Govee continues to push boundaries with its range of smart lights, and the Neon Rope Light 2 stands out as a versatile option for lighting enthusiasts. Offering a flexible silicone build and improved mounting brackets, this light strip allows for unparalleled creativity in shaping various designs.
Available in 9.8 and 16.4-foot variations with black or white trim, the Neon Rope Light 2 features 70 LED segments on the higher-end model. It also supports an AI bot that generates custom lighting schemes, catering to the preferences of users. Additionally, the integration with Razer Chroma RGB enhances the gaming experience for enthusiasts.
While the Neon Rope Light 2 boasts impressive features, potential buyers may have concerns about the installation process. To address this, Game Rant received a sample of the longer version to test the ease of creating designs even for less experienced users.
Unboxing Experience
The Neon Rope Light 2 arrives in a sleek dark-themed box that showcases a design suggestion on the front, setting the tone for what's inside.
Inside the package, installers will find the Neon Rope Light 2 along with a controller box, power adapter, and brackets equipped with double-sided tape. For more permanent installations, screws and wall anchors are also included.
Installation Process
Prior to shaping the Neon Rope Light 2, it's essential to confirm its functionality. Once connected to power and detected by the Govee Home app, the setup can proceed.
Offering greater flexibility than traditional wall panel lights, the Neon Rope Light 2 opens up endless design options. The Govee app provides suggestions for utilizing the guiding brackets effectively, although some patterns may seem intricate. Users can either follow the provided patterns or create their unique designs, with the app assisting in mapping lighting effects accurately.
The latest version of the Neon Rope Light features more adaptable clips, simplifying the design process at ground level before transferring it to walls. While maneuvering larger shapes may pose a challenge, the brackets serve as useful reference points. Users must determine the required number of clips, which are available in different sizes. It's advisable to have extra double-sided tape on hand, as the adhesive loses effectiveness upon reapplication.
It's important to note that excess light strip cannot be trimmed, and daisy-chaining multiple kits is not supported.
During testing, a series of light bulbs was created using different colors for the top and base, resulting in a unique visual. The pliable nature of the light strip aids in shaping designs, although precision and vision are essential for successful outcomes.
Software Integration
Setting up the Neon Rope Light 2 in the Govee Home app is akin to configuring other Govee lights. While the initial connection is through Bluetooth, transitioning to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network is recommended for broader control. Matter compatibility expands the light's connectivity to various smart home ecosystems, enhancing its functionality.
The Govee Home app unlocks the full potential of the Neon Rope Light 2, offering numerous preset lighting effects across different categories. The DIY feature allows users to craft specific patterns on the 70 LED segments, while the mapping function aids in editing shapes accurately. The AI Lighting Bot suggests scenes based on user input or uploaded images, adding a personalized touch to the lighting experience.
However, occasional connectivity issues were noted during testing, with the app losing connection briefly before re-establishing it. While this is a common occurrence with smart lights, it was slightly more pronounced with the Neon Rope Light 2.
For users who prefer desktop control over mobile apps, the Govee Desktop software offers limited functionality but includes screen mirroring capabilities. Additionally, Chroma Connect syncs the Neon Rope Light 2 with Razer RGB peripherals, allowing for synchronized lighting effects.
Performance Evaluation
While visually similar to its predecessor, the Neon Rope Light 2 features a more pliable silicone material that, coupled with advanced software mapping, yields impressive results. The animations move in multiple directions, following intricate paths for engaging visuals.
Despite minor connectivity issues, the strip responded promptly to scene changes, with Google Home effectively controlling the lights. The RGBIC technology ensures vibrant and dynamic lighting across multiple segments.
The light strip's exterior diffuses light effectively, creating a concentrated glow that draws attention. While not intended to illuminate entire rooms, it offers ample brightness for accent lighting. The color accuracy is commendable, with subtle shifts in the palette easily distinguishable.
However, the absence of dedicated white components may limit its functionality compared to other lighting options. The Neon Rope Light 2 excels in color accuracy but falls short in providing distinct warm or cool white hues.
When integrated into a broader smart light setup, such as through the Govee Home app or DreamView, the Neon Rope Light 2 complements other lighting elements seamlessly.
Beyond gaming rooms, the Neon Rope Light 2 serves as versatile accent lighting for various spaces, adding a touch of ambiance. Its adaptability allows it to blend into different settings effortlessly, catering to diverse design preferences.
Final Thoughts
The Govee Neon Rope Light 2 emerges as a standout smart lighting solution, offering flexibility and creativity for users. The combination of a pliable light strip with guiding brackets allows for unique designs and enhanced aesthetics. Whether used to illuminate a gaming setup or enhance a living space, the Neon Rope Light 2 proves to be a versatile and durable lighting option.
While the flexibility of the Neon Rope Light 2 opens up exciting design possibilities, users may encounter limitations in replicating intricate shapes due to the inability to trim the light strip. Despite this constraint, the light strip offers innovative features at an affordable price point, making it a compelling choice for lighting enthusiasts.
Govee's commitment to introducing advanced features like Matter compatibility and AI technology enhances the overall user experience, positioning the Neon Rope Light 2 as a competitive smart lighting option. Though installation may require meticulous planning, the final result justifies the effort, making the Neon Rope Light 2 a valuable addition to any lighting setup.
Explore Similar Options
In the realm of smart lighting, alternatives to the Govee Neon Rope Light 2 include the Govee Neon Rope Light for Desks, Twinkly Flex, and Philips Hue Outdoor LED Light Strip, each offering unique features catering to diverse preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are rope lights or strip lights better?
Rope lights offer flexibility in shaping designs that strip lights lack, although strip lights are preferred for brighter and more practical illumination in various settings.
Q: Do rope lights generate heat?
While some rope lights may produce heat, modern LED rope lights like the Govee Neon Rope Light 2 are designed to be more energy-efficient and generate less heat for enhanced safety.
Q: How do you install rope lights?
Installation of rope lights typically involves mounting brackets with double-sided tape, ensuring a secure and seamless setup. Specialized options like the Govee Neon Rope Light for Desks offer adhesive along the entire strip for easy installation on different surfaces.