Elgato has more than established itself as a household name among streamers, internet personalities, and gamers aspiring to share their hobby online. Made popular by its line ofgaming-focused capture cards, Elgato has always been a brand that aims to transform home studios into professional-grade environments, whether you’re a rising star or a seasoned creator. This is made clear by the range of accessories offered, like theElgato Facecamor theElgato Key Light Air, which have been reviewed positively by Game Rant staff.
TheElgato Stream Deckis another of these accessories that secured a following shortly after release. The Stream Deck is a control surface designed specifically with streamers and content creators in mind, bringing the feel and functionality of a production booth video switcher to a compact device. While the original Stream Deck garnered a lot of popularity over the years, the Stream Deck Studio truly raises the bar for productivity by streamlining the device and doubling its size.
Stream Deck Studio: Content Creation on the Next Level
The Stream Deck Studio is a serious upgrade over the original Stream Deck, more than doubling the number of fully customizable switches that can be used in a variety of applications. Much like the buttons seen on the original Stream Deck, the Stream Deck studio features 32 LCD keys that can be customized to an impressive degree. Users can customize colors, text, and icons to aid easy comprehension in any condition. The keys on the Stream Deck Studio are also 100% programmable via software, of course.
Standing out from existing Elgato control surfaces, the Stream Deck Studio also features two multi-function encoders with RGB feedback that allows users to make quick and precise adjustments in real-time. The Stream Deck Studio also boasts unique security features. By implementing NFC technology, studios or creators can create and scan custom profiles, allowing individuals tailored access to certain controls. Users can also opt to set passwords on the Stream Deck Studio, keeping critical functions off limits.
Adopting a brand-new shape to broaden compatibility, the Stream Deck Studio slots seamlessly into the standard 19" rack and can be stacked. Plus, this control surface can be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled to offer streamlined customization for bigger studios. Elgato even offers bundles and bulk purchases at a discount for creators or studios that may need more than one. You can even pair any Stream Deck with the Stream Deck Studio by using the USB-C port located on the front of the control surface.
Stream Deck Studio: Powered by Bitfocus
In the early days of the Elgato Stream Deck, Bitfocus created an open-source software called Companion, which completely overhauls the controls and usability of the Stream Deck. Although the Companion app is and always will be free for control surfaces, including the Elgato Stream Deck Studio, Elgato has teamed up with Bitfocus to create an even better experience specifically for the Stream Deck Studio called Buttons.
The Bitfocus Buttons app is designed to maximize simplicity, making it easy to understand while keeping it professional. The Bitfocus Buttons app avoids overly complex and difficult-to-manage software, and instead caters to the people using this app the most: broadcasters. For those interested in expanding their experience from the Companion app, a subscription to the Buttons app is available, starting at $9 a month.
Although the Buttons app features many of the same base functions as the Companion app, it will instead be in active development and maintenance, which is why there is a subscription fee. Those turned off by the idea of a subscription can also reach out to Bitfocus to make a one-time purchase for the license.
Stream Deck Studio: Limitless Functionality
Community opinion on the Elgato Stream Deck Studio is clear: it’s definitely overkill, but you can’t deny that it’s also really cool.
While the Stream Deck Studio may seem excessive for everyday use, it offers an impressive range of functionality that goes beyond just broadcasting. The Stream Deck Studio can be programmed to act as a defined and easy-to-read KVM switch, allowing users to switch between different systems with the press of a button. It can also be used to easily monitor the status of hardware, equipment, and network conditions so that users can catch any issues early.
With the design, size, and software customization of the Stream Deck Studio, the possibilities are virtually endless.
Price & Availability
At the time of writing, the Elgato Stream Deck Studio is available for purchase exclusively throughElgato’s website.Priced at $899 for an individual model, the Stream Deck Studio can be purchased as is or in discounted bundles of up to four units.
For those who require more than five units for their studio, bulk orders can be made by contacting Elgato directly.
Elgato Stream Deck Studio
Iconic Elgato hardware powered by Bitfocus software. Meet Stream Deck Studio, a hyper-customizable control surface for pro broadcast systems. Built to simplify complex workflows.
FAQ
Q: What does an Elgato Stream Deck do?
The Elgato Stream Deck is a popular tool for live streamers and content creators, as it’s primarily used for automating basic tasks like switching scenes or monitoring programs. However, because of the complete customization the Stream Deck offers, it can be used for a multitude of things.
Q: What Stream Deck do most streamers use?
Most streamers that use a Stream Deck are using the Elgato Stream Deck MK. 2, a reimagined and upgraded version of the original Stream Deck.
