Table of Contents
Elgato just released the brand new stream deck plus with a ton of new functionality to their product line. We will compare Elgato stream deck plus with Original Classic Mini , XL and MK2 versions. We will go over the Similarities , differences and Pros and cons for each of these different models. We have also gathered the reviews from Reddit as of January 2023 to give you best Streamline deck for your job.
Elgato Stream Deck Mini vs Plus vs MK.2 vs XL – Similarities
before we just into difference let’s see take a quick glance if you are in hurry to decide which Stream Deck is for you.
Quick Glance
Control and Customization:
One of the main similarities between these versions of the Stream Deck is that they all offer customizable buttons that can be programmed to perform a variety of actions, such as launching apps, controlling media, and switching between scenes.
Design and Control:
Another similarity is that all Elgato Stream deck versions ( mini , Plus , MK.2 and XL ) of the Stream Deck have a sleek and compact design, making them easy to use and transport.
Compatibility :
Additionally, all 4 versions of the Stream Deck are compatible with a wide range of streaming and recording software, including OBS, XSplit, and Streamlabs.
Elgato Stream Deck Mini vs Plus vs MK.2 vs XL – Differences
before we just into difference let’s see take a quick glance if you are in hurry to decide which Stream Deck is for
In this section, we will discuss the differences between the Elgato Stream deck mini (2018) , MK.2 (2019 version) , XL(2021 Version ) with latest Elgato Stream deck plus ( 2022 version)
Design and Customizable buttons
If you are a multitasker and loves quick action with plenty of customization options this section is for you to compare this product line ups from Elgato.
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
The Stream Deck Classic Mini is the smallest version of the All, with a compact size and 6 customizable buttons. which weigh at 160 grams. The Elgato Stream Deck Mini is a compact digital tool that allows users to quickly access various functions and features while streaming or recording content. It has a sleek and modern appearance, with a black and silver color scheme and a glossy finish.
Elgato Stream Deck Plus
Newer version introduced in November 2022 The stream deck Plus comes with 8 customizable buttons . The major difference between the Stream Deck Plus and other models is its four rotary dials, located right at the bottom of the customizable buttons. These Rotating knobs can used to Zoom in and Out, Volume control or doing any actions which needs smoother and sliding actions. Knobs feels good and gives satisfying micro clicking sound.
This newer version looks dope. This version of Elgato stream deck is heavier and weigh at 465 g but it is designed well. If you are kinda person who like to move around a lot and use stream deck while travelling see if you can manage this much weight.
Stream Deck Plus also have newer LCD screen between touch customization buttons and nobs. This screen not only display the current status of the Apps it also provide touch control which is quite handy. No other version of Elgato Stream deck offers this LCD screen.
The base of the Plus model is fixed and not movable , mainly because the cable is right behind the screen so keeping it flat on table will hinder the cable.
Elgato Stream Deck XL
This bad boy weigh at 410 grams but comes with 32 customizable LCD screen buttons. this looks amazing and gives nice colorful feel to your desk. it doesnt have any rotary dials like Stream deck plus.
The Elgato Stream Deck XL is a device designed to make it easy for content creators and streamers to control their live streams and recordings. It is a rectangular device with a black, glossy finish and has 32 customizable LCD keys. The keys are backlit, so they are easy to see in low light environments.
It is a compact device, measuring approximately 9.5 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 1.5 inches thick, and it weighs about 1.5 pounds. It is larger than Mini, Plus and MK.2 versions.
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
Weight and size wise MK.2 is quite similar to Elgato Stream Deck Mini . it weigh at 140 Grams ( lighter then Mini ) but provides 15 customizable LCD keys more than double what Elgato stream deck mini provides and half of what Elgato stream deck XL provides.
Look and feel is good. It is designed to be portable, so you can easily take it with you wherever you go. In addition to the LCD keys, the Stream Deck MK.2 also has a small OLED display screen on the top of the device that can be used to display information or custom icons.
The winner : Elgato Stream deck Plus
Connectivity and controls
Now this is the section we use Stream decks, options to connect and do multi tasking
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
In terms of connectivity options, the Stream Deck Mini has a USB 2.0-Kabel Type-A port, which allows you to connect it to a computer or other device. It also has a built-in USB hub, so you can connect other devices, such as microphones or cameras, to it. The device is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, and it can be used with a variety of streaming software and platforms, such as OBS, XSplit, Twitch, YouTube, and more. It is also compatible with a variety of in-game actions and voice control software, such as Discord and VoiceAttack.
Elgato Stream Deck Plus
When it comes to Connectivity Plus has same options as All other version of the Stream decks which uses USB 2.0. Like other Stream Deck models, Elgato Stream deck Plus connects to your PC via a single USB-C to USB-A cable from the back of the unit.
Elgato Stream Deck XL
XL is better when it comes to connectivity compare to Mini, Plus or MK.2 as it comes with USB 3.0 which offers higher transfer speed of 4.8 Giga bytes per Second while USB 2.0 only offers 480 Mega bytes per Second.
this is Important as XL comes with bigger touch screen and more customizable buttons.
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
MK.2 comes with USB 2.0 to connect with PC and it has same functions as other stream decks.
The winner : Elgato Stream deck XL
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Functions
Let’s dive into each of the models functions
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
6 Customizable buttons can be configured to carry out variety of tasks using stream deck software’s. Like :
- Start and Stop a stream or recording
- Switching between scenes in a streaming software
- Adjusting the volume or muting audio
- Activating or deactivating a microphone or webcam
- Opening and closing specific applications or documents
- Executing custom scripts or macros
- Sending messages or alerts to viewers
- Controlling lighting or other hardware connected to the device
Elgato Stream Deck Plus
Apart from 8 customizable buttons , Plus offers 4 rotating dials which as mentioned before you can used to adjust pages, volume and zoom for your work and it comes with 360 Rotation . This dials also provides Stack functions which means you can click it and decide to do other task using the same dial. which i feel is pretty useful because 4 dials are not just enough if you are content creator and not just streamer.
Between main customizable buttons and those dial is the fancy looking LCD screen which is touch screen.
Elgato Stream Deck XL
You get more flexibility from this model as it comes with 32 customizable buttons. which can do same task
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
If Mini version is too small for you and you are not much into rotating dial MK.2 comes with 15 customizable buttons.
The winner : Elgato Stream deck Plus
Pros and Cons
Before our final verdict, we will go over a few pros and cons of the Elgato stream deck versions : Mini Vs Plus Vs XL Vs MK.2
Elgato stream deck Mini advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- Compact size
- Ease of use
- Multiple profiles
Cons
- Only 6 Customizable buttons
- Compatibility
Elgato stream deck Plus advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- Innovative hard-ware design
- Large button size
- Plenty of potential
Cons
- Expensive
- Currently not enough applications for dials / knobs
Elgato stream deck XL advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- 32 Customizable buttons
- Ease of use
- Multiple profile
- USB 3.0
Cons
- Size
- Expensive
Elgato stream deck MK.2 advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- 15 are good enough buttons
- Ease of use
- Multiple profile
- Compact design
Cons
- None
The Final Verdict
While all the Elgato stream decks offers quite similar functions We think Stream deck MK.2 is a soft spot with good value for money compared to Plus and XL which comes with almost double the price. MK.2 is also lighter and compact compared to plus and XL model. Elgato stream deck MK.2 is also better than Mini as it provides 9 additional customizable buttons .