There is no gamer who wants to get interrupted between games or during breaks. As a streamer, you have a lot going on in your stream setup. We have put together the best stream deck for you to use when streaming.
A Stream Deck is a live-streaming control pad with many LCD keys for launching media, switching scenes, and changing audio on the fly. Chat commands, Self-promotional tweets, and a bunch of things can be initiated using it.
After conducting a long research and gaining a lot of knowledge about stream decks, our research team has come up with some top stream decks.
Best Stream Deck Review
Table of Contents
This section has different types of decks, each of them is popular for different features. So go through the whole article to get the right one.
1. Elgato Stream Deck | Easily Controlled
If you are looking for a programmable deck for streaming use, Elgato is the name that comes to mind at first. Elgato Stream Deck is a flagship product that has 15 different LCD keys.
One of the users was looking for new ways to play games and to interact with the desktop. There are a lot of key bindings when a gamer plays a game, so with the help of elgato stream deck, you can continue other things without minimizing the game.
We have been using this deck for a few months. The hardware itself is available in three sizes: six, fifteen, and thirty-two LCD keys which make it easy to operate.
What distinguishes Elgato from other alternatives is its seamless customization and the software that comes with it and which is specifically designed for live streaming.
Most liking Features
Accessing anything from pc for example social media, Netflix, multimedia, photoshop, favorite websites, etc. is very easy. Even difficult configurations can be handled smoothly with this.
Probable Drawbacks
As this stream deck is providing a lot of options and features, the price is high. At the beginning, the price will seem high, but compared to its features it is very reasonable.
Key Features
- 15 different Keys
- Easy to control
- Customized keys
- Easy to drag and drop
2. Elgato Stream Deck | Shortcut Commands
Arguably the software is the best thing you get with the Elgato Stream Deck. This is incredibly simple to use and easy to customize. With many features, gamers can get access to everything without leaving the game.
When we first used it, we were really impressed with its flawless design and well-built features. The cord is attached very strongly. So those who are tired of carrying extra wire with them, can benefit from having it.
After starting to use this, we were able to save a lot of time as this functions really fast.
Now I can put dozens of applications running while playing games. A single button will display the average CPU utilization over all cores of the system.
This model of Elgato is the Stream Deck plugins, which surplus the competitors with the fastest speed and smooth features. Moreover, this is well built and comes with a warranty.
Most liking Features
This is a great tool for shortcut commands for productivity apps. Also its different switch options are very convenient to work with.
Probable Drawbacks
The cable is permanently attached, so this might be a problem for the travelers. Having a USB cable is easy to carry and use.
Key Features
- Different key options
- Very fast and smooth features
- Shortcut commands
- Live content create controller.
3. Elgato Stream Deck | Affordable
The Elgato Stream Deck is a no-compromise option; with 15 keys, there will be no trouble fitting on any command the user might like, and you’re unlikely to find a use for some of them.
As a gamer, Elgato has been a great companion for us. The customizations and native built-in features for apps like OBS and services like Twitch make it an ideal gaming and podcasting companion.
Elgato does an excellent job with firmware updates that fix problems and add or boost features. So this will adapt with any features when a new update comes. These little things are nothing but a miracle.
Adaptability is the most popular function of the stream deck. This makes it very flexible and user friendly and fit in any kind of desktop.
Most liking Features
This model of Elgato is highly flexible, and creates buttons for any one or many actions, anyone can start from the keyboard. For the “hackers” out there, it is a great little tool.
Probable Drawbacks
Not suitable for the previous versions of windows, and MacOS. Only support in windows 10 and MacOS 10.11 or later.
Key Features
- Very flexible and easy to control
- Reasonable price
- Different key options
- Suitable for professional gamers
4. Elgato Stream Deck | Six Buttons
With a very minimal design, this mini Elgato is very simple and has all the necessary buttons. For many streamers, six buttons are more than enough. Many people may consider it the best Stream Deck Mini’s simple minimalism to be more than worth the price tag.
As per a customer’s reviews, when he first purchased the deck, was not sure how it was going to come out.
But the combination of high-quality plastic, a USB-C cable, and high-quality key switches resulted in an extremely satisfying experience.
The build quality is up to the same high standards as the XL. One feature that could be even better in the mini is that it already has a high angle, allowing for fantastic main viability.
The main advantage is the price tag, no one can give that much options within this price. And those who like less options, this will be a great tool for them.
Most liking Features
The switches are very smooth and customized. high-quality plastic, a USB-C cable, and high-quality key switches are its strong point.
Probable Drawbacks
Professional players who like many options in their deck, this stream deck won’t be the right one for them as there are only six key options.
Key Features
- Multiple key options
- Simply drag and drop actions
- High-quality plastic
- High-quality key switches
5. Elgato Stream Deck | Strong Base
This model of Elgato stream deck is a good alternative to all those expensive decks. And also it does not require any effort during setup. Provides a customizable control center for streamers.
We have been using this for quite some time and it is performing amazingly. The stand is made of a similar strong plastic and weights approximately half a pound. So there is no chance to get broken.
The deck’s program is fantastic and extremely easy to use.
We can make changes to it in real time by using the stream deck app, stream deck, and broadcast software to ensure that our functions operate exactly as we want them to.
This includes two products, one is a 15 key stream deck and another is a spiderman game for PS4, which is incredible. None of the competitors offer that option within this price.
Most liking Features
The stand has been built very strongly and able to take the weight of the stream deck for years. Besides the broadcast software is updated and able to cope up with any systems
Probable Drawbacks
Stream Deck doesn’t properly “wake up” if it’s connected through a USB hub. You need to either plug the Stream Deck in the computer’s USB port, directly or manually unplug the Stream Deck from the USB hub.
Key Features
- One spidermen game is free with it
- Strong stand
- Take less time to operate
- Reasonable price
Things to Consider Before Buying Stream Deck
The Stream Deck is a completely customizable keypad that works similarly to a small keyboard, allowing you to macro several live streaming functions that would otherwise require alt-tabbing.
The benefits of using the best Stream Deck plugins are numerous, and it distinguishes itself as a strong and important tool for many live streamers. The ability to customize settings by alt-tabbing and scrolling through several windows and options is no longer available.
But you have to be a bit careful while picking the stream deck. Here are some guidelines that will help you to purchase the right one. You may also like some of the antenna amplifier from our list, so take a moment to check them out.
The Switches
How many switches there will be in a stream deck depends on the model. Some include only six buttons and some have up to 15 buttons. It is obvious that more buttons have more options and are more useful.
But if a gamer prefers less and just the usable options, he/she can go for the 6 button deck. Those are also budget friendly and easy to use. For more amazing products like this, check out our guide to the cat6 connectors.
LED Lights
Most of the gamers play all night up. For them it is necessary to be able to see the switches even in the dark night without turning the lights on. So before buying a stream deck, check that buttons have lights or not. Otherwise, you will not be able to see it properly at night.
Software
The software has to be updated and latest in order to operate properly with windows and MacBook. Make sure you can make adjustments to it, while using the stream deck software. stream deck, and broadcast software in real time to make sure your functions work exactly like you want them to.
And for 15 button stream decks those can be used as folders for different functions or scenes that you want to include. For intense, I used one for my PS4 livestreams, one for my intro, one for my PC live streams, and one for OBS media. And all these options depend on the software.
USB Cable
Have you ever lost the USB cable in an urgent moment? Some of the stream docks have a fixed cable, so there is less chance to lose it. But some people do not find it convenient, mostly those who travel a lot with their stream deck.
For them charging through USB is more convenient as that takes less space. This totally depends on the users.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
1. Is this able to issue standard keyboard commands or execute other programs?
The stream deck will perform multiple actions at the same time. As a result, you can create a macro of win + R to open the run window. You may then add a text action and a keyboard enter macro to run the program or perform other advanced tasks.
2. Does this require a separate power cord or does it draw power over USB?
No it does not, the items included are the stream deck, a USB cable with an attached user manual, and a stand. So no additional cords are needed.
3. Am I able to clip my stream while I am live?
Yes, you are, the stream deck plugins give you the ability to clip at the press of a button.
4. Does this work on Xbox series x?
Yes, it does. But most of the stream decks are compatible with the latest model of windows and macOS. Windows 10 and macOS 10.11 and later versions work fine.
5. How to set up the stream deck?
Installing and configuring Stream Deck is an easy operation. To begin, connect the Stream Deck to your PC using the supplied USB cable. Second, obtain and install the Elgato Stream Deck app.
Final Words
The stream deck is a very useful item for a gamer. All live streaming activities become a single key press of the best Stream Deck after building and customizing it as your liking.
This will assist you in remaining more involved with the audience and the gaming experience. So take some time and pick the one that goes with your interest.
Have a Good Game!
Mark Robinson is a sportswriter for various companies. He received his B.A. from the University of Washington in 1999, majoring in journalism. He specializes in sports reports. As he believes in love to create, to share, and to make people smile.
