Elgato wants to prove his power can come in small packages, with the all new Stream Deck Mini.
Elgato’s first Stream Deck has become a staple tool for video game streamers around the world, including us here at Windows Central. But if you thought it was too big or too expensive, Elgato now has a smaller, cheaper option at $ 99 just for you.
A pint-sized companion streamer
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
$ 99
At the end of the line : While six buttons seem restrictive in some ways, robust software alleviates the limitations. It’s a great companion for any streamer.
Advantages:
- High quality materials and construction.
- Brilliant and refined software with persistent updates.
- Add tons of flair and charm to your feeds.
The inconvenients:
- It’s too light, pressing the buttons causes it to drift.
What are you going to like about the Elgato Stream Deck Mini
The Elgato Stream Deck is a great tool for any streamer, which even I, as a casual broadcaster, can’t imagine life without. The original Stream Deck has 15 configurable buttons with individual mini LCD screens and an adjustable base frame. When combined with the robust Stream Deck software, it adds a wide range of control and style to your streams, with in-depth support for all popular streaming platforms and software. But what if 15 buttons is just too many? Say hello to the streamlined Mini Stream Deck.
The Stream Deck Mini retains many of the features of its big brother including glossy LCD buttons, USB interface, while using the same software platform. Set up scene swaps, post pre-written chat messages, send broadcast tweets, and even set up sound effect gifs and pop-ups on your streams, all right at your fingertips. The only real difference here is that there are six buttons, instead of 15.
The Stream Deck Mini is well constructed, with strong plastics that won’t crack, with a rubberized base to reduce drift on your desk.
The drivers are available through Windows Update, making setup as quick and easy as plug-and-play. The software is also simple and easy to use, detecting and integrating your broadcast software, available scenes and beyond.
LCD buttons can be programmed with your own icons, and even animated gifs, creating fun and attractive displays. Many built-in functions also have visual cues, so you know when you’ve muted your mic or when a function attempt has been successfully received by your streaming services.
What are you going Do not like about the Elgato Stream Deck Mini
There is very little to complain about with the Stream Deck Mini, but there are a few design issues that I hope will be looked at in a future release.
While it appears that some effort has been made to give the Stream Deck Mini a lot of weight for its size (to prevent slipping), button presses still cause it to drift off my desk, even with the rubber feet on. A little more weight or maybe smoother button action would help rectify that in future revisions, but that’s a small gripe.
Also, I find the six buttons to be a bit restrictive when it comes to configuring my personal flow. Even if you’re a casual streamer, you might find that you get past six buttons quite quickly. This problem can be compensated somewhat by using button folders or profile toggles, but then you further reduce the number of buttons available per screen, just for navigating your folders and profiles. I think it would have been cool if the Stream Deck had a smaller dedicated button for paging or profile swapping, but again, this is a subjective complaint based on my personal needs. You may find that six buttons are more than enough!
Should you to buy The Elgato Stream Deck Mini?
The Stream Deck Mini takes the excellent Elgato Stream Deck and breaks it down into a smaller, less expensive set. Not all streamers will need 15 configurable keyboard shortcuts, and if you’re one of them, this Deck is for you.
Since Stream Deck software is so easy to integrate not only with streaming software but also any Windows software with its ability to perform macros and keyboard shortcut actions, you might even want to watch the Stream Deck Mini for use with creative programs like Adobe Photoshop, or while using inking tools like Sketchable. .
The Stream Deck Mini is a great kit, and whether you’re looking for six buttons or even more, either version is a solid buy. The Elgato Stream Deck Mini is expected to be available starting today for $ 99, from various online retailers.
So should you buy it? Absoutely.
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