Elgato Stream Deck XL Review: Is it worth buying?

Elgato Stream Deck XL overview.

Elgato has been killing it in relation to releasing merchandise designed to help livestreamers in creating the best-looking, best-sounding, and best-managed streams throughout Twitch, YouTube, and different platforms. Whereas nailing video and audio is a should for any streamer hoping to succeed, steam administration is arguably simply as essential. Whether or not it’s altering sources or scenes, triggering sounds or emotes, activating sequences in different apps, or simply automating social media posts, Elgato’s vary of Stream Deck makes streaming environment friendly and stress-free.

We noticed this firsthand with the Stream Deck Mini in our review, with the product incomes an Editors’ Alternative award and a spot on my desk within the years that adopted. Since then, Elgato has up to date Stream Deck software program to vastly enhance performance, past something that I used to be anticipating. It’s been a pleasure to see the Stream Deck Mini evolve and discover new methods to work it into not solely my streaming workflow, but in addition my video modifying and net administration roles. Nevertheless, one factor has at all times been niggling at the back of my thoughts: what if it had extra buttons? Enter the Elgato Stream Deck XL! That is the GameRevolution overview.

Going further giant

The Elgato Stream Deck XL is the most important of the Stream Decks. It has 32 customizable LCD keys, whereas the common Stream Deck has 15 keys and the Stream Deck Mini has six keys. Whereas I just like the small footprint of the mini model, I used to be excited to offer the variety of out there keys a big enhance, particularly in relation to assigning many various features for modifying packages like Adobe Premium Pro and Photoshop. Performance will be pushed approach past livestreaming.

Buy the Elgato Stream Deck XL on Amazon here

From the unboxing expertise to the fast organising, first impressions of Elgato merchandise are at all times strong. Unsurprisingly, the dimensions of the Elgato Stream Deck XL is what struck me first. It comes with the magnetic stand connected, although that’s simply eliminated for a flatter look. Then there’s the removable USB-A to USB-C cable which is at all times good to see.

Excellent {hardware} and software program match

The fast begin information tells you to plug within the system and set up the Stream Deck software program. As soon as plugged in and the app is put in, it’s time to start customization. Although you may technically assign the identical variety of features on the Stream Deck Mini because the Stream Deck XL utilizing folders inside folders, the Deck XL’s further 26 bodily buttons make it a lot simpler to set off extra sophisticated layouts of actions throughout dwell and offline situations.

As a lot as I recognize the power to have folders inside folders inside folders, requiring a number of finger pushes and remembering paths to sure features is, at greatest, inefficient and, at worst, irritating.

Whereas the Stream Deck Mini is a well-priced entry level, the Stream Deck XL takes issues to a complete different stage. When you’re an expert or fanatic streamer, editor, or simply use numerous macros or obscure keyboard features, the 32 keys of the XL are extremely good to have. As LCDs, these keys give a transparent visualization that they’ve been activated, so there’s no guessing or hoping they’ve labored, as is the case with keyboard macros.

Replace 5.0 is right here!

As talked about earlier than, software program help for the Stream Deck vary has been large. On the time of writing, model 5.0 has just lately been launched. The replace introduces a brand new storefront break up into 5 sections: Uncover, Plugins, Icons, Music, and Sound Results. This gives a one-stop-shop of content material and extra performance constructed into the app itself.

It’s actually spectacular to see Elgato pushing this ecosystem additional and additional. The Stream Deck was already wonderful and it simply retains getting higher.

Elgato Stream Deck XL Review: The ultimate verdict

I’ve been each day driving the Mini for over two years now and I contemplate it a key a part of my setup for aiding my streams and modifying workflow. Now I’ve bought the XL right here to broaden on the variety of buttons and, with replace 5.0, the chances now appear nearly infinite.

Regardless of the measurement you select, this product is a must have for streamers and content material creators. It continues to develop in performance and I see no finish to its usefulness. In fact, extra buttons imply extra features able to go, and so the Elgato Stream XL is the most important and greatest of all of them for many who can take care of the $250 asking value. If that’s too steep, the smaller sizes are simply as excellent!

Elgato Stream Deck XL was supplied by Corsair.