The Elgato Stream Deck Mk 2 for Non-Streamers

Today we're going to take a closer look at the Elgato Stream Deck Mk 2, a tool that promises to make your life easier whether you're streaming, editing, or just trying to streamline your daily tasks. The Stream Deck Mk 2 is a programmable shortcut key hub that allows you to quickly access keyboard shortcuts at the touch of a button. But could a streamer's dream machine work for my workflow? Watch the video version of this blog at the link below!

The model I have has 15 LCD keys that display actions in vibrant colors. This latest model is sleeker than its predecessor with a detachable USB-C cord and stand. There are also Stream Decks for every size you can imagine including an XL, mini, and new Neo models for beginners.

Getting started using your Stream Deck has never been easier. Plug in your Stream Deck directly into your computer (not a USB hub) and download the Stream Deck software and you're good to go! Once you have the app installed you can begin customizing your Stream Deck. All you need to do to add actions to your Stream Deck keys is to drag and drop from your action library and choose an icon for the key. With the online Elgato Market Place, you can download plugins for almost any app you can imagine including OBS, Apple Music/Spotify, and more. You can even make or download your own icons to make your Stream Deck look exactly as you'd like.

But who is the Stream Deck for? Well, I'm not a streamer and I still found dozens of uses for the Stream Deck Mk 2. I think this little device is perfect for anyone searching for creative ways to streamline their workflow. Those who are attached to their keyboard shortcuts may find this as bit of a learning curve, but I think it is well worth the investment. I've been using it for weeks now and there has been no lag. Whether I'm switching scenes in OBS, editing video with shortcut keys, or controlling smart home devices, the Elgato Stream Deck has seriously boosted my productivity.

Overall, the Stream Deck Mk 2 is an amazing tool that optimizes any workflow. If you're someone who values time-saving multi-tasking techniques this is certainly worth a try. If you'd like to see how else I use the Stream Deck Mk 2 as part of my daily process, let me know! Watch the video version of this blog on my YouTube channel.

Until next time,

Andrew