Comparison of desk lights and screen bars that are ideal for long autumn nights

As autumn deepens, the sun sets earlier and we have more time for desk work, reading, and playing games in the evening. At times like this, we often face eye strain.'' Staring at a high-intensity monitor in a dark room or having the light from a typical desk lamp reflect (glare) on the LCD screen is a major cause of overworking the eye's focusing muscles. The ultimate solution to this problem is the screen bar’’ (monitor light), which is hung on the top of the monitor and illuminates only your area evenly. In this article, we will explain the differences in optical design and points of comparison between major models from a scientific perspective.

Mechanism and importance of “asymmetric optical light distribution” that does not reflect on the screen

The decisive difference between an inexpensive bar-shaped LED light and a full-fledged screen bar lies in the light irradiation angle.'' An excellent screen bar uses an asymmetric optical design’’ that uses a precise reflector and lens design to illuminate only the diagonally downward direction in front of you (your hand and keyboard surface). Since no direct light hits the LCD panel, there is no blown out highlights or reflections on the screen, and the contrast of text can be maintained clearly. Furthermore, if you choose a product with a color rendering index (a number that indicates how close it is to natural light) of Ra95 or higher, you can see the original colors of documents and photos accurately, and you can avoid redness of your eyes even when working for long periods of time.

Comparison of representative models: Royal road “BenQ ScreenBar” vs. “cost performance-oriented model”

• BenQ ScreenBar Pro / Halo (high-end): BenQ, an industry pioneer, stands out for its uniform light distribution and automatic dimming accuracy. The top model “Halo” is also equipped with indirect lighting (backlight) on the back, which illuminates the wall and reduces the contrast ratio between the back of the monitor and the surrounding area, minimizing eye strain at night. Intuitive dimming operation with a separate wireless remote control is also extremely convenient.
• Xiaomi / Quntis / Baseus (Entry ~ Middle): High-cost performance machines that can be purchased starting from a few thousand yen are also evolving. It has basic asymmetric light distribution and can be easily operated with USB power supply. Although it is slightly inferior to BenQ in terms of uneven illumination around the hand and the weight balance of the mount, it is practical enough for entry-level users who want to save space on their desk and ensure brightness at hand.

Approaching the autonomic nervous system through color temperature control

A big advantage of Screen Bar is the ability to seamlessly switch between color temperatures. During the day when you are concentrating on data entry or programming, set the light to “cold light (5000K - 6500K)” to increase your alertness, and switch to “warm light (2700K - 3000K)” for 2 to 3 hours before bedtime to promote a smooth transition to sleep without interfering with melatonin secretion. A screen bar that doesn’t take up any installation space and provides a comfortable visual environment is the perfect investment to upgrade your desk environment this fall.