With the Stream Deck, Elgato consolidates its position as the leader in game streaming. This gadget streamlines your broadcast with a number of useful tools that let you change camera angles, switch video streams, and alert your subscribers. on social media at the touch of a button. Elgato’s new streaming tool took our weekly game shows to the next level after just a few weeks of use, and it’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking to do the same.
Design
The small form factor and sleek, minimalist design of the Stream Deck make it easy to transport. The 15 bright and colorful keys on the device are actually mini LCD screens that you can personalize with any silly sticker you can find. It was amazingly easy to create our keys using the Stream Deck app. The keys themselves are backlit when playing your favorite horror game in the dark.
The fixed USB 2.0 cable is a bit short, especially for the kind of gaming stream we do here at Tom’s Guide. This was easily solved with a USB extension cable, which allowed us to use the Stream Deck from the sofa. It would be great to have a wireless option in the future or, at the very least, the ability to swap out the USB cable for something longer.
Once you’ve mapped all of your sources, you can do things like switch gameplay to a webcam on the fly without ever having to touch your computer or use keyboard shortcuts.
An included stand supports the Stream Deck, but it feels so unstable that too much pressure on a button could knock it down.
Performance
The operation of the Stream Deck is quite simple. The Stream Deck app lets you drag and drop specific scenes, websites, and even programs to any key you want. What’s even more impressive is that you can create subfolders that you can access at any time. For example, you can designate a folder only for your social media accounts that sends a tweet or a Facebook post when you’re ready to broadcast.
Elgato’s accessory really shines when using Open Broadcaster (OBS) software. Once you’ve mapped all of your sources, you can do things like switch gameplay to a webcam on the fly without ever having to touch your computer or use keyboard shortcuts. You can even set up more elaborate controls, like popping a GIF onscreen every time your Twitch channel gains a new follower or you achieve an awesome feat in your favorite game.
People who use XSplit might be disappointed with the Stream Deck, however, as you can’t drag and drop scenes like you can in OBS. A workaround is to assign your scenes and sources to your keyboard shortcuts in XSplit, and then assign those controls to a Stream Deck button. It can be tedious, but it works.
In the case of our weekly Facebook live broadcasts, Stream Deck made it easy for anyone to switch cameras and switch sources in the blink of an eye without needing to memorize keyboard shortcuts or be physically in front of the computer. performing the broadcast. Also, it makes things more professional and organized.
The Stream Deck also works great with Elgato’s Game Capture HD software, although live streaming isn’t your thing. This is a particularly handy tool for taking screenshots or recording gameplay footage with your own comments to add to your YouTube channel.
Twitch broadcasters will love that you can easily view things like audience and even post automated messages in the chat. Twitch integration can allow you to instantly broadcast and interact with your fans.
Final result
The Stream Deck is a great place to start for someone looking to increase the production value of their streaming content without having to spend thousands of dollars on a professional-grade mixer or hire a part-time producer. Elgato has once again provided a way to make life easier for streamers by allowing them to focus on creating awesome new content for their viewers.
Credit: Elgato
