Skip to main content

Elgato Stream Deck promises a smoother streaming experience

Video capture hardware manufacturer Elgato has unveiled the Elgato Stream Deck, a live-stream-focused desktop keypad that maps common stream functions to customizable LED buttons.

The Stream Deck is designed to take the guesswork out of streaming, as tools like Open Broadcaster Software often hide key functionality behind layers of menus and customization options. Elgato’s solution eliminates the need for streamers to struggle with software, as the Stream Deck promises full control over stream content via a tactile interface.

Recommended Videos

Elgato previously produced the Elgato Systems Game Capture HD, a device that allows gamers to capture and stream live gameplay footage from modern consoles. The company later introduced the Elgato HD60, which bumps video quality up to 1080p at 60 frames per second, making it the capture card of choice for many streamers.

Though applications like Open Broadcaster Software and Elgato’s own Game Capture HD are designed to assist with live-streaming gameplay footage, their complex interfaces often leave novice streamers stumped when problems arise. Elgato hopes to address this issue with its Stream Deck, which maps many aspects of the live-stream experience to physical keys in a seamless, easy-to-understand interface.

Promising compatibility with “Elgato Game Capture, OBS, Twitch, Twitter, TipeeeStream and more,” the Elgato Stream Deck allows streamers to instantly access features like scene switching and media playback with the push of a single LED button. These buttons can be further tweaked by assigning custom functions and labels suited to any streamer’s personal style.

“One-touch, tactile operation lets you switch scenes, launch media, adjust audio, and more, while visual feedback confirms your every command,” Elgato said. “Traditionally this level of control was exclusive to mainstream entertainment broadcasters. Now, it’s at your fingertips.”

Elgato continues: “Customizing Stream deck is effortless. Simply drag and drop actions onto keys, and you’re good to go. Likewise, drag and hold one key over another to create a folder. Better yet, assign your keys custom icons to make them completely your own.”

The Elgato Stream Deck launches on May 15 at a suggested retail price of $150.

Danny Cowan
Former Contributor
Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…
Streaming superstar Ninja returns to Twitch exclusively
Team Shroud at TwitchCon Doritos

Ninja is back on Twitch.

A little over a year after leaving the platform to stream on the now-shuttered Mixer, streaming superstar Tyler "Ninja" Blevins revealed Thursday that he will return to Twitch — exclusively.

Read more
Loupedeck Live is a game-like console for mixing streams on Twitch, Streamlabs
loupedeck live control console mixer creator 3 4 final cam 01

 

Streamers without big-budget broadcast studios will soon have access to physical streaming controls, thanks to the same company behind the Lightroom editing consoles. Announced on Tuesday, September 8, the Loupedeck Live is a console that allows livestreamers to switch feeds, adjust volume, monitor their viewer count, and more using a touchscreen, dials, and buttons.

Read more
The best games that are (probably) older than you that are still worth playing
The colorful main cast of characters in Chrono Trigger.

It's no secret that there are tons of amazing games coming out every day, plus an endless list of upcoming video games across all genres. We all love getting the latest and greatest games, which tend to have the best graphics, tightest gameplay, and maybe even cross-platform support to play with friends online. But sometimes it is nice to go back and see where games were a few decades ago. Those who played games from the early console generations might have their opinions clouded by nostalgia a bit, but there are still some shining examples of games that hold up just as well today as they did back then. Watch me turn into dust as I share a handful of amazing games that are likely older than you that are still worth playing.

Tetris

Read more