Today will be taking a quick look at the Elgato Stream Deck. It’s a USB-powered control deck designed for content creators, gamers, streamers, vloggers and Youtubers. It features 15 programmable LCD keys that can be assigned to any application using the Stream Deck software, which you can download from Elgato’s website.
Ever since I started doing a little bit of live streaming, one of the most annoying aspects I find, is the fact that I had to fiddle with my keyboard and mouse, just to load up applications, switch between different video feeds or even just getting the right content loaded up.
With the Elgato’s Stream Deck, these annoying little problems are no longer an issue. Thanks to its 15 programmable LCD keys, I can do all of the above and more.
Who are Elgato? Well here’s a little blurb taken taken from their website …
About Elgato
Elgato is the leading provider of hardware and software for content creators, leveraging decades of experience to develop widely-accessible products that empower all creators to produce high-quality, professional content.
A leader in game capture, Elgato offers four powerful game capture cards, the Stream Deck controller, and accompanying software that enables creators to easily record, upload, and livestream professional content.
Designed in Germany and California, Elgato products are distributed by major retailers in over eighty countries around the world.
In July 2018, Elgato was acquired by CORSAIR, and remains a separate brand within CORSAIR.
Features
Break Boundaries
You’re creating quality content backed by the best tech on the planet. But you want to do more. With Stream Deck, unleash your creative genius and make waves across Twitch and YouTube. All while focusing on what matters most: your audience.
Take Control
15 LCD keys poised to launch unlimited actions eliminate the need to map and memorize keyboard shortcuts. One-touch, tactile operation lets you switch scenes, launch media, adjust audio and more, while visual feedback confirms your every command. Traditionally this level of control was exclusive to mainstream entertainment broadcasters. Now, it’s at your fingertips.
Streamline Your Setup
Elgato Game Capture, OBS, Twitch, Twitter, TipeeeStream, XSplit, YouTube, Mixer, and more – Stream Deck integrates your tools and automatically detects your scenes, media, and audio sources, enabling you to control them with a quick tap of a key.
Be Proactive
Automated alerts make life easier. But between thanking donors and welcoming new subscribers there’s ample opportunity for self-expression. Employ Stream Deck to level up your onscreen antics with GIFs, images, videos, and audio clips. While you’re at it, apply lower thirds and bookend your content with signature intro and outro graphics. Your options are endless, so explore and experiment. Do what you must to sharpen your creative edge, and do it with a personal touch.
Make It Yours
Customizing Stream Deck is effortless. Simply drag and drop actions onto keys, and make them your own with custom icons. Need more actions? Turn keys into folders to amass and access as many actions as you want. Better yet, save unique key configurations as dedicated profiles for different games and apps, switch between them on the fly, and share them with fellow creators.
Bring It On
Gone are the days of navigating myriad windows to trigger an action, and relying solely on automated plugins to expand your production value. Now, you hold the power to pioneer a new era of content creation, and lead your audience to uncharted frontiers of inspiration. Now, you’re in control.
Specifications
More information on Elgato’s website.
Box and Packaging
The box and packaging is compact and neat. It measures 118 x 84 x 21 mm and weighs in at only 190g. There’s no software or drivers disc, however you can download the software from Elgato’s website
The Stream Deck
As you can see below, the Stream Deck unit features 15 LCD buttons which are evenly spaced-out. Three rows of 5 buttons. The USB cable is approximately 1.5m long and it’s physically attached to the Stream Deck and can not be removed.
Stream Deck in Action
The package also comes with a useful aluminium stand allowing you to place the Stream Deck at a 45 degree angle. When you plug in the Stream Deck to any USB port of your computer, a large Elgato logo lights up during power-up and initialization.
The next part is the all to do with the software. Without it, the Stream Deck can not be programmed.
Software
Installation and setup is super easy, there’s no drivers to install … just the Stream Deck application. Once installed, you can assign/program the 15 LCD keys to your liking.
Native support includes Game Capture, Mixer, OBS Studio, Soundboard, StreamLabs, StreamLabs OBS, TipeeeStream, Twitch, Twitter, XSplit and YouTube.
Verdict and Conclusion
Whether you’re a content creator, vlogger, gamer, streamer or Youtuber, it’s important you get your content right. Having a tool that allows you to load your favourite applications and access to shortcuts quickly, as well as switching between applications is God send.
Since I have two webcams set up (or any cameras with HMDI output) in my studio, I’m now able to switch between the cameras at a push of a button. This is ideal for streamers who who want to show the the live video feeds of the different cameras quickly and easily.
The 15 LCD buttons can be programmed to your liking. Assign applications such as Adobe Premier, Photoshop, Lightroom and various other editing software with ease for quick access … perfect for content creators and video editors.
Other applications which work well are OBS Studio, Twitch, Twitter, XSplit and of course YouTube. I use OBS Studio a lot, I think it’s a great piece of streaming software.
You can buy the Elgato Stream Deck
Pros:
- Compact and elegant design
- 15 Programmable LCD keys
- Easy to use software
Cons:
- Pricey
Final words
The Elgato Stream Deck is a “must have” accessory for anyone who’s a content creator, gamer, streamer, vlogger and Youtuber. With 15 programmable LCD keys and native support for Game Capture, Mixer, OBS Studio, Soundboard, StreamLabs, StreamLabs OBS, TipeeeStream, Twitch, Twitter, XSplit and YouTube … it’s a great piece of kit that will satisfy your streaming needs.
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