Elgato Stream Deck MK.2From real comments

Verdict distilled from 21 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment32%
PROS 32%
CONS 68%

Rank based on 21 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a detachable USB-C cable and improved stand over the original
  • You're using it for sim racing or general macro control and want solid value
  • You like the swappable faceplates and new colour options

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're hoping for mechanical/microswitch keys instead of the mushy button feel
  • You already own the original Stream Deck and want major new hardware functions
  • You want extra hardware like rotary dials or wireless connectivity

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Elgato Stream Deck
Extreme versatility for automation and macrosValuable even for non-streamersAnalog dials for precise audio controlSoftware bugs and instabilityPhysical design flawsHigh price for the hardware simplicity
Elgato Stream Deck
Extreme versatility for automation and macros
Valuable even for non-streamers
Analog dials for precise audio control
Software bugs and instability
Physical design flaws
High price for the hardware simplicity
2Mid
Elgato Stream Deck Plus
Analog dial controlUseful for non-streamersWavelink and system audio integrationFixed non-removable baseFewer physical buttonsMushy button feel
Elgato Stream Deck Plus
Analog dial control
Useful for non-streamers
Wavelink and system audio integration
Fixed non-removable base
Fewer physical buttons
Mushy button feel
3Mid
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
Sales make it a better valueCompact size fits simpler needsPositive overall satisfaction after purchasePrice too close to full-size Stream DeckOnly 6 keys feels limitingFree alternatives exist
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
Sales make it a better value
Compact size fits simpler needs
Positive overall satisfaction after purchase
Price too close to full-size Stream Deck
Only 6 keys feels limiting
Free alternatives exist
4Premium
Elgato Stream Deck XL
Ample Buttons for Power UsersGreat for Professional & Hobbyist WorkflowsLong-Awaited Product Fills a GapDome Buttons Instead of Mechanical/Scissor KeysToo Tall for Comfortable Desk PlacementNo Linux Software Support
Elgato Stream Deck XL
Ample Buttons for Power Users
Great for Professional & Hobbyist Workflows
Long-Awaited Product Fills a Gap
Dome Buttons Instead of Mechanical/Scissor Keys
Too Tall for Comfortable Desk Placement
No Linux Software Support
5Mid
Elgato Stream Deck Neo
Good price pointUseful beyond streamingBuilt-in clock/info barNon-removable USB cableFewer buttons than larger modelsNo Bluetooth or wireless option
Elgato Stream Deck Neo
Good price point
Useful beyond streaming
Built-in clock/info bar
Non-removable USB cable
Fewer buttons than larger models
No Bluetooth or wireless option
You are here
6Mid
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
Detachable USB-C cableGood value for macros and sim racingSwappable faceplates and colour optionsPerceived as a minor, mostly cosmetic upgradeMushy, unsatisfying button feelNo added hardware functionality
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
Detachable USB-C cable
Good value for macros and sim racing
Swappable faceplates and colour options
Perceived as a minor, mostly cosmetic upgrade
Mushy, unsatisfying button feel
No added hardware functionality

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The detachable cable and stand are the most appreciated upgrades. Multiple commenters point out that the original Stream Deck's cable was too short and its stand was weak, so bringing a detachable USB-C cable and a better stand (borrowed from the Stream Deck XL) to the MK.2 is seen as a genuine, overdue fix. One commenter calls it 'about time' that these improvements finally reached the base model, treating this as the main practical reason to prefer the MK.2 over the original.

Many feel the changes are mostly cosmetic or software-based. Several viewers argue the MK.2 amounts to little more than faceplates, stickers, and a new cable on the same core hardware, questioning what's actually new. Comments describe it as 'a V1 with faceplate,' note the angle is now fixed at 45 degrees instead of adjustable, and ask directly what hardware differs from the original, with some saying added wireless/Bluetooth would have justified a true v2 label.

Button feel and reliability remain sticking points for some. A recurring complaint is that the keys still feel soft, spongy, and unsatisfying compared to a mechanical or microswitch design, with one user preferring even a flat touchscreen interface. Reliability concerns also surface, including a stuck button on a scissor-key unit needing return, and a post-update glitch preventing drag-and-drop of actions on an MK.2 unit.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?