Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 vs Elgato Stream Deck Mini
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (#1, best overall) vs Elgato Stream Deck Mini (#5, best budget): in our Stream Decks scoring the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 totals 9.3/10 and the Elgato Stream Deck Mini 7.6/10. At $135 versus $55, the Elgato Stream Deck Mini costs $80 less.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 | Elgato Stream Deck Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135 | $55 |
| Keys | 15 LCD keys (3x5) | 6 LCD keys (3x2) |
| Key Resolution | 72x72 pixels | 72x72 pixels |
| Connection | USB 2.0 (detachable USB-C) | USB 2.0 (integrated cable) |
| Dimensions | 118 x 84 x 25mm | 84 x 60 x 58mm |
| Weight | 145g (without stand) | 160g |
| Compatibility | Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ | Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ |
How they differ in real use
Built from our stream decks scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 and the Elgato Stream Deck Mini made our Top 5 Stream Decks, at #1 (best overall) and #5 (best budget). The perfect balance of key count, software ecosystem, and price. 15 LCD keys with swappable faceplates, Smart Profiles, and the most mature plugin library in the category. The go-to recommendation for anyone entering the Stream Deck ecosystem. The gateway to the Elgato ecosystem at just $60. Six LCD keys with Key Logic (tap, double-tap, hold) effectively triples functionality. Full access to the same plugin library as the $250 XL. Most users upgrade eventually, but it's the perfect way to start.
We score stream decks on Button Count (30%), Software (30%), Build Quality (20%), Customization (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 totals 9.3 out of 10 and the Elgato Stream Deck Mini 7.6. The widest gap is Button Count, where the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 scores 8 against 5 for the Elgato Stream Deck Mini — controls available. Build Quality also separates them: 10 for the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 7 for the Elgato Stream Deck Mini. The Elgato Stream Deck Mini claws back ground on Value.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Keys — 15 LCD keys (3x5) on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 6 LCD keys (3x2) on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini; Connection — USB 2.0 (detachable USB-C) on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus USB 2.0 (integrated cable) on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini; Dimensions — 118 x 84 x 25mm on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 84 x 60 x 58mm on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini; Weight — 145g (without stand) on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 160g on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini. They match on Key Resolution and Compatibility.
Pricing as of April 1, 2026: $135 for the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 and $55 for the Elgato Stream Deck Mini, a $80 difference in the Elgato Stream Deck Mini's favor. Owners praise the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 for 15 customizable LCD keys (3x5 grid) and industry-leading plugin ecosystem; the most common complaint is 15 keys may require page navigation for power users. Owners praise the Elgato Stream Deck Mini for cheapest entry to the full Elgato ecosystem at $60 and key Logic (tap, double-tap, hold) triples functionality; the most common complaint is only 6 keys limits simultaneous shortcuts.
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
- 15 customizable LCD keys (3x5 grid)
- Industry-leading plugin ecosystem
- Detachable USB-C cable and swappable faceplates
- Smart Profiles auto-switch per app
- 15 keys may require page navigation for power users
- Higher price than budget macro pads
- Occasional software freezes on Windows 11
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
- Cheapest entry to the full Elgato ecosystem at $60
- Key Logic (tap, double-tap, hold) triples functionality
- Ultra-compact footprint fits any desk
- Full software and plugin access
- Only 6 keys limits simultaneous shortcuts
- Non-detachable USB 2.0 cable
- No adjustable stand — fixed angle only
Which should you buy?
The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is the better fit for streamers wanting the best all-around controller and productivity users automating workflows — it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Button Count and Build Quality. The Elgato Stream Deck Mini is the better fit for budget newcomers testing the ecosystem and secondary controller alongside a larger deck, and the stronger choice if Value matters more to you than the overall score. If the $80 saving matters more than Button Count, the Elgato Stream Deck Mini is the better value. The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is a poor fit for users needing analog dials for mixing; the Elgato Stream Deck Mini is a poor fit for full-time streamers needing extensive control.
Choose the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 if
- Streamers wanting the best all-around controller
- Productivity users automating workflows
- First-time Stream Deck buyers at mid-range
Skip it if
- Users needing analog dials for mixing
- Budget shoppers under $100
Choose the Elgato Stream Deck Mini if
- Budget newcomers testing the ecosystem
- Secondary controller alongside a larger deck
- Users with very limited desk space
Skip it if
- Full-time streamers needing extensive control
- Users wanting detachable cable or adjustable stand
Common questions
Is the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 better than the Elgato Stream Deck Mini?
In our Stream Decks ranking the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 scores higher overall, 9.3 to 7.6, with the biggest advantage in Button Count. The Elgato Stream Deck Mini is stronger on Value, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
How much more does the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 cost than the Elgato Stream Deck Mini?
$80 more as of April 1, 2026: $135 for the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 against $55 for the Elgato Stream Deck Mini. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure. What the extra buys is mostly Button Count — 8 versus 5 in our scoring.
What is the main difference between the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 and the Elgato Stream Deck Mini?
The headline spec difference is Keys: 15 LCD keys (3x5) on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 6 LCD keys (3x2) on the Elgato Stream Deck Mini. In use, the gap that matters most is Button Count (8 vs 5 in our scoring): controls available.