Elgato, the Corsair-owned maker of popular content creation tools, announced a major expansion of its Stream Deck ecosystem Tuesday with a new “Stream Deck Everywhere” strategy unveiled at Computex. It includes four significant innovations designed to make the customizable control interface accessible to more users and workflows beyond its traditional creator audience. And that includes a Virtual Stream Deck you can put right on your Mac’s screen.
‘Stream Deck Everywhere’ plan: Elgato Virtual Stream Deck brings it to your Mac and beyond
Elgato is known for its several versions of popular standalone Stream Deck workflow controller hardware. But among Stream Deck’s new iterations, perhaps most interesting for Apple users is the new Elgato Virtual Stream Deck (VSD). Similar to Elgato’s Stream Deck app for iPhone users, Elgato VSD is a software-only version that brings the familiar grid of programmable shortcut buttons directly to your Mac’s screen. This allows users to create interactive control pads anywhere on their desktop — either fixed in place for quick access or summoned with a mouse click or hotkey.
The virtual version supports all the same customizations as the hardware Stream Decks, allowing Mac users to access powerful shortcuts and controls without needing additional hardware. The software effectively turns any area of your screen into a customizable control surface.
Initially, Virtual Stream Deck will only be available to existing Stream Deck hardware owners and select Corsair peripheral users. However, the company plans to expand availability to more devices in the future. The VSD launches with Stream Deck 7.0 beta software and, unlike the mobile Stream Deck app, doesn’t require a subscription for premium features.
Scissor switches for improved tactile feedback
Photo: Elgato/Corsair
For those who prefer physical controls, Elgato is introducing a new variant of the Stream Deck MK.2 that replaces the membrane keys with scissor-style switches — the same mechanism used in modern MacBook keyboards. The new keys offer a shorter travel distance and more precise actuation, providing enhanced speed and feedback for high-frequency tasks.
The scissor switch variant costs $149.99 and should be available in early June. This design change makes the Stream Deck feel more like a keyboard, allowing users to confirm button presses without looking at the device. The improved tactile experience could appeal to Mac users already accustomed to the feel of scissor switches on their laptops.
Modules: DIY and integration options for makers
Photo: Elgato/Corsair
Elgato also plans to make its technology available to hobbyists and manufacturers with Stream Deck Modules. These are essentially barebones versions of the consumer product, available in 6, 15, and 32-key variations, housed in a durable aluminum chassis that can be incorporated into custom projects.
“Stream Deck has become a must-have for creators, but until now, many people beyond the creator space lacked access to its potential,” said Julian Fest, General Manager at Elgato. “With these launches, we’re opening up Stream Deck to a world of new users, from developers and DIY builders to manufacturers seeking a field-proven interface for their products.”
The modules are priced at $49.99 for the six-key version, $129.99 for the 15-key, and $199.99 for the 32-key variant, with volume discounts available for bulk purchases. This opens up possibilities for Mac-based developers and tinkerers to create custom control surfaces for various applications.
Network expansion beyond USB limitations
Photo: Elgato/Corsair
Rounding out the announcements is the Network Dock for Stream Deck, which adds wired Ethernet connectivity to Stream Deck devices. This $79.99 accessory (shipping in August) supports both Power over Ethernet (PoE) and standard networks, allowing users to place Stream Decks anywhere there’s a network connection — beyond the limitations of USB cables.
For Mac users with complex multi-device setups, this could be particularly valuable, enabling the placement of Stream Deck controls in convenient locations regardless of proximity to the computer itself.
A platform expansion beyond creators
With these announcements, Elgato positions Stream Deck as more than just a creator tool. It evolves into a comprehensive control platform that can adapt to any workflow. The company’s focus on both software and hardware demonstrates its commitment to bring customizable controls to more users across different environments.
For Apple users who value streamlined workflows and customizable interfaces, these additions to the Stream Deck ecosystem offer new possibilities for controlling applications, smart home devices and productivity tools from a single, unified interface — whether physical or virtual.
Source: Elgato/Corsair
