Elgato Stream Deck – Live Content Creation Controller with 15 Customizable LCD Keys, Adjustable Stand, for Windows 10…

I’m normally to lazy to write Amazon reviews, but I’m so impressed with this thing I felt obliged…First of all, I’m not a webcaster, I’m a video editor and I bought this to speed up my workflow and try to fix some of the limitations of the keyboard shortcuts in my editing software. But now that I’ve started programming it, there’s no application I’m not using it for. It makes EVERYthing easier. Have a set of folders/documents you open all the time? One button press. Frequently visited website? One button press. It even has a Multi-Action setting so you can set a series of tasks for one button. Arranging buttons is drag and drop and you can not only make different profiles depending the application you’re using but you can make folders within those profiles so in reality you have far more than 32 buttons per profile to work with. Also, you can program each profile to automatically come up when you’re using its respective application so you don’t have to be constantly manually switching profiles.It has Keyboard Maestro integration so if you’re a macro person it makes it even more powerful (I’m yet to figure out how to get KM to trigger something on the StreamDeck– not sure if it’s possible, but programming the StreamDeck to trigger Keyboard Maestro actions is easy.Also, a tip for others who aren’t webcasters, the actions menu on the side is full of commands associated with webcasting apps, and it’s a bit cluttered… it took me awhile to realize I could hide all the actions I’d never use using the dropdown menu on the top right.It’s also really well made, very solid feeling and the buttons feel good to the touch. The display glows pleasantly (and brightness is adjustable) and each icon on the display can be customized. I went crazy and designed my own icons in Photoshop, but they also have an online key creator where you can use preset icons and upload your own images. I’m totally blown away how well designed this thing is— both with the device itself and the software you use to customize it. The only complaint I might have is that the introduction video it links you to when you first open the software seems pretty specific to webcasters and could do a better job of explaining different programming options… but it was super easy to figure everything out on my own and do a little YouTube research. But this is a teeny complaint. I can’t recommend this thing enough.

 Ordered from Amazon and Downloaded and Installed software before package arrived.I run an older but capable PC:Asus M51aci7 477032gb 1600 ddr3Kensington SSDToshiba HDDWindows 10 HomeI set up LR and PS folders to root level, then program launch with module shortcuts on next level and finally all my desired shortcut functions.For my uses, as a shortcut/hotkey trigger, this thing just blows anything else away.Nothing compares. X-Keys stick with 16 buttons is like 100! And no 2nd options. This thing can run over 200 hotkeys/commands!When the unit arrived, i was surprised at the size as i thought it would be larger. And i had read complaints on the screens resolution… but i can say, the screen is awesome! You feel the quality in your hands. And the buttons are responsive! Maybe too responsive.I did plug it in to a usb 2.0 port instead of 3.0 as i’ve heard some hardware like keyboards prefer 2.0. Windows instantly recognized the unit and my icons were up as soon as i looked down at it. Beautiful!The only 3 cons/opportunities for improvement are:1. Windows 10 and MAC software ONLY.Which doesn’t affect me as i always upgrade and only use for Adobe CC, but can see if you are heavily invested in software for older versions of Windows that don’t have upgrade routes/options, this could be cost prohibitive and you’re just out of luck here and have to spend more on an Optimus Popularis or something of that sort.2. The buttons are SENSITIVE! I double launched a few times. But after you get used to them, you learn how much pressure to apply and how fast. So for manufacturer, take a look at adjusting sensitivity.3. No replaceable USB cord. I feel that after a year or so, there might be problems with the cable, but that is yet to be seen. Most devices nowadays have replaceable cables. But at this price point and for what you get, it’s a non issue. I’ll just buy another if i tug it too hard.So my conclusion, as a hotkey/shortcut trigger, there is NO better option.I don’t stream, so for its intended purpose, i can’t say how good it is, but for creatives in the Adobe ecosystem, it would mesh well with Palette Controllers or give you the few extra buttons that the Loupedeck lacks.

If it worked all the time, it would be great. I find I have to unplug it and replug it back in regularly and reload the software every time before I even try and stream. Functionally, when it works, it’s very good, however, it does NOT work most of the time.

Had the Stream Deck for a few days now and I gotta say im really impressed so far. It feels like a very premium product and looks it too. The cord is not too long at only about 3 feet or so, and theres no option to extend it. The LCD screens are very vibrant and the buttons feel solid. When you use a button that is an on/off switch (like a source on OBS) the key will light up or dim depending on whether its activated or not. I can see them in the future possibly releasing updates to add more options to what you can do with the stream deck. Some things i would like to see are live streaming controls for youtube live because currently they only allow you do comment/stream through your twitch account and I have taken youtube gaming as my home for streaming. All the hotkeys that you can program are nice and you can even set buttons to bring up certain websites at the click of a button. The option to make folders is also a very good feature; though you can only have folders on the main page. I hope they allow for more folders within folders in the future. This has been a game changing device that i have been able to use for my streams, but ive also set up some pages for Photoshop tools, and am planning on doing one for the Sony Vegas Pro tools as well. The option to tweet directly with 1 button is an awesome feature and I use it frequently. My time with he product has been short and sweet so far, and I can honestly see myself using this product (and future products of this line) for years to come!Pros:Sturdy, plastic material is light and solidButtons have a good feel to themStream deck doesnt move much on deskFolders option allows for hundreds of inputstwitter integrationcustom hotkeysMedia controls (volume up/down ect.)Fast response time within stream deck and between the deck and PCOn/Off hotkeys will light up/dim when on or off on the stream deckCons:Lack of Youtube live supportlimited to creating folders strictly on the home screenlack of cool startup animations (though not really a con just a visual thing)Short cord and lack of changeable connectionFuture hopes:Release update to include support for Youtube live like the options for Twitch (chat message, subs, viewers, go live/end stream)Future models with more keys/features would be awesome.Hopefully any future models will also have longer cords/ possibly be wireless, though i admit to not knowing how this would affect the latency

I’ve been hesitant on purchasing an Elgato Stream Deck for quite some time because I didn’t think it’d be worth the money. However the Stream Deck has changed the way I use my computer and saved me so much time!Let me first say that the build quality is very good, it’s a solid device and the small buttons are bright and clear. It feels like it could take a few drops or get thrown around in a backpack with no issue. The 15 key variant is a great size and I don’t see myself needing to get anything larger as of yet. A great feature that the Stream Deck has is folders, so if you feel like 15 keys is not enough, don’t worry because you can have an infinite amount of shortcuts by nesting them inside of folders. And you can even put folders inside of folders too!It has an included kickstand that lets you position it at any angle you need to which is super handy for various uses/surfaces. It’s powered over USB and works with both Mac and PC.When it comes to actions, there are so many shortcuts in the list that it would take me too long to talk about them, but just know that you will not find yourself looking for a shortcut that doesn’t exist. There are even third party plugins to install that incorporate the Stream Deck with the software you need it to work it (if it’s not already supported natively).I use my Stream Deck daily as a video editor and audio engineer. I can use quick shortcuts inside of the Adobe software which is incredibly helpful. I do stream a little as well, which I’m trying to put more time into and for streaming, the Elgato Stream Deck is a must have! There are so many things to manage while streaming that it gets annoying to leave the game to do them. With the Stream Deck you don’t have to.I work as a live production engineer for a day job and I have even found a way to incorporate the Stream Deck into my daily workflow from job to job! It can control macros to recall camera layouts or pull up a animated lower third, it’s super handy. Basically wherever I go, I’m asked what it’s called and how much it costs. I can’t recommend this enough for those looking to increase their productivity or if you’re a streamer/gamer.It’s worth every penny spent and I urge you to do research to see if the Stream Deck could improve your workflow.This review is completely unbiased and the Stream Deck was purchased with my own money.