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Elgato Stream Deck Mini

Keep six essential actions in reach.

Elgato Stream Deck + XL

Big shows that need many keys and dials together.

Before you choose

Elgato Stream Deck Mini

The catch: Six visible actions suit a small first page. Check the cable end on the actual unit before choosing an adapter; current maker pages disagree about Type-A versus Type-C.

You need:

  • Stream Deck desktop application

Check first:

  • A free USB port
  • A computer running Windows 11+; macOS 13+

Elgato Stream Deck + XL

The catch: Reserve a direct USB 3 connection and desk space for its 36 keys and six dials. Choose a smaller surface if either would crowd the setup.

You need:

  • A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer
  • Stream Deck desktop application

Check first:

  • A USB-C port on your computer
  • A computer running Windows 11+; macOS 13+

Everything to check before you buy

Where they differ

SpecsElgato Stream Deck MiniElgato Stream Deck + XL
Keys636
Elgato Stream Deck Mini has 6 keys and Elgato Stream Deck + XL 36: count the actions you need visible at once.
Dials06
Elgato Stream Deck + XL adds 6 dials for volume and other continuous controls; Elgato Stream Deck Mini has none.
USB port neededUSB 2USB 3
Elgato Stream Deck Mini needs any USB port; Elgato Stream Deck + XL a USB 3 port.
Touch stripNoYes
Elgato Stream Deck + XL has a touch strip; Elgato Stream Deck Mini does not.
CableFixedDetachable
Elgato Stream Deck Mini has a fixed cable; Elgato Stream Deck + XL’s cable detaches, so a different length or plug is an easy swap.
Size84 × 60 × 58 mm205 × 147 × 175 mm
On the desk, Elgato Stream Deck Mini measures 84 × 60 × 58 mm and Elgato Stream Deck + XL 205 × 147 × 175 mm.

Where they are the same

Keys with screens
Yes

What else each needs

Elgato Stream Deck Mini

Stream Deck Mini
A free USB port
Stream Deck desktop application
A computer running Windows 11+; macOS 13+
  • Check first: A free USB port. The cable is fixed to the device. Look at its plug before choosing an adapter.
  • You need: Stream Deck desktop application. The maker lists this software for the device to work as described.
  • Check first: A computer running Windows 11+; macOS 13+. The maker lists these systems for the desktop app.

Elgato Stream Deck + XL

Stream Deck + XL
A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer
A USB-C port on your computer
Stream Deck desktop application
A computer running Windows 11+; macOS 13+
  • You need: A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer. A USB 2 port is too slow for it. The maker asks for a direct port rather than a hub. USB-C is a plug shape, not a speed, so check the port itself.
  • Check first: A USB-C port on your computer. The cable in the box has USB-C at both ends. If your computer only has USB-A ports, you need a USB-C to USB-A cable rated for the same speed.
  • You need: Stream Deck desktop application. The maker lists this software for the device to work as described.
  • Check first: A computer running Windows 11+; macOS 13+. The maker lists these systems for the desktop app.

Next step

Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 13 side by side in Stream Deck models compared. Find the controller for your actions before you go live.

Full profiles: Elgato Stream Deck Mini and Elgato Stream Deck + XL.

Sources