Elgato

Elgato Stream Deck (original, pre-MK2)

Ranked #13 in Stream Decks

0 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Outdated firmware and declining support make it a risky long-term investment.

Consolidated from 6 independent outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

5 positive sources
1 neutral source

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

8 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

Original firmware stopped receiving updates after MK.2 launch; users report key failures and lack of support for newer software.
Flagged 24 August 2026

Original firmware stopped receiving updates after MK.2 launch; users report key failures and lack of support for newer software.
Flagged 24 August 2026
Outdated design with less responsive keys and no rotary dials; still sold but offers little over newer MK.2 models for the same price.
Flagged 24 August 2026
Reviewers note that the older version has soft, mushy press and less responsive keys compared to newer models. It is considered outdated for serious streamers.
Flagged 24 August 2026
Firmware stability issues are common; users report “profile switching breaks” and “auto-switching of profiles” problems. While cheaper, the lack of reliable software support makes it a poor choice for serious streamers.
Flagged 24 August 2026
Older firmware causes stability issues and it lacks the rotary dials that newer models offer; reviewers recommend upgrading to the MK.2 or Plus for reliable performance.
Flagged 24 August 2026
Outdated firmware leads to higher failure rates and limited support compared to newer models.
Flagged 23 August 2026
older firmware, less responsive keys and lack of new software features make it a weak pick among current options.
Flagged 23 August 2026
Firmware is outdated; higher failure rates reported after 18 months.
Flagged 23 August 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

Pros & cons

✓ Durable design
✓ Minimal failures
✓ Long-term firmware support
✓ Lowest cost option
✓ Functional

✗ key failures
✗ no firmware updates
✗ Less responsive keys
✗ no rotary dials
✗ Soft, mushy key presses

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 2 articles and 4 video reviews

5 positive sources

PCGamesN Aaron Down · reviewer · Oct 2025

Our top recommendation right now is the Elgato Stream Deck+ as it combines both buttons and programmable dials in a compact package, for highly versatile control over your stream or other software. Meanwhile, the Elgato Stream Deck XL is best for those with loads of functions to program, and the Loupedeck Live is excellent for editors needing lots of functions.

Read L

Luminous Matrix Luminous Matrix · 3.6K subscribers · Dec 2021

With all of the streaming events that we are doing, having the ability to control OBS separately from keyboard shortcuts will go a long way (and prevent issues like switching to the wrong camera when hitting F5).

Watch G

greiginsydney.com Article · Feb 2026

Happy Stream Decking!

Read B

Buckworm Buckworm · 514 subscribers · Dec 2024

From streaming essentials to everyday tasks, this device has proven incredibly versatile. Watch to see if it’s the right fit for you!

Watch T

Tagmond Tech Tagmond Tech · 428 subscribers · Oct 2025

The Stream Deck M2 is much more than a broadcasting tool. It's a customizable control pad that can automate everyday tasks, manage your smartome, and transform how you interact with your PC. Whether you're editing, working, or just enjoying your setup. Today, we'll unbox it, set it up, explore the software, and answer one simple question.

Watch

1 neutral source

Danny Lightning Audio and Reviews Danny Lightning Audio and Reviews · 4.1K subscribers · May 2026

Now, the buttons on this little Elgato Stream Deck are pretty good, but they could be a little bit better. You need to make sure you push them right in the center to make sure you get a good push. I mean, if you kind of push on the edge, sometimes it may not register. So, as long as you can remember, push right on the center of the button.

Watch