The Best Equipment for Streamers

Hey there! So you’re looking for some information and a comparison on a few products from Elgato. Well, you’re in the right place! Elgato is a well-known brand that specializes in creating professional-grade equipment for content creators, streamers, gamers, and those who work from home. Their range of products aims to enhance your streaming, broadcasting, and gaming experience, providing you with high-quality audio, lighting, and control options.

Owning these products can bring numerous benefits to your setup. The Elgato Key Light Air is a desk light that offers 1400 lumens of brightness, allowing you to customize the temperature and brightness to suit your needs. It’s perfect for streaming, broadcasting, video conferencing, and creating a well-lit home office environment. The Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + is like an all-in-one audio mixer, production console, and studio controller. With its customizable touch strip dials and LCD keys, you can easily control various aspects of your content creation, gaming, or streaming without the hassle of switching between software or apps.

Next up, we have the Elgato Wave:3, a premium studio quality USB condenser microphone. This microphone is perfect for streaming, podcasting, gaming, and even your home office needs. It comes with free mixer software, sound effect plugins, and anti-distortion technology, providing you with crystal-clear audio and a professional-grade sound. Lastly, we have the Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone by YOUSHARES. This foam cover pop filter is specifically designed to block out plosives, ensuring clean and clear recordings when using the Elgato Wave:1 streaming microphone.

In the following article, we will dive into each of these Elgato products, exploring their features, benefits, and how they can enhance your content creation, streaming, and home office setup. So, let’s get started and find the perfect Elgato device to take your setup to the next level!

Elgato Key Light Air – Professional Desk Light

The Elgato Key Light Air is a professional desk light that has been specifically designed for streamers, broadcasters, home office workers, and individuals who frequently engage in video conferencing. Its primary use is to provide optimal lighting conditions for your workspace, ensuring that you are well-lit and visible during streams, broadcasts, and virtual meetings.

There are several reasons why we love the Elgato Key Light Air. Firstly, its Wi-Fi enabled feature allows you to conveniently switch the light on or off and fine-tune its settings through the app on your Mac, Windows PC, iPhone, or Android device. This means that you can easily control the lighting from wherever you are, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

Secondly, the Key Light Air produces an impressive 1400 lumens of light, effectively illuminating your entire workspace. Whether you are streaming, broadcasting, or attending a video conference, this desk light will ensure that you are visible and clearly seen by your audience or colleagues.

Additionally, the color temperature of the Key Light Air can be adjusted from a warm sunset amber to a cool arctic blue, ranging from 2900 to 7000 K. This flexibility allows you to create the perfect lighting ambiance for your specific needs and preferences, enhancing the overall appearance of your streams, broadcasts, or video conferences.

Furthermore, the Elgato Key Light Air features 80 premium OSRAM LEDs that deliver constant intensity while remaining cool. This ensures that the light stays bright and consistent throughout your sessions, without emitting excessive heat that could cause discomfort or distractions during your activities.

Lastly, the Key Light Air utilizes edge-lit technology, providing indirect illumination that guarantees comfort for hours. This means that the light is evenly distributed across your workspace, minimizing harsh shadows and reducing eye strain, even during long streaming or working sessions.

The purpose of the Elgato Key Light Air is to provide professional-grade lighting for streamers, broadcasters, home office workers, and individuals engaged in video conferencing. The key features of this product include:

• Wi-Fi Enabled: You can control the light’s settings via the dedicated app on your Mac, Windows PC, iPhone, or Android device, allowing for convenient adjustments and customization.
• 1400 Lumens: The Key Light Air produces a bright and powerful light that effectively illuminates your workspace, ensuring that you are clearly visible to your audience or colleagues.
• 2900 – 7000 K Color Temperature: The color temperature is adjustable, allowing you to create the perfect lighting ambiance for your streams, broadcasts, or video conferences.
• 80 Premium OSRAM LEDs: These LEDs provide constant intensity while remaining cool, ensuring consistent and reliable lighting throughout your sessions.
• Edge-Lit Technology: Indirect illumination guarantees comfort and minimizes eye strain, even during extended periods of use.

The Elgato Key Light Air is a high-quality desk light that offers exceptional performance for streamers, broadcasters, home office workers, and video conference participants. Its Wi-Fi enabled feature, adjustable color temperature, and premium OSRAM LEDs contribute to its overall quality, providing users with customizable lighting options and consistent brightness.

Furthermore, the use of edge-lit technology ensures that the light is evenly distributed and minimizes discomfort during extended periods of use. The Elgato Key Light Air is a reliable and durable lighting solution that enhances the visual quality of streams, broadcasts, and video conferences.

Pros:

• Wi-Fi enabled for easy control and customization.
• Produces a powerful 1400 lumens of light.
• Adjustable color temperature for customizable lighting ambiance.
• Utilizes premium OSRAM LEDs for consistent and cool brightness.
• Edge-lit technology minimizes eye strain and provides comfort during long sessions.

Cons:

• May be considered expensive for some users.
• Requires a stable internet connection for Wi-Fi control.

The Elgato Key Light Air is an excellent choice for streamers, broadcasters, and individuals who frequently engage in video conferencing. Its Wi-Fi enabled control, adjustable color temperature, and high-quality OSRAM LEDs make it a standout product in the industry. With its overall quality and impressive features, the Key Light Air is a worthy investment for anyone looking to enhance their streaming, broadcasting, or video conferencing setup.

Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + – Audio Mixer and Console for Content Creators, Streaming, Gaming – Customizable Touch Strip Dials and LCD Keys – Mac and PC Compatible

The Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + is a versatile equipment designed specifically for streamers, content creators, and gamers. Its primary use is to provide seamless control and customization over various aspects of your streaming setup, including audio, video, lighting, and more. With its tactile control and visual feedback features, this product enhances your streaming experience by allowing you to execute commands effortlessly.

We love the Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + because it offers a comprehensive solution for streamers and content creators. Its customizable touch strip dials and LCD keys provide an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy to control different aspects of your stream with just a single touch. This product eliminates the need for complicated setups and manual adjustments, allowing you to focus on creating top-notch content for your audience.

The Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + serves as a multi-purpose tool for streamers and content creators. Whether you need an audio mixer, studio controller, or production console, this product has got you covered. The powerful plugins it offers, such as Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more, expand its functionality and improve the overall streaming experience.

One of the standout features of the Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + is its ability to trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially. This feature allows you to automate certain tasks and create custom configurations for different applications. Whether you want to switch between interface setups or execute a series of actions simultaneously, this product empowers you to do so with ease.

Furthermore, the Stream Deck App and Store enhance the versatility of this equipment. You can enjoy a drag and drop setup process, download plugins, icons, and even access thousands of royalty-free tracks and sound effects. With regular updates and new plugins frequently added, the Stream Deck App and Store ensure that you have access to the latest features and functionalities.

When it comes to the overall quality, the Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + delivers excellent performance and durability. The product’s build quality is solid, and the tactile feel of the touch strip dials and LCD keys adds a premium touch. Additionally, the software integration and compatibility with both Mac and PC systems ensure a seamless user experience.

The customization options available with this equipment are also impressive. From assigning specific commands to each key to creating personalized profiles for different applications, the Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + allows you to tailor your streaming setup to your unique preferences.

• Versatile and multi-purpose equipment
• Tactile control and visual feedback features
• Customizable touch strip dials and LCD keys
• Powerful plugins and regular updates
• Stream Deck App and Store for easy setup and customization
• Higher price point compared to other streamer equipment
• Advanced customization options may require some learning curve

So, if you are a streamer, content creator, or gamer looking for a reliable and feature-packed equipment, the Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + is definitely worth considering. Its versatility, tactile control, and powerful plugins make it an essential tool for enhancing your streaming experience and taking your content creation to new heights.

Elgato Wave:3 – High-Quality USB Microphone for Streaming, Podcasting, Gaming, and Home Office with Free Mixer Software, Sound Effect Plugins, Anti-Distortion, Easy to Set Up, Works with Mac and PC

The Elgato Wave:3 is a versatile USB condenser microphone designed specifically for streamers, podcasters, gamers, and home office users. With its studio-quality sound and easy-to-use features, it is the perfect tool for enhancing your audio experience and taking your content creation to the next level.

There are several reasons why we absolutely love the Elgato Wave:3 microphone. First and foremost, its exceptional sound quality sets it apart from other options on the market. With its premium condenser capsule and 24-bit/96kHz resolution, you can expect crystal-clear audio that will wow your audience.

But what really makes the Elgato Wave:3 stand out is its intuitive software integration. The free Elgato Wave Link software, included with the microphone, allows you to easily manage your audio levels from different sources, apply sound effects, and create custom mix presets. This level of control ensures that your stream, podcast, or gaming session sounds professional and engaging.

The Elgato Wave:3 is specifically designed to meet the needs of content creators. Whether you are streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, recording a podcast, or working from home and attending virtual meetings, this microphone is a game-changer.

One of the key features of the Elgato Wave:3 is its built-in digital mixer. This allows you to control different audio sources, such as your microphone, game audio, and music, all from one device. With the Wave Link software, you can easily create a balanced mix that suits your content and provides an immersive experience for your audience.

Another standout feature is the anti-distortion technology. This ensures that your audio remains clean and free from any unwanted clipping or distortion, even if you get a little too enthusiastic during your streams or recordings.

In terms of overall quality, the Elgato Wave:3 excels in every aspect. The microphone itself feels solid and well-built, and its sleek design will look great on any streaming setup. The sound quality is exceptional, capturing every detail of your voice with precision and clarity.

The Wave Link software is a true standout, providing an intuitive and powerful toolset for managing your audio. Whether you need to adjust levels, apply filters, or record multiple audio sources simultaneously, the software delivers in every aspect.

• Excellent sound quality with studio-like clarity
• Easy-to-use software with advanced audio control
• Anti-distortion technology for clean and professional audio
• Sleek and well-built design
• Versatile for streaming, podcasting, gaming, and home office use
• Requires a USB connection, limiting compatibility with some devices
• May be considered pricier compared to entry-level microphones

The Elgato Wave:3 sets the benchmark for USB condenser microphones. Its exceptional sound quality, intuitive software integration, and overall quality make it a must-have tool for any aspiring streamer, podcaster, or content creator. With the Elgato Wave:3, you can elevate your audio to new heights and captivate your audience with professional-grade sound.

Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone – Pop Filter Foam Cover for Elgato Wave:1 Streaming Mic to Reduce Plosives by YOUSHARES

The primary use of the Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone by YOUSHARES is to provide streamers with a high-quality solution to reduce plosives and unwanted noise during their streaming sessions. This windscreen is specially designed to fit the Elgato Wave:1 Streaming Microphone, providing streamers with an essential accessory to enhance the audio quality of their streams.

We love this windscreen for several reasons. Firstly, it is specifically designed for the Elgato Wave:1 Streaming Microphone, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum effectiveness in reducing plosives. This attention to detail and compatibility is crucial for streamers who rely on their microphones for clear and professional audio.

Secondly, the YOUSHARES Windscreen is made of professional mic foam, which effectively blocks out plosives such as “p” and “b” sounds, improving the overall sound quality of your recordings. This is a significant advantage for streamers who aim to deliver top-notch audio to their audience.

Lastly, we appreciate the durable construction of this windscreen. It is built to last, ensuring that streamers can rely on it for countless streaming sessions without worrying about wear and tear. The high-quality materials used in its production make it a valuable investment for any serious streamer.

The purpose of the Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone is to improve the audio quality of streams by effectively reducing plosives and blocking out unwanted noise. It accomplishes this through its professional mic foam material, specifically designed to fit the Elgato Wave:1 Streaming Microphone.

The key features of this windscreen include its easy installation, allowing streamers to effortlessly slip it onto their microphones in a matter of seconds. Its precise fit ensures optimal performance in minimizing plosives.

Another notable feature is its ability to preserve the natural sound of the user’s voice while reducing unwanted noise. This allows streamers to maintain authenticity in their streams, keeping their audience engaged and immersed in the content.

The overall quality of the Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone is exceptional. The precise fit, professional mic foam material, and attention to detail make it a reliable and effective accessory for streamers. Its durability ensures long-lasting performance, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their streaming experience.

• Precision fit for Elgato Wave:1 Streaming Microphone
• Effective in reducing plosives and unwanted noise
• Preserves the natural sound of the user’s voice
• Durable construction for long-lasting use
• Designed specifically for Elgato Wave:1 Streaming Microphone, not compatible with other microphone models

The Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone by YOUSHARES is a valuable accessory for streamers, offering a precise fit, effective plosive reduction, and durable construction. If you own an Elgato Wave:1 Streaming Microphone and want to enhance your audio quality, this windscreen is an excellent investment.

Elgato Stream Deck (discontinued model)

The Elgato Stream Deck Classic was designed with streamers in mind, providing them with a sleek and user-friendly device to enhance their streaming experience. It serves as a customizable control panel, allowing streamers to easily manage their streams, switch scenes, control chat, and execute various actions with just a touch of a button.

We are particularly fond of the Elgato Stream Deck Classic for several reasons. First and foremost, the device offers an incredible level of convenience and efficiency, streamlining the streaming process and making it a breeze for streamers. With its user-friendly interface and customizable buttons, it allows you to create personalized shortcuts that significantly speed up your workflow while broadcasting.

Furthermore, the Elgato Stream Deck Classic boasts excellent build quality, ensuring durability that withstands heavy usage. Its compact size makes it a perfect addition to any streaming setup, without taking up too much space. The ergonomic design of the device also adds to its appeal, ensuring comfortable usage during those long streaming sessions.

The Elgato Stream Deck Classic serves as a vital tool for streamers, enhancing their streaming setup and productivity. It functions as a control panel that allows you to customize and organize your streaming commands, performing tasks at the touch of a button. The deck features 15 LCD keys, each of which can be programmed to execute an array of functions such as scene switching, launching programs, adjusting audio levels, and activating macros.

The Stream Deck Classic is compatible with a wide range of popular streaming software such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making it suitable for streamers using different platforms. The integration between the software and the device is seamless, allowing for effortless customization of your streaming commands.

The device also supports multi-action functionality, enabling you to execute multiple commands with a single press of a button. This feature is particularly useful for streamers who require complex actions during their streams, such as transitioning between scenes while adjusting audio settings simultaneously.

The Elgato Stream Deck Classic is an exceptional device in terms of both functionality and build quality. The sleek and sturdy design ensures that it can withstand long hours of use without succumbing to wear and tear. The OLED display of the keys provides clear visibility, even in dimly lit environments, enhancing usability.

• User-friendly interface and intuitive software integration
• Customizable buttons for personalized shortcuts
• Compact and ergonomic design
• Multi-action functionality for efficiency
• Compatible with popular streaming software
• Discontinued by Elgato, making it harder to find new units
• Limited availability of software updates and technical support

The Elgato Stream Deck Classic was a game-changer for many streamers, offering a convenient and efficient way to manage their broadcasts. Despite being discontinued, it remains a highly sought-after device within the streaming community. Its customizable buttons, ergonomic design, and excellent build quality make it a worthwhile investment for streamers looking to enhance their streaming setups and elevate their streaming experience.

Comparison of Products

Elgato Key Light Air

• Wi-Fi Enabled: You can easily switch on/off and adjust the light settings through the app on your Mac, Windows, iPhone, or Android device.
• 1400 Lumens: This professional desk light effectively illuminates your workspace and can be dimmed to a subtle glow based on your preference.
• 2900 – 7000 K: You have the flexibility to adjust the color temperature from a warm sunset amber to a cool arctic blue.
• 80 Premium OSRAM LEDs: These LEDs ensure constant intensity while keeping the light cool and preventing overheating.
• Edge-Lit: The indirect illumination design guarantees comfort even during long hours of use.

Elgato USB-C Stream Deck +

• Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: The device features LCD keys, touch strip, and dials that provide tactile feedback and visual cues when executing commands.
• Fully Customizable: You can use this device as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, and more. It offers extensive customization options.
• Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: You have the ability to trigger multiple actions at once or in a sequence. The device can automatically switch between different interface configurations based on the app you are using.
• Powerful Plugins: The device supports popular plugins such as Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
• Stream Deck App and Store: You can easily set up the device using drag and drop, and the app provides access to plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, sound effects, and more. Regular updates and new plugins are frequently added to enhance functionality.

Elgato Wave:3

• Premium Studio Quality USB Condenser Microphone: This microphone is designed for professional-quality streaming, podcasting, gaming, and home office use.
• Free Mixer Software: The device comes with free mixer software that allows you to adjust audio settings and apply sound effect plugins to enhance your recordings.
• Anti-Distortion: The microphone is equipped with anti-distortion technology that ensures clear and crisp sound reproduction.
• Plug ‘n Play: You can easily connect the microphone to your Mac or PC without the need for additional drivers or software installations.
• Compatible with Mac and PC: The microphone is compatible with both Mac and PC operating systems, providing versatility and flexibility for all users.

Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone

• Professional Mic Foam Covers Pop Filter: This windscreen is specifically designed to block out plosives and reduce unwanted noise during recordings.
• Compatible with Elgato Wave:1 Microphone: It is specifically designed to fit the Elgato Wave:1 streaming microphone, ensuring a secure and precise fit.
• High-Quality Material: The windscreen is made of high-quality foam material that effectively captures plosives without affecting the sound quality of your recordings.

Elgato Stream Deck Classic

(Note: This product is no longer produced by Elgato)

• Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: The device features physical buttons that provide tactile feedback and visual cues when executing commands.
• Fully Customizable: You can use this device as a studio controller, production console, and more. It offers customization options for creating your own personalized setup.
• Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: You have the ability to trigger multiple actions at once or in a sequence. The device can automatically switch between different interface configurations.
• Powerful Plugins: The device supports popular plugins and integrations with various software and platforms to enhance your streaming and content creation workflow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have reviewed five Elgato products: the Elgato Key Light Air, Elgato USB-C Stream Deck +, Elgato Wave:3, Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone, and the Elgato Stream Deck Classic.

Elgato Key Light Air

The Elgato Key Light Air is a professional 1400 lumens desk light specifically designed for streaming, broadcasting, home office, and video conferencing. It offers adjustable temperature and brightness through its app, which is compatible with Mac, PC, iOS, and Android. The Key Light Air provides excellent lighting capabilities, ensuring that you always look your best during your streams or video calls.

Elgato USB-C Stream Deck +

The Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + is a versatile audio mixer, production console, and studio controller perfect for content creators, streamers, and gamers. It features customizable touch strip dials and LCD keys, allowing you to personalize your streaming experience. It works seamlessly with both Mac and PC devices, making it a great choice for anyone in need of a powerful and customizable streaming tool.

Elgato Wave:3

The Elgato Wave:3 is a premium studio quality USB condenser microphone suitable for streaming, podcasting, gaming, and home office use. Its free mixer software and sound effect plugins make it a versatile option for content creators. The Wave:3 is anti-distortion, providing crystal-clear audio, and it is incredibly easy to set up, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced users alike.

Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone

The Windscreen for Elgato Wave 1 Microphone by YOUSHARES is a professional mic foam cover and pop filter designed specifically for the Elgato Wave:1 streaming microphone. It effectively blocks out plosives, ensuring that your recordings have clean and professional audio quality.

Elgato Stream Deck Classic

The Elgato Stream Deck Classic is a discontinued product but still worth mentioning. It is a powerful streaming companion that helps you optimize your content creation. With its customizable buttons and sleek design, it offers quick access to different streaming commands, making it a handy tool for streamers.

Drawbacks and Recommendation

While all these products offer great features and benefits, it is important to note a few drawbacks. The Elgato Key Light Air’s app can sometimes have connectivity issues, causing it to disconnect from the device. The Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + may be considered expensive for some users. The Elgato Wave:3 may lack some advanced features compared to other high-end microphones. Lastly, the Elgato Stream Deck Classic is no longer produced, so availability may be limited.

Based on the review, if you are a content creator, streamer, or gamer looking for professional lighting during streams or video calls, we recommend the Elgato Key Light Air. If you need a powerful and customizable streaming tool, the Elgato USB-C Stream Deck + is a great option. For a high-quality microphone that offers easy setup and crystal-clear audio, the Elgato Wave:3 is the way to go. If you own the Elgato Wave:1 microphone, the Windscreen by YOUSHARES is highly recommended for noise reduction. However, if you can find it, the Elgato Stream Deck Classic can still be a valuable addition to your streaming setup.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.