Streamers on Twitch Admire the Elgato Stream Deck, Yet I Capitalize on Its Productivity Potential
The Elgato Stream Deck, a godsend for Twitch and YouTube streamers, earns its spot on their desks, tucked out of view yet performing magic from afar. It's not just a utility for streamers; it's a powerful productivity tool that streamlines your work and play.
I've long extolled the virtues of using gaming peripherals to turbocharge productivity, and the Stream Deck takes this idea to new heights. It offers unparalleled customization, allowing you to assign common tasks, launch apps, and automate complex workflows from a single button. And hey, you can even slap on your favorite icon to personalize it.
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The Stream Deck family consists of several models, each with unique features designed to cater to different needs. Here's a lowdown on them:
$129.99 at Amazon
Launch your essentials instantly
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In a world full of distractions, a visual nudge can get you started on the right foot. With the Stream Deck’s default Essentials layout, you get shortcuts to the apps and sites you use for work, with a quick button press launching each one.
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The Stream Deck's "Open" action effortlessly launches commonly used apps or even specific files. Coupled with the "Website" action, you can readily access web-based tools like internal dashboards, project management tools, and more. With Multi Action, you can even launch all your tools at once with a single button press.
$79.99 at Amazon
Control meeting chaos
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Ever found yourself being the last two people still in a meeting? The Stream Deck's got your back. Elgato offers plugins for popular platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Discord that provide buttons to mute your mic or toggle your camera. These buttons tell you whether your mic or camera is on, even when windows are out of focus. Stream Deck also gives you easy access to screen sharing, recording, or leaving a meeting.
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Automate text snippets and replies
$179.99 at Amazon
If you've ever wished for an assistant to repeat your frequent responses, the Stream Deck is your new BFF. The "Text" action lets you pre-write 500-character blocks of text that one button press can insert. It even offers basic formatting options.
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For more advanced automation, check out the SuperMacro plugin. With some scripting knowledge, you can create macros allowing for somewhat customized text snippets using variables and dynamic text blocks.
Stream Deck and Smart Home
$249.99 at Amazon
Take control of your smart home with the Stream Deck. The Philips Hue Stream Deck plugin lets you control individual lights or rooms from a single button, or use the IFTTT plugin for connection with multiple smart home devices.
String it all together with Multi Action
This is where the real power of the Stream Deck shines. Multi Action allows you to chain multiple Stream Deck actions together, creating powerful scripts that can launch, control, and manipulate applications on the fly. Want to open Photoshop, Lightroom, and your email simultaneously with one click? No problem for the Stream Deck!
The Multi Action Switch takes it further, offering the ability to swap between two separate lists of commands with each button press. It's your automation sidekick, transforming menial tasks into instant accomplishments.
Choosing the Right Stream Deck
From the Stream Deck MK.2 to the XL, each model offers unique features for different use cases. Here's a quick guide to help you pick:
- Stream Deck MK.2: A compact, 15-button device offering wide customization options.
- Stream Deck Neo: Featuring updated design elements and colored LCD keys, similar to the MK.2 with some enhancements.
- Stream Deck +: Enhanced with a customizable touch strip and dials, ideal for advanced creative or professional applications.
- Stream Deck XL: Extra buttons galore for users who require extensive control options.
- Stream Deck Mobile: An app designed for iOS and Android devices for more mobile streaming and content creation needs.
No matter which Stream Deck you choose, you'll soon discover the many ways it'll revolutionize your productivity, transforming everyday tasks into easy-breezy accomplishments. Give it a try; it just might become the most valuable addition to your office or gaming setup.
- The Stream Deck, a must-have for Twitch and YouTube streamers, is more than just a utility; it's a powerful productivity tool, offering unparalleled customization for streamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
- The Stream Deck's Essentials layout, with a quick button press, launches apps and sites used for work, aligning with the idea of using gaming peripherals to boost productivity.
- The Stream Deck's "Open" action can conveniently launch commonly used apps, files, or websites, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
- The Stream Deck provides plugins for popular platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Discord, offering buttons for muting microphones, toggling cameras, and controlling meetings, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency.
- The Text action in the Stream Deck allows for pre-writing 500-character blocks of text, automating frequent responses in communication, boosting productivity for education, self-development, and personal growth.
- The Stream Deck's Multi Action feature offers the ability to chain multiple actions together, creating powerful scripts that can launch, control, and manipulate applications, revolutionizing productivity and simplifying complex workflows.
