Anything can be a stream deck, Elgato says
Blog Andrew Joseph 22 May , 2025 0
Elgato is introducing the Stream Deck Module, MK.2 Stream Deck and the new Virtual Stream Deck software. As the name suggests, the Elgato Stream deck was originally aimed at streaming, and was a quick way to do things like manipulating screen streaming elements without having to interrupt the stream by going to a separate application. Instead, many programmable buttons on the interface can be bound to certain applications, key keys, and commands to get fast results, such as changing the flow scene or sending the audience to another creator in the raid. It turns out that this idea has many uses.
Elgato's developer-friendly platform has long supported getting anyone to do anything with Stream Deck, but now it hopes to waste the experience vigorously with its latest performance at the annual computing conference in Taipei, Taiwan.
$150
Stream deck modules are situations in which companies listen to users and respond. Hobbyists have been tearing the stream decks to use buttons and front panels as part of larger projects, and the module is suitable for these users. These unbranded panels are available in 6, 15 and 32 key variants and are accommodated in an aluminum housing designed to integrate them into these projects. The six-key version of the module will be available for $49.99, with $129.99 for the 15-key model and $199.99 for the 32-key.
Aside from the module, the $79.99 stream deck network dock will allow you to plug in a stream deck anywhere you have a network port, further opening up the possibility for things like smart home setups and other projects.
The MK.2 stream deck costs $149.99, pushing things forward in different ways. If you ever owned a Stream Deck – I used my six-button stream deck to control Spotify and switch the audio device – you know the keys can be a bit mushy. Since they aren't meant to be used for typing, it's not bad, but it's hard to say whether you're driving one of the keys.
The MK.2 uses a scissor switch to swap the membrane under the current flow deck key, usually found on laptops and other similar low-key keyboards. This will provide “enhanced speed and precision” and “interactions that lend to typing styles,” Elgato said, which could pave the way for new Stream Deck use cases. remember Optimus keyboardthat striking keyboard has a screen on each key? It's not hard to imagine that the scissor switch allows Elgato to move in the direction of making the full keyboard.
Finally, Elgato brings software-only streaming deck applications to desktop systems on the market. It's similar to the existing Stream Deck mobile app, which allows you to turn your phone or tablet into a soft-flow deck. The software will first be available to anyone with a physical streaming deck and will be bundled with the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE mouse and the Corsair Xenon Edge touch screen – Stream Deck 7.0 Beta requires you to connect one of these devices for the VSD functionality available. However, it is worth noting that unlike its mobile equivalent, things like custom layouts and virtual panels won't lock behind a paid subscription. Elgato said that over time, VSD software will provide more hardware. We're also pretty sure no one will figure out a way to simulate a flow-stratigraphic deck to get anyone using the software. There is no way.