Count simultaneous actions
List the controls you must see while speaking or playing: mute, scene, record, source visibility and a recovery action. A folder can hold infrequent commands, but it does not increase the number visible on the current page. Start with the commands you need without looking away.
Dials solve a different job
A dial helps continuous adjustments such as a supported volume control. A keypad with more buttons is not equivalent to physical rotary controls. The current Stream Deck + has four dials and eight keys; + XL combines six dials with 36 keys. Match the plugin and app action as well as the hardware.
Allow space for use
Measure a real place beside the keyboard and microphone. A controller that fits an empty desk may crowd your mouse or require an awkward reach once the camera and microphone are positioned. The compact filter removes large layouts; it is not a dimensional guarantee for a specific desk.
Software and ports still matter
The hardware uses the Stream Deck desktop application, and plugins can impose additional operating-system or application requirements. Check those conditions for the exact action. Stream Deck + XL has a direct USB 3 warning; a convenient hub does not override it.
When no Stream Deck fits
If you need more visible controls than a compact controller holds and cannot use pages, the selector should return no match. Reduce the simultaneous set or make more space. Then run the selector again with those changes.
For the complete connection plan, use the streaming setup builder. You can keep older equipment in your plan.