively. The Focus Grid further rounds out the package—especially for those who want to direct their light precisely rather than flood the room. However, there is one significant criticism regarding the contents of the package: The standard package does not include a power adapter. The P30 power adapter used for our test was sent to us separately by Elgato and must therefore be purchased separately.
PROS
- Brightness up to 2,100 lumens
- Flexible USB-C power with PD support
- Touch controls directly on device without requiring app
- Desk clamp saves space and enables variable height
- Nearly plastic-free packaging at 95 percent
- Versatile connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB
CONS
- Only approximately 400 lumens available via computer USB
- Additional P30 power adapter must be purchased separately
Conclusion
The Key Light Air MK.2 is a well-thought-out upgrade from its predecessor, featuring significantly increased light output, flexible USB power delivery, and a clever desk clamp. A clear recommendation for streamers and creators—though you should order the power adapter right away.
