BYB E430 LED Architect Lamp Review

We purchased the BYB E430 LED Lamp so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

Swing arm lamps (or architect lamps) feature multiple arms and joints for when you need to light up specific areas of a worktable. Modern architect lamps like the BYB E430 feature LED panels that are easier to adjust than ever. We were very impressed with the overall design and lighting capabilities of the E430, though its price tag may keep many at arm’s length.

Design: Durable, attractive, and malleable

The E430 lamp features two 16-inch interlocking swing arms along with a 10-inch LED light panel that has 144 LEDs. The silver aluminum and zinc alloy frame is durable and flexible in all the right places. Both the cord and tension wire neatly tuck inside each arm frame to stay out of the way. The C-clamp supports desks up to 2.5 inches thick, tightly and easily securing to any edge surface.

The swing arms, together with the rotating base, provide an impressive range of motion. With the bottom arm screwed into the clamp, the entire lamp can rotate 120 degrees. You can also remove the screw to gain full 360-degree swivel. Even with the screw in place, the large lamp feels a bit loose, though it was never in danger of falling out, thanks to the one inch of metal that’s inserted into the clamp.

The large swing arms allow for multiple configurations of height and distance from the clamp base. You can get a height of about 34 inches and a length of 31 inches from the clamp to the start of the lamp head. The lamp head can also swivel horizontally (270 degrees), vertically (200 degrees), and diagonally (120 degrees) though we found diagonal movement very slow and difficult.

The manual also warns against excessively rotating the lamp head. The lamp head can be easily tightened into the desired angle by hand using a knob connecting the lamp head to the second arm. The two arms can also be tightened to lock them into a certain position, requiring the use of the included Allen wrench.

Setup Process: Pre-assembled and includes all the tools

The E430 LED Lamp comes pre-assembled and neatly folded in the box. The C-clamp, which comes packaged in a rather ostentatious cloth bag, should be installed first to the desired table edge and carefully tightened. The lamp is then easily inserted into the hole on the clamp. A tiny screw can be tightened by hand to prevent the lamp from being pulled out, and lock it into a swivel range of about 120 degrees. We found the screw to be entirely optional as the lamp fit snugly into the clamp with no fear of coming out. This also opens the swivel range to a full 360 degrees.

By default, the first arm is locked into a certain angle and needs to be loosened with the included Allen wrench. Differently sized Allen wrenches for the other arm are also included. After finding the desired angles the arms can be tightened again. Thanks to the tension wire, we found a sweet spot where the arms were fully movable by hand, while also remaining in place no matter which position we left them in. The exception was the LED panel, which needs to be tightened via the knob on the arm.

A power switch dangles loosely from the base of the swing arm, powering the entire lamp off, or putting it in standby. The lamp is primarily turned off and on via the touch button on the top of the LED panel. Unless the power switch is clicked off, the touchscreen buttons for power and lighting modes emit a soft blue light.

Color Temperature and Brightness: Four temperatures and six brightness levels

The BYB E430 can instantly switch between four different lighting modes using a touch button on the top of the LED panel: 3200K, 4200K, 5200K, and 6200K. The lowest lighting option provides a warm amber light that’s easier on the eyes when in an otherwise pitch-black room. The full 6200K mode results in a brilliantly pure white color. Light modes are switched using a single button, meaning you have to cycle through them each time you want to change.

Additionally, each mode can be dimmed using the touchscreen bar to slide to six different levels of brightness. The touchscreen slider was very responsive and easy to use. When adjusting all the way up or down, the light takes a second or two to catch up to the proper level. The E430 also comes with a memory function that remembers the exact lighting mode and brightness level that it was left at, even when the power switch is clicked off.

We were more than satisfied with the lighting options and easy-to use-touchscreen controls. We did find it mildly annoying that the controls are located on the top of the LED head, however, forcing us to either stretch above it to make lighting adjustments, or swing the arm down.

Smart Light Options: Minimal design lacks advanced features

For a premium desk lamp, the BYB E430 LED Lamp is sadly lacking in any digital or advanced features, save for a memory function that remembers its last mode and brightness level. We appreciated the minimal touchscreen design on the LED head, but would’ve preferred individual buttons for each mode, rather than a single button to cycle through them.

Price: Expensive for what you get

With an MSRP of $249 listed on the manufacturer’s website, the E430 LED Lamp by Byblight is a premium product best suited to business professionals. Even at its more commonly discounted price of around $100 - $120, the E430 is still among the more expensive desktop lamps you can buy. We were impressed with the physical quality and craftsmanship, but at that price, we would’ve preferred to see some additional built-in features.

Competition: High-end challengers

Even among swing arm lamps, the BYB E430 is among the most expensive options you can find. The Phive CL-1 offers a similar adjustable swing arm design for half the cost. However, when compared to the similarly priced Youkoyi A509, the E430 blows it out of the water with its vastly superior design and lighting options.