Features
- Dimensions: 140 x 138 x 110mm
- Weight : 465g
- Keys: 8 customizable LCD keys
- Multi-function rotary knobs: 4 360° encoders with push button
- LCD touch panel: 108 x 14mm
- Interface: USB2.0
- Price : €229.99
Unboxing
The packaging includes:
- StreamDeck+
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- Quick Start Guide
Frame
All dressed in black for a combination of plastic and aluminum, the chassis offers a robust and refined rendering. As a bonus, the StreamDeck+ is a single block with many fillets and bosses in order to soften its curves. The device is split into three zones, customizable LCD keys, touch strip and rotary knobs. Furthermore these last two are related in use.
The touch buttons are eight in number and larger than what we can see on other products in the range. The activation is pleasant, rather soft with a slight click of activation at the end of the race. The touch strip is the size of a key in width and just over four in length. Nevertheless, the illuminated area is very limited, equal to what we can see on a nintendo-switchwith a fairly substantial black band.
Ultimately, the wheels benefit from a rotation of 360°, notched and without stop. In addition, it is possible to click on it to activate yet another feature.
Features
To avoid getting lost in endless explanations, we will split this paragraph according to the three zones of the Stream Deck +. Still, the environment Elgato continues to progress and if the first peripherals offered a timid configuration, it is no longer the case. Indeed, the range of possibilities continues to grow without becoming complicated. Gymnastics skilfully applied by the manufacturer.
LCD keys
Few in number, they are similar to the usefulness of a Stream Deck mini to which we would have added two keys. Their substantial size leaves a suitable visual and makes writing much more readable. Like the brand’s other products, they allow you to link shortcuts that are as numerous as they are eclectic. Specifically, you can launch an application, turn a device on or off, manage sound, associate applications to know the temperature, time and many others. It would be almost judicious to say that the only limit is that of your mind, so many possibilities are there.
It is also this slight lack of keys that frustrated us at first. If the assessment of the quantity is done on a case-by-case basis, it is difficult not to want to have more, if only to benefit from a maximum of shortcuts on the fly. Despite everything, the software allows the creation of folders, navigation between profiles as well as an arrow, sacrificing a key, allowing you to go to the next or previous page.
The touch tape
Not necessarily a pioneer in the industry, it is nonetheless interesting associated with the whole. Note that it is dissociated from the keys, but closely linked to the rotary knobs which we will discuss later. In addition, it makes it possible to provide visual feedback on the actions of the knobs as well as tactile feedback for turn sources on or off with a single tap.
The touch strip also allows you to change pages by sliding your finger to the left or right depending on the one desired. Note that there is no faster method, from the touch strip, to reach a particular page. We recommend using the LCD keys for this. Pleasant to the touch, the touch activates without difficulty.
However, only four actions can be associated simultaneously (corresponding to the four rotary buttons). Elgato circumvents this problem with an action called “button stack” which allows you to manually scroll through an unlimited number of sources. It is true that we could have expected an automation system. However, from experience, we know that automatism is not a safe bet and that it often tends to force unwanted positions.
Finally, in order to know the status of each software or associated action, the logo and/or the status bar lights up when the element is active while it fades and goes out when it becomes idle. A quick visual observation method and intuitive for controlled control of your orders.
Customizable rotary knobs
Certainly the point we were waiting for the most, the possibility of making adjustments using the dials. This may seem absurd and yet the comfort linked to this feature is real. Elgato realizes this and does not go by half measures. These are toothed enough to allow intuitive and precise selection, but not enough to slow down free rotation. Additionally, the rotary knobs have a knurled coating and are made of aluminum for a firm grip while remaining sturdy.
The rotation settings as well as the actions related to the click of the wheel are defined directly via the eponymous software for even more possibilities.
Software
Despite a set of dedicated software for each range of peripherals Elgato, it must be recognized that the brand’s ecosystem makes it easy to link them. For the Stream Deck+, it is the application of the same name that must be used. As a bonus, a tab allows you to navigate between each product of the same range, such as Stream Deck, Stream Deck Mini, Stream Deck XL, Stream Deck +.
In order to remain as concise as possible while dealing with all the available features, here is first a non-exhaustive list of the software’s possibilities Stream Deck : Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue and many more.
All these additional/related software or platforms have their own configuration panels. Obviously, there will always be an action that we would like to be able to carry out, but as a whole, the ecosystem is intended to be scalable and thoughtful.
Whether it’s sound management, adjustable according to a ratio to be defined, moving your camera’s focus, managing the color and brightness of Elgato lights, everything is thought out to allow you to reduce the opening of software while having these configurations at your fingertips. Sure, the Stream Decks can be used in complete complementarity provided you make the appropriate settings.
Finally, the actions are divided into two tabs that are keys and buttons, each associated with a particular area. Simply drag the desired action into the defined area to be able to take advantage of it, configure it and modify its settings. Note that it is also possible to modify all logos, easily integrate and resize images, both on the keys and for the wallpaper of the touchpad.
Choose your Stream Deck
This is the famous question of should I take the leap? What to choose ? First of all, for the uninitiated, we invite you to read our article listing all the Stream Decks available and their possibilities, including the discovery of the Stream Deck XL. For others, here is something to make a quick choice.
Stream Deck Mini
A professional pocket device that allows you to obtain a limited number of shortcuts, but useful if you are not a fan of overconsumption. Most content creators use it as a console to use other Stream Decks.
- LCD keys: 6
- Suggested price : €99.99
Stream Deck
The standard and critically acclaimed version. Note that a new version is available, the MK2. This is available in two one-block formats, black or white. As a bonus, it is possible to modify the front panel according to models offered by Elgato. This is the device of reason for those who want a large panel of keys on the fly, without destroying their budget. Ideal for beginners.
- LCD keys: 15
- Suggested price : €149.99
Stream Deck XL
Clearly the “monster” of the Stream Decks at Elgato. Ideal for those who do not want to bother with several shortcuts or folders. The 32 keys make it possible to have a plethora of shortcuts for a robust product that is still comfortable to use for users with a very large number of software or shortcuts (native or created). We have also replaced the latter with the Stream Deck + in order to save space on the desk. Nevertheless, the sacrifice of 24 keys remains notable and difficult to compensate with ease in the first place.
- LCD keys: 32
- Suggested price : €249.99
StreamDeck+
The last is born from the series which allows to combine, in addition to having high-performance and intuitive LCD keys, an autonomous management panel. Although it is suitable for a wide range of users, we recommend it to content creators, whether they are beginners or confirmed and who do not necessarily wish to cross the threshold of several devices on their desktop. Its use is simple, provided you study its capabilities as it adapts to countless situations.
- LCD keys: 8
- Touch tape: Yes
- Customizable rotary knobs: 4
- Suggested price : €229.99
