Do you REALLY need a Stream Deck? - Elgato Stream Deck XL Review & Explanation

Elgato finally read my hundreds of emails since 2017 begging for a bigger Stream Deck and released the Elgato Stream Deck XL with 32 keys, a bigger screen, detachable magnetized stand and detachable USB C cable. Plus, the software has seen some upgrades over the years.
In this video I give you my Elgato Stream Deck XL review and provide some solid discussion about whether or not this is something YOU should buy.
★★ PRODUCT LINKS (Amazon links are affiliate): ★★
Elgato Stream Deck XL (32 Keys):
Amazon - geni.us/LkE70
Corsair - geni.us/yB6gEBf
Elgato Stream Deck (15 keys):
Amazon - geni.us/GzkPkHI
Elgato Stream Deck Mini (6 keys):
Amazon - geni.us/ZooIuP
Build your own key icons with Stream Deck Key Creator - www.elgato.com/en/gaming/keyc...
►► Playlist with all of my Stream Deck related content (reviews and tutorials): • Elgato Stream Deck Con...
Video about the Optimus keyboard I showed: • Optimus Popularis, Aux...
First and last song in this video: Spectrum by Mono Memory monomemory.bandcamp.com/
The rest of the music is licensed from Monstercat.
Thanks for watching!
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EposVox is a channel dedicated to making technology more accessible for anyone via product reviews, tutorials, guides, how-to videos and more!
Any links to products or services may be affiliate links that give me a small kickback at no cost to you, with no influence on the content. #streamdeck #techucation #elgato

[@penguinnexus]

Do I NEED a Streamdeck? No. Have I ordered one anyway? Yes. :D

[@xHadesStamps]

Do I need a stream deck? Yes. Have I ordered one? Nope

[@EposVox]

(The old footage of my keyboards is from like 2017 with my Note 5 who's camera lagged like crazy, not really an editing error. Edit: One was the Moto X4, which had a terrible camera)

[@capp00]

Love my streamdeck. Love it!. I dont' personally need an XL yet, but it's great to see they fixed a few nags.

[@user_e]

I purchased the 15-key streamdeck a few months back but didn't really use it as there was too much folders within folders and it got tiring... I always felt 15 keys wasn't enough. As soon as I saw the first youtube reviews of the XL with 32 keys I purchased it & since, have connected it to my Philips HUE light system for awesome control/variations of all my lights during livestreams, and it's also come in handy with 'Voicemod Pro', which I connect to Skype and make calls with all the voice mods' at hand... Lucky for us this was made by a company like Elgato and aimed at streamers, because if it got relegated to the pro-editor market only the price would be a hell of a lot higher like everything else in the scene.

[@kenbest7660]

I appreciate tge research you put into your videos. Very informative, as always.

[@sdhpCH]

Streamdeck is great. I have it in use for many month now. Huge timesaver. To me there is just one thing I would ask them to change and that are the buttons, as it sometimes happens that it does not accept the keypress or gets it twice. I guess that comes from the rubbery nature of them.

[@Exmachinagamma]

The best review i've seen so far. There is so much potential for macros and page buttons on this XL version ergonomically effectively making everything seamless. I'd be overkill for me since i don't edit videos, but having options like this is future proof(till the next one comes out😆)

[@EposVox]

The not-on-camera VoiceOver was using new settings for my RE320 - thoughts??

[@Reedith]

good altho "s" sounds are a little sharp!

[@HaunterHero]

I use my stream Deck for many things, one being a flight sim controller for IL-2 BOS. Instead of trying to cram all the controls onto my HOTAS I can hot key all of the minor things like landing lights to the Stream Deck and make life easier.

[@geronimo5537]

Two year later do you still use the stream deck for il-2 like this?

[@tekelupharsin4426]

Holy crap. I am NOT an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but my gosh, this video's sound quality is exceptional. This is the first time I've ever found reason to compliment the sound quality on a KZbin video. 😳

[@geronimo5537]

The secret to his mic audio is an audio mixer with low tones turned up quite high/loud.

[@tekelupharsin4426]

@@geronimo5537 well it sounds really good. I would guess that you'd have to be a lot more careful with those types of tweaks with music, but for oration it's perfect. I'm not an audio guru though so can't comment further than just saying it sounds good. 🤭

[@geronimo5537]

@@tekelupharsin4426 hey if it's good it's good lol

[@Alexandra-Rex]

A comparison to what you can do with Touch Portal on a phone, tablet or laptop with touch screen, or just an extra screen on your PC that is a touch screen would be interesting.

[@GeoffreyCapes]

In my setup I’ve got a Palette Gear and a BCF2000 with lots of faders, I can instantly see the appeal of the Stream Deck, it’s looks great, having a folder structure for buttons is fantastic, I’m saving up already for the XL

[@YorkiesBitsandBobs]

great video I have the 15 key one and I can see myself buying the 32 key in the future, A very nice and honest video keep up the good work and thank you for making this video.

[@EposVox]

Thanks for watching!

[@metagamerx9255]

Great video, gained some insight as to what all it can do. Ordered mine last night, the XL version

[@DerpyNoodIe]

I just bought the Stream Deck XL. I'm no streamer but one of the main reasons I bought it is because of mods on FiveM (will make the hot-key nightmare nonexistent now that I can attach images to the keys because remembering all of them is hell), launching my top favorite games, websites, applications etc. on the fly, and setting up macros to automatically enter in /commands in some of the games I play that will make it much more simple. Can't wait to get it!

[@daristotell]

Finally some product that doesn't have a pro next to it in it's name lol. Great vid epos!

[@EposVox]

Thanks!

[@LifeGQ]

Very informative. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Facedebouc1]

Hi! Can you plug the Stream Deck XL to a usb 3.0 cable longer than 10ft, like for example 15ft or 20ft and/or plug it in a usb 3.0 powered hub with this length of cable, would work?

[@mattecock5715]

i really enjoy the streamdeck, and hope to get the XL someday. as a note though, even my 2 regular size streamdecks have a different colour temperature. and the newer streamdeck has a USB cord that's almost twice as long. so modern streamdecks have definitely been through some revisions since the initial launch

[@Allstin]

I’ve just mainly used my numpad for a couple scene changes, nothing crazy. What would you say about a stream deck for more minimalism? I’m also down to expand upon what I do now

[@mizzpinkyzzgamingchannel5193]

so excited to get this!!!!!! will help my scenes so much!!!!!

[@gurtz1144]

Excellent review. I’ll get this one now.

[@yeet_za]

Got a streamdeck a couple of months ago. Best device.

[@DoubleJump]

Streamdeck is awesome! Great video, man!

[@EposVox]

Thanks dude!

[@HeyWerePlayin]

No one: Eposvox: The colors are kinda different Lol great review as always. Gotta work on trying to integrate my stream deck into my editing workflow. So far it's mostly used as a scene switcher and sound board for our podcast, but integrating with Davinci Resolve is a bit tougher.

[@EposVox]

Thanks for watching!

[@PhuVet]

I had an Olympus. It was a pretty cool keyboard. They gave it to me after CES for evaluation but went out of business. I gave it to someone years later who used it for gaming.

[@Yuushiboy]

Great review Epos! I´m about to get one of those :)

[@Gudi]

I saw that RuneLite icon... You people are everywhere

[@saiverx]

I mean you recognize the icon, so...

[@AppericateGamer]

Two stream deck one for video editing and other for streaming your a genius

[@Scotlanz]

I was going to get a Stream Deck to control my Cubase DAW. I think you just talked me into getting an XL. You bastard! 😆

[@GGONZ4L]

Streamdeck and Camlink are probably my two favourite Elgato Products, i still love my HD 60 Pro but too bad i changed to itx and i cant use it anymore, and also there are no pci-e x1 to usb 3 that i have seen :c

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

I have been debating making the investment in a Stream Deck for my video editing in Premiere. How is the Stream Deck software in relation to using macros? I'd love to be able to have something more straightforward than having to rely on the Autohotkey software. Would you recommend the Stream Deck for use primarily with Adobe Premiere editing?

[@EposVox]

You can create most macros you can come up with, including multiple macros/actions on one key with their Multi-Actions, and can further extend it with AHK.

[@Th0rn3d]

Lol, I am watching this after getting the XL one two days ago, I only have 600 followers on twitch, but I felt like it was going to make my stream better, so I went for it :D

[@4NOMALYG4MING]

Good Video. Lots of Great points and ideas.

[@tonyturbo13]

I've been looking into the stream decks...I'm just still determining if I really need one or not

[@DopamineOverload]

Another commenter asked what mic you use... I'd like to know the same. Also, where exactly is it? It's never seen. Are you using a shotgun mic above you? Any details are appreciated. Thank you!

[@rjc0234]

The reason i got a stream deck was becuse i used to spend ages drooling over the Optimus Maximus keyboard for games. I now use mine as a button box for simulator games. So great you can have so many changing profiles on one device.

[@peterconway6584]

You chose wisely. I was able to spend a huge amount of $$$ to buy an Optimus Maximus, only for it to crap out on the very first day. Russian tech support is so poor as to be non-existent, plus they gave me supercilious attitude. I bought a Stream Deck last week, and am VERY happy with it.

[@patrickpaganini]

Nice review!

[@tobefrankgaming4862]

Nice review dude:)

[@TwiggehTV]

I bough a Razer Nostromo (a gaming keypad) used from a buddy to use as a ghetto Streamdeck. Its a bit more limited but it allows me to use all the shortcuts i need for OBS. Works wonders when on a tight budget!

[@NightSprinter]

I plan on getting the XL soon, for now, that mini I scored at Goodwill (Seriously, again, under $22 after tax was SUCH a steal!). For now, the app on my old iPhone 6 Plus and Mini are great in my setup.

[@DontBeMadBro]

the best feature of stream deck in compare to the static keyboard macros are smart profiles, so based on the focused app there are different actions displayed on it. This is main selling point for me.

[@MaggiesBirds]

Hey! Thanks for the video. Out of curiosity what do you use to capture video for your videos? I'm currently using a logitech webcam for streaming/video capture but hitting limitations of a webcam obviously. Would love advice! ~Sarah

[@munhib7360]

Your videos are always very informative.

[@EposVox]

I try! Thanks

[@munhib7360]

@@EposVox Btw do you know any free macro software that gives infinite keys on your phone to obs? (Kind of like streamdeck mobile but free)

[@samuelschwager]

Despite the name it has many other uses beside streaming :)

[@xHadesStamps]

Indeed

[@mhill311]

This is what I've been trying to figure out....I play an online game and I don't stream it. I really wanted something like this for keybinding and I want to make sure I can still use it even if I don't stream!

[@BenjiDWJ]

Epos: "I'd love to see a variation of the green screen which can either be hung off of a wall or from a ceiling." Elgato: releases the Green Screen MT

[@MichaelW1980randoms]

Most people prefer saving money over being more effective in their workflow. I am definitely interested in the Stream Deck. And having a detachable cable is definitely a must have for me. Also: People who say, it’s overpriced, referring to a jerry-rigged solution, will most likely never have used a stream deck. I recently started testing it’s possibilities with the stream deck app on my iPhone and after just a few days, I was already sold on the hardware. The possibilities, the software enabled for my stream, are so sophisticated, that I cannot dream of writing scripts like that myself. People with the skills may manage to do it, but i doubt, it will be a smooth and configurable solution, like this is.

[@parall4x]

great info, thank you. so you feel the buttons on the XL are in fact different in mushy/clicky-ness than the standard sreamdeck?

[@brianvandy4002]

BS that you don't need the fancy screen behind the keys. That's what gives it so much utility. I can see using this for your streaming, photo editing, video editing, and several games that have dozens or hundreds of mappings. The fact that you can have multiple layers of keybindings on the stream deck means you don't need 5 stream decks to play Star Citizen, or have to have a different one for photo editing and yet another for video editing. You can hit a button for the app you want, and then all your keys change to what you can do in that game/program. Without the screen you have your entire desk covered in macro keys with little pieces of notebook paper on them.

[@Danton1990]

“Alright, I don’t have much more to say,” - 11:40/17:26 😄 Keep it going bro!

[@HJF]

omg what mic do you use, you sound glorious

[@Bang1n]

Hiii

[@vvvv6873]

Sennheiser mkh 416

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

Suxk4buxk?

[@melleydee]

@@mgtowanonymous3120 lol wtf

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

@@melleydee . ⚆ ͜⚆

[@masterac7344]

hie, can you please tell me where you got the gif you use on the stream deck ? watching your review made me discovered that its now possible to use gif on the deck, i had the 16 key and bought the 32, but man gif on this is going to be awsome

[@DirkTeucher]

There was a keyboard released about 15 years ago called the "optimus maximus keyboard" and it failed because of the price and the poor quality of the haptic feedback when tapping the keys. It cost 2-5 grand at the time. I am still waiting for a keyboard like that but in the meantime this is the closest thing I know to being able to have customisable and programable display keys. I really like this and hope the tech improves because I still want that programable display keyboard in my lifetime.

[@rogerhuston8287]

I'm a fan of the Shuttle Pro as well. Just wish it was wireless

[@AJCoReTV]

@ 10:20 they never fixed it.. I just upgraded to the XL and the colors suck compared to the 15key, owell. thanks for the great review and comparison.

[@ronhammond4623]

Can you tell me - will the hot keys change dynamically depending on what application is active on your screen? so while i jump around editing programs, will the hotkeys change to a bunch of hotkeys i set for that programs use?

[@zaneleargaming5682]

I recently picked up from Amazon a Stream Deck non mini, it was a referb model so not sure if that might be the problem, tho it seems the one I have is causing me some issues, some times it will work and other times it will stop, then every "button" or the screen under the buttons will start to flash white. Not sure if this is some sort of issue with my stream deck as is it was a bad one sent out, my usb ports or something, I did try multiple usb ports and even installed my windows 10 again but no luck getting it to run for more then 10 mins if that, also I did have other issues but this is the main one where it would stop working, screen under the buttons shut down and everything flashes white every 30 seconds.

[@AlbertStewart]

I'm really considering getting one of these now. Thanks. Sidenote: What's up with the random frame drops in this vid?

[@EposVox]

Old phone clips, phone had a shitty camera

[@berndeckenfels]

What's a software solution when using (Logitech) macro keys instead? Would you bind it for obs just to some function other other keys and add them to the macros?

[@PyroTech03]

I remember the demos of that olympus keyboard. 1500 usd tho was out of reach lol. Would have been great for any user.

[@jtdiddy3160]

If I have the streamdeck already, is there any point to say getting something like an atem mini pro?

[@heinzpilot]

It's great for Flight Simulator 2020 too!

[@MartinVaupell]

haha i got the XL but i use it for gaming, like flight simulator getting the buttons out really helps and gives a more immersive experience :D No streams or content use.

[@robertogb83]

Hello, Thanks for the info. Where you got the animated OBS Logo (.gif)? minute 5:49

[@CraigKnudsen]

How did you get the OBS icon to rotate?

[@Spinz90]

So super random question but where you get the shirt from man?

[@mrchow3233]

Hey, can you tell me the mic you’re using please? Thanks!

[@Reedith]

What do you think of the new screens? I think I preferred the ones on the original stream deck colors seemed way more vibrant and while I would like to use the XL next to my original the original makes the XL switches look washed out :/ ? Did you notice any difference ?

[@EposVox]

I addressed it in the video

[@Reedith]

@@EposVox awesome I should probably watch things before I comment lol

[@Reedith]

@@EposVox I've had the XL since day one and it's been my biggest annoyance with it I imagined a desk full of stream decks but since they don't match I guess it's going to be a desk full of one type of stream deck 😄

[@grfnprjx]

@EposVox does the stream deck work well with macOS?

[@Alexandra-Rex]

On the original Stream Deck, there is almost no difference in the different adjustment options in the stand.

[@Lexxo777]

Re Gaming and handing the mouse and kbd back over to windows mid game, is program switching (ALT-TAB) easily mappable?

[@bro3162003]

do u have a video of how u set up all your key deck, send a few links..i'm very new to all this..thank uuu

[@EposVox]

Hopefully this playlist helps! kzbin.info/aero/PLzo7l8HTJNK-sza3KF_qAhTXVZvY_PDGa

[@leonardgallion6439]

Probably a very niche usage but my job involves receiving support calls/emails from various customers and so I have setup my Streamdeck for this PC with my customer names as folders. One click and I have access to the files, folders and web sites that I need for that customer as icons on the Streamdeck. Sure you can get the same results with folders on your desktop but just getting back to my desktop can be a pain with numerous windows and remote sessions in play. The functionality of this thing goes way beyond just streaming - it is really up to your imagination.

[@SianaGearz]

There's nothing expensive inside a StreamDeck. The reason it's expensive is because it's marketed as a niche hardware for streamers, so they need that fat margin to keep it a sustainable business, because you're not going to sell a shit ton of them. They should rename it MacroDeck and sell it to EVERYONE who does ANYTHING at all. These are all going to be little niche uses, but the sum of little niches is everyone.

[@gethinp311]

wow vs code on stream deck I just found that out. I have been using a stream deck for editing photos for a bit now. if I knew that it would have made lots of stuff quicker with the Execute Command and terminal command.

[@drewc9947]

Idk man I have only just begun my collection of HID, but when I think of a desk full of buttons and knobs, under a wall of screens, I just get this happy feeling, you know? Maybe it’ll fade, like that first middle school love. Only time and money will tell.

[@EposVox]

I feel

[@curly_]

Yes they fixed it just for you !

[@EposVox]

:)

[@harmlesip1]

I'm a kids entertainer and I'm thinking of using this as a sampler to activate sounds and songs to just come out the big speakers?... Think this would be good for it?

[@IraQNid]

The ability to setup control macros for other software that has nothing to do with streaming is what I like. It seems I can use this to automate software like PC Stitch 11, Mr Poster, Jigsaws Galore to effectively create batch processing functionality with the tap of a key. I have created close to 300,000 fractals since 1996. Having to manually select, name or assign attributes, save as, and print to .PDF is time consuming and tiring. Especially bad for me because I also have carpal tunnel injuries to both hands after extensive typing, DOS gaming, and general computer use.

[@smartbeaw752]

A great thing would be to chain the streamdeck and maybe a usb port on top

[@EposVox]

Agreed!

[@andrimiza7226]

Yes we do

[@BluD]

My problem with the stream deck is 15 isn't enough and 32 is far too many. So up until now I've just used touch portal on a tablet.

[@---ml4jd]

Do you even folders?

[@kylemcmurry1408]

so the deck works as a capture card as well, right?

[@albertosanchez-breton9204]

I was wondering for dcs world do I need the xl or just the regular stream deck

[@S_t_i_c_k_y_R_i_c_e]

Can I use it for flight simulator 2020 to assign keys on it like autopilot?

[@TheModfather66]

Another solid review video but I would really say it's the best investment that a streamer could make, a stream deck is a nice addition to a stream but surely a good microphone or a decent camera would be a better investment than a stream deck?

[@EposVox]

It's almost like I say that. Microphone first. In the video.

[@TheModfather66]

Yep, I heard that after watching the video again this morning, my apologies man, I should not be commenting on videos late at night after a 14 hour shift at work, my bad, keep up the good work 👍

[@bigstinkygamer69]

Looks like I'm finna get me an xl

[@theunkownmr.562]

Can you use both streamdecks on the same PC?

[@fabianbakker7679]

How did you do the whole second keyboard?

[@marn200]

is it possible to do displays/animations like this as the user? 5:24

[@JasonEdelman66]

99% my Deck is for playing funny GIFs , someday I will get more keys programed...

[@alphak8526]

i have ryzen 1300x aand rx 570 ...and i want to stream sir does elgato help the processor r i have to upgrade the ptoceor ....wch is best???

[@africandreamchild]

Thoughts on Loupedeck?

[@DR19X]

did they fix the color difference on the xl?

[@DylzzPlays]

What is this timing lol? Was just thinking about investing in my stream. :D

[@msinfo32]

what u stream on

[@EposVox]

Heck yeah

[@awesomearizona-dino]

This comment is very late BUT, you CAN reduce glare on shiny buttons with a fine sand paper, you should test on some other shiny plastics, GRITS 600-800-1000-1200.

[@brian2819]

Just purchased the XL and noticed that the screen compresses the icons vertically compared to my 15 key version. All of my circles icons widths are larger than their heights. Text looks squished. Anyone else notice this?

[@DerekTurtleRoe]

Please gib Stream Deck XL. 😃

[@Erigorn]

Damnit Adam... Stop making me want to buy stuff! XD

[@EposVox]

:)

[@Easelgames]

Cool buttons man ha

[@Greygonemad]

Wait u went to dream hack in Sweden? I live not far away from that and I thought they closed it down due to covid so I didn't look for ticket or go

[@EposVox]

Dallas. And this was 2019. Lol

[@Greygonemad]

@@EposVox oh didn't know it was outside of Sweden aswell as it started in Sweden I thought it was just a Swedish thing 😂 the more u know 😆