I have had a few monitor light bars over the years. The big change has been the addition of presence sensing so it knows when to turn off. So how does the new Quntis 3-Stage Foldable Desk Lamp Studio change the game?
This light bar is a bit different to what I have been used to.
Design and Setup Overview
It turns out that the latest Quntis monitor LED departs from the tried and true design.
For starters, it does not mount on top of your monitor anymore.
It comes more like a monitor stand configuration – desk edge C-clamp, a two part riser and the LED model itself.
There is a power component running through the riser and into the LED module.
Power to the unit is a DC barrel connector near the bottom of the riser, no USB-C in sight unfortunately.
You will see the plugs. not unlike a 3.5mm jack. Just line up the bits and connect the dots.
The top part of the riser pivots forward to bring the LED over your monitor. As such, the LED does not actually clamp to the bezel. It just … hovers over it.
Real-World Performance and Versatility
The key part of the Quntis 3-Stage Foldable Desk Lamp Studio is that the setup is not restricted to the monitor itself.
By that I mean, with the desk clamp, you can position the light anywhere. It is super versatile.
Have a two monitor set up? Set up the LED in between the two monitors. The 82cm width is enough to give coverage on both.
Curved monitor? The rotating joints and three parts will help you position it flexibly.
In my case, I have two monitors – one in landscape mode, one in portrait mode, and the laptop screen itself. I have positioned the LED bar over the central monitor. One part of the LED is extended over my laptop. The other arm is brought forward to cast light over my work area in front of me.
The last point was the one thing my old monitor light bar set up didn’t offer – an ability to give me that coverage in the space right in front of me. Sometimes it has another laptop, other times I have paperwork there.
Controls are set both on the light itself, and also via a wireless puck.
On the light bar, there is power, brightness, temperature. and back light.
The wireless puck adds the presence sensing radar, and lighting mode.
Lighting mode allows you to choose which of the three LEDs light up:
- all
- center only
- sides only
The radar motion sensor detect movements within 60±10cm in diameter around the LED bar, and will automatically turn the LED off after 5 minutes of no movement.
I have cover this in an earlier review. Radar requires some physical movement to detect presence. If you are sitting really still and not doing anything, it treats you as away. Radar is not sensitive enough to detect breathing as movement. Not an issue if you are say, sitting very still but actively typing.
Key Features and Specifications
The maximum useable height is rated at 78cm. I have no issues with my 24″ monitor in portrait mode. In fact I could position my monitor higher if I want to.
The brightness peaks at 1100 lux within a 100 x 180 cm oval. Note that this is lux, a standardised unit of measurement of light level intensity – “illuminance” It is not the same unit as lumens or watts.
For 100cm spherical radius, it works out equivalent to a little over 150W if you work off the old light globe scale. That’s pretty bright!
Stepless brightness and temperature control is managed by long pressing the respective buttons, otherwise short presses will cycle through five different levels.
There is a back light that runs up the riser pole which can be turned on and off independently.
Downsides and Limitations
There are a couple of thoughts.
The back light always automatically turns on when the main LEDs are turned on – whether it is from a cold start, or resume with radar sensing.
I would have liked it to remember the setting as it has gotten me in trouble a few times. That light in my setup points at the couch. And if my partner is sitting in the dark watching TV, and I have to keep remembering to turn it off.
The use of a DC power plug is disappointing. I prefer everything to be either USB-C or kettle cords at this point in time.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Quntis 3-Stage Foldable Desk Lamp Studio is not without it’s quirks, but as a whole? It is a pretty sweet set up.
I have been a big fan monitor light bars, they really do help with eye strain when I spend some much time working in front of the monitors.
With this one, I like the versatile positioning – both the overall unit, as well as the three stage LED.
The complaints are not deal breakers, but the backlight automatically turning on is an annoyance.
If you are looking for a monitor LED bar, Quntis has a variety of affordable ones. This one has a RRP A$125.19 on their website, or a little cheaper at A$109.99 on Amazon Au.
DRN would like to thank Quntis for providing the review unit.
