Elgato Stream Deck+ Review: Knobs, LCD, and Ultimate Control

Elgato has officially expanded its acclaimed Stream Deck lineup with the introduction of the Stream Deck+. This latest iteration builds upon the foundation of its predecessors by integrating a powerful new set of controls designed to offer more depth and precision. The device retains the signature customizable LCD keys that made the brand famous but adds a bank of four electronic dials and a dedicated LCD display strip for real-time feedback.

This new form factor is engineered to bridge the gap between simple macro execution and complex, analog-style control. For creative professionals and live streamers, this means a more intuitive way to manage applications, adjust settings, and navigate workflows without ever needing to switch windows or reach for a mouse. The Stream Deck+ is designed to be the central hub for any modern digital workspace, offering a blend of visual information and tactile interaction that was previously unavailable in this product category.

The physical design of the Stream Deck+ marks a deliberate evolution from the standard models. While the familiar 15-key LCD grid remains at the core, the lower half of the device is now dominated by a sleek control panel. This panel features four infinite rotation dials, each surrounded by a soft LED ring to indicate its current function or value. Positioned directly above these knobs is a narrow, horizontal LCD screen that serves as a dedicated information display.

This layout is not merely aesthetic; it is functionally significant. The dials provide a level of granular control that is essential for tasks requiring precision. For example, adjusting audio levels, manipulating color grading wheels in video software, or controlling brush sizes in Photoshop becomes a seamless, tactile experience. The accompanying LCD screen ensures that the user always knows the exact value or parameter being adjusted, eliminating guesswork and enhancing workflow efficiency. The device maintains a compact footprint, ensuring it doesn't consume excessive desk space while still offering a substantial upgrade in functionality.

• Four electronic dials with infinite rotation
• Dedicated LCD strip for dial information
• Retains 15 customizable LCD keys
• LED indicators for each dial

The core strength of the Stream Deck+ lies in its ability to unify disparate controls into a single, cohesive interface. The device's software allows users to assign a vast range of actions to both the keys and the dials. The dials can be programmed to control system-level functions like volume and brightness, or application-specific commands such as timeline scrubbing in editing software or filter adjustments in live streaming applications like OBS.

The true power of the device is revealed when the keys and dials work in concert. A user might press a key to switch to a specific audio profile and then use the dials to adjust individual channel volumes, all while the LCD screen above the dials displays the precise decibel levels. This multi-layered approach to control allows for a depth of customization that significantly accelerates complex tasks. It transforms the Stream Deck from a simple shortcut pad into a dynamic command center, capable of adapting to the user's immediate needs with context-sensitive controls.

adds knobs and an LCD for even more info at a glance.

While the Stream Deck+ will undoubtedly appeal to existing users, its enhanced feature set makes it particularly attractive to new professional demographics. Content creators, especially live streamers, remain a primary target, as the device can manage complex scene transitions, audio mixing, and on-screen effects in real-time. The tactile nature of the dials allows for smooth, live adjustments that can elevate the production value of any broadcast.

Beyond streaming, the device is a powerful tool for video editors, graphic designers, and music producers. The ability to map editing timelines, color correction tools, and virtual instrument parameters to physical knobs can dramatically speed up the creative process. Furthermore, office professionals and power users can leverage the device for productivity, controlling spreadsheets, navigating presentations, or managing communication apps with a level of speed and precision that keyboards and mice cannot match. The Stream Deck+ is designed for anyone looking to optimize their digital workflow and reduce reliance on traditional input methods.

In a market with various macro pads and control surfaces, the Stream Deck+ carves out a unique niche by combining several key elements. It offers the deep software integration and vibrant dynamic display of the Stream Deck ecosystem, which is widely regarded as the industry standard. By adding the tactile feedback of dials and the at-a-glance utility of a dedicated information screen, Elgato has created a hybrid device that addresses the limitations of both button-only macro pads and traditional analog control surfaces.

The integration of the LCD screen specifically for the dials is a critical differentiator. Many competing products offer knobs, but they often lack immediate visual feedback, forcing the user to look at their computer monitor to see changes. The Stream Deck+ solves this by providing that information directly on the hardware itself. This focus on user experience and workflow efficiency is what gives the Stream Deck+ its competitive edge, solidifying Elgato's position as a leader in the creative technology space.

The Stream Deck+ represents a thoughtful and powerful addition to Elgato's lineup, successfully blending the best of digital and analog control. Its introduction of dials and a dedicated information screen directly addresses the needs of professionals who require both speed and precision in their workflows. This device is more than just an incremental update; it is a reimagining of what a compact control surface can be.

As digital workspaces become increasingly complex, tools that simplify and accelerate interactions are more valuable than ever. The Stream Deck+ stands out as a premier solution for managing that complexity, offering unparalleled customization and a user-centric design that promises to enhance productivity and creativity across a wide range of applications.