Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 vs Elgato Stream Deck +
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 (#1, best overall) vs Elgato Stream Deck + (#3): in our Stream Decks scoring the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 totals 9.3/10 and the Elgato Stream Deck + 8.6/10, the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 leading on Button Count and Build Quality.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 | Elgato Stream Deck + | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135 | $159 |
| Keys | 15 LCD keys (3x5) | 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials |
| Key Resolution | 72x72 pixels | — |
| Connection | USB 2.0 (detachable USB-C) | USB 2.0 (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 118 x 84 x 25mm | 140 x 138 x 110mm |
| Weight | 145g (without stand) | 465g |
| Compatibility | Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ | Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ |
| Touch Strip | — | 108 x 14mm LCD |
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 + made our Top 5 Stream Decks, at #1 (best overall) and #3. 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 only Stream Deck with analog control. 4 precision rotary dials paired with 8 LCD keys and a touch strip make it indispensable for audio mixing, video editing, and music production. No other device in this category offers tactile dial-based parameter adjustment.
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 + 8.6. The widest gap is Button Count, where the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 scores 8 against 7 for the Elgato Stream Deck + — controls available. Build Quality also separates them: 10 for the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 9 for the Elgato Stream Deck +.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Keys — 15 LCD keys (3x5) on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials on the Elgato Stream Deck +; Connection — USB 2.0 (detachable USB-C) on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus USB 2.0 (USB-C) on the Elgato Stream Deck +; Dimensions — 118 x 84 x 25mm on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 140 x 138 x 110mm on the Elgato Stream Deck +; Weight — 145g (without stand) on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 465g on the Elgato Stream Deck +. They match on Compatibility.
Pricing as of April 1, 2026: $135 for the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 and $159 for the Elgato Stream Deck +, a $24 difference in the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2'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 + for 4 smooth rotary dials with push function and LCD touch strip for swipe-based navigation; the most common complaint is only 8 LCD keys vs MK.2's 15.
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 +
- 4 smooth rotary dials with push function
- LCD touch strip for swipe-based navigation
- Smart Profiles auto-switch per application
- Same plugin ecosystem as other Stream Decks
- Only 8 LCD keys vs MK.2's 15
- Larger physical footprint
- Touch strip can feel less responsive
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 + is the better fit for audio engineers needing tactile dial control and video editors in Premiere, DaVinci, or Final Cut. Since the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is both the higher scorer and $24 cheaper, the Elgato Stream Deck + only makes sense for audio engineers needing tactile dial control. The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is a poor fit for users needing analog dials for mixing; the Elgato Stream Deck + is a poor fit for users who primarily need maximum button count.
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 + if
- Audio engineers needing tactile dial control
- Video editors in Premiere, DaVinci, or Final Cut
- Streamers needing real-time audio mixing
Skip it if
- Users who primarily need maximum button count
- Budget buyers under $150
Common questions
Is the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 better than the Elgato Stream Deck +?
In our Stream Decks ranking the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 scores higher overall, 9.3 to 8.6, with the biggest advantage in Button Count. The Elgato Stream Deck + does not out-score it on any criterion we weigh.
How much more does the Elgato Stream Deck + cost than the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2?
$24 more as of April 1, 2026: $159 for the Elgato Stream Deck + against $135 for the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure.
What is the main difference between the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 and the Elgato Stream Deck +?
The headline spec difference is Keys: 15 LCD keys (3x5) on the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 versus 8 LCD keys + 4 rotary dials on the Elgato Stream Deck +. In use, the gap that matters most is Button Count (8 vs 7 in our scoring): controls available.