Elgato Stream Deck Plus XL: More Buttons, Dials, and a Bigger Screen
▼ Summary
– Elgato has released the Stream Deck Plus XL, a larger version of its three-year-old Stream Deck Plus controller.
– The new XL model features 36 LCD macro buttons, six dials, and an elongated touchscreen, compared to the original’s eight buttons and four dials.
– The dials and touchscreen allow for precise adjustments and additional triggers beyond simple button presses.
– The Stream Deck Plus XL is priced at $349.99, which is $150 more expensive than the original model that remains at $199.99.
– It offers more than double the buttons of the original in a single unit, saving space compared to using multiple standard Stream Decks.
Elgato has expanded its popular line of hardware controllers with the Stream Deck Plus XL, a larger version of its three-year-old Stream Deck Plus. This new model offers a significant increase in programmable buttons and dials alongside a wider touchscreen, targeting users who need more control without cluttering their workspace with multiple devices. While it shares the core functionality of its predecessor, the enhanced capacity comes with a substantially higher price tag, positioning it as a premium tool for demanding streaming and content creation setups.
The original Stream Deck Plus differentiated itself by combining eight LCD macro buttons with four tactile dials and a dedicated touchscreen. This setup allowed users to not only trigger actions with buttons but also make fine adjustments using the knobs, ideal for tweaking audio levels, color settings, or any parameter requiring precision. The touchscreen above the dials displayed their assigned functions and could itself be used as an interactive surface for additional controls.
The new XL version dramatically scales up this formula. It retains the familiar LCD buttons with their responsive membrane switches but increases the count to 36 programmable buttons, a substantial jump from the original’s eight. It also adds two more dials, for a total of six, and pairs them with an elongated touchscreen that spans the entire width of the unit. This design provides immediate visual feedback for every knob’s function across the expanded control surface.
For professionals or avid creators who have maxed out the capabilities of a standard Stream Deck, the Plus XL presents a compelling, space-efficient alternative. While its physical footprint is larger than the smaller Plus, it consolidates control into a single unit. Using one Stream Deck Plus XL can be far more efficient and organized than connecting two standard Stream Decks together, avoiding cable management hassles and software configuration for multiple devices. The integration of dials and touchscreen within a unified interface streamlines complex workflows, from live broadcasting and video editing to music production and smart home management.
The primary consideration for potential buyers will be the cost. The original Stream Deck Plus remains available at its launch price of $199.99. The new Stream Deck Plus XL commands a $349.99 price, a $150 premium that reflects its greatly expanded hardware capabilities. This investment will be justified for users whose projects demand quick access to dozens of macros, apps, and adjustable settings. For those with more modest needs, the smaller Plus or even the standard button-only Stream Decks might offer better value. Ultimately, the XL model is a powerful, specialized tool designed for users who have outgrown simpler controllers and require extensive, tactile control at their fingertips.
(Source: The Verge)
