Elgato Stream Deck XL

I'd seen reviews of the Stream Deck online and heard about it in Podcasts, and was looking for a way to have easy access to automating many things on my computer at the push of a button. I had been waiting for the mid-size Stream Deck Mk.2 to be available at a reasonable price, but it didn't look like it would happen soon, so I decided to go for its big brother, the XL. The 4x8 grid gives plenty of room for setting up many controls and organising them into rows, columns, folders, pages or manual/automatic switched profiles according to how you want it to work. The main reason I wanted the Mk.2 or XL was that it has a detachable cable, with USB-C at the device end (USB-A at the computer end), and I want to be able to replace the cable with USB-C to USB-C so I an plug ... MoreI'd seen reviews of the Stream Deck online and heard about it in Podcasts, and was looking for a way to have easy access to automating many things on my computer at the push of a button. I had been waiting for the mid-size Stream Deck Mk.2 to be available at a reasonable price, but it didn't look like it would happen soon, so I decided to go for its big brother, the XL. The 4x8 grid gives plenty of room for setting up many controls and organising them into rows, columns, folders, pages or manual/automatic switched profiles according to how you want it to work. The main reason I wanted the Mk.2 or XL was that it has a detachable cable, with USB-C at the device end (USB-A at the computer end), and I want to be able to replace the cable with USB-C to USB-C so I an plug it into a Mac or dock/display which is increasingly USB-C only, without needing a hub or adapter. (The original 3x5 Stream Deck has an integrated cable with a USB-A plug. I didn't consider the 2x3 Mini as it was too small for some of the things I wanted to do.)I've had it for a week weeks and far I've set up three pages mostly using built-in actions for a variety of things like managing Zoom calls, Keynote presentations, a log which I can use to mark edit points or other important events during a recorded meeting, audio control, world clock, music control and various timers. I've started experimenting with custom icons and my own creations, and I've done some scripting to control applications beyond the built-in features. Over time I expect to do much more with it.The buttons can also display status information, e.g. a clock or counter, or an album cover while playing music.Nice design, buttons are easily visible and if you happen to want to operate it by feel because you are looking at something else, the buttons are easy to locate because they stand up from the surface with a clear gap between, and are nicely responsive.The included stand isn't adjustable but it has a good angle. The panel attaches to it with magnets (unfortunately not strong enough to hold its weight on a vertical metal surface), and it can be laid flat.Fairly expensive but worth it if you have a need to control many things at the press of a button. Definitely worth considering its smaller siblings, which are cheaper and work the same, just with fewer buttons.

A must have for serious content creators/

The Elgato Stream Deck XL is an impressive piece of hardware that streamlines the process of live streaming, video production, and content creation. It is the larger version of the Elgato Stream Deck, featuring 32 LCD keys that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks with a single press.One of the most significant advantages of the Elgato Stream Deck XL is its ease of use. The device connects to your computer via USB, and once the software is installed, you can customize the keys to perform a wide range of functions. This makes it easy to switch between scenes, launch applications, control your music, and interact with your viewers all without having to take your eyes off the screen.The build quality of the Stream Deck XL is excellent, with solid ... MoreThe Elgato Stream Deck XL is an impressive piece of hardware that streamlines the process of live streaming, video production, and content creation. It is the larger version of the Elgato Stream Deck, featuring 32 LCD keys that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks with a single press.One of the most significant advantages of the Elgato Stream Deck XL is its ease of use. The device connects to your computer via USB, and once the software is installed, you can customize the keys to perform a wide range of functions. This makes it easy to switch between scenes, launch applications, control your music, and interact with your viewers all without having to take your eyes off the screen.The build quality of the Stream Deck XL is excellent, with solid construction and a premium feel. The device has a weighty feel that provides a sense of durability and sturdiness. The keys are responsive, and the LCD displays are bright and clear, making it easy to see what each key is programmed to do.One of the most significant advantages of the Stream Deck XL is its versatility. The device can be used with a wide range of software, including OBS, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making it an excellent choice for streamers, content creators, and video editors. Additionally, it can be used to control your smart home devices or launch your favorite applications with a single button press.Overall, the Elgato Stream Deck XL is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to streamline their workflow and improve their productivity. While it may be a bit pricey compared to other macro-keyboards, its ease of use, versatility, and build quality make it an excellent investment for anyone who values their time and wants to improve their content creation or live streaming experience.

A must-have for any streamer

The way the stream deck has streamlined my workflow cannot be understated. Originally, I (naturally) acquired the stream deck to automate slightly complex actions mid-stream, without taking my attention away from the key task at hand -- streaming and engaging with my audience.But that quickly evolved into me using the stream deck to automate all sorts of tasks outside of my live streams and recordings. I have configured it to switch to various pages when opening certain applications (including, of course, OBS).The sheer number of excellent add-ons that are freely available in the library, couple with the most capable custom features that you can easily configure yourself, makes this the most reliable must-have piece of equipment for streamers of any size.

Awesome Productivity Tool even if you don't stream

First, I'm not a streamer of any form. I work from home, I have lots of online meetings, I do lots of programming and DB development, and tech doc write ups.I originally was going to buy the smaller version but decided I would make the jump and got this larger version. I'm glad I did because I keep finding new ways to use it.This has been an amazing tool for every aspect of my life, both work and play. Takes macros to a new level. Some things that are not immediately obvious:• you can have sub folders where you store more things so effectively you have infinite buttons here• supports automatic profile switching so you can have a layout automatically display when you are using your different apps (i.e. word, excel, web browser, etc)• Supports multiple actions ... MoreFirst, I'm not a streamer of any form. I work from home, I have lots of online meetings, I do lots of programming and DB development, and tech doc write ups.I originally was going to buy the smaller version but decided I would make the jump and got this larger version. I'm glad I did because I keep finding new ways to use it.This has been an amazing tool for every aspect of my life, both work and play. Takes macros to a new level. Some things that are not immediately obvious:• you can have sub folders where you store more things so effectively you have infinite buttons here• supports automatic profile switching so you can have a layout automatically display when you are using your different apps (i.e. word, excel, web browser, etc)• Supports multiple actions at the press of a single button (i.e. can run a bunch of different shortcuts, open different apps, icons, etc. all tied to a single button push)• Really good community support, even for those who don't stream• Bunch of plugins that lets you display your system stats (cpu usage, disk free space, temperatures, etc)• Great tool if you have multiple monitors, I've got mine setup so I can move apps to different screens, consolidate everything to a single monitor, etc.• Lots of icon packs you can download for free (tons of free content for everything, I haven't paid anything else beside the initial hardware purchase)• Some fun things you can do with it too:• use it as a screensaver (splits a picture across all the icons)• I have a pac-man screensaver I let run when I want a distraction• I even have a Memory Tile game I play with now and thenThere is so much you can do with it - I'm only scratching the surface in my 1 month of using it now. I highly recommend for you to get, if the large one is out of your price range, grab the smaller, it's still going to be amazing. You will just need to nest some stuff in sub-folders if you have lots of things you want to do which honestly is not a big deal to setup and use.

Extremely useful for ANYTHING (Not just streaming)

The Stream Deck XL has been incredibly useful, not just for streaming, but for general computer use as well! I have it set up so that the default screen has buttons to open my most commonly used websites and programs, as well as folder categories for any other programs/websites I use.For example, on my default screen, I have buttons for Spotify, Zoom, Youtube, email, etc, and as well as a folder labelled "creation", which when I press it, gives access to Photoshop, Lightroom, FreeCad, etc.I have buttons to lock, restart, sleep, or power off the computer, as well as buttons that do multiple things using the "Multi Action" function, like a "work" button I can press to open slack, zoom, work email, etc. There are a bunch of really useful plugins for extra ... MoreThe Stream Deck XL has been incredibly useful, not just for streaming, but for general computer use as well! I have it set up so that the default screen has buttons to open my most commonly used websites and programs, as well as folder categories for any other programs/websites I use.For example, on my default screen, I have buttons for Spotify, Zoom, Youtube, email, etc, and as well as a folder labelled "creation", which when I press it, gives access to Photoshop, Lightroom, FreeCad, etc.I have buttons to lock, restart, sleep, or power off the computer, as well as buttons that do multiple things using the "Multi Action" function, like a "work" button I can press to open slack, zoom, work email, etc. There are a bunch of really useful plugins for extra functionality, like muting certain applications, etc. Even if there isn't a plugin for the action you want, you can set up a button to type out a series of keys.Command line is also incredibly useful in creating custom actions. For example, I created a Multi Action button to shutdown the computer composed of the following sub actions:1. Hotkey: "[windows key] + R"2. Hotkey: "cmd.exe", with "press Enter after message" checked3. Delay: 1000ms4. Hotkey: "shutdown /s /t 0"You can absolutely use the Stream Deck without knowing command line, but learning even just a little will let you program the Stream Deck to do basically anything you want.Oh and I also use it for streaming, to change scenes in OBS or post announcements to twitter.Overall highly recommend, I was considering between this and the regular Stream Deck, and am really glad I got the XL, I easily use all the additional keys. I do also have the Stream Deck+ (with the dials), but as of right now, there aren't many available actions for the dials (even changing app volume isn't straight forward), so if you're choosing between the XL and the +, I would suggest the XL, at least until more dial actions are published.

Great for flight sims like DCS

I purchased this primarily to play my flight sims, specifically DCS. There is a plugin that makes add toggle and push buttons, annunciators, and more really easy.The streamdeck itself is fantastic. It's very intuitive, and lets you create multiple layers of folders housing hundreds and hundreds of buttons. If you are thinking this is just too expensive for essentially a pushbutton box, think about this: each button has it's own customizable screen, you can add whatever image you want. You can have that image change to a different image, color, or font when that button is activated. Additionally, this one box can replace an entire cockpit's worth of buttons, so you regain precious real estate around your desk.For those looking at this that are not interesting in ... MoreI purchased this primarily to play my flight sims, specifically DCS. There is a plugin that makes add toggle and push buttons, annunciators, and more really easy.The streamdeck itself is fantastic. It's very intuitive, and lets you create multiple layers of folders housing hundreds and hundreds of buttons. If you are thinking this is just too expensive for essentially a pushbutton box, think about this: each button has it's own customizable screen, you can add whatever image you want. You can have that image change to a different image, color, or font when that button is activated. Additionally, this one box can replace an entire cockpit's worth of buttons, so you regain precious real estate around your desk.For those looking at this that are not interesting in flight sims, I think this is a really neat device that provides easy macros to launch programs, or send complex key strokes. I can play my games and launch discord on the fly without alt-tabing. I know these are geared more towards streamers, but these are fantastic for gamers as well!

Lasted Less Than 2 Months-No Longer Connects to OBS

Initially, this was not a bad piece of hardware. I was not impressed by the washed out screen colors, but it was functional.Then today I reboot my PC and start OBS and find that Streamdeck is no longer able to communicate.So I reinstall Streamdeck, and the plug in for OBS. Still not working. Tried updating Streamdeck to latest version. No good.Wasted an entire evening uninstalling, installing, troubleshooting, all to no avail.OBS is working fine, but the StreamDeck isn't. Have to go back to using a mouse to click on the scene I want now.Too bad the return period expired. I have a $250 paperweight now.

Super Useful! Chuffed that I found this thing!

NOTE: I am not using this product for streaming but for productivity.Straight chuffed that I found this thing.I am a recruiter (in the AV markets) and I had a client suggest this tool as a productivity tool, to launch apps, as well as the MANY SaaS/ Hosted tools I use via Chrome tabs and extensions.I've barely scratched the surface with this thing. Only got it less than a month ago, still PLENTY to learn.You'll need a powered USB port.Ease of Use: GreatSpeed & Accuracy: 100%. So much faster than mousing, scrolling, clicking, etc. JUST BANG FAST.Ease of Enablement and Configuration: Great. The config tool is very straightforward and can serve all kinds of uses. Elgato (and others) provide a ton of helpful content - esp. video - for getting started and ... MoreNOTE: I am not using this product for streaming but for productivity.Straight chuffed that I found this thing.I am a recruiter (in the AV markets) and I had a client suggest this tool as a productivity tool, to launch apps, as well as the MANY SaaS/ Hosted tools I use via Chrome tabs and extensions.I've barely scratched the surface with this thing. Only got it less than a month ago, still PLENTY to learn.You'll need a powered USB port.Ease of Use: GreatSpeed & Accuracy: 100%. So much faster than mousing, scrolling, clicking, etc. JUST BANG FAST.Ease of Enablement and Configuration: Great. The config tool is very straightforward and can serve all kinds of uses. Elgato (and others) provide a ton of helpful content - esp. video - for getting started and then diving deep. Nerd out, my friends.Form Factor: Very good. Deck XL is a nice size for vision, buttons have a lovely feel. Your mileage may vary, I'm not sure if the smaller models have larger buttons or not. 32 seemed like a lot but I already have more uses in mind. More pages and folders to come!Loads of goodies (plugins) at the included Stream Deck store, accessed via the Stream Deck app. I have not tried the icon packs but they look great and useful.NOTE: With browser URLs, the deck launches a NEW TAB every time, it does not navigate to an already-open tab of the requested URL. Look into that @elgato!Nerd move: I created a duplicate page of buttons (easy to do! See second image below) where all of my frequent/ favorite tools are arranged by icon color. Sometimes, that is just faster.Bonus benefit: In addition to increased speed, it is saving my body from further RSI damage. Less mouse-and-keyboard movement means less mileage on my hands, wrist, eyes and neck.I'm looking forward to my streaming journey, as I plan on adding video all over my business.I'm already looking at the Elgato Pedal, mainly for muting my mic.

The one I have been waiting for... Not just for streamers.

A few months back I purchased the 15-key stream deck but when I saw this new 32-key version I knew it was an instant-buy. Theres just enough buttons to avoid having endless folders within folders. I was going to use the stream deck for actual streaming but I suck at streaming it turns out, but I found it to be the ultimate device for working with keyboard shortcuts & macros. Sure, you can do this on your keyboard within windows but with customisable images/text for each button I dont have to spend my time trying to memorise the hundreds of combinations across multiple applications its all visual! In Premiere Pro, for instance, I have buttons for my commonly-used actions like cut, paste, zoom in/out, copy & paste attributes and more where previously I used a keyboard ... MoreA few months back I purchased the 15-key stream deck but when I saw this new 32-key version I knew it was an instant-buy. Theres just enough buttons to avoid having endless folders within folders. I was going to use the stream deck for actual streaming but I suck at streaming it turns out, but I found it to be the ultimate device for working with keyboard shortcuts & macros. Sure, you can do this on your keyboard within windows but with customisable images/text for each button I dont have to spend my time trying to memorise the hundreds of combinations across multiple applications its all visual! In Premiere Pro, for instance, I have buttons for my commonly-used actions like cut, paste, zoom in/out, copy & paste attributes and more where previously I used a keyboard specifically for Premiere Pro. When its time to get Photoshop work done, my favourite macros/shortcuts are loaded for Photoshop when it opens. It works with my Hue lights, I love that! Come to think of it, it works with any software! Ever since the $2k Optimus Maximus Keyboard came out in 2007 I wanted it, but now I have something even better for a fraction of that price. Also, thanks for the candy bundled in my delivery, yum!

Very solid

I bought this primarily to use while playing an online game where I can control several other characters. I created macros in the game and use this to trigger the macros. I created little icons to use for each key press so that I can quickly identify what I need to press. I have to say that this works VERY well. It also has many 3rd party apps for it, one of which I use a lot which allows more advanced macros and includes options for short button press vs long press to send different commands to the computer. So this definitely lived up to my hopes for gaming. I can also see how amazing this would be for streaming and other application uses as it provides a easily identifiable array of buttons to press for different actions within your software.From a construction ... MoreI bought this primarily to use while playing an online game where I can control several other characters. I created macros in the game and use this to trigger the macros. I created little icons to use for each key press so that I can quickly identify what I need to press. I have to say that this works VERY well. It also has many 3rd party apps for it, one of which I use a lot which allows more advanced macros and includes options for short button press vs long press to send different commands to the computer. So this definitely lived up to my hopes for gaming. I can also see how amazing this would be for streaming and other application uses as it provides a easily identifiable array of buttons to press for different actions within your software.From a construction perspective, this is a nice solid piece of gear. It has an anti slip base and feels very solid. The buttons have just the right amount of force required to activate. It looks very sharp and the button displays are each very clear and bright (brightness is controllable too). Elgato really nailed it with this device and it's a must have for so many uses. I can't wait to discover other uses for it in my daily gaming and application use.