The Stream Deck is the reference for all streamers who are starting out or who have already broken through. We could summarize it by a keyboard with macros, but it is capable of much more and even if you are not a streamer!
Elgato was acquired by CORSAIR in 2018, but the company remains independent and still continues to thrive providing destination hardware for streamers (or should we say “live gamer-host”). Whether it’s lights, microphones, capture cards, but above all it’s the Stream Deck that has made the brand so famous. Depending on the size, we go from 6 then 15 to 32 programmable keys. The advantage compared to just keyboard shortcuts or macro keys is that each of the keys is equipped with an LCD screen making it easy to find your way around. That’s why we use it in streaming, because we don’t have to search long to trigger the desired effect or to engage in a hazardous key combination.
On the software, we have the keys of the Stream Deck which will be able to be assigned while on the right, we will find the different possibilities offered with integrations already present (such as OBS, Streamlabs, Discord). There is also a Stream Deck store to find compatible applications. This is how I was able to add Spotify or the management of my Hue and Nanoleaf lights. We can also add pages in order to have more interactions (a work page, a stream page for example). Each key having its own image (which can be modified), it is really easy and pleasant to navigate from one to the other. Finally, you can make shortcuts to programs or macros. For example, if Discord has a deep integration, this is not the case of Teams… no problem, I add macros to mute the microphone and I finally obtain the same result. The tool is very permissive and that’s what makes it much more than a tool for streamers. I create macros, shortcuts to sites, shortcuts to post on social networks, it’s practical because these macros are associated with a key with an image which makes them very easily identifiable.
Here is the Spotify dedicated page where I can control everything without switching apps. I started with a folder (with the Spotify logo) and then found dedicated controls.
As a streamer, the Stream Deck makes it easy to change scene, source, sound trigger visual effects. These are the things that make a stream come alive, be careful not to overdo it either… It’s an essential gadget for streamers, but it can also turn into a great tool to optimize your daily tasks. Moreover, a mobile version exists (as well as DIY tutorials) if you ever do not want to invest. Indeed, we find the Stream Deck from €79.99 for the mini version with 6 keys while the XL version flirts with €249.99…
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