Looking to make your streaming experience even smoother? Well, the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 can do just that for you. In its most basic form, it can serve as an additional 15 keys for your keyboard, but you can do a lot more with streaming software like Streamlabs OBS and OBS Studio.
The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 has a sleek design, is easily configurable, and is supported by its own software and a virtual store. It’s a bit pricey, at $ 150, and I would like the text to fit the LCD keys better.
Overall, the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is a great device for streamers and even non-streamers to simplify their audio and video setup. (If you’re looking for a great streaming laptop, check out our best gaming laptops page).
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 pricing and configuration options
The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 will set you back $ 150 and provide you with a 15 button interface. However, there are a few different options if that particular Stream Deck isn’t your thing.
If you want to keep it as affordable as possible, there is a Stream Deck Mobile option, where you can try the Stream Deck interface on your mobile device for free for 30 days. I will point out, however, that the app is currently rated at 2.3 stars and will cost you $ 3 per month to use thereafter.
The most affordable physical option is the Stream Deck Mini, which costs $ 80 and offers a 6-button solution. It seems poorly evaluated. It’s not even half of the Stream Deck MK.2. Since the 15-button Stream Deck MK.2 costs $ 150, the Stream Deck Mini should have 8 buttons for $ 80.
There’s the original Stream Deck, which also costs $ 150 for a 15-button solution. And finally, for professional streamers, there’s the Stream Deck XL, which offers 32 buttons for $ 250. You might think $ 250 is a lot, but considering how many buttons per dollar you get, the Stream Deck XL is the more cost effective option.
This does not mean, however, that these are cheap solutions. Everyone is expensive for what they are.
Design Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
This streaming powerhouse measures 4.6 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches and weighs 9.5 ounces (5.1 ounces without stand). The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 itself has a rectangular matte black chassis. At the top you’ll find the Stream Deck and Elgato logos, and below are the 15 customizable LCD keys.
LCD screens are well lit and sunk into the chassis less than an inch deep. The keys are shiny so you might encounter some glare, but that won’t be annoying as long as you don’t point a flashlight directly at it. The quality of the icons depends on the software you’re using, but overall the ones I’ve seen from Streamlabs OBS, OBS, and Elgato look good. However, I don’t like that there isn’t enough room to label icons beyond 9 or 10 characters. And the text curves around a bulging part of the key, which distorts it when viewed from the angle provided.
On the back of the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2, you will find the USB Type-C port that you would connect to your PC. The included desk stand has a small hole for the wire to pass through. The desk stand is shaped like a triangle, allowing the Stream Deck to be displayed at a 45 degree angle (approximately).
In the box you will not only find the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 and the desktop stand, but also the USB Type-C-to-USB Type-A cable and the Quick Start Guide.
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 software
Elgato’s Stream Deck software is surprisingly clean and easy to use. Let’s go through the basics, then the more customizable features.
First, you start with your default base profile of 15 keys, which you can use to assign different functions from included apps like Elgato Game Capture, OBS Studio, Soundboard, Stream Deck, Streamlabs OBS, System, Twitter, Elgato Control Center, Voicemod, and Twitch Studio.
As for the Elgato-based rule set, you can edit scenes, record, screenshot, broadcast, and add live commentary with Elgato Game Capture right from your Stream Deck. With the Stream Deck itself, you can create folders, switch profiles, create a multi-action button and switches, activate a random action, activate a timer, adjust the brightness, and put it to sleep. With your system settings, you can assign a button to launch a website, a shortcut switch, a shortcut, open an app, display text, or assign a multimedia key.
There’s a lot of customization within the app, and thanks to the clean interface it’s easy to understand what’s going on and how to make everything work seamlessly. And in addition to the apps already included, you can add plugins, icons, music, and sound effects from the Stream Deck Store.
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Streaming Performance
I recently started streaming with the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 on Tic, and it was a godsend for my setup.
With the click of a button I can change the brightness of my Elgato Ring Light, change a scene in Streamlabs OBS which allows me to display my webcam in full screen and play an intermission video when I need it. to walk away for a moment.
Of course, you can do all of these things through your PC, but not seamlessly. In any field of entertainment, execution is everything. If you want to attract people, they won’t benefit from a shoddy setup. I’m not saying you need Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 to be successful, but it’s definitely useful and makes a streaming environment much more accessible. The last thing I want to do is tinker with my PC to change the sequences in my stream.
Practical performance Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
Okay, if you’re not a streamer, what is the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 for you?
Well, nothing you couldn’t do with a few more clicks, but if you want the beauty of transparency, you could take advantage of the Stream Deck. I can mute and unmute my microphone more easily, display my dice camera when playing Dungeons & Dragons, and turn my Ring Light on or off. Playing D&D online is very important to me, so I want to be as beautiful as possible for others so that they can feel like I’m there and present.
It’s just my specific use case, but you could have yours for using Stream Deck, especially if you’re doing something video related. You can also assign any key to any of the buttons, which means you can use it as an additional set of buttons for gaming as well.
At the end of the line
If you are a professional streamer or someone who constantly plays with video and audio equipment, the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is worth a visit. Yes, it’s expensive, but it offers so many cool features and makes setting up a feed a lot easier.
If $ 150 is out of your price range, consider purchasing the Stream Deck Mini for $ 80. I don’t think it’s worth the price, however, but it’s cheaper. If you’re looking to get your money’s worth, pick up the Stream Deck XL for $ 250, which offers a 32-key setup.
Overall, the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is a wonderful product if you can beat the hefty price tag.
