For gamers, a stream deck is not a strange item at all. You would easily catch sight of gamers streaming themselves playing on platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, and Mixer. If you are new to stream decks, you may engage in some difficulties when setting up the deck.
It may not be as complex as you think it is. If you are having any hardship in the setup process, here is the article for you. We would go through 4 sections with detailed explanations for each.
1. What Are Stream Decks And How Do They Work?
In case you are new to the gaming world and all the streaming tasks, here is our explanation for what a stream deck is and how it is useful to you. A stream deck is a device that was invented for people who stream themselves playing on platforms such as YouTube, Mixer, and Twitch. There are 6 to 32 customizable LCD touch-screen control buttons on a stream deck, depending on each item you purchase.
The price for a stream deck is about 100 to 250 dollars. The most popular brand and almost the monopoly of the industry of stream decks is Elgato. Elgato is now probably the ultimate maker with their massive coverage worldwide. If you follow the technology world, you may acknowledge the LoupeDeck, another trustable provider. You can use some alternatives such as a one-handed keyboard, which can function almost the same. The most important factor is programmability. If your one-handed keyboard does not achieve a high level of programmability, it is unlikely to work as a stream deck alternative.
2. What Are The Common Issues When You Set Up Your Stream Deck?
The most common issue when you use or set up your stream deck is connection loss. It can be a result of many reasons such as the distance from the router. If your stream deck stays too far from the router, it can totally happen. It can also come from the reason that your stream deck requires a local connection. This does not happen often for stream decks, but it can be a cause leading to that.
Apart from that, a stream deck from either Elgato or LoupeDeck is easy to set up in the first place and their customer services are impressive. We can barely complain about those.
3. Setting Up Your Stream Deck - The Process Is Not That Complex
Now will be the most essential part of this article - the setting up process for your stream deck. There are 8 steps in total. Follow the guide strictly and you should complete the setting in no time. It is not as hard as some would assume. Hence, we expect that you would engage in as few hardships as possible. This application is for Elgato stream decks.
Connecting The Stream Deck
First and foremost, you need to do the connection. The task is as simple as its name. All you need to do is connect the stream deck straight to your PC or Mac through the USB port. Keep in mind that you must connect the stream deck and your PC or Mac through the port, not the hub.
Elgato App Downloading
Launching and Customizing
Now you need to launch the Elgato app, which has just been downloaded as a supporter. In the app, you would find all the function keys you need. As you see and determine which key would serve your user demands, choose them in the right columns, slide and drop them into the desired positions on the left.
Custom Icons Using On Stream Decks
Folder Creating
When it comes to folder creation, hold one key over another one in 2 to 3 seconds to create a folder on your stream deck. The steps are nearly over. There are just three more. To exit the folders and come back to the major configuration, tap the button which is represented by the sign of arrow.
Making Modifications
For making adjustments to suit your usage demands, right-click your keys. This action is to delete, reset, or copy.
Using The Stand
When you want to use the stand of your stream deck, you just have to prop the deck on the attached stand. Then modify the stand height for the most suitable level.
Social Media Account Applying
There you go the last step to complete the process of setting up the stream deck. Associating your social media accounts with the stream deck now to connect with your fans and friends now for the streaming!
4. Things You Can Do To Maximize The Productivity Of Your Stream Deck
Since we have done with the setup. Let's go through some tips you can do to maximize the productivity of your stream deck. We have 5 tips to make your deck more effective, and function more than just a streaming supporter.
Controlling video calls
Firstly, you can control video call actions on platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft. Actions including muting your microphone, turning on and off your camera, and leaving calls can easily be conducted on a stream deck.
Tracking time
The second thing that can be carried out to maximize the effectiveness of your stream deck is time tracking. Find the menu then look for the tracker. Tap the start button to begin, and tap it again to end the process.
Opening daily browsers or programs
Almost everyone has the habit of checking emails and social media the first minute they wake up. Now with the stream deck, you no longer have to click on each site to open them all gradually but just one button. Use the multi-action, which is in conjunction with the open command on your stream deck. You can then open all the daily programs with just one click, bringing in greater convenience.
Starting a timer
Stream decks can make a timer, reminding you of the important milestones of the day or simply alarming you with your break time after every 45 minutes of hard work or studying.
Resizing windows
When you want to resize the windows, do it with the WIndows mover and resizer plugin. It is then simple to minimize or maximize the sizes.
Conclusion
Setting up a stream deck is not as hard as some people assume it is. The setting up process is quite short. The steps are listed in the above sections. The most common issue you often engage in is connection loss, which can be resolved easily. We hope the article is helpful to your stream deck setting up.
