Stream decks have the power to take your streaming to the next level by giving you the freedom to control everything. Regarding accessibility, stream decks are customizable control pads that allow you to switch scenes, control media, adjust audio levels, and change lighting and camera angles while entertaining your viewers.
Now that you know how stream decks improve your overall streaming experience let’s dive into the top 5 best streaming decks. This list offers products selected for their overall value, performance, size, and more.
What is a Stream Deck?
A stream deck is a bunch of hotkeys to perform tasks such as muting, switching camera angles, managing your audio, adding sound effects or graphics, and playing with RGB lights. Stream decks aren’t only for gamers. Instead, they are an excellent tool for anyone who wants to increase productivity.
These devices offer a ton of flexibility and several shortcuts for your needs. Most commonly, stream decks are physical devices with LCD screens, OLED buttons, or mechanical keypads, while some others are apps simply designed to work with mobile devices.
Why Do You Need Streaming Deck
Many people wrongly assume stream decks as luxury equipment, but their features make them handy for all kinds of creators. Here are some of the best ways stream decks improve your streaming experience.
- They allow streamers to respond to messages and control and moderate your chat.
- Add images, gifs, music and graphics to your stream to keep your viewers engaged.
- Use stream decks to record your gameplay and easily save your best highlights.
- Simply switch windows and control multiple tasks with just a single tap.
How to Choose the Best Streaming Deck for Streaming
When it comes to stream decks, the one thing everyone should know is that they aren’t cheap. Hence, when buying them, it’s essential that you know your needs. So if you are a regular streamer and want to take things to the next level, then going for a stream deck is a solid choice.
Apart from your needs, here is a quick rundown of some other things to consider.
- Number and Quality of Keys
What makes stream decks important is the number of keys. So, when choosing them, note down whether you want more buttons or are looking for something with fewer options.
- Design
Design is the least important characteristic when choosing a stream deck. However, every streamer wants a streaming deck that looks neat with their streaming setup. Luckily, most streaming decks have a simple, minimalistic design that goes with everything.
- Compact Size
The stream deck has to be on your desk, where it can be reached easily. That said, the size of your stream desk shouldn’t be too large or too small. The dimensions should be around 5.91 x 4.33 x 1.18 inches so that all the control can be used without stretching your arms.
- Price
Finally, your budget is possibly the most crucial factor when looking for a stream deck. Hence, if you are spending money on a stream deck, make sure it provides value for money. This will help you narrow down the best options according to your budget.
5 Best Stream Decks for Streaming
1. Elgato Stream Deck
Specs
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches
- Number of keys: 15
- Direct integration: OBS, Stream labs, Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, and more
Pros
Cons
Deemed a must-have for streamers, the Elgato Stream Deck is one the best choices for a stream deck. It is a programmable keypad with 15 customizable keys that can be programmed to trigger any command you want.
The level of detail is something that Elgato stressed. Each button has its tiny LCD that can be customized and personalized using the software. Additionally, weighing only 0.4 pounds, the deck is super lightweight and has a pretty adequate size.
To get started, you have to plug the USB cable into your computer and download the official software from their websites, and you are good to go. The software offers several customization features and different layouts.
2. Elgato Stream Deck Mini
Specs
- Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.4 x 2.3 inches
- Number of keys: 6
- Direct integration: OBS, Stream labs, Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, and more
Pros
Cons
If you are a streamer who isn’t a big fan of several buttons and complicated setups, then the Elgato Stream Deck Mini is the perfect option. The Stream Deck Mini is a compact version of the original Elgato Stream Deck.
Instead of having 15 or 32 buttons, the Stream Deck Mini comes with six keys with much larger LCD screens for every button. Although it’s a much smaller version of the previous Stream Deck, it still offers similar functionality and compatibility.
The Stream Deck Mini measure about 3.3 x 2.4 x 2.3 inches making it easier to carry. While the Stream Deck Mini offers fewer mapping options than other rivals, it easily takes the upper hand regarding price and accessibility.
3. Loupedeck Live Stream Deck
Specs
- Dimension: 5.91 x 4.33 x 1.18 inches
- Number of keys: 12 (touch screen)
- Direct integration: OBS, Stream labs, Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, and more
Pros
Cons
Loupedeck is a top-notch piece of equipment with dozen of necessary features and customization options for streamers. It has a professional-looking design with knobs and programmable buttons for productivity.
The main control panel has 12 touch buttons that perform different tasks, such as controlling multimedia.
Moreover, with the Loupedeck live software 5.0, you can assign different specific functions to as many buttons as you want. The round buttons on the panel can be assigned to tasks like responding to messages, going live etc.
4. Razer Tartarus v2
Specs
- Dimension: 2.36 x 0.8 x 6.02 inches
- Number of keys: 32
- Direct integration: OBS, Stream labs, Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, and more
Pros
Cons
As we all know, Razer is a leading brand in gaming and esports. Their products are designed with perfection and utmost performance for gamers and streamers alike.
Tartarus v2 is an ergonomic keypad that offers 32 programmable keys that use Mecha-Membrane technology to achieve the feeling of regular mechanical keys. It also includes a scroll wheel, thumb buttons, D-pad with eight directions and a single circular button.
Another exciting feature is a wrist rest which provides comfort while using the deck. And if it doesn’t fit your needs, you can simply detach it. Nevertheless, whether this will be your first deck or an upgrade, you will find it easy to get used to.
5. X-keys Programmable Keypad
Specs
- Dimension: 6 x 4 x 1 inch
- Number of keys: 24
- Direct integration: OBS, Stream labs, Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, and more
Pros
Cons
X-keys is an excellent multi-purpose modified keypad that can be used to assign macros when streaming or playing games. The X-Keys is another budget option as compared to the Elgato stream deck.
Although the 24 keys on X-Keys programmable keyboard don’t have actual mechanical keys, they are backlit, easy to program and have proved to be reasonably reliable.
As for the design, the X-keys are small and lightweight and can be easily carried anywhere. Additionally, the foot of the device can be angled according to your preference to make it easier to use.
It is compatible with almost every device that supports USB, including Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux devices. Additionally, it can be used as a portable, mounted, or on a desktop.
Conclusion
Having a stream deck makes your streaming experience a whole lot easier. From multi-tasking to controlling your chat, a stream deck is what will make your job as a streamer much more convenient.
Streaming can sometimes feel hectic. But having a piece of equipment that helps you perform tiring tasks makes streaming fun for you and your audience while making it look professional.
