Cooler Master’s Stream Deck rival slashed 70% to $116.99
▼ Summary
– The Cooler Master MasterHUB Creator Kit, a modular control deck for streamers and creators, is currently discounted 70% to $116.99 from its original $399.99 price.
– Its modular design features a magnetic base plate and includes three modules: a 15-key display, a five-slide fader, and a two-roller scroll module, with additional modules sold separately.
– The device is customizable via Cooler Master’s software, which offers built-in profiles for popular creative apps and supports custom macros and key remapping for various workflows.
– Beyond content creation, it can be used for everyday shortcuts, like launching apps or media control, with its modularity allowing users to rearrange or swap components as needed.
– While untested by the author, an early preview showed potential, and at its heavily discounted price, it becomes a compelling alternative to fixed-layout competitors like Elgato’s Stream Deck.
For streamers and content creators seeking to elevate their workflow, a dedicated control deck can be a transformative tool, offering instant access to shortcuts, macros, and app controls. While Elgato’s Stream Deck is the most recognized name, Cooler Master’s MasterHUB presents a compelling modular alternative, especially now that its Creator Kit has seen a dramatic price reduction. Originally commanding $399.99, the complete kit is currently available for just $116.99 on Newegg, representing a substantial 70% discount that significantly alters its value proposition for first-time buyers.
This system revolves around a magnetic base plate that securely holds interchangeable modules via pogo pin connectors. The Creator Kit bundle includes three core components: a 15-key display module akin to a Stream Deck, a unit with five physical fader sliders, and a module featuring two scroll wheels. The ecosystem expands with separately sold add-ons, such as a three-dial module and a large LED dial with a customizable screen, allowing for extensive personalization.
Customization is handled through Cooler Master’s dedicated software, which comes pre-loaded with profiles for popular applications like OBS Studio, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Photoshop. Users can also create custom keyboard macros, remap keys, and assign a wide array of actions. The physical controls are intuitively mapped to creative tasks; the scroll wheels are ideal for precisely scrubbing through video timelines, while the fader sliders can manage audio levels, lighting settings, or even smart home devices.
The MasterHUB’s modular design is its standout feature, providing a flexibility that fixed-format control decks lack. You are not locked into a single layout. Instead, you can rearrange or swap modules on the fly to suit different projects or stages of your workflow. Beyond content creation, this device can streamline everyday computing. The keys and dials can be programmed for rapid app launching, media playback controls, or displaying system vitals like CPU temperature and usage.
At its original price point, the MasterHUB faced stiff competition. However, at under $120 for the core kit, it becomes an easy recommendation for anyone looking to experiment with a hardware control surface without a major investment. The deep discount makes this modular system a risk-free opportunity to discover how physical shortcuts can accelerate editing, streaming, and general productivity.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)