Features
- Range of colors : 2900 to 7000K, adjustable CRI >94%
- Brightness: 800 lumens, dimmable
- Refill: USB-C, fast charging up to 3A, 5V
- Dimensions: 147 x 100 x 17mm
- Weight : 300g
- Supported encryption protocol: WPA2+AES, WPA+TKIP/AES
- WIRELESS : 2.4GHz/5GHz, 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Power consumption : 15W Max
- Battery : 3.7V, 4000mAh LiPo
- Software : Elgato Control Center (StreamDeck compatible)
- Price : €99.99 (Current promotion €79.99)
Packaging
Here’s what to expect when you unbox:
- Key Light Mini
- USB-C to USB-A cable (200cm)
- Quick User Guide
Frame
As its name suggests, the Key Light Mini is a pocket size. It holds easily in hand while its featherweight will not be restrictive. The metal chassis holds up well and doesn’t bend or twist in your hand to keep the device rigid, yet mobile. The latter offers beautiful finishes that come together with the rear design, linking non-slip pads and textured appearance that are not lacking in charm.
All the buttons as well as the reset and the power supply are located on the left side of the product. We count a wheel with a + and – as well as an on/off button. They do not denature the product and know how to remain discreet while remaining close at hand.
Finally, the case is magnetic on its back side. This technology is effective in filling the absence of an assembly system, requiring manual and mobile use. Take advantage of lighting fixed on a steel wall. note that not all metals are sensitive to magnetization and we advise you to stay alert before leaving your Key Light Mini on a surface. Finally, the entire rear area is not magnetic, but only certain ideally distributed points.
Ergonomics
Easy to handle thanks to its small size, the Key Light Mini is nomadic and versatile. The buttons require some dexterity to be engaged, but it’s only a matter of time. Note however that, apart from the magnetism to fix the Key Light on a metal surface, no support is available in the packaging requiring you, for example, to hold your camera and the Key Light.
Note however that a thread is located on the underside in order to mount it on a camera or suitable support provided you have the connector.
In addition, if you still want to use it in a fixed format, you will have to pay a little extra money to purchase the fixing elements that we advise you to take from Elgato with the Multi-Mounts to promote compatibility. Finally, it is possible to use the functionalities on the fly, through the buttons on the side, or to use the software Elgato Control Center available on PC and mobile.
Features
Only
Alone or in duo, the Key Light Mini will shed light on most of your situations. Although she has a Lumen (light intensity) lower than the entire range, it is no less efficient. To overcome this weakness, it suffices to bring the light source closer to your lens or use a higher brightness.
For this, the adjustment wheel will be useful to you. The latter also allows, when clicked, to change customization to modify the light temperature and navigate between cold and hot.
The advantage of such a product is that it is almost limited only to your imagination. Brightness is a crucial point for image capture, whether photos or videos. Nevertheless, the play of shadow and light can prove to be just as useful and effective. Whatever your objective (photo) the Key Light Mini will fill in some gaps, despite the lack of fasteners.
With StreamDeck or mobile app
The ecosystem Elgato still remains exceptional. All of the products are interconnected and the manufacturer is improving it over time. In fact, with one click you can find out the battery status of the Key Light Mini, change its temperature or its brightness. You will still need to connect them initially, which can be tedious depending on your PC or mobile.
This was about the complementarity with Elgato Control Centerbut it is also possible to couple with the StreamDeck. The latter offers very practical shortcuts, allowing you to configure your lights according to your desires or needs, provided you make all the presets.
Autonomy
Starting from the principle that the Key Light Mini either a nomadic or backup solution, reduced durability was to be expected. That being said, announced with 4 hours of battery life for 50% brightness (which is more than enough), they allow quite long sessions of use. Let’s say they last 2 hours at 100%you don’t need more to make a photo session or enjoy temporary lighting.
Bonus, the battery level is directly visible on the rear area of the product, while the latter can be used plugged in. Note that the manufacturer offers a Studio mode which allows the battery to be bypassed when using the product in direct power, in order to extend its life. This feature only works on the Elgato Control Center and if the Key Light Mini is fed.
Light Elgato what to choose?
The Key Light Elgato family continues to grow and the choice can be difficult. Here is how to quickly decide (find our test articles by clicking on the desired product):
- Key Light Mini: for those who want a Nomadic Key Light. No basic support and only 800 lumens. Application available via PC or mobile + StreamDeck compatible or on the product. Price: €99
- Key Light Air : more mobile than the classic Key Light, the Air is mounted on stand and pole to allow you to position it as you wish on a flat surface. 1400 Lumens. Application available via PC or mobile + StreamDeck compatible. Price: €129
- Key Light: flagship product of the brand with 2800 lumens. It hangs on your desk with a clamp and has a larger lighting surface. Application available via PC or mobile + StreamDeck compatible. Price: €199
- Ring Light: the glowing circle as you may see or recognize it in many influencers. Gives an interesting visual effect while offering to integrate a camera or mobile in its central area. Be careful however, the product takes up a lot of space and the brightness requires time to adapt. Effective alone, it will be necessary to find a suitable place. 2500 Lumens. Application available via PC or mobile + StreamDeck compatible or on the product. Price: €199
