Introducing the Stream Deck
The Stream Deck is a small hardware device that sits on your desk near your keyboard and offers 15 programmable buttons that you can customize to each application you open.
I've been using one for a while now and I really love it. While it is designed for people who live stream gaming, there are a lot of non-gaming uses.
The device supports both Microsoft Windows and MacOS and is connected via USB.
The device is actually just a small 4.3" TFT screen and is not actually 15 individual buttons. If you tear the device down it has a screen and two sheets that act as individual buttons.
It's a really clever design and works really well.
The buttons are bright and clear and can even be animated. Below you can find my default button layout.
When I launch Fortnite, the screen changes automatically to my Fortnite layout.
Like I said before, the device is primarily designed for game streamers and it has a ton of actions geared towards that purpose.
There are some system actions that allow you to do a lot more with the device. Although there are only a few, you can work with them to extend to almost anything you can think of.
The secret is using the Hotkey feature and a third party scripting tool to generate system hot keys that can be assigned a button.
You can take it even further and create your own application that runs in Javascript (although it does support other languages) and communicates directly to the device. You can create completely custom functionality like the CPU meter you see in the top right of my screenshot or the BTC price on the left side middle row. I have planned to make an action for the Steem & SBD prices.
The software has a library of third-party developed actions that you can assign to buttons to extend the device. Some examples are Spotify Integration, CPU Meter, Mic Mute, Stop Watch, Nvidia Shadow Play Functionality, and even real-time stats of your Minecraft server displayed on your Stream Deck.
Elgato recently announced a new Stream Deck XL that has 32 buttons. I was considering getting a second one so I can have more real-time buttons but the XL edition looks like a great replacement.
I'm always trying to find new ways to use the Stream Deck and have a few ideas for some custom actions that would be nice to have when I have time.
If you use Photoshop or any application that has a ton of hotkeys, it becomes invaluable.
The device really shines when you are live streaming and want to have soundboard functionality and the ability to quickly change scenes, mute your mic, and adjust other settings in OBS or X-Split.
I notice Elgato does frequent updates to the device and is even fairly active on the Elgato subreddit.
If you are a Twitch streamer, there are some really great features to control Twitch and StreamLabs which allow you to quickly engage and interact with your audience.
Writing your own actions really allows you to use the device for almost anything you can think of. I have seen some users use the device as a smart controller for their smart home. I have a button that connects with IFTTT and can turn my 3D printer on and off via a smart wall outlet.
If you are curious what the 
button does, it loads this image in my web browser.
At some point, I want to program it to actually send a message to my son's computer and actually load it on his screen. He loves pigs and will sometimes come over and press it.
Introducing? Isn't this thing like at least a year old already?
I didn't know it was this customizable though. You sorta made me wanna get it. I just imagine putting some basic code pattens in the hotkeys(loops, if statements, etc) and with the press of a key, get them right onto the screen with blanks I gotta fill in. Though, looking at its price, a DYI solution would probably be a lot better.
It isn't new, just Introducing it to people here.
It is expensive, but it is really nice. I have looked at doing it myself and it just isn't the same. You can find some projects out there with directions to make your own.
There is also a project that will use an Android device. They really don't compare though.
Yea, the streamdeck looks a lot better when looking at the other DIY ones. Well, looks like another thing to add to my "shit I'll buy, use a few times and probably never touch again until I rediscover them and remember how much I 'loved' them when I used them" list.
Considering it is sitting right next to your keyboard with a bright display, it's hard to get about it.
Disconnect it, put it in a drawer to make room for other shit on my desk and forget all about it.
I’ve seen this used for music score engraving as well. Offers fast access to switching functions. @partitura @organduo
Posted using Partiko iOS
yes expensive stuff. I've seen people get a second keyboard and customize it to become hotkeys... quite cool.. but i think they need to use some free utility to reprogram the keys.. so need some technical knowledge there...
You can also use an iPad. I used to use an iPad to control Lightroom. Some people use Midi controllers as well.
I agree they are very pricy.
Where’s my button? lol
@themarkymark how do I fix this? OMG I ran into this same error trying to add more accounts tonight, so did a search and there you were? Must be a sign? lol I suppose I can start a new wallet, but not sure why it imports the additional keys however does not list them as available (posting keys) for use in the Available Keys list like the others I have been using.?? Holger fixed it, how come I still ran into it today? What did you do wrong? lol
Why don't you do a post where you hook your buttons up up to STEEM! lol
And thanks for the flags, you know nobody an flag better than you! lol now maybe it's time you go after some real spam and forget you every knew me.
yeah i start building up my keys and actions last month on mobile/ipad -- looking forward to getting the physical device next! :) -- https://steemit.com/fundition-xcl3g9o19/@steemcasting/what-s-happening-with-steemcasting-you-ve-not-posted-in-a-while-slightly-pivoting
I remember you talking about this way back when I was streaming too, seems nice, should get me one of these when I'm reunited with my desktop pc again.
Something to add to the list of stuff I need to buy in the future, especially since sooner or later I want to stream (which I've done in the past but quit since I didn't get any $ on twitch) ... No Linux support though?
Only Mac/Windows officially, I know someone was working on a Linux driver (although you wouldn't get the cool software with it).
I know there is a python solution that does work on Linux though as far as I know.
That's the main issue with having linux OS on my PC, it's sometimes hard to get software support of it, but hey, it's one more opportunity to build my own software...
This is why I don't use Linux as my main workstation. I would love to, I dream of a day I can dump Windows and MacOS. It's just endless headaches though unless you are willing to sacrifice a lot.