Six Month Elgato Stream Deck Review
We used the Stream Deck for Six Months, and now we will share our findings
The Elgato Stream Deck is an easy to use tool for streamers that will change how they stream.
Elgato Stream Deck Full Review
The Elgato Stream Deck is a must for streamers. There is just so much Use the Elgato Stream Deck to switch between scenes, stop the audio, Tweet, control Twitch, and much, much more.
Welcome to the Video Game Product Review section here at Gamer.ninja.
The Elgato Stream Deck is the latest streaming related device released by Elgato. Elgato has become the staple in streaming associated products. Elgato is best and well known for its video captures devices such as the HD60 Pro and the HD60s. Elgato’s capture cards, both external or PCI, are used by both novice and professional streamers. Elgato has taken things further and released a new streaming broadcast helper control device called the Stream Deck.
The Stream Deck
The retail price of the Elgato Stream Deck is $149.95
Elgato Stream Deck $149.95 from Amazon.com
The Elgato Stream Deck is essentially a numeric keypad with a dramatic twist. It’s made with streamers in mind. This is not just a remapped numeric keypad. The Stream Deck is a solid piece of streaming hardware. It has 15 customizable LCD keys that are capable of 210 programmed actions. It weighs in at less than 7oz and fits nicely in the palm of your hand. It connects to your PC via a 3′ USB 2.0 cord. It also comes with a stand that allows it to be propped up verses lying flat on a surface. It’s MacOC 10.11 (or later) and Windows 10 (64 bit) compatible. The Stream Deck’s overall size is 4.6″ x3.3″ x0.8″.
Stream Deck Functions and Configuration
Elgato Stream Deck App Home Page
Elgato has assembled an app called Stream Deck. When you first open your new Stream Deck, the second thing you will want to do is download the Stream Deck app from Elgato.
The Stream Deck app is pretty easy to master. The app consists of a UI that is identical to the Stream Deck itself. You pretty much click, hold, then drag and drop the feature to the prominent location of your desire.
Adding a Key to the Elgato Stream Deck
To configure the feature, click on the key you just dropped in to open the input options area below the layout display. Live Twitch Streamers like EnragedCinema use the Elgato Stream Deck and find it helps them free up time while streaming and run better overall streaming.
Breaking Down the Elgato App Features by Supplied Streamer Vendor
Game Capture
- Scene – Record – Screenshot – Flashback Recording – Stream – Live Commentary
TipeeeStream
- Scene Element
OBS Studio
- Scene – Mixer Audio – Source
XSplit
- Scene – Source – Record – Screenshot Output – Microphone – Speakers
- Tweet
Twitch
- Chat Message – Viewers – Play Ad – Stream Title/Game – Sub Chat – Slow Chat – Followers Chat – Emote Chat
Streamer Deck System
- Website – Hotkey Switch – Hotkey – Open – Multimedia
After the changes are competed using the Stream Deck app, the configurations ate instantly changed. The Streamer Deck will go live as soon as the Stream Deck is updated. Elgato has put together a great Quick Start Guide that details all of the Stream Deck’s configurable options.
The Elgato Stream Deck Review
Gamer.Ninja live-streams on Mixer.com. His channel is @GamerNinja. For his live video game streaming setup, the Elgato Stream Deck has filled a very sizable void. My leading power horse streaming PC is located across the room. What this meant was every time a scene change was needed (basically before the Stream Deck we never did them) or when going live or going offline, he had to get up and walk over to the PC to do these actions. This caused “dead air” and was a massive hindrance during his streams. The Elgato cured this. It was hooked up to a 20′ USB 2.0 cord, and he can change scenes and start/end his stream from his Humanscale chair.
GamerNinja gives the Stream Deck 4 out of 5-stars review. Because of some minor, but significant, issues found, the final score is 4 out of 5 stars. Some of the problems are easily adapted to, and others would require a redesign.
Noticeable Issues with the Stream Deck
The textile LCD keys press nice and smoothly. The problem is they seem to push just a little too smooth. There is no “click” to let you know if the key has been successfully pressed. Once and awhile, a feature does not activate because the key was not successfully pressed down. This has to lead to no vocals during the stream or an overlay not being brought up when desired.
Issue Number Two: The USB cord length. The cord is barely 3′ long. The USB cord is permanently attached and un-removable or changeable. The cable is so short that you may experience cord related issues with the Elgato Stream Deck even if you have it right next to your computer.
Issue Number Three: At the time of this article, the Elgato Stream Deck does not have or support Mixer.com pre-built hotkeys as it does for Twitch.tv. No future forecast has been given about Mixer.com integration.
Issue Number Four: There is no support for OBS classic with the Stream Deck. A vast majority of streamers still us OBS classic.
The Pros and Cons of the Elgato Stream Deck
Cons:
- Missing a real “click” to confirm a button has been properly pressed.
- The short and non-removable USB Cord
- No Mixer integration yet.
- It only works with OBS Studio.
Pros:
- The Stream Deck looks very cool.
- It provides endless options for how it can be used.
- It truly does offer streamers a great tool they can use for a long time.
- It’s small and compact.
- The backlit LCD keys are easy to see and read even in low light conditions.
I love my Elgato Stream Deck and have absolutely no concerns with it to date. The chances of having to contact Elgato’s support and help area with Stream Deck concerns are far and few between.
RunJDrun Shows Us How to Use the Elgato Stream Deck like a Pro in this Video
Gamer.Ninja Final Thoughts
Just as I recommenced my Xo-Seven Turtle Beach headset years ago, I highly recommend the Elgato Stream Deck. Most of the concerns we found will be corrected over time. Even with the above issues found, we love the Elgato Stream Deck. It will be used every day, and our customization it will continue into the future.
The Elgato Stream Deck is the perfect companion for any live streaming influencer or video game streamer. The configurations are endless, and the unit is built very durably. Every serious video game streamer should own the Elgato Stream Deck. Gamer Ninja gives the Elgato Stream Deck Five Stars and recommends to purchase Elgato Stream Deck.
Have Fun Steaming
Gamer.Ninja Staff
