Stream Deck +

The Verdict

If you’ve ever watched a streamer or video editor tap a glowing grid of buttons and wondered if that magic would translate to your own spreadsheets, emails, or design work — the Elgato Stream Deck + is the answer. It’s not just for gamers anymore. With 229 Amazon ratings averaging 4.6 stars, this is the version that finally makes sense for office workers, not just content creators.

What’s Actually in the Box

You get the Stream Deck + unit itself (about the size of a thick smartphone, 5.1 x 3.4 inches), a 4.9-foot USB-C to USB-C cable, and a quick start guide. That’s it. No mounts, no stands — the device has a solid non-slip base that stays put on a desk. The build is classic Elgato: matte black plastic that doesn’t feel cheap, with a reassuring weight (about 8.8 ounces) that says “I’m not going anywhere.”

The headline features are the 8 LCD keys, 4 haptic rotary dials, and a touch strip on the left edge. As shown in the product image, the dials sit below the keys, giving you a hybrid button-and-knob control surface that the original Stream Deck never had.

Performance in the Real World

Here’s where the Stream Deck + separates itself from gimmicks. The software (free for Windows and macOS) lets you assign virtually anything to the keys and dials. I set up a workflow for a busy week: one key opens my email triage folder, another fires off a canned Slack response, and a dial controls my system volume while another scrubs through video timelines.

The LCD keys are a genuine upgrade — they’re 120% brighter than the original model, and the icons are sharp enough to read at a glance without squinting. The haptic dials give satisfying physical feedback when you press them, and they rotate with just the right amount of resistance.

For office work, the killer feature is multi-action macros. You can program a single key to open a specific browser profile, mute your mic, and start a timer — simultaneously. That’s the kind of automation that saves minutes per day, which adds up to hours per month.

What Buyers Keep Praising

The reviews consistently highlight two things: build quality and the dials. One buyer noted, “The dials are a game-changer for audio editing — I can scrub through tracks with precision I never had with just a mouse.” Another praised the software: “Setup was intuitive, and the ability to sync profiles to different apps automatically is genius.”

The consensus is that Elgato nailed the hardware. It’s durable, responsive, and the haptic feedback on the dials feels premium.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the flaws. The touch strip on the left edge is the weakest element — swiping it precisely takes practice, and I’ve accidentally triggered actions mid-motion more than once. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s not as polished as the rest of the device.

There’s also no USB passthrough. For a device this expensive, I expected at least one USB-A port to daisy-chain a mouse or headset receiver. That omission forces you to either free up a dedicated port or buy a hub.

The software learning curve is real. The power is there, but it’s buried under nested menus and profiles. If you’re not willing to spend 30-60 minutes setting it up, you’ll never unlock its potential.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You’re a power user — video editor, programmer, project manager, or anyone juggling multiple apps and repetitive tasks daily. If you live in shortcuts and macros, this pays for itself in saved time within weeks.

Skip it if: You’re a casual user who just wants to mute your mic once in a while. A cheaper Stream Deck Mini or even keyboard shortcuts will do. And if you hate tinkering with software, this isn’t for you.

FAQ

Q: Does it work with Mac and Windows? A: Yes, both. Elgato’s software is mature on both platforms, though Mac users get slightly better touch strip support in some creative apps.

Q: Can I use it for non-streaming work? A: Absolutely. I use it for email templates, calendar management, and app switching. It’s not locked to any specific use case.

Q: Is it worth upgrading from an original Stream Deck? A: If you already own the standard model, only upgrade if you specifically want the dials or touch strip. The keys are nicer, but not enough alone to justify the cost.

The Verdict

The Stream Deck + is a premium productivity tool with a premium price tag. It’s not for everyone — casual users will find it overkill, and the touch strip needs refinement. But for professionals who live in their computers, it’s one of the most effective time-saving devices you can put on a desk. The 4.6-star rating is earned.

Buy it if you’re ready to invest in serious workflow automation. Skip it if you just want a fancy button box.

Rating: 4.6/5 — An excellent tool with minor flaws, ideal for power users who value efficiency over simplicity.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.