Stream decks are getting more popular with gamers these recent years. It is a should-have for amateur players and a must-have for professional ones. When it comes to tech items, there is a certain set of criteria you should follow to pick up the best solution for yourself.
Down below will be our 6 most potential stream decks for gamers and a buyer's guide for the first-hand customers in terms of stream decks along with a trustable brand you can consider when purchasing a steam deck.
Here are the best stream decks for gamers you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Elgato 10GAT9901 XL Advanced Stream Deck For Games
- Runner up: LoupeDeck Live Custom Console For Game Streaming With Customizable Buttons, Dials, And LED Touchscreen
- Best Budget: Elgato 10GAI9901 Mini Stream Deck With LCD Keys For Windows 10 Or MacOS 10,11
- Best Compact Design: Elgato 10GBA9901 MK.2 Stream Deck For Gamers
- Best Alternative: X-Keys XK-24 Keypads and Keyboard For Gamers
- Monetarily Valuable Choice For Alternative: Razer RZ07-03110100-R3U1 Tartarus Pro Gaming Keypads
| 6 Best Stream Decks For Gamers | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Elgato 10GAT9901 XL Advanced Stream Deck For Games | |
Runner up | LoupeDeck Live Custom Console For Game Streaming With Customizable Buttons, Dials, And LED Touchscreen | |
Best Budget | Elgato 10GAI9901 Mini Stream Deck With LCD Keys For Windows 10 Or MacOS 10,11 | |
Best Compact Design | Elgato 10GBA9901 MK.2 Stream Deck For Gamers | |
Best Alternative | X-Keys XK-24 Keypads and Keyboard For Gamers | |
Monetarily Valuable Choice For Alternative | Razer RZ07-03110100-R3U1 Tartarus Pro Gaming Keypads | |
Best Overall: Elgato 10GAT9901 XL Advanced Stream Deck For Games
- Powerful integration with other platforms for impressive performance
- Excellent flexibility for gamers or streamers when using it
- Up to 32 customizable keys for the best of use
- Not so great for voice-over tasks
Coming at the first position on the list of the most potential stream decks for gamers is the Elgato XL Advanced stream deck, model 10GAT9901. This is the most outstanding of the series that Elgato releases on the market. The functionality enables its productive and flexible performance.
This Elgato stream deck allows robust integration with numerous platforms and operating systems. All the factors, including connectivity, performance for edition, mixing, or lighting, and visual, can adapt to almost every user.
| Elgato 10GAT9901 XL Advanced Stream Deck For Games Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product's dimension | 1.34 x 7.17 x 4.41 inches |
Weight | 14.5 pounds |
Supported internet services | Spotify, Youtube |
Compatibility | Windows 10, MacOS 10.13 and later |
Connectivity | USB |
Keys | 32 keys |
The Elgato is no doubt a high-quality device with incredible functionality for streamers. But if you are doing a lot of voice-overs, you may not want to purchase this.
Runner up: LoupeDeck Live Custom Console For Game Streaming With Customizable Buttons, Dials, And LED Touchscreen
- Excellent touch panel with side control buttons
- Updated tactile control from the provider
- Greater self-customization than any that of other models
- Not so affordable for many shoppers
Next on the list of the best stream deck for gaming is the LoupeDeck Live product. This is also the favorite item of many shoppers, who want to try something else rather than an Elgato stream deck.
It offers the same robust integration with other devices and platforms. Besides, we have tested and justified that its touch panel for controlling outplayed that of the Elgato. The only cons should be its high price. For this point, Elgato has won.
| LoupeDeck Live Custom Console For Game Streaming With Customizable Buttons, Dials, And LED Touchscreen Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product's dimension | 5.91 x 4.33 x 1.18 inches |
Weight | 1.01 pounds |
Supported internet services | Spotify |
Compatibility | Windows 10, MacOS 10.13 and later |
Connectivity | USB |
Keys | 26 keys (both mechanical and touch-screen) |
Except for the high price tag, we would not complain about the LoupeDeck stream deck. It works great and would serve almost every user's demand.
Best Budget: Elgato 10GAI9901 Mini Stream Deck With LCD Keys For Windows 10 Or MacOS 10,11
- An ideal option for the shoppers who are on a strict budget
- Performs well for its basic functionality
- Robust connection with other devices and platforms
- Limits quite a lot of your actions while using it
If you are on a tight budget for stream decks, you may want to take a glance at the Elgato 10GAI9901 mini stream deck. For the built-in quality and performance, there should not be so much to discuss because this model is the same as the previous Elgato stream deck we have mentioned in the first place.
The functionality has changed a bit because this is a mini one, it would limit a lot of actions when you use it. But for other aspects, it still lives up to the expectations with a highly reasonable cost.
| Elgato 10GAI9901 Mini Stream Deck With LCD Keys For Windows 10 Or MacOS 10,11 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product's dimension | 2.4 x 2.3 x 3.3 inches |
Weight | 6.2 ounces |
Supported internet services | Spotify, Youtube |
Compatibility | Windows 10, MacOS 10.13 and later |
Connectivity | USB |
Keys | 6 keys |
We can only give this an 8 to 8.5 in maximum for all the values it offers. We think highly of this device, but many would say it needs an upgrade for greater usage.
Best Compact Design: Elgato 10GBA9901 MK.2 Stream Deck For Gamers
- High programmability for productive performance when using
- Up to 15 LCD keys that can be customized according to your use
- Well-connecting to other devices and platforms
- Works well if you are a gamer, still limiting for streamers and others
Another Elgato product is on our list of the most potential stream decks for gaming. This one is in the middle of the Elgato advanced and the Elgato mini stream decks. It offers just-right flexibility and functionality.
It would not limit your actions if you are a gamer, though it cannot function as impressively as the Elgato advanced. In our point of view, this is a should-buy one for the values it has. Also, it does not cost you a big sum. All aspects are appropriate.
| Elgato 10GBA9901 MK.2 Stream Deck For Gamers Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product's dimension | 3.31 x 4.65 x 0.98 inches |
Weight | 5.1 ounces |
Supported internet services | Spotify, Youtube |
Compatibility | Windows 10, MacOS 10.13 and later |
Connectivity | USB |
Keys | 15 keys |
Every item has its flaws, so does this one. For what it offers, we still vote it as one of the most should-buy stream decks for gamers.
Best Alternative: X-Keys XK-24 Keypads and Keyboard For Gamers
- Great pressure sensitivity level for gamers
- Efficient backlighting with smooth control
- Affordable to expensive options for this keypad are available
- Stiff keys are not so favorable
The fifth item we want to introduce to our readers is the X-Keys XK-24 keypad. This is not really a stream deck, but it can be used and function almost as one. The programmability enables you to make suitable adjustments for user demands.
Also, when you purchase this item, there are four options available for you, specifically the classic 24 keys, 60 keys, 80 keys, and 128 keys. The keypad basically can adapt to every action, but if you are looking for a touch control panel, this can barely serve that purpose.
| X-Keys XK-24 Keypads and Keyboard For Gamers Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product's dimension | 6 x 4 x 1 inches |
Weight | 10 ounces (24 keys) |
Compatibility | Devices with Windows 7,8,10 |
Connectivity | Wired USB |
Keys | 24,60,80,128 keys |
To conclude, this keypad works great as a stream deck alternative. The keys can be stiff sometimes, creating annoyance for users.
Monetarily Valuable Choice For Alternative: Razer RZ07-03110100-R3U1 Tartarus Pro Gaming Keypads
- Great value for the money spent compared to other models of the same price range
- Excellent programmability and pressure sensitivity
- The plastic work is not favorable
The Razer Tartarus Pro gaming keypad has already appeared in one of our earlier articles. For its impressive performance and excellent programmability, it would make another perfect alternative for stream decks.
It is a mechanical keypad, which offers a higher pressure sensitivity level. The keypad itself has been upgraded in terms of pressure sensitivity. Along with this is programmability, which allows you to set up the keypad, making the appropriate adjustments to adapt to your user demands.
| Razer RZ07-03110100-R3U1 Tartarus Pro Gaming Keypads Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product's dimension | 5.95 x 7.96 x 2.5 inches |
Weight | 12.8 ounces |
Compatibility | Only PC devices |
Connectivity | Wired |
Keys | 32 keys |
For a price of nearly 130 bucks, its performance and longevity are doing well. But if we can make one change, it would be the plastic frame, which can be replaced with a metal one.
How To Choose The Best Stream Deck For Gamers?
To the best of our knowledge, Elgato is almost the only unit that provides stream decks to customers. However, there are still several types of stream decks from them and other makers to adapt to certain user demands. So here are a few factors to consider before you make a purchase on stream decks.
Built-in quality
It is always the built-in quality first for every tech item on the market. If the built-in quality is not relevant, you are likely to end up buying another product to replace the current one. The built-in quality will decide the stream deck's lifespan, functionality, and durability.
Setting up
Most stream decks are easy to set up. When you purchase a stream deck from any provider, there should be a manual attached to the product itself, guiding you on how to set up the stream deck completely. The setting process should be easy and simple for users since there are both experienced and inexperienced ones.
Follow the manual strictly to get your setup process done as quickly as possible. Contact their helpline or customer service if available when you engage in any hardship during the setup time.
Flexibility
As mentioned, there are several types of stream decks, although there are not many makers for this item. If you pick the Elgato stream deck, the mini would limit your actions quite a lot, while the MK.2 and the advanced would be in the vice versa case. This is not an error, to be clear. It highly depends on your user demands. We don't recommend the mini Elgato stream deck for those who do professional gaming.
Others
Other factors you may want to consider are the budget, design, or even brand. Budget limitations for a stream deck often vary from 100 bucks to 250 bucks. You can barely go above or below the rate. Hence, it is not too expensive to purchase a stream deck for gaming. Design and brand are not really the big deals here, in our point of view.
Which Brands Make The Best Stream Deck For Gamers?
Elgato
About Elgato
Elgato is a world-leading provider of audiovisual technology for content creators on all video-sharing platforms.
Synonymous with quality and performance, Elgato products are either state-of-the-art inventions in their own right or reimagined technologies designed to revolutionize creative workflows. Software and firmware are frequently updated to keep producers at the cutting edge of their craft. And cross-compatibility delivers a seamless user experience that keeps evolving as the Elgato ecosystem grows.
Elgato was founded in 1999. In 2018, Corsair Gaming, Inc., acquired the brand and its employees. Based in Germany and California, Elgato distributes products in over seventy-five countries around the world.
Conclusion
Elgato is almost the monopoly in the stream deck industry. It is not the most expensive or inaccessible source if you want to look for a stream deck. Hence, when it comes to this product type, there should not be many difficulties for you.
If you don't want a stream deck but an alternative for greater usage demand adaption, you can look at keypads. They can almost function the same, especially those with high programmability.
