Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

Elgato recently launched a revamped version of the Stream Deck (not to be confused with the Steam Deck), which was first released in 2017. The new and improved Stream Deck MK.2 brings in some new features mostly targeted at customisation and giving the accessory your own personalised touch. We’ll take a closer look at these improvements in this review.

Retailing at £140 at the time of writing, you’ll find the following out of the box:

• Stream Deck
• Desktop Stand
• USB-C to USB-A Cable
• Quick Start Guide

As for the specs details, you can find them below:

• Dimensions: 118 x 84 x 25 mm / 4.6 x 3.3 x 1.0 in. (without stand)
• Weight: 145 g without stand / 270 g with stand
• Keys: 15 customizable LCD keys
• Interface: USB 2.0

Aesthetically, the MK.2 looks sleeker than the original Stream Deck. This is because the adjustable stand has given way for a detachable 45-degree fixed-angle stand. Without the adjustable stand’s mechanism, this makes for a sleeker look. While the fixed angle works in most setups, having the ability to adjust it would still be welcome.

In addition, the MK.2 comes with a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable which is a very welcome feature for easy storage or for replacement in case of damage.

One of the major aesthetic changes to come with the Stream Deck MK.2 is the interchangeable faceplate. You can buy faceplates for £10 each and easily pop the old one out and make your MK.2 wear the new one. While purely visual and not a must-have, it’s a nice-to-have as it gives a touch of originality to your streaming setup. In addition, Elgato has made screensavers that match the faceplates available for free.

As we’re talking about aesthetics, the MK.2 comes in two colour variants: white and black to suit your preferences.

 

Other than the aforementioned new features, the MK.2 bears the same features as the original Stream Deck which we previously reviewed which I’d recommend you to read as it covers the same software features of the MK.2. This means 15 LCD keys and compatibility with the Stream Deck companion software. The latter fleshes out the device’s potentials with key customization, multi actions and folder access. The app also provides access to the Stream Deck store page where you can freely download plugins for your favourite apps, music and sound effects.

Being able to control your streams at the touch of a button, with handy customisable visual icons, instead of fiddling with macros or separate dedicated apps greatly helps make the process easier. Moreover, while the Stream Deck is a streaming-focused accessory, it is also well suited as a productivity tool to easily access your favourite apps and features. You don’t have to stick to the plugins of the Stream Deck store as you can import software installed on your PC or even access websites directly with the push of a button. However, given the relatively steep cost, those into streaming might find more use for it, especially with the vast array of quick access tools it offers.

While the Stream Deck MK.2 offers a handy add-on for streamlining your streaming and even productivity needs, it offers virtually no improvements on the software front compared to the original Stream Deck. Don’t fix what’s not broken, right? This holds true for the Stream Deck and the companion software, especially with the downloadable content from the store. 

However, the hardware upgrades are mostly incremental, with the notable mentions being the swappable faceplates, a detachable cable, and a detachable stand. But there are more aspects that could have been upgraded here. For one, while the Stream Deck neatly fits into the stand, it isn’t fixed by means of integrated clips or magnets. Including those would have been welcome features, even if it is highly unlikely that the device will fall while sitting on your desk; but for storage, this could have helped.

What I see as a glaring omission with the MK.2 is the lack of a tripod mount support. While the stand is perfectly usable, being able to mount the Stream Deck MK.2 would have been preferred by those with limited desk space (although the accessory isn’t that big) or just based on personal preference.

All in all, the Stream Deck MK.2 is really an incremental upgrade from the original Stream Deck and doesn’t offer enough compelling reasons to upgrade if you own the latter already. But if you don’t own a Stream Deck and wish to level up and streamline your streaming setup, the MK.2 is worth looking into for the handy features it offers and you’ll get the extra customisation perks to boot.

Elgato Multi Mount System

Speaking of lack of tripod support for the Stream Deck MK.2, Elgato was also kind enough to provide the Elgato Multi Mount System to try out. You might have come across similar mounts before but what makes Elgato’s take stand out is the modularity aspect of it that makes it a good contender to replace traditional tripods. You start with the retractable Master Mount and can add a host of additional accessories to it.

 

For this review, Elgato provided the Master Mount L (with a height range of 55-125cm) along with the Flex Arm L. The latter comes with a long pole (24cm), a medium pole (17cm) and two short poles (8cm). These add more reach to the mount setup and I’d recommend this add-on as it makes the mount system more versatile with the range of custom configurations that the flexible ball head joints offer.

Elgato offers further modular choices from a heavy base for a mobile mount to a phone grip to a solid arm to further branch out the mount. You can further mix and match those options for a configuration that suits your needs. 

This flexible and customisation approach to the Elgato Multi Mount System is really the highlight of this accessory and makes it worth considering if you’re looking for a mount. However, as can be expected, each add-on will add to the cost and the Multi Mount doesn’t start off cheap. The Master Mount L comes at £50 and the Flex Arm L adds an extra £40. If you want more modules, you’ll have to expect to shell out more £££. While the price isn’t cheap, the cost is reflected not only in the practical design of the product but also the quality of the device itself. The steel body makes for a robust and sturdy build that feels premium and the desk clamp ensures that the mount stays fixed in place.