Introduction: How a Single Button Changes Streaming Operations

One of the common hurdles for streaming newcomers is the sheer number of operations. Manually handling scene transitions in OBS, adjusting background music, and managing the microphone can be overwhelming.

Elgato’s “Stream Deck” series is a gadget that allows you to control all of this with a single touch.

Have you ever found yourself desperately switching screens with Alt+Tab to mute Discord while in the middle of gameplay, or trying to remember the hotkey to start recording in OBS? The true value of the Stream Deck lies in its customizable LCD keys, which visually display icons for the assigned functions. This liberates you from the need to memorize complex shortcut keys, allowing you to perform countless actions intuitively with just one touch.

This time, we tested the “Stream Deck” and “Stream Deck +” to see if they could be user-friendly for beginners.

Product Overview: Stream Deck, Stream Deck +, Stream Deck Neo

Product Name	Main Components	Features	Target Users
Stream Deck	LCD Buttons ×6, ×15, ×32 (Scissor-style, Classic-style)	Intuitive and flexible button operation, good cost-performance	Beginners to advanced users, extensive options depending on the number of keys
Stream Deck +	LCD Buttons ×8 + Dials ×4	Allows physical fine-tuning of volume, brightness, etc.	Beginners to intermediate users, especially those focused on controls
Stream Deck Neo	LCD Buttons ×8, Infobar, Dual-Touch	Neo series designed for everyday use	Beginners to intermediate users, ideal for those starting out

Compatible with Mac or Windows, it connects via USB, allowing you to assign functions to buttons and dials using a dedicated app. You can set it up intuitively even with no prior knowledge, which is a major attraction.

Detailed Specifications of the Tested Equipment

Function	Stream Deck MK.2 (15 keys)	Stream Deck +
Number of LCD keys	15 (Classic style)	8
Multi-function dials	None	4 (with push function)
Touch panel	None	1 (108 x 14 mm)
Size (without stand)	118 x 84 x 25 mm	140 x 138 x 110 mm
Weight (without stand)	145 g	465 g
Connection	USB 2.0 (detachable USB-C)	USB 2.0 (detachable USB-C)
Appearance customization	Faceplate exchange	Dial cap exchange

Setup Procedure

1. Connection – Connect the Stream Deck to a PC or Mac USB port using the included USB cable.
2. Software Download – Download the “Stream Deck App” from the official Elgato website.
3. Basic Operation – Assign functions to buttons by dragging and dropping.
4. Customization – You can freely customize icons and labels as well.

Basic Operation of the Software

• Action Panel – Drag and drop available “actions” from the panel on the right side onto the key layout on the left.
• Folder Function – Dragging a key onto another key creates a folder, allowing for virtually unlimited storage of commands.
• Profiles – Create profiles such as “For Gaming,” “For Streaming,” “For Video Editing” for manual or automatic switching.

Verification: Tried Using It in Real Streaming Scenarios

① Game Streaming with OBS

• One-touch scene switching
• Microphone ON/OFF, BGM playback/stop
• Real-time volume adjustment is possible with the dials on Stream Deck +
  → Operating the stream without taking your eyes off is a major advantage.

② Chat and Face Reveal Streaming

• Camera ON/OFF, lighting ON
• Switching Live2D model expressions
• Sending preset comments (e.g., “Thanks for the comment!”)
  → It’s super convenient to perform “stream preparation actions” with a single button.

③ Also Usable for Video Editing and Business Purposes

• Shortcut operations for Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve
• Zoom and Teams microphone and screen sharing ON/OFF
• Entering preset texts and launching apps
  → Not only for streaming, it’s highly effective for streamlining everyday PC operations.

Three Recommended Settings for Beginners

1. Streamline Daily Tasks

• Launch Apps/Sites: Instantly launch frequently used applications (Discord, Spotify, etc.) and websites with one touch
• Enter Preset Texts: Quickly input greetings in chat (“gg!”, “Welcome to the stream!”) and game commands

2. Enhance Gaming Experience

• Discord Control: Use the official “Discord” plugin to assign microphone mute, speaker mute, and push-to-talk to custom keys
• Volume & Audio Device Switching: Instantly switch between speakers and headphones using the “Audio Device” plugin

3. Improve Streaming Quality

• Basic OBS Operations: Seamlessly manage broadcasts like a pro with “Start/Stop Streaming”, “Start/Stop Recording”, and “Scene Switching”

Strength of Stream Deck + : Comfortable Dial Operation

The Stream Deck + is a device built on distinct philosophy, fundamentally changing the “quality” of control by introducing new interfaces: physical dials and a touch strip.

Power of Analog Adjustment

• Audio Control – Fine-tune the volume of individual applications in real-time, such as game sound, Discord voice chat, BGM
• Lighting Control – Smoothly adjust brightness and color temperature in sync with compatible lighting equipment like Elgato Key Light
• Camera Control – Intuitively control your webcam’s zoom, exposure, and white balance with the dials
• Creative Applications – Sensually operate video editing software timeline scrubs and Photoshop brush size adjustments
  → Being able to operate physically means you’re less likely to get confused or make mistakes even while streaming.

Unlock Power of Wave Link Software

Among the values, Stream Deck + holds the most crucial is the unlocking function of Elgato’s powerful virtual audio mixer, the “Wave Link” software.

Wave Link is an exceptionally advanced software that can create and manage separate audio for what you hear (Monitor Mix) and what goes on the stream (Stream Mix). Previously, it required an Elgato Wave series microphone, but owners of Stream Deck + can access all features of Wave Link, regardless of the microphone type they use.

This means that users utilizing popular professional microphones like the Shure SM7B or Audio-Technica AT2020 can gain access to an audio mixing environment and VST plugin (effects) compatibility without additional hardware investment.

Strength of Stream Deck + : Extended Accessories

There are two extended accessories for Stream Deck +.

Maximizing Stream Deck + with Extensions

Product Name	Function	Features	Target Audience
XLR Dock	Audio I/F	High-quality mic connection + Stream Deck integration	For serious audio enthusiasts
USB Hub	Expansion & Power Supply	Stable USB connection and cable management	For those with lots of equipment & notebook PC streamers

By combining these, you can make a streaming environment centered on Stream Deck + even more comfortable and functional.

If you’re interested in “expanding your streaming environment,” it’s worth considering an introduction!

XLR Dock

Product Overview

An Elgato-made high-quality audio interface capable of connecting XLR mics.

By linking with Stream Deck +, real-time volume adjustment is possible through dial operation.

Main Features

• XLR mic input (supports +48V phantom power)
• High-performance mic preamp with low noise
• Headphone output (zero latency)
• USB-C connection (cooperation with PC)
• Adjust gain and volume with the dials on Stream Deck +

Benefits

• Physically control audio with the dials
• Integrate audio operations into Stream Deck +
• Compact design easy to place on the desk
• Freedom to mix stream audio through integration with Elgato Wave Link

Who It’s for

• For those wanting professional-level sound with XLR mics
• For those wanting an intuitive way to adjust volume during streaming
• For those needing to simplify complex audio setups

USB HUB

Product Overview

A USB hub specialized for Stream Deck + that can connect & supply power to multiple devices.

Allows for better organization of peripherals and stable power supply.

Main Specifications

• Connection ports:
  • USB-A × 2 (USB 3.2 GEN 1 MAX 5Gb/s, 4.5 w supply)
  • USB-C × 2 (USB 3.2 GEN 1 MAX 5Gb/s, 7.5 w supply)
  • USB-C (for PC connection) × 1
  • USB-C (for AC power connection) × 1
• Card Reader
  • SD, microSD (UHS-I compatible)

Benefits

• Provides stable power supply and device connection
• Neatly organizes the cables around your desk
• Compact and easy to set up under monitors

Who It’s for

• Streamers using many peripherals beyond Stream Deck +
• For notebook PC users wanting to resolve power shortages during streaming
• For those who want to tidy up cables and have smart wiring

Cautions and Impressions

• Usage requires attachment to Stream Deck + with a Phillips screwdriver. Some care is needed as screws are small.

• USB HUB lacks an AC adapter. You will need a separate Type-C power supply providing 100W.

• In my personal opinion, I felt a few frames of audio latency when using the XLR on the XLR Dock. Also, the USB HUB does not support fast charging, making it unsuitable for charging smartphones.

Advanced Techniques

Execute Many Actions with “Multi Action”

This feature allows you to chain multiple commands to a single key. For example, the ultimate “Start Streaming” button autonomously executes the following sequence:

1. Launch OBS Studio
2. Launch Discord
3. Launch Game
4. Wait 10 seconds
5. Switch to “Streaming Wait” scene
6. Play intro BGM
7. Start stream
8. Post “I have started streaming!”

Introduction to Essential Plugins

• Volume Controller
  You can adjust the volume of each app separately with dials. Convenient for unified management of game/music/video volume.
• Audio Switcher
  Easily switch audio output devices (speakers/headphones, etc.) with a single touch. Ideal for changing modes for streaming, work, and viewing.
• OBS Studio
  Officially linked plugin with OBS. Directly control scene switching, recording, stream start/stop from Stream Deck.
• Alive Studio
  Directly control the plugin Alive Studio for OBS Studio from Stream Deck. Recommended for VTuber and avatar streaming.
  
  Check the following help page for setting instructions.
  [Direct link and invitation text would be here translated] direcion
• SuperMacro
  Create and execute macros containing multiple operations with one button. Ideal for automation like stream starting → OBS scene change → BGM playback → chat sending.
• Streamer.bot
  Provides advanced integration with Twitch streaming. Perform actions triggered by follows, comments, channel points, etc., automatically.

Installation Method

• One-click installation from the Elgato official marketplace
  https://marketplace.elgato.com/

※Some plugins are not compatible with Windows or Mac

Fully Automate with “Smart Profiles”

This feature detects the currently active application and automatically loads the corresponding profile.

When you launch Valorant, game-related keys will automatically appear, and when you switch to Photoshop, editing tools will instantly display.

Selection for Users of Stream Deck Series

Use Scene	Recommended Model	Reason
For first-time streaming	Stream Deck (15 keys)	Sufficient button count and price range. Great expandability.
Want to adjust volumes and lighting	Stream Deck +	The dials make you strong in “tuning-based” tasks.
Want a minimum setup	Stream Deck Neo	For light users
For serious operation	Stream Deck XL	Suitable for large-scale streaming and complex macro operations

If This Sounds Like You, Stream Deck is Recommended

• VTubers and streamers who frequently use sound effects – Want to instantly call up many expressions, poses, and sound effects
• MMORPG and strategy game players – Looking to register numerous skills, items, macros to physical keys
• Streamers who switch between a large number of OBS scenes – Directly switch complex scene configurations
• Budget-conscious users – Want to enjoy the basic convenience of Stream Deck while keeping costs down

If This Sounds Like You, Stream Deck + is Recommended

• Users prioritizing audio quality and audio control – Perfectly adjust audio balance in real-time
• Elgato ecosystem users – Physically control Elgato brand lighting and cameras
• Multi-creators – Seeking dial-based intuitive control in streaming, gaming, video editing, and photo editing
• Users seeking a high-performance audio environment – Achieve professional-level audio mixing with Wave Link software

Conclusion: Stream Deck Is the Foundation of Live Streaming

• Even beginners can quickly feel its effects
• Simply consolidating operations into one button dramatically improves streaming tempo
• It’s a versatile device useful for improving work efficiency
• Because power relies on the PC, there is a danger of freezing and software crashing during complex control or key settings during streaming depending on PC specifications.

The Stream Deck is a device that serves as a gateway to Elgato’s highly expandable ecosystem. Even in its default state, it’s incredibly handy, and the more you use it, the more its operational efficiency and integrative abilities stand out. Combined with peripherals and plugins, it can significantly enhance your daily productivity.

The devices and plugins introduced this time are all recommended as the first step. You can start using them from the day you set them up, and by gradually customizing them as needed, you can build a workflow that suits you best.

Investing in a Stream Deck isn’t just about purchasing a gadget; it’s a decision to save time and focus, creating a more creative and less stressful environment.

Once you’ve tried it, you can’t go back to the old way of operating— that’s the charm of the Stream Deck.

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If you’re interested in the devices we tested this time, be sure to check them out!
https://www.elgato.com/jp/en/p/stream-deck

Equipment supplied by: Corsair Gaming, Inc. (Elgato)
Review: Umazura