Stream Deck +

Overview

The Elgato Stream Deck +, released in 2022, is a hardware interface designed to provide tactile and visual control for various digital workflows, particularly within content creation, live streaming, and software development contexts. It integrates a set of eight customizable LCD keys, four push-enabled control dials, and a dynamic touch strip into a single unit. Each LCD key can display custom icons and trigger actions, macros, or navigate through nested folders of commands. The dials offer precise control over parameters such as volume levels, brightness, or brush sizes, with the ability to push them to toggle functions or switch profiles. The touch strip provides visual feedback and can be assigned to display information or trigger swipe-based actions.

The device connects to a host PC or Mac via USB-C and is managed through the Stream Deck software. This software allows users to drag and drop actions from a library of plugins and assign them to specific keys, dials, or the touch strip. Profiles can be created for different applications, automatically switching the Stream Deck +'s configuration when a specific program is in focus. This capability allows a user to have one setup for video editing, another for a specific game, and a third for a development IDE, each with tailored controls. For example, a developer might configure keys to run build commands, toggle debuggers, or open frequently used files, while dials could control code navigation or text size.

The Stream Deck + is positioned for users who require immediate, physical access to software functions without navigating menus or memorizing keyboard shortcuts. Its utility extends beyond streaming into productivity, audio production, and home automation, serving as a configurable interface for complex digital environments. The combination of visual feedback on the LCD keys and the tactile precision of the dials aims to reduce cognitive load and improve operational efficiency across diverse professional applications.

Key features

• 8 LCD Keys: Programmable keys with customizable icons that can trigger single actions, multi-actions, or open folders of commands.
• 4 Push-Enabled Control Dials: Tactile dials for precise, incremental adjustments (e.g., volume, zoom, brush size) with a push function to toggle states or switch functions.
• Dynamic Touch Strip: A context-aware touch display that can show information, trigger swipe actions, or provide visual feedback for dial adjustments.
• Stream Deck Software: A desktop application for Windows and macOS to configure actions, profiles, and integrate with plugins.
• Customizable Profiles: Ability to create application-specific profiles that automatically switch the device's layout when a designated application is active.
• Multi Actions: Configure a single key to execute a sequence of actions with customizable delays between each step.
• Plugin Ecosystem: Access to a library of plugins for integration with popular streaming software, communication tools, audio applications, and system functions.
• Visual Feedback: LCD keys and the touch strip provide real-time visual confirmation of actions and system states.

Pricing

Common integrations

• OBS Studio: Control scenes, sources, audio, and recordings. Elgato OBS Studio Plugin Setup
• Twitch: Manage chat, clips, and stream markers.
• YouTube: Control live streams, chat, and videos.
• Spotify: Playback control, volume adjustment, and track information.
• Discord: Mute/unmute, deafen/undeafen, and switch voice channels.
• Wave Link: Integrated audio mixing for Elgato's virtual audio mixer.
• Philips Hue: Control smart lighting scenes and individual lights.
• VoiceMod: Change voice effects and soundboard integration.
• VLC Media Player: Playback controls and media navigation.

Alternatives

• Loupedeck Live: A console with customizable buttons, dials, and touchscreens, often used for photo/video editing and streaming.
• Razer Stream Controller: A hardware controller with programmable buttons, touch screen, and haptic feedback, developed in partnership with Loupedeck. Razer Stream Controller Product Page
• Keypad/Macro Pads (e.g., Glorious GMMK Numpad, custom builds): Smaller, programmable keypads often used for specific macros or shortcuts in conjunction with a standard keyboard. Glorious GMMK Numpad
• Touch Portal: A software-based alternative that turns a smartphone or tablet into a customizable macro pad, offering similar functionality without dedicated hardware.
• MIDI Controllers: Devices like the Behringer X-Touch Mini can be mapped to control software functions, especially audio mixing or DAW commands, using MIDI protocols. Behringer X-Touch Mini

Getting started

To begin using the Elgato Stream Deck +, the primary step involves installing the Stream Deck software and connecting the device. The software provides the interface for configuring actions and profiles. The following example demonstrates how to set up a basic action to open a website:

// This is a conceptual representation of configuring an action within the Stream Deck software.
// The Stream Deck software uses a graphical user interface (GUI) for configuration, not direct code.

// Step 1: Download and install the Stream Deck software from Elgato's website.
// Step 2: Connect the Stream Deck + to your computer via the provided USB-C cable.
// Step 3: Launch the Stream Deck software.

// --- Within the Stream Deck Software UI --- 

// 1. Locate the 'Website' action in the 'System' section of the Actions panel (right sidebar).
// 2. Drag the 'Website' action and drop it onto one of the desired LCD keys in the Stream Deck layout.

// 3. In the 'Action Configuration' panel (bottom section):
//    a. Set 'Title': "Gearpicker"
//    b. Set 'URL': "https://www.gearpicker.com"
//    c. Check 'Open in background' (optional, depending on preference).

// 4. (Optional) Customize the icon for the key:
//    a. Click the 'Set Icon' button.
//    b. Choose 'Create New Icon' or 'Import From File' to upload a custom image.

// 5. The action is now configured. Pressing the physical key on the Stream Deck + will open the specified URL.

// To configure a dial for volume control:
// 1. Locate the 'System: Volume Control' action.
// 2. Drag it onto one of the four dial positions.
// 3. In the configuration panel, select the audio output device you wish to control.
// 4. The dial will now adjust the volume of the selected device, and pressing the dial can mute/unmute it.