Elgato Stream Deck +
VERDICT
This device transcends "gaming." The addition of the four rotary dials and the touch strip makes it an essential tool for video editors, designers, and anyone who manages multiple audio sources. The integration with Wave Link software essentially gives you a professional audio mixer for free.
The Big Picture
Buttons are great for "on/off" actions, but terrible for adjustments. The Stream Deck + solves this. You get 8 LCD keys for launching apps or muting mics, and 4 endless knobs for fine-tuning volume, zooming into timelines, or adjusting color grading wheels. It’s the physical interface that Windows and macOS are missing.
🎛️ Wave Link Software
The Power: A digital mixer.
Utility: You can route your Spotify music, game audio, and voice chat into separate channels. Use the dials to turn down the music for your stream audience while keeping it loud in your headphones. It handles audio routing that usually requires $500 hardware.
👆 Touch Strip
Swipe control.
Function: The LCD strip shows you what each dial is controlling. You can swipe left or right to switch "pages," instantly turning your volume knobs into lighting controls or video editing tools.
✅ The Pros
- Versatility: Works with Photoshop, Premiere, OBS, Zoom, and smart home lights.
- Build Quality: The knobs feel premium and have "detents" (clicks) for precision.
- Marketplace: Thousands of user-made plugins are available for free.
- Stand: Fixed at a perfect 45-degree angle with a non-slip base.
❌ The Cons
- Price: Quite expensive ($200) for a controller.
- Buttons: Only 8 buttons compared to 15 on the regular Stream Deck MK.2.
- Cable: USB-C cable is non-detachable on the device side (fixed connection).
🤔 Should you buy it?
YES if you are a streamer, video editor, or audio enthusiast who needs tactile control.
NO if you just want to launch apps and macros (get the cheaper Stream Deck MK.2 with more buttons).
See the showdown: Stream Deck + vs. Loupedeck Live Comparison