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 + | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
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.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. 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. 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.
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.