Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 1 vs. Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 2 – A detailed comparison

Network and device management requires devices that are quick and easy to manage, and these two gadgets promise exactly that. So, which one of the two does a better job than the other?

Often times, institutions find themselves handling multiple internet enabled devices over the same network. Managing each one can be something of a challenge, and this is why it is imperative to get a device that can do the management for you. The Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen1 and Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 are two gadgets tasked with helping you stay up to par with each device or camera without worry. Seeing as both are used in the same field, it would not make sense to get both. So, which one of the two is better and why?

What are the differences between the Ubiquiti Unifi Cloud Key Gen1 and the Ubiquiti Unifi Cloud Key Gen2?

Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 1 vs. Cloud Key Gen 2 – How do they compare?

Design and Build

Even though these two devices are from the same seller, their designs are as different as they are unique. The Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen1 is a small device that is rectangular in shape. The outer casing is made using rigid plastic, giving it ideal longevity and keeping it from breaking in case it drops accidentally. The most convenient aspect of its size is the ease of installation since it requires very little space. You will notice that it lacks a display panel and only comes with one LED indicator light.

On the other hand, the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 is a significantly larger device as compared to its predecessor. It is a rectangular device whose front panel is fitted with a display panel. This allows you to keep tabs on all parameters regarding the devices being managed. For strength and durability, the outer casing is made using anodized aluminum. This makes resistant to breakage in case of a fall. When compared to the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen1, this device is significantly larger, meaning that it would require more installation space.

The Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 is a better device than the Ubiquiti Unifi Cloud Key Gen1 since it has an anodized aluminum body and it also comes with a display panel.

Overall Performance

As earlier mentioned, the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen1 and Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 are made to help persons and institutions manage devices which run on a Ubiquiti network.

The Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 1 is a device that runs on a powerful Quad Core SOC processor which allows it to handle multiple devices at the same time. In addition, it has a 2GB DDR memory that works along with the processor to bring it to its optimal performance. For storage, it presents a 16GB internal memory which is not exactly the best, but it works quite well none the less. Unlike recent models that are fitted with a large expandable hard drive, this particular one lacks this feature.

On the other hand, the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 2 depends on a powerful 2.0GHz ARM CPU, 8-Core processor to operate. With this feature, it is able to handle up to 50 devices at any one given time. A 3GB RAM also works alongside this processor to make sure that the device is at the top of its performance at all times. For memory, this device comes with an eMMC internal memory of 32GB. Just like the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 1, this cloud key device lacks an internal hard drive for extra storage. However, as a bonus, this device is able to support speeds which average an impressive 400Mbps.

The Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 2 makes a better device than the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 1 since it has a better processor and a larger memory that supports better performance.

Power and Connectivity

For power, the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 1 uses an 802.3af PoE switch. However, since these are not available to everyone, you can use a Micro-USB 5V as an alternative. Keep in mind that the Ubiquiti Unifi Cloud Key Gen1 lacks an in-built battery, meaning that it has to be connected to a power source at all times to operate. On the top of this device, there is one 10/100/1000 ethernet port for connections.

Just like its counterpart, the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 2 also depends on an 802.3af PoE switch. In case you do not have this, you can use a USB type C cable for powered connection. It also needs to be connected to a power outlet all through since it lacks an in-built battery for support in case power goes out. For connectivity, this gadget is fitted with a 10/100/1000 ethernet port on its back panel.

Connecting the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen1 to power is much easier than connecting the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 since USB type C cables are more readily available, and this makes it the better device.

Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen 1 vs. Cloud Key Gen 2 – A comparison Overview

Ubiquiti Unifi Cloud Key Gen1 Overview

Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud Key (UC-CK),White

• Secure UniFi Hybrid Cloud Technology.
• Fully Integrated, Stand-Alone UniFi Controller Hardware.

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Measuring in at0.85 x 1.71 x 4.80 inches, this device is considerably small when compared to subsequent gadgets. It is made to help in the management of multiple devices which depend on a Ubiquiti Network to operate. Such devices include cameras and computers.

The gadget provides a Hybrid Cloud Technology system that boasts a good deal of security. It works by replacing a dedicated computer or server, providing an SSOaccess to all connected gadgets.

Since it does not come with a downloadable mobile app, you have to use a web browser of your choice to control it. Also, it lacks an internal battery, meaning that it has to be connected to a power source all through.

Pros

• Compact and easy to install
• Ideal for handling multiple devices
• Has a strong processor

Cons

• Does not come with a downloadable mobile app
• Lacks an internal battery

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Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 Overview

Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 (UCK-G2)

• Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 Powerful Remote Cloud Management
• The UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 from Ubiquiti Networks allows you to configure your network quickly with a...

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When it comes to handling multiple devices, especially cameras, across the same institution, the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 does it like a pro. Measuring in at 1.07 x 1.84 x 4.71 inches, this device comes with a significant size that needs a good deal of space.

The front panel comes with a display unit that allows you to monitor varying parameters including;

• SDN Cloud status
• WAN bandwidth
• Client devices
• All Unifi Access Points

Unlike its predecessor that can only be operated over a web browser, the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 comes with a downloadable mobile app that gives you full access to each and every device being managed from wherever you are across the globe. Even though it lacks an in-built battery, connecting it to a power source is an easy task.

Pros

• Comes with a control panel
• Can handle as many as 50 devices at a go
• Comes with a downloadable mobile app

Cons

• Lacks an internal battery

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Verdict: So, which one is better – Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen1 or Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2?

The Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 presents better memory, a larger capacity for devices, a display panel and a downloadable mobile app, making it better than the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen1.

FAQs

1. How many buttons does the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen2 come with?

It has just 1 reset button.

2. Can I monitor the ethernet port’s performance on the Ubiquiti Unifi – Cloud Key Gen1?

Yes, you can.