This latest Elgato Stream Deck is aimed at a more budget entry-point, yet comes with new features not present in the standard variant Updated: Aug 13, 2024 10:26 am WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more Table of Contents Table of Contents Elgato is the brand that brought us the original Stream Deck and the different variants we’ve seen since. These macropad devices are targeted at streamers and gamers to give them extra shortcut buttons besides their keyboard that are programmable to different functions/macros, or can be used to display different data on their LCD screens. The Stream Deck Neo is the latest model that the company has released which forms part of their Neo range: a line of products that also includes a microphone, webcam, game capture card, and keylight that gives an affordable entry point to streaming or just general productivity. Let’s see if this more affordable model is worth a buy. Specifications Buttons: 8 x customizable LCD keys, 1x customizable infobar, 2 x touch points Main features: Backlit, Hotkeys and Media Keys, Integrated Stand, Customizable Display Keys Operating Systems: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later / macOS Monterey 12 or later Connectivity : USB-C 2.0 braided cable (90 cm | 35 in) Dimensions: 107 x 26 x 78 mm / 4.2 x 1.0 x 3.1 in Weight: 210g | 0.46lb What We Think A compact, affordable entry into the Stream Deck family, this device is a lot of fun for streamers, gamers, and general productivity users if you put a bit of time into customizing it for your needs. Although there are a couple of compromises with its build that are symptomatic of its budget construction, overall there isn’t much negative to say about it. Pros 8 programmable keys with LCD screens New infobar mini-display & capacative navigation buttons Adjustable stand Elgato marketplace has a wide range of additional free & priced functions Cons Non-detachable USB-C cable Buttons feel a bit cheap relative to other stream decks Pricing The price Stream Deck Neo compares favourably to the other products in the range: at $99.99 if you buy it on its own (you can also pick it up in a bundle with other Neo products), it’s cheaper than the standard Stream Deck (MK.2) at $149.99 and the $199.99 Stream Deck+. Whilst the latter of these two products comes with a larger infobar with touch screen capability and four programable dials, the standard Stream Deck actually has less features in that it lacks the two capacitive buttons and infobar, though does come with 15 LCD buttons instead of just 8, and two of these can be programmed to function as the capacitive switches do on the Neo. The Stream Deck Neo is smaller in size than the other models in the range, with the exception of the $59.99 Stream Deck Mini; given this lacks an infobar, capacitive switches, and only has 6 LCD buttons though, the Neo seems a much better choice for only $30 more. Design, Features & Software The Stream Deck Neo comes in one color, which is the same white as the rest of the Neo range, and like these products has a nice clean look to it. The device sits nice and compact on the desktop, so is ideal for those with limited space, and has an adjustable height stand with two levels of elevation (something the Steam Deck MK.2 and Stream Deck Mini lack, but which is present in the Stream Deck+). The base is rubberised and does a good job of preventing slippage. Unfortunately, the USB-C cable used for both power and data transference from the Stream Deck Neo is non-detachable, so you’ll need to take good care of it because if it breaks there’s no replacement for it, plus you’ll need a USB-A adapted if these are the only USB ports on your PC. In terms of build quality it’s decent for a cheaper product, but doesn’t feel quite as robust as the other items in the Stream Deck range. The LCD buttons, which operate on a membrane switch, do also feel slightly cheaper than on the standard Stream Deck, having a bit less stability and crispness when you press them. The device has 8 programmable LCD buttons which can be used to display data points (from the weather to CPU/GPU temps for your PC, stock prices etc.), still images, and even simple animated GIFs. The functions that you can program the buttons to activate are vast, including opening applications or web pages (or multiple of your favourites simultaneously, say if you want to switch between your favorite gaming/streaming/working setups with a music playlist for each), switching on ambient lighting in your room, playing sound effects, enacting commands or macros when in-game or in a productivity application. The Stream Deck Neo is plug-and-play and works well on Windows or Mac, though you’ll definitely want to customize your setup and add extra functions besides the stock ones within your own custom profile. The software is overall a pretty straightforward, drag-and-drop experience, though there were a couple of points when I accidentally deleted settings from the default profile and couldn’t work out how to bring them back. After you’ve spent a short while tinkering with it though you can make some great setups that can genuinely make your life a lot more efficient. We’d certainly recommend having a look at the online store (with many products on there free or fairly cheap) for ways to maximize the utility of the device. Each LCD button can be turned into a sub-folder, within which you can have an additional page of 8 assigned keys (though one of these must be turned into an ‘up one level’ key). You can continually do this, stacking folders within folders (we went over 10 levels deep without having to stop), though we assume some limit will eventually come into place. The convenience of the device will obviously diminish if you have to navigate through this many folder levels however. The additional feature unique to the Stream Deck Neo is the two capacitative side buttons that can switch back and forth between the top-level ‘pages’ you setup in the software, which frees up two LCD buttons that would otherwise have to be used for this function. You can add additional pages up to a total of 10, each with 8 button options that can include sub-folders. Unfortunately, you can’t use these side buttons within the sub-folders you create to provide additional pages of options inside them (10 pages of emojis within the emoji subfolder would have been nice for instance); the pages are top-level only. All told, we had quite a bit of fun tinkering with the Stream Deck Neo, discovering what new functions we could apply to it. Even if you’re a general productivity user, rather than a streamer or gamer, there’s a lot here you can do to optimize your setup, or just have a bit of a laugh with it.
