Best Alternatives to Stream Deck for Streamers and Creators

As a streamer and content creator myself, I know the struggle of juggling multiple windows, remembering complex hotkeys, and trying to keep everything running smoothly during a live broadcast or while editing. It’s frustrating to miss a chat message because you’re fumbling to change scenes in OBS, or to forget to mute your mic while taking a sip of water. That’s why tools like a stream controller, often called a macro keypad, have become absolute essentials for streamlining workflows. While the Elgato Stream Deck is a household name, it’s certainly not the only player in town. I’ve spent time exploring and testing various Stream Deck alternatives to find out what else is out there that offers similar, or even better, functionality for different budgets and needs. In this guide, we’ll dive into some fantastic streamer workflow tools that can elevate your creator setup, comparing features and giving you my honest take on what makes each one shine.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	TreasLin Stream Controller Deck with12 Customizable Macro…	View on Amazon
	SOOMFON Stream Controller Stream Control Deck with 15 LCD…	View on Amazon

TreasLin Stream Controller Deck with 12 Customizable Macro Keys

The TreasLin Stream Controller Deck N3 immediately caught my eye with its unique mix of button types. This isn’t just a grid of LCD keys; it offers a versatile combination that I found incredibly intuitive for different kinds of actions. The 12 customizable macro keys are cleverly designed, featuring 6 visual LCD buttons for dynamic feedback, 3 tactile tap buttons for quick, muscle-memory actions, and 3 rotary buttons that are a godsend for precise adjustments like audio levels or brush sizes. This diverse layout means you don’t have to switch windows to access functions; everything you need for OBS scene switching, media control, or launching apps is literally at your fingertips. I especially appreciated the one-touch operation for triggering complex macros, making my setup feel much more professional and less hectic. The software was straightforward to install and use, making the initial setup a breeze.

Key features that stand out:
– Diverse Button Types: Offers a mix of LCD, tap, and rotary buttons for varied control.
– Dynamic Animated Icons: Supports dynamic icons, allowing for custom animated scenes that add personality.
– Extensive Plugins Marketplace: Features the VSDinside marketplace with 200+ plugins, icons, and profiles.
– Wide Software Integration: Works seamlessly with OBS Studio, Streamlabs, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, Spotify, Photoshop, and more.
– USB-C Connectivity: Simple plug-and-play setup.

Pros:
– The combination of LCD, tap, and rotary buttons provides excellent versatility for different tasks.
– Dynamic icon support is a standout feature for personalization and visual appeal.
– A robust marketplace for plugins and profiles extends its functionality significantly.
– Very easy to install and operate with comprehensive software.
– Responsive customer support for any issues.

Cons:
– Spotify integration requires an active Premium account, which might be a limitation for some users.

Best for: Streamers and creators who want a versatile control surface with a mix of button types, including tactile and rotary options, and who appreciate extensive customization with dynamic visual feedback. It’s also great for power users who will leverage the plugins marketplace.

Expert Opinion: The TreasLin N3 distinguishes itself with its thoughtful button layout, moving beyond a simple grid. The inclusion of rotary dials and tap buttons alongside LCD keys creates a more ergonomic and functional experience for tasks requiring fine-tuning or quick, non-visual cues. Its dynamic icon capability and plugin ecosystem truly set it apart, offering a high degree of personalization and future-proofing.

SOOMFON Stream Controller Stream Control Deck with 15 LCD Keys

The SOOMFON Stream Controller is a sleek and dedicated solution for anyone needing immediate access to their commands. Featuring 15 customizable LCD keys, this device is all about making your digital life more visible and controllable. Each button can be customized with your own preferred image files, which is super handy for visual cues. What immediately caught my attention was the side dashboard display, which offers instant information like your computer’s CPU and memory usage – a really clever addition that means I don’t need to open task manager during a stream. Its one-touch operation is incredibly efficient, allowing me to launch social posts, adjust audio, or mute my mic with a single press. The intelligent design includes a removable stand, letting me position it flat or at an angle, and the rubber feet keep it firmly in place on my desk. This device is designed to work efficiently and save time, whether you’re streaming, editing videos, or producing music.

Key features that stand out:
– 15 Customizable LCD Keys: Provides ample visual buttons for triggering actions.
– Integrated Side Dashboard: Displays real-time computer information like CPU and memory.
– Wide Compatibility: Supports PC, Mac, OBS Studio, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, Spotify, and more.
– Intelligent Design: Comes with a removable stand and non-slip rubber feet for flexible placement.
– One-Touch Operation: Streamlines workflow with instant macro execution.

Pros:
– The integrated side dashboard displaying system info is a unique and highly practical feature.
– Ample LCD keys offer clear visual feedback and extensive customization with images.
– The removable stand and non-slip design provide great flexibility in desk placement.
– Highly compatible with major streaming and creative software.
– Excellent customer support available 24/7 for assistance.

Cons:
– Like many alternatives, Spotify integration requires a premium account.

Best for: Streamers and creators who prioritize a dedicated array of LCD keys for visual command feedback, appreciate real-time system monitoring, and seek a straightforward, efficient tool to streamline their workflow across various applications.

Expert Opinion: The SOOMFON controller’s unique selling proposition is undeniably its integrated side dashboard. This feature provides immediate, at-a-glance system performance data, which can be invaluable during resource-intensive tasks like streaming or video rendering. While it focuses solely on LCD keys, its generous count and robust software integration make it a strong contender for those who prefer visual prompts for their actions, offering a clean and efficient user experience.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When looking for Stream Deck alternatives, it’s clear that both the TreasLin N3 and the SOOMFON Stream Controller offer fantastic value, but they cater to slightly different preferences.

The most significant difference lies in their button layout and functionality. The TreasLin N3 stands out with its mixed-button approach, giving you a combination of visual LCD keys, tactile tap buttons, and crucial rotary encoders. If you find yourself frequently adjusting volume, scrubbing through timelines, or needing a physical ‘click’ for certain actions, those rotary dials are incredibly powerful. This mixed input type makes it highly adaptable for a broader range of creative tasks beyond just streaming, like audio production or video editing.

On the other hand, the SOOMFON Stream Controller focuses entirely on LCD keys, offering a generous 15 of them. This is ideal if you prefer maximum visual cues for every action. The ability to customize each key with an image makes it super easy to remember what each button does at a glance. What truly makes the SOOMFON unique is its integrated side dashboard. Having your CPU and memory usage displayed directly on the device is an undeniable practical benefit for streamers who need to monitor system performance without cluttering their main screen.

For customization beyond just icons, the TreasLin N3 has an edge with its extensive VSDinside plugins marketplace and support for dynamic animated icons. If you love to personalize your setup with moving visuals and delve into a wider array of community-created plugins, the N3 offers a bit more depth in that regard. The SOOMFON is also highly customizable with static images, but doesn’t offer the animated options or a dedicated plugin marketplace.

Both devices boast wide compatibility with major streaming and creative software like OBS Studio, Twitch, and Photoshop, and their setup processes are described as very easy, which is great news for new users. Spotify integration requires a Premium account for both, so that’s a consistent point to note.

In terms of physical design, the SOOMFON offers a removable stand and non-slip rubber feet, giving you flexibility in how you place it on your desk. The TreasLin N3 also has a sturdy build but doesn’t explicitly mention the same type of removable stand in its description.

Ultimately, your choice will likely come down to whether you prioritize versatile tactile control with rotary dials and dynamic visual flair (TreasLin N3) or a dedicated visual command center with real-time system monitoring (SOOMFON Stream Controller). Both are excellent Stream Deck alternatives for enhancing your streamer workflow.

Final Verdict

Deciding between these excellent Stream Deck alternatives really boils down to your specific needs and how you prefer to interact with your controls.

If your workflow involves a lot of precise adjustments, like tweaking audio levels, fine-tuning brush sizes in design software, or scrubbing through video timelines, the TreasLin Stream Controller Deck N3 with its rotary buttons and dynamic LCD keys is likely your best bet. Its rich plugin marketplace and dynamic icons also offer a deeper level of personalization for those who love to make their setup truly their own. It’s a multi-talented command center for the creative who values tactile feedback and visual flair.

However, if you’re looking for a streamlined, all-visual command center with the added benefit of real-time system monitoring, the SOOMFON Stream Controller is an incredibly strong contender. The 15 crisp LCD keys provide clear visual cues for all your macros, and that side dashboard displaying CPU/memory usage is a game-changer for streamers who need to keep an eye on performance without distractions. It’s a highly efficient and visually intuitive tool for dedicated live production and focused creative work.

Both options are significant upgrades for any streamer or creator looking to escape the hotkey juggle and optimize their setup. You can’t go wrong with either, but considering your interaction style will lead you to the perfect choice for your streamer workflow.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: Why should I consider Stream Deck alternatives for my streaming setup?
A1: Stream Deck alternatives offer similar, if not enhanced, functionality at potentially different price points or with unique features. They can provide more specialized button types (like rotary dials), different aesthetic options, or unique software integrations that might better suit your specific streamer workflow or budget. Exploring alternatives ensures you find the best tool for your individual needs.

Q2: Are these stream controllers difficult to set up and use?
A2: Generally, these stream controllers are designed for ease of use. Both the TreasLin N3 and SOOMFON Stream Controller are described as having very easy-to-install software and plug-and-play USB connectivity. You can expect a straightforward setup process, often involving dragging and dropping actions onto your customizable buttons, making them accessible even for beginners.

Q3: What kind of actions can I assign to the buttons on these macro keypads?
A3: The possibilities are vast! You can assign single actions or complex macros. Common uses include OBS scene switching, muting your microphone, adjusting audio levels, launching applications or websites, controlling media playback, triggering sound effects, posting to social media, and much more. These creator tools are designed to streamline virtually any repetitive task.

Q4: Do these Stream Deck alternatives work with both PC and Mac?
A4: Yes, both the TreasLin N3 and the SOOMFON Stream Controller are widely compatible with both PC (Windows 10 64-bit or higher) and macOS (Catalina 10.15 or higher). This broad compatibility makes them versatile choices for a wide range of streamers and content creators, regardless of their preferred operating system.

Q5: Is Spotify integration available on these stream controllers, and do I need a premium account?
A5: Yes, both reviewed stream controller devices offer Spotify integration. However, it’s important to note that for full functionality, you will typically need an active Spotify Premium account. This is a common requirement across many third-party integrations with Spotify.

Q6: How do these alternatives compare in terms of button types and customization?
A6: The TreasLin N3 features a versatile mix of 6 LCD keys, 3 tactile tap buttons, and 3 rotary dials, offering diverse control options and supporting dynamic animated icons. The SOOMFON Stream Controller provides 15 dedicated LCD keys for maximum visual feedback and also has a unique side dashboard displaying system info. Both allow extensive icon customization, but the TreasLin offers a dedicated marketplace for plugins and dynamic icons.

Q7: Can these alternatives improve my productivity beyond just streaming?
A7: Absolutely! While excellent for streamer workflow, these macro keypads are also powerful productivity tools for any digital creator. They can be used for video editing (e.g., cutting, applying effects), graphic design (e.g., shortcut commands in Photoshop), music production (e.g., triggering samples), or general office tasks (e.g., launching programs, text input). By assigning frequently used hotkeys or macros, you can significantly save time and reduce repetitive strain.