Loupedeck Live
It has a design that is quite similar to modern DJ tables, being the first aspect that attracts attention. The Finnish company Loupedeck offers different management consoles for professionals. Above all, in its catalog we will find management consoles that seem designed for DJs or for those who are dedicated to professional video editing.
It performs the same functions as the elgato solution, being a great alternative for those who make live content. It is compatible with streaming software OBS-Studio and streamlabs. It is also compatible with Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere Pro and After Effects tools, among others.
This management console offers us the ability to automate sequences using macros or actions. Something that offers us a high degree of customization for any streamer.
It also has rotary dials, something the Stream Deck doesn’t offer. This can be interesting for certain actions, especially for video or audio editing. Something that makes this device more versatile.
The only negative point of this device is the price, which is quite high.
AverMedia Live Streamer AX310
We could say that it is the perfect management console for those who are dedicated to streaming music or talk shows. AverMedia’s solution differs quite a bit from elgato’s solution. Here we have a more thought-out device for managing audio channels and interactions through OBS Studio.
The Live Streamer AX310 console we could say that it is a reduced audio table and designed for streaming. It has four large-format buttons that can be customized to taste. It has six potentiometers that allow you to regulate the sound level of the chat, music, game, microphone, broadcast and console.
Integrate a IPS touch panel which is highly configurable. We can add the chay and customize different actions within this screen. It offers us many more options than the Stream Deck.
There are two problems with this AverMedia device. First, many users indicate that the software is not easy to use and fast. In addition, this device is not exactly cheap, it is more expensive than any Stream Deck.
Expertkeys EK-24
We are now going with a solution that seems to be more focused on professionals in video editing or for office automation. This keyboard is very different from the Stream Deck and other management consoles. Make use of this device mechanical switches conventional, like those of any keyboard.
The peculiarity is that the keycaps have a clear plastic cover which allows you to add customization. We can print the icons and put them below. It’s not the most easily customizable solution, but it’s quite an interesting option.
All the configuration is stored in an integrated flash memory, so we can use it on other computers without problems. It has a fairly long USB cable, so we will not have problems. An interesting feature is that it includes a key extractor and a DVD with design templates and a tutorial.
Perhaps the biggest drawback of this device is that it is not much cheaper than a Stream Deck and customization is a bit more tedious.
Ecarke OSU
If you are looking for something very cheap to start streaming, this is a good option. This Ecarke keyboard is based on Outemu Blue mechanical switches, like those that can be found in cheap gaming keyboards. Some switches, by the way, that have lighting, a very interesting detail.
It is quite similar to the Expertkeys, but in this case the keycaps of the keys are completely black and smooth. So we must remember what the function of each key is or put stickers.
The base is made using a 3D printer, so it could crack and warp over time. It makes use of a USB-C port, so we can use any cable. Also, it is quite easy to clean as the keys are installed in a shallow manner.
It is possibly the cheapest alternative device to the elgato Stream Deck that we can find on the market.
Control your live via smartphone
If you don’t want to spend money, there are applications that can do the job for us. These apps are based on desktop software with a smartphone version. They allow more or less the same functions as the previous devices, but without paying anything (except in one case). These are:
- Macro Deck: Free Android-only app available on the Play Store. It has shortcuts to switch scenes, volume and playback control, as well as other options. The configuration is done in the desktop version, exporting the configuration in a file.
- Deckboard: It is another free Android-only app available on the Play Stator. This application has a PRO version that is priced at about 3 euros. It offers compatibility with OBS Studio and Streamlabs.
- Stream Deck Mobile: Official elgato app that is available for Android and iOS. The drawback of this application is that it must be paid, having a monthly cost of €2.99 or a single annual payment of €26.99. On the positive side, it has a 30-day free trial to see if we like it or not.
