Many people today have been inspired to become streamers and broadcast games to the masses via platforms such as YouTube or Twitch. While you can definitely get started with a minimal setup, if you are taking streaming seriously you will want the very best equipment to present professional, high quality content to your audience.
There are many different types of equipment that you will need to provide the very best streams including computers, microphones, cameras, lighting, monitors and more. Managing a stream while presenting live can be a tricky task, since you will need to flick between games, your chat box, stream settings, music controls and more.
Ordinarily, you would need to do this manually on your system, but that is where the Elgato Stream Deck comes in. This is a device with a range of programmable buttons that can be used to carry out these activities on the fly, making it a very useful piece of kit for top streamers.
Elgato offers a few versions of the Stream deck, so let’s compare the Stream Deck and the Stream Deck Mk. 2 to determine which one is best for you.
Elgato Stream Deck Vs. Stream Deck Mk.2 Comparison
So both devices seem to be useful additions to any streamers desk but how do they stack up against each other?
| Feature | Stream Deck | Stream Deck Mk. 2 |
| Size | 118 x 84 x 21mm (Without stand) | 118 x 84 x 25 mm (Without stand) |
| Weight | 190 g | 145 g |
| Keys | 15 x customizable LCD keys | 15 x customizable LCD keys |
| Connection | Built in USB 2.0 | Detachable USB 2.0 |
| System requirements | macOS 10.13 or Windows 10 | macOS 10.13 or Windows 10 |
| In the box | Stream DeckAdjustable standQuick start guide | Stream DeckAdjustable standUSB C to USB A cableQuick start guide |
| Aesthetic customization | None | White variantReplaceable faceplate |
| Price | $149.95 | $149.99 |
As you can see, the size of the devices are almost identical, so there is no great difference in the amount of space the Stream Deck or Stream Deck Mk. 2 will take up on your desk. While the size is not too dissimilar, the original Stream Deck is considerably heavier. This weight shouldn’t be a hindrance since the device will mostly just sit in place.
The detachable USB cable is a nice touch on the Stream Deck Mk. 2, to ensure it can be replaced if it becomes faulty.
For those who do not want a standard black device, the customization options of the Stream Deck Mk. 2 are going to be welcomed. The white option or the interchangeable faceplates give much needed flexibility in this regard to allow the device to fit into a wider array of gaming rooms or setups.
It is surprising in some ways that the original Stream Deck has not been discontinued considering it is essentially better in every way and is basically the same price.
In terms of software, both the Stream Deck and Stream Deck Mk. 2 both use the Stream Deck studio and there is even a mobile version of this so that you can customize your device on the go.
Elgato Stream Deck Features
The original Elgato Stream deck provides 15 illuminated LCD keys that you can map to keyboard shortcuts to switch scenes, play media, control volumes and more. This means that you will not have to spend too much time fiddling with your settings while streaming or creating, allowing for a sleeker, more professional production value.
The device is quite smart as it detects the software and streams that you are using and automatically provides you with controls. Streaming is a crowded space, so to stand out from other creators you can use the Stream deck to display images, GIFs, sound clips and videos to entertain your viewers.
To set your commands, you can simply drag and drop actions onto the keys and even customize the symbol they display. The device comes with the Stream Deck as well as an adjustable kickstand so it fits in with your exact setup. It is connected to your computer using a built-in USB 2.0 cable.
Elgato Stream Deck Mk.2 Features
The Elgato Stream Deck Mk. 2 is the newer version of the Stream Deck, still offering 15 customizable LCD keys to control your systems.
Again you can customize these keys using the Stream Deck studio software that is free to download and easy to navigate.
One distinct difference here is that the Stream Deck Mk. 2 is available in white, which should appeal to a broader range of users and fit in with a wider variety of gaming setups.
Even further to this, the Mk. 2 has a removable faceplate and you can purchase a range of different replacements to completely personalize your Stream Deck Mk. 2.
These faceplates offer a variety of different patterns, material finishes and colors.
There are even some creative individuals developing custom Stream Deck Mk. 2 Faceplates on market websites like Etsy.
Another interesting feature is the ability to link to your smart home devices such as lights, speakers and more.
Our Thoughts
The jump in quality, features and price between the original Elgato Stream Deck and the Stream Deck Mk. 2 is not a massive one.
If you are looking to get a Stream Deck, you might as well opt for the Mk. 2 since it is essentially the same price while offering some versatility in customization options with the white variant and the replaceable faceplates.
No matter which one you choose, the Elgato Stream Deck range will help you to level up your streams and produce content that is much more interactive, entertaining and professional.
A gaming enthusiast who started their gaming venture all the way back on a Gameboy Advanced (Purple) on Pokemon Yellow.
