Taking your PC gaming streams to a professional level requires more than just skill; it demands seamless control over your audio, video, and interactions. Juggling scenes, adjusting audio levels, and engaging with your audience can be overwhelming with just a keyboard and mouse. A dedicated stream controller simplifies this complex workflow, putting powerful commands at your fingertips and allowing you to focus on your performance and your community.
From compact macro pads to full-featured audio mixers, the right controller can significantly enhance your production value. This roundup covers a range of options designed for different needs and budgets, whether you’re a seasoned broadcaster looking for studio-grade control or a newcomer seeking to streamline your setup. Find the perfect tool to manage your live stream efficiently and create a more polished viewing experience.
Our Top Picks for PC Stream Controllers
- Hercules Stream 100, Audio Mixer for Content Creators
- Elgato Stream Deck XL – Advanced Studio Controller
- Elgato Stream Deck + XLR – Audio Mixer & Controller
- Fifine AmpliGame Stream Controller with Video Capture Card
- Elgato Stream Deck Mini – Control Zoom, Teams, PowerPoint
- Elgato Stream Deck Pedal – Hands-Free Studio Controller
- Elgato Stream Deck Neo – 8 Customizable Keys
- Loupedeck Live – Custom Console for Live Streaming
- TourBox NEO – Customizable Editing Controller
- Razer Stream Controller
Hercules Stream 100, Audio Mixer for Content Creators
The Hercules Stream 100 is a dedicated audio mixer designed to give you complete command over your stream’s sound. Its high-brightness LCD screen and four dynamic VU meters provide real-time visual feedback on all your audio levels, ensuring your game, voice, and music are perfectly balanced. You can manage up to eight audio tracks simultaneously across two pages, making it a solid solution for complex audio setups.
Beyond volume control, this unit features four assignable action buttons for tasks like multiple mute functions, launching URLs, or changing scenes in your broadcasting software. With direct USB microphone compatibility, it serves as a central hub for your audio configuration, all while being a Windows-exclusive device that integrates smoothly with your PC gaming setup.
Elgato Stream Deck XL
For the streamer who needs maximum control, the Elgato Stream Deck XL offers 32 fully customizable LCD keys. This extensive grid allows you to instantly trigger a vast array of actions across your most-used apps and software, including OBS, Twitch, and YouTube. It is designed for advanced live production, putting complex macros and scene changes right at your fingertips.
The strength of the Stream Deck XL lies in its powerful integrations. It works seamlessly with a wide ecosystem of tools like Philips Hue, VoiceMod, and vMix, allowing you to control not just your stream but also your lighting and sound effects. Its compatibility with both Mac and PC makes it a versatile choice for any broadcasting environment.
Elgato Stream Deck + XLR
The Elgato Stream Deck + XLR combines the famous customizable key system with a professional audio interface. On the front, you have LCD keys, a touch strip, and dials for controlling audio, video, and lighting. In the back, a built-in XLR-to-USB interface allows you to connect any professional microphone directly, creating a complete audio station for podcasting and streaming.
This controller provides tactile control and clear visual feedback for all your commands. You can mix audio levels, monitor your inputs, and trigger actions with the same device that powers your studio-quality microphone. It supports all the powerful plugins you expect from Elgato, making it an all-in-one solution for serious content creators on both Mac and PC.
Fifine AmpliGame Stream Controller
The Fifine AmpliGame bundle is a great value, pairing a versatile stream controller with a 4K HDMI capture card. The controller itself features 15 customizable macro keys that let you assign different operations for your live stream. You can switch OBS scenes, control audio levels, and launch software with a simple press, streamlining your workflow significantly.
Its visual operation keypad displays your custom icons, so you always know which key does what without needing to clutter your main PC screen. This versatility makes it suitable for multi-tasking scenes beyond gaming, including video editing and office work. The inclusion of a capture card makes this set an excellent starting point for console streamers as well.
Elgato Stream Deck Mini
The Elgato Stream Deck Mini is the compact, entry-point into the world of stream control. With six customizable LCD keys, it allows you to replace tedious keyboard shortcuts with a single, identifiable tap. This device helps you work smarter by automating complex commands in apps like Zoom, Teams, and the entire MS Office suite.
Its small footprint makes it ideal for desks with limited space, without sacrificing the core functionality of the Stream Deck ecosystem. It seamlessly integrates with a wide range of essential productivity and creative software, making it a useful tool not just for streaming, but for general PC use as well. It is compatible with both Mac and PC platforms.
Elgato Stream Deck Pedal
The Elgato Stream Deck Pedal offers a unique, hands-free approach to stream control. This device features three customizable pedals that let you trigger actions without taking your hands off your keyboard or mouse. It’s perfect for commands like going live, muting your microphone, or toggling cameras during intense gaming moments.
Built with a heavy-duty chassis, the pedal is designed for reliability. You can even adjust the spring pressure of each pedal to match your preference, ensuring a confident tap every time. It integrates with the same apps and software as other Stream Deck products, providing a complementary tool to expand your control options on Mac or PC.
Elgato Stream Deck Neo
The Elgato Stream Deck Neo is designed to enhance efficiency with eight customizable keys and two touch points. It simplifies repetitive daily routines by allowing you to automate tasks and tailor shortcuts to fit your specific workflow. The drag-and-drop setup in the free Stream Deck app makes customization intuitive and quick.
This controller is built for seamless integration with the apps you use every day, including PowerPoint, Excel, Zoom, and Spotify. You can manage your favorite tools even when they are off-screen, keeping your focus on your game or content. It’s a versatile device that works with both Mac and PC to speed through tasks.
Loupedeck Live
The Loupedeck Live is a custom console that offers a hybrid of physical buttons, dials, and an LED touchscreen. It comes with native integrations for major software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, Twitch, and the Adobe Creative Suite, complete with ready-made profiles to get you started immediately.
Its powerful customization software allows you to create unlimited pages of controls. You can assign your own actions and adjustments to all the buttons and dials, and even create complex macros for any software. This level of customization makes it a powerful tool not only for live streaming but also for photo and video editing.
TourBox NEO
The TourBox NEO is a unique controller engineered to speed up the creative process for content creators. Its intuitive design, featuring a combination of dials, wheels, and buttons, is ideal for photo retouching, color grading, and video editing. It simplifies complex keyboard shortcuts into tactile, physical controls.
This wired controller offers stable, zero-latency performance for macOS and Windows. It supports a wide range of creative software, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Blender. By streamlining the creative process, it allows artists and editors to maintain their flow and work more efficiently.
Razer Stream Controller
Razer is a well-known name in the gaming peripherals space, and their Stream Controller is designed to integrate seamlessly into a gamer’s setup. While specific features for this model are to be confirmed, Razer products typically focus on high-performance, customizable RGB lighting, and robust software integration.
You can expect a controller that provides quick access to stream commands, scene switches, and audio controls, all built with the quality and design aesthetic Razer is known for. It is a contender for gamers who are already invested in the Razer ecosystem and want a controller that matches their existing gear.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Stream Controller for PC Gaming
So, you want to level up your PC gaming stream and think a dedicated stream controller is the way to go. You’re probably right. But with a bunch of options out there, from simple keypads to full-on studio control surfaces, how do you pick the right one? I’ve been through this myself, and here’s what I look for.
First, let’s talk about the core difference: stream decks versus control pads. A stream deck is your best friend for everything outside the game. It’s a grid of physical buttons with small screens that you can program to do almost anything. Think switching scenes, playing a sound effect, muting your mic, or posting a social media update. It’s a macro powerhouse that makes your stream look smooth and professional. A control pad, like the Razer Tartarus or Azeron Cyborg, is designed for gameplay inside the PC game itself. It replaces your keyboard for your left hand, offering a thumbstick for movement and a cluster of keys for actions, which can be more comfortable and intuitive for many game genres.
Next up is the number of keys. For a stream deck, start by counting your most common actions. Do you just need to switch between a “Gameplay,” “Starting Soon,” and “BRB” scene? A 6-key model might be plenty. But if you have multiple audio sources, media players, soundboards, and integrations, you’ll quickly want 15 or 32 keys. It’s always better to have a few extra buttons than not enough. For a gaming control pad, the number of keys matters for the variety of keybinds you use in different games. More keys mean more options at your fingertips without needing to reach for your keyboard.
Software is arguably the most important part. A device with powerful, intuitive, and well-supported software is a dream. Look for something that allows for nested folders (so one button can open another set of buttons), easy drag-and-drop media assignment, and deep integration with apps like OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch, and Discord. Poor software can make a great piece of hardware feel useless.
Finally, consider build quality and extra features. Is the device made of cheap plastic or does it have a solid, weighted feel? For stream decks, the tactile feedback of the keys is important. For control pads, the quality of the thumbstick and the type of mechanical switches used are critical for long gaming sessions. Also, think about any extras you might need, like a built-in audio mixer or a programmable dial, which can be a game-changer for adjusting volume on the fly. By thinking about how you’ll use it, you can find the perfect stream controller for PC gaming that fits your style and budget.
FAQ
What is the main difference between a stream deck and a gaming keypad?
This is the most common point of confusion. A stream deck (like from Elgato) is primarily for controlling your streaming software and other PC applications. Its main job is to trigger macros—like changing scenes, muting audio, or launching a clip—making your stream production smoother. A gaming keypad (like from Razer or Azeron) is an alternative to a keyboard for your left hand, designed to give you more ergonomic and efficient control within the actual PC game you are playing. Some advanced users might use software to make a gaming keypad perform stream deck functions, but they are built for different primary purposes.
Do I need a stream controller if I only stream as a hobby?
You absolutely do not need one, but it can seriously improve your experience even as a hobbyist. Using hotkeys on your keyboard to change scenes or mute your microphone can be clunky and sometimes lead to mistakes on stream. A simple, small stream controller removes that friction. It makes you look more put-together and lets you focus more on interacting with your chat and playing the game, rather than fiddling with your software. It’s a quality-of-life upgrade that can make hobby streaming more fun and less stressful.
Can I use a stream controller for things other than streaming?
Yes, and you should! These devices are incredibly versatile macro pads. I use mine for all sorts of tasks. I have buttons set up to open specific applications like Photoshop or my email, shortcuts for video editing software, and even a button that types out my email address for faster form-filling. Any repetitive task on your computer can likely be automated with a single button press on a good stream controller. It’s a productivity tool as much as it is an entertainment one.
How difficult is it to set up a stream controller?
Most popular stream controllers are designed to be very user-friendly. The setup typically involves installing the companion software, plugging in the device, and then using a simple drag-and-drop interface to assign actions. For common tasks like OBS scene switching, the software often has pre-built integrations, so you just click on the action you want. While you can get very advanced with multi-actions and custom scripts, the basic setup to get started is something most people can do in under 30 minutes. It’s far less intimidating than it looks.
Are expensive stream controllers worth the money?
This depends entirely on your needs. If you are a full-time content creator with complex scenes, multiple audio sources, and various media, then a larger, more expensive stream controller for PC gaming and production is absolutely worth the investment for the time it saves and the professionalism it adds. However, if you’re just starting out or have simple needs, a budget-friendly 6-button model or even using a free phone app version will provide most of the core benefits without the high cost. You can always upgrade later.
Can I use my phone as a stream controller?
You can! Before I bought a physical device, I used the free Elgato Stream Deck Mobile app. It turns your smartphone into a functional stream deck over WiFi. It’s a fantastic and cost-effective way to try out the concept and see if you find it useful. The main drawbacks are that it takes up screen space on your phone, it requires a stable network connection, and the tactile feedback of physical buttons is missing. But as a starting point, it’s an excellent option.