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What does the Stream Deck + do?
Stream Deck + is a customizable input controller for assigning software actions to physical controls. Elgato describes uses ranging from livestream controls and soundboards to MIDI, photo booth, stock trading, IoT and robotics, network monitoring, and 3D design. Those are vendor-presented use cases, not independently measured results.
Elgato’s Stream Deck software supports actions on keys and dials, including hotkeys and multi-key entry, as well as custom backgrounds for keys, the touch strip and dials. Plugin and profile support lets users extend or adapt controls for their workflows. Check Elgato’s product page for current operating-system and software requirements before purchase.
How many keys and dials does it have?
The controller has eight customizable LCD keys and four 360-degree multifunction encoders, each with a push function. The keys can provide labeled, direct-access actions, while the dials combine rotation with a press. Elgato specifies USB 2.0 Type-C connectivity and includes a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. The unit measures 140 × 138 × 110 mm (5.5 × 5.4 × 4.3 inches) and weighs 465 g (1 lb), according to its technical specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more. Know that your command has been executed.
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc.
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more
- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more. Regular updates and new plugins frequently added.
What does the touch strip do?
The LCD touch strip sits alongside the keys and dials, adding interaction tied to dial assignments. It measures 108 × 14 mm (4.2 × 0.5 inches) and has an 800 × 100 resolution. Elgato documents tap, tap-and-hold and swipe gestures. For example, a dial assigned to adjust a light’s brightness can be paired with a strip tap that toggles the selected light. See Elgato’s touch-strip guide for the documented interaction model.
How does it compare with Stream Deck + XL?
The main distinction is the number of controls available at once. Elgato’s comparison page, last updated March 9, 2026, lists these hardware differences:
Rank #2
- 36 macro keys: Trigger commands and access tools with one press; customize your controls in the Stream Deck app, free for PC and Mac; trigger Multi Actions to automate entire sequences with one press
- Six multifunction dials: Make quick adjustments with more precision; turn a single dial into many functions with tools like Action Trigger for extra control; adjust settings and levels with precision
- Touch strip display: See important information at a quick glance; see your most important info in real time on an expanded touch strip; access additional pages of actions with a quick swipe of your finger
- Hundreds of integrations: Connect essential apps and equipment; integrate everything from DAWs and video switchers to creative apps; expand your connectivity with optional accessories like Network Dock
- Custom profiles: Create unique layouts for workflows and users; create custom profiles for workflows, projects, and team members; unlimited custom profiles for seamless page navigation
| Model | LCD keys | Multifunction dials | Touch strip | Connection and software |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stream Deck + | 8 | 4 | Yes | USB-C; Stream Deck software |
| Stream Deck + XL | 36 | 6 | Yes | USB-C; Stream Deck software |
The + is the more compact option; the + XL offers more simultaneously visible keys and two additional dials. Choose based on how many actions you want within direct reach rather than assuming the larger model is necessary. Elgato’s comparison also names XLR Dock, USB Hub and Network Dock accessories, but check the exact accessory’s compatibility and availability for your setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is $159.99 a good price?
Elgato lists the Stream Deck + at a $199.99 USD MSRP on its comparison page, updated March 9, 2026. That is the official reference figure available here; it does not confirm a current Amazon offer or establish whether $159.99 is a discount today. Before ordering, check the Amazon listing’s live price, seller, condition and return terms. A price by itself also cannot establish value: consider whether the keys, dials and touch-strip gestures fit the actions you regularly use.
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Best Value
- 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
- One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.
Rank #4
- Two Become One: Mix and monitor up front, plug your XLR mic in back for a streamlined setup
- Pro-Grade Preamp: Get elite sound with 80dB gain, phantom power, and Clipguard 2.0 technology
- Onboard Effects: Enhance your voice with built-in voice enhancer, compressor, EQ, and more; Wave FX Processor unifies DSP effects and VST plugins in one signal chain
- Your Audio Station: Control hardware and apps together in one place; slots in seamlessly with no extra USB cable required; tucks away to clear off your workspace
- Wave Link App: Works with Wave Link software for easy, powerful audio control; natively integrated for precise routing, effects, and monitoring
Rank #3
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more. Know that your command has been executed.
- Compatible with your apps: Seamlessly integrate with essential software including Zoom, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, GoogleSuite, MS Office, Photoshop, Adobe Creative Apps, Spotify, Music, and many more.
- Customizable LCD keys: Instantly activate commands and functions with a single tap.
- Easy Set Up: User-Friendly Software. Drag actions onto keys. Then personalize settings with ease.
- Multi-action efficiency: Execute multiple actions at once or in a sequence, precisely timed.
What to check before buying
- Confirm your computer meets the current software and operating-system requirements on Elgato’s product page.
- Decide whether eight keys and four dials are enough, or whether the + XL’s larger control layout better suits your workflow.
- Verify any dock or hub’s exact compatibility instead of relying on an accessory category name.
- Check the current listing, seller and total price; the $159.99 figure in the title is not confirmed as a live offer.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
