We believe that many of you are familiar with them, but for those who have not yet been introduced to stream decks, we have prepared a brief but helpful introduction.
A stream deck is likely the most essential tool for streamers or content creators. It enables you to perform various actions effortlessly. You can easily customize your streams, social accounts, and a wide range of computer programs.
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Elgato Stream Deck 15 Keys Review
There are various stream decks available in the market, but Elgato is, without a doubt, the most reliable manufacturer. They have been in the industry for a long time, and our experiences, along with critic reviews, confirm that they have set a high standard in the stream deck market. While you can find several options for the Elgato stream deck alternative, the original Elgato remains the most popular choice.
Currently, there are three different Elgato stream decks available, featuring 6, 15, and 32 keys. Additionally, there is a mobile app, but it requires a monthly subscription. This article will focus on reviewing the 15-key version.
Software Installation
Before you do anything with the Elgato Stream Deck, you must install the Elgato Stream Deck software on your laptop or desktop. You can find the software on their website; simply select a product and your computer’s operating system.
Next, you can download the Elgato app. Once you plug in the cable for your Elgato stream deck, you are all set. It will show up on your screen. Overall, the app is lightweight and user-friendly.
When you open the app, you will see empty squares that correspond to the design of the stream deck itself. The editing process is quite simple and involves a drag-and-drop method. In the right sidebar, you will find several tabs. Each tab provides a variety of different actions for you to choose from.
Some issues may arise for those who are unaware of the necessary apps and commands. This is not a flaw, but Elgato should have provided a “recommended” or “default” setup for first-time users of the software.
For example, the Twitch tab provides a wide range of actions; you can set the chat to subscribers only or slow mode, play an ad, create a clip of your latest gameplay, and much more. However, most users prefer the website tab.
It is generally a very useful shortcut to have because you can add any website you want, saving you time. Whatever you drag onto the screen squares will be reflected on the physical buttons of your new stream deck.
One of the most exciting options is the ability to choose any icon and name you prefer to represent your stream deck commands. On the Elgato website, you can find a wide range of icons, from the simplest to the most creative.
Key Features
1. Multiple tabs are accessible
As mentioned earlier, streamers and content creators will be amazed by the potential of this stream deck. While individuals who require it for other purposes will also find it satisfactory, Elgato primarily designed it with the former professions in mind. Additionally, as previously noted, various tabs are available.
Twitch streamers have numerous options. For instance, if their chat becomes overwhelming due to a high volume of messages, they can easily switch it to subscribers-only mode with a single click on the stream deck.
2. Simple and quick to use
Additionally, sending programmed messages, saving interesting gameplay clips, or starting and ending the stream options are just one click away.
Conversely, if you are using a PC or laptop exclusively, you will need to navigate through various tabs and click multiple times to make adjustments. The key benefit is that you will save time and maintain your focus on gaming or content in general.
3. Macro Combination Creation
A system tab provides a wealth of useful, everyday options. It includes a hotkey feature that can save you time. You can assign a combination of multiple buttons to it, such as Ctrl+G or any other combination you prefer.
Whenever you click that specific button, it will activate the combination. A multimedia button in the system tab is helpful when listening to music or audio files.
You can choose to pause or play songs, skip to the next or previous track, or simply mute the audio. Additionally, you can create your own folder to save anything you desire.
4. Streamlabs and OBS Support
However, the most intriguing aspect of the stream deck is OBS and Streamlabs OBS. We believe there is no significant difference between them; they function in precisely the same way. Essentially, OBS enables you to select any scene you wish to highlight a specific part of the stream.
By that, we mean the starting soon scene, opening scene, live scene, ending scene, BRB scene (Be Right Back), and much more. The mixer audio option allows you to adjust desktop audio or simply mute it while you stream. Additionally, we should not elaborate too much on the record button; it simply means that you can record anything you want on your desktop.
A few more options are available in the OBS or Streamlabs OBS tabs, such as starting or ending your stream, but we encourage you to discover their meanings on your own. Trust us, you will be pleased.
Target Audience and Price
We appreciate the Elgato stream deck. While it is costly and may be an over-investment for those who intend to use it occasionally,
Conversely, the target audience, such as professional streamers, may find the price justifiable because they will make substantial use of it. Thus, we recommend that beginners consider the Elgato Stream Deck Mini, which is more affordable and can be upgraded at any time.
However, the primary advantage of the Elgato Stream Deck with 15 keys is that it features 15 keys, which is sufficient for most users. Nonetheless, it offers the same functionalities as the Elgato Stream Deck Mini; they operate in the same manner.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Best Streaming Deck
 | Top Choice Elgato Stream Deck
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 | Razer Tartarus v2
| |
 | X-keys XK-24
|
Conclusion
In conclusion, after careful observation, testing, and discussion, we believe that the Elgato Stream Deck Mini may be the better choice. It is more affordable and equally functional as the Elgato Stream Deck with 15 keys.
However, for those who find 6 keys insufficient for their streaming plans, there is a wonderful alternative available, though at a higher price.
