The best stream decks for streaming — Elgato, Loupedeck Live, Razer Controller X, and others

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A stream deck (or stream controller) is an important and sometimes indispensable device on your streaming desk. It helps content creators manage their broadcast and stream elements. In this article, we will answer some questions, like: What is a stream deck do? Which stream deck is the most popular among streamers? And what is the difference between the top models on the market?

Razer Stream Controller X: The Ultimate Hardware Controller for Streamers

Razer's Stream Controller X is a powerful hardware controller designed specifically for streamers. With its 15 customizable LCD keys, it allows you to control all aspects of your stream with ease.

Features of use Razer Stream Controller X

One of the key advantages of the Razer Stream Controller X is its ease of use. The LCD keys are fully customizable, and you can use the Razer Synapse software to set up different profiles for different applications or games.

Benefits of Using Razer Stream Controller X

Razer's Stream Controller X offers a range of benefits for streamers, including:

1. Increased Efficiency: By assigning common actions to LCD keys, you can reduce the time and effort required to perform certain tasks. This can help you streamline your workflow and focus on creating content.

2. Customizability: Razer's Stream Controller X is highly customizable, allowing you to create your own custom actions and assign them to LCD keys. This gives you the flexibility to control your stream in the way that works best for you.

3. Portability: The Razer Stream Controller X is small and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go. This is especially useful if you're a mobile streamer or if you stream from multiple locations.

Pricing of Razer's Stream Controller X

Razer's Stream Controller X is priced competitively with other hardware controllers on the market — $149.99. It is an affordable option for streamers who want to improve their workflow and streamline their stream production.

Buy Razer Stream Controller X (via Amazon)

Elgato Stream Deck: A Powerful Tool for Streamers

If you're a streamer looking to take your production value to the next level, then the Elgato Stream Deck might be the tool you need. This hardware controller allows you to easily control various aspects of your stream, such as switching scenes, adjusting audio, launching applications, and triggering custom actions, all with the press of a button.

Benefits of Using the Elgato Stream Deck

The Elgato Stream Deck can be a game-changer for streamers. By allowing you to control your stream with the press of a button, you can focus more on your content and less on technical details. Here are some of the benefits of using the Elgato Stream Deck:

1. Improved Production Value: With the Stream Deck, you can easily switch between scenes, adjust audio levels, and launch applications, all without taking your eyes off the camera. This allows you to create a more polished and professional stream.
   

2. Increased Efficiency: By assigning common actions to buttons, you can reduce the time and effort required to perform certain tasks. This can help you streamline your workflow and focus on creating content.
   

3. Customizability: The Stream Deck is highly customizable, allowing you to create your own custom actions and assign them to buttons. This gives you the flexibility to control your stream in the way that works best for you.
   

Elgato Stream Deck Price

The Elgato Stream Deck comes in several sizes, ranging from 6 to 32 keys, depending on your needs and budget. As of this writing, the Elgato Stream Deck Mini (6-key version) costs around $99, while the Elgato Stream Deck XL (larger 32-key version) costs around $249. While this may seem like a significant investment, the Stream Deck can be a valuable tool for streamers who want to take their production value to the next level.

In conclusion, the Elgato Stream Deck is a powerful tool for streamers looking to improve their production value, increase efficiency, and customize their workflow. With its easy setup, customizable buttons, and wide range of actions and applications, the Stream Deck can help you take your stream to the next level. While it may be a bit pricey, the benefits of using the Stream Deck can make it a worthwhile investment for serious streamers.

Buy Elgato Stream Deck (via Amazon)

Loupedeck Live: A Versatile Tool for Content Creators

The Loupedeck Live is a versatile hardware controller designed for content creators. While it's primarily marketed toward photographers and video editors, it can also be a useful tool for streamers looking to improve their production value and streamline their workflow.

Features of use Loupedeck Live

The Loupedeck Live's customizable buttons and rotary dials allow for more precise and efficient control over your stream.

Benefits of Using the Loupedeck Live Stream Deck

The Loupedeck Live Stream Deck offers a range of benefits for content creators, including streamers. Here are a few key advantages:

1. Increased Efficiency: By assigning common actions to buttons and rotary dials, you can reduce the time and effort required to perform certain tasks. This can help you streamline your workflow and focus on creating content.
   

2. Customizability: The Loupedeck Live is highly customizable, allowing you to create your own custom actions and assign them to buttons and dials. This gives you the flexibility to control your stream in the way that works best for you.
   

3. Versatility: While the Loupedeck Live is marketed towards photographers and video editors, it can also be a useful tool for streamers looking to improve their production value. Its customizable buttons and rotary dials can be assigned to a wide range of applications and actions, making it a versatile tool for content creators.
   

Pricing of the Loupedeck Live Stream Deck

The Loupedeck Live Stream Deck is priced similarly to the Elgato Stream Deck, with the cost varying depending on the number of buttons and rotary dials. The cheapest model Loupedeck Live S will cost €199. Loupedeck Live price is €269. 

Buy Loupedeck Live (via Amazon)
Buy Loupedeck Live S (via Amazon)

X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck: The Ultimate Hardware Controller for Streamers

The X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck is a powerful hardware controller designed specifically for streamers. With its 60 customizable buttons, it allows you to control all aspects of your stream with ease.

Features of use X-Keys XK-60

One of the key advantages of the X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck is its versatility. With 60 customizable buttons, you can assign multiple actions to each button, allowing you to control different aspects of your stream simultaneously. For example, you could assign one button to switch between camera angles, another to adjust audio levels, and another to launch your Twitter feed.

Benefits of Using the X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck

The X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck offers a range of benefits for streamers, including:

1. Increased Efficiency: By assigning common actions to buttons, you can reduce the time and effort required to perform certain tasks. This can help you streamline your workflow and focus on creating content.

2. Customizability: The X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck is highly customizable, allowing you to create your own custom actions and assign them to buttons. This gives you the flexibility to control your stream in the way that works best for you.

3. Versatility: With 60 buttons, the X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck can be assigned to a wide range of applications and actions, making it a versatile tool for streamers.

Pricing of the X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck

The X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck is priced higher than some other hardware controllers, reflecting its larger number of buttons and more advanced features. However, it offers unparalleled control and customization options, making it a worthwhile investment for serious streamers. In different stores, the price of the X-Keys XK-60 is around $230. There are cheaper and more expensive models — it all depends on the number of buttons.

Buy X-Keys XK-60 Stream Deck (via Amazon)

What are the major differences between the Streaming Decks?

While Elgato Stream Deck, Loupedeck Live, X-Keys XK-60, and Razer Stream Controller X are all hardware controllers designed for streamers, there are some key differences between them.

Ultimately, the choice between these hardware controllers will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the streamer. Each of them offers unique features and benefits, so it's important to evaluate them carefully before making a decision.

So, which is the best Stream Deck? The Elgato Stream Deck is considered the most popular and widely used stream deck for streaming. Other popular stream decks include the Loupedeck Live and the X-Keys XK-60, but the Elgato Stream Deck remains the most popular choice among streamers.

How to use Stream Decks

Setting up Stream Deck is simple. Just connect it to your computer's USB port and download the software from official site. From there, you can start customizing the keys to control various applications and actions, such as OBS Studio, XSplit, Twitch, Streamlabs, and more.

Once you've set up your buttons, you can start using the Stream Deck to control your stream. For example, you can use the buttons to switch between different camera angles, adjust your microphone volume, launch your Twitter feed, or even trigger a sound effect. With the Stream Deck's customizable LCD keys, you can even add custom icons and text to each button, making it easy to quickly identify each action.

Is a stream controller worth it?

Whether a stream deck is worth it or not will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the streamer. A stream controller can be a valuable tool for streamers looking to improve their workflow and efficiency. It allows easy and quick access to frequently used actions and commands, reducing the need to switch between different windows and applications. This can help streamline the production process and allow the streamer to focus on creating content.

A stream deck can also offer various customization options, allowing the streamer to create custom actions and assign them to specific buttons/LCD keys. This can be especially useful for streamers who use a variety of software and applications, as they can set up different profiles for each one.

However, it's important to note that a stream controller may not be necessary for all streamers. If you have a smaller setup or are just starting out, you may not need the extra functionality that a stream deck provides. Additionally, some streamers may find that they can achieve the same functionality through keyboard shortcuts or other methods.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in a stream deck will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking to improve your workflow and efficiency and have the budget to invest in a stream controller, it can be a valuable addition to your setup.