Gaming has come a long way since the days of first-generation home consoles like the Magnavox Odyssey. Consoles and gaming PCs are social hubs for many people, where communicating with friends, listening to music and recording footage can all be part of the experience.
Stream Decks have become a part of many gaming setups, and not just for people trying to make an income on Twitch or Kick. Their customizability can make your gaming experience much smoother.
Stream Decks were originally designed for streamers. Audiences can be quick to jump off a stream if the host isn’t entertaining them, and watching a streamer continuously search for buttons to press or having to pause the game can get tedious for both the audience and the host. Stream Decks were created by Elgato to solve this problem.
A Stream Deck is a customizable control pad with programmable buttons. Each button can be assigned a specific function, such as launching an application, controlling audio or even executing multiple actions at once. Most Stream Decks have a transparent key cap that sits on top of a small, customizable screen, which can display an icon indicating what the key does. This means you don’t have to memorize keybinds.
The functionality of Stream Decks has expanded since their creation, and so has their audience. The convenience and customization they offer have led many gamers to incorporate them into their setup. Stream Decks are also gaining popularity beyond the gaming world, with some businesses adopting them to improve workflows.
Gamers are finding practical and meaningful ways to improve their gaming experience with Stream Decks.
Games with complex controls, such as 4X strategy games and massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), can be more enjoyable with a Stream Deck. Abilities and commands can be mapped to Stream Deck buttons, reducing the need to memorize complex key combinations. This efficiency can also improve your performance by reducing distractions.
Stream Decks specialize in automation. Players can assign a sequence of actions to a single button, eliminating the need to press them all manually. For example, a single button can launch a game, open voice chat and start background music simultaneously.
Modern gamers often have multiple applications open while playing, such as Discord and music. A Stream Deck can instantly mute or unmute a microphone and make adjusting volume levels simple. They can also skip tracks, pause music and much more without you having to pause.
Stream Decks can improve immersion in simulation games like flight simulators or racing titles, where a mouse and keyboard or controller aren’t ideally suited to the experience. Landing gear, camera views and system control can all map to a Stream Deck for a more engaging experience.
Simulation games often require strategic thinking, so it’s important that the controls don’t add to the mental load.
Gaming without a Stream Deck can mean you’re falling behind because of these common issues.
Relying solely on a keyboard and mouse or controller means more manual input, more key combinations and more switching between applications. These are minor issues, but they can add up over time.
Stream Decks provide dedicated space for custom actions without interfering with your main controls. Keyboards support keybinds, but most have physical limitations due to how small and plentiful the keys are.
Simple tasks like adjusting audio or responding in voice chat can require you to tab out of your game or use multiple shortcuts. This can interrupt your flow and be frustrating if you are in the middle of an important gameplay section. Multitasking increases cognitive load, so a Stream Deck can reduce mental strain.
Gaming is a time to unwind, and managing multiple platforms at once can cause stress and fatigue, which is the opposite of a relaxing experience. A Stream Deck helps keep your focus on the game by centralizing your controls in one place.
Stream Decks come in many sizes and formats, allowing you to choose the right option for your needs and budget. While there are numerous models available with different features and button layouts, they can be broken down into four main categories:
Smaller Stream Decks, such as the Stream Deck Mini and Stream Deck Neo, contain six to eight buttons. They are a great budget option for people who only need a limited number of commands. The limited number of buttons also makes them easy to use.
The midsized options usually include 15 buttons. They are the standard size and are great for simulation games, streaming setups and more.
Larger models can have over 30 buttons. They are the best option for people with advanced setups who use a huge range of commands. If you have 30 or more commands you regularly use, a Stream Deck XL may be a great improvement.
Some apps allow you to turn your phone or tablet into a virtual Stream Deck. They lack physical buttons but can be a cost-effective alternative.
Although it’s not required for gaming, the Stream Deck’s rapid integration into gaming setups is indicative of how complex the gaming experience has become. Traditional keyboard and mouse or controller setups are no longer comprehensive enough for many people.
Having a single centralized interface with customizable shortcuts can enhance your gaming experience. The fact that some businesses are implementing Stream Decks into their employee’s desk setups is a sign of how useful they are even for non-streamers.
Consider a Stream Deck if you find yourself having to jump between applications, getting frustrated with complex MMORPG and strategy game controls, or feeling restricted by a controller or keyboard.
