Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 – Studio Controller, 15 macro keys, trigger actions in apps and software like OBS, Twitch, ​YouTube and more, works with Mac and PC

Spoiler alert. This device is awesome and invaluable if you regularly use different Mac and PC software programmes, especially for editing audio & video.You can stop there or read on for a bit of a story and the actual review - your choice.The storyThis device sat on a shelf for well over 12 months. It was a compulsive purchase based on a video I watched on YouTube and possibly at the end of a night out with friends, erm…I had almost forgotten about this purchase, not because it wasn’t of use, I just didn’t think I needed it at the time; my mistake!Let me explain…As mentioned, this was an impulse purchase because it looked cool and I told myself I’d use it…eventually.It must have struck a chord of sorts because I was sure to buy the upgraded MKII version with a detachable/replaceable USB cable.I didn’t use it.Jump forward 12 months and video editing is now a main focus and keyboard short cuts are all the rage. As my editing skills develop and my editing frequency increases and as ridiculous as this sounds (it did to me when I heard other editors say it) multiple key short cuts were becoming a pain in the backside and in particular the blade cut and delete (yes, Final Cut Pro X on the Mac) Enter the Elgato Stream Deck.The ReviewThe Elgato Stream Deck is a fully customisable macro keypad that allows you to set single key inputs for what would normally be multi-keyboard/finger short-cuts e.g. ctrl+cmd+arrow up to lift a clip from the timeline in Final Cut Pro, is now a one button press and with a nice vibrant pic displayed on the very smooth LCD buttons to boot. More on that in a bit.This little device works across a variety of apps for both Mac & PC and not just editing software. It also comes with Elgato (via download) free software for optimising and customising the macro keys and shortcuts.This is a super tidy unit (specs below) and well built. It won’t take being bounced off the floor, but oddly enough, that’s not its intended purpose. The main icon panel can sit directly on your desk or in the angled case. The USB cable is attached under the unit, but flat and right angled so that the unit can sit flush with your desk regardless of preferred set-up.The 15 macro key version I have sits just about right for my needs at the moment, but you may wish to look at the 6 or the much bigger 32 key versions, depending on your own needs. I will say that after finding out just how useful this piece of equipment can be, I am looking at the 32 key version for in the not too distant future.As an example of the speed of work flow, I’ll use another FCP application - I have the mouse on the right and the Stream Deck on the left. I select the point I wish to cut. Press the centre macro key and then press the macro key underneath its it is set to delete. This finger/thumb quick action is so convenient and time saving.The LCD keys are also customisable via the previously mentioned Elgato software. This option also allows you to assign set functions to keys and also assign an icon. A pleasant surprise was that there are loads of free icons available in the Elgato icon library. One of my main hotkey shortcuts is for YouTube (yes, you can assign URLs to the macro keys too) and there was a YouTube icon in the library along with multiple community created ones, which for the most part are great! There are even animated icons if you want them, but I personally prefer the static icons, but it’s your choice.The next pleasant surprise was that you can set different profiles or ‘pages’ of icons for the different software you are using. If you are jumping from Premier Pro to Microsoft Office or Final Cut Pro to Light Room, then you can set up you own pages, hotkeys & icons as you wish which equals fantastic versatility!All good so far, so now a couple of minor gripes…Every once in a while the unit won’t boot up properly, but this is pretty rare.The angle of the stand is great visually, but for my (left) hand it’s too steep at roughly a 60 degree angle, when half that would have been much more comfortable whilst still allowing you to see the icons. You can take the unit off the stand and as you get more used to and with more frequency, you won’t even look at the buttons. This is the best way to go in my opinion, but again it’s nice to have the option of stand or no stand.One last note and this is nothing to do with the unit; I would suggest you learn some main/most used keyboard shortcuts before you use the Stream Deck. Reason - if the deck stops working in the middle of an edit and you don’t know/remember the actual keyboard ones, then you’re stuck. Again, this is unlikely, but worth considering.On the whole an awesome and effective idea, executed fantastically by Elgato.Side note:Elgato have also released the + version which features 8 macro keys, a touch stripe and dials, which can be incorporate into a streaming set up. I cannot comment on that device at the moment, but perhaps in the future…Specs:Size: 11.8 x 8.4 x 2.5cm without standWeight: 145gConnection: USB 2.0 (cable is roughly 1.5 metres)Stand angle: Approx. 60degreesMaterials: Plastic

The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 has completely transformed how I manage my livestreams and creative workflow. With 15 customizable LCD keys, I can launch apps, switch scenes in OBS, control my lights, send chat messages, and even post to social media—all with a single tap.Setup was incredibly easy. The Stream Deck software is intuitive and powerful, allowing me to create folders, assign multi-actions, and even use custom icons. I love that it works seamlessly with OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Spotify, Discord, and more. It’s also fully compatible with both Mac and PC, which is a big plus for my hybrid setup.The MK.2 version adds some nice upgrades: a removable USB-C cable, a solid adjustable stand, and interchangeable faceplates for a personalized look. The build quality feels premium, and the keys are bright, responsive, and satisfying to press.✅ Pros:15 fully customizable LCD keys with visual feedbackWorks with a wide range of apps and platformsEasy drag-and-drop setup with powerful automationDetachable USB-C cable and sturdy standSleek, professional design with swappable faceplates⚠️ Cons:No built-in audio controls (you’ll need to assign them manually)Might be overkill for casual users or beginners

Due to the use of a plugin system for this device, you can almost find a use for anyone. Although the device primarily caters to gamers, more specifically those within the entertainment / content creation niches, macros can be customized to perform in almost any fashion, and plugins can be found on the official marketplaces, and on third party stores. Although the price can be high, if you snag this on a sale, you will soon justify it to yourself when you simplify otherwise tedious or time consuming tasks into a simple button press. For streaming, the stream deck can be configured into a stream controller (controlling the software such as OBS, stream labs and more), or can be used to alternatively control twitch reactions, animations and more. For other applications (to name a few), coders can benefit by using VSCODE plugins, casual gamers who enjoy listening to music can hook it up to Spotify and the list just goes on. Using the actual stream deck is simplistic and can be done with a simple button press to activate a macro / plugin function. This can be configured in the software, and you can have multiple pages of folders of buttons that you can lay out, and you can assign each a unique function. This really speeds up almost any process, and there is no real noticeable lag between pressing a key and a function being performed (although this is dependent on the plugin being used). (just to clarify, you can store hundreds, possibly thousands of different macros, and have a button set up for pagination, switching between pages or subfolders of other buttons).