Stream Deck Two: Is Buying a Second One Worth It?

Yes, owning two Stream Decks is a common and often justified setup for power users who have run out of buttons or want to organize their workflows by context. You get double the programmable keys, which means fewer pages to flip through and more actions visible at a glance, but it also costs more and takes up more desk space. This article explains why people buy a second Stream Deck, how to set it up, what to consider before purchasing, and answers common questions about multi-device setups.

Why Two Stream Decks?

The main reason to buy a second Stream Deck is simple: you need more buttons. A single Stream Deck has either 6, 15, or 32 keys depending on the model. If you use it for streaming, video editing, audio control, and everyday productivity shortcuts, you quickly run out of space. With two devices, you can dedicate one to your primary software (like OBS or Premiere) and the other to system-wide shortcuts (volume, mute, copy/paste, app launchers). This reduces the need to switch profiles mid-task, which is a real time-saver when you’re live or in the middle of editing.

Another reason is physical layout. Some users place one Stream Deck near their keyboard for frequent actions and a second one near their secondary monitor or on the other side of their desk for less frequent but still important controls. This ergonomic split can reduce hand movement and keep your workspace organized.

How the Software Handles Multiple Devices

The Stream Deck software (available for Windows and macOS) natively supports multiple devices. When you connect a second Stream Deck via USB, it appears as a separate device in the software. You can assign different profiles to each device, and they work independently. You can also share profiles between devices by exporting and importing them, but each device keeps its own key assignments. The software automatically detects the model and shows the correct key layout.

One important feature is that you can set a button on one Stream Deck to switch profiles on the other. For example, a button on your main deck could switch your secondary deck to a “Video Editing” profile. This is done using the “Switch Profile” action and selecting the target device. This cross-device control is a big reason why two decks are more powerful than one.

What to Consider Before Buying a Second

Before you spend money on a second Stream Deck, think about these factors:

• Number of buttons: Do you actually use all the buttons on your current deck? If you have a 15-key and only use 10, you might not need a second one. But if you’re constantly switching profiles, a second deck could help.
• Desk space: Stream Decks are small, but two of them take up twice the space. Consider if you have room for both without clutter.
• USB ports: Each Stream Deck requires a USB connection. Make sure you have enough free ports on your computer or use a powered USB hub.
• Cost: A second unit is a significant expense. Weigh it against the convenience of having more buttons.
• Model choice: If you already have a 15-key, you might want a 6-key for simple controls or a 32-key for maximum capacity. Mixing models is fine, but the software treats each independently.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

When using two Stream Decks, some users run into issues:

• Device not detected: Make sure the USB cable is fully plugged in. Try a different USB port. The software should automatically detect the new device. If not, restart the software or your computer.
• Profiles not syncing: Profiles are stored per device. If you want the same profile on both, you need to export it from one and import it to the other. There is no automatic sync.
• Button actions not working on one device: Check that the correct device is selected in the software. Each device has its own tab at the top of the software window.
• Performance issues: Running two Stream Decks uses more CPU and memory, especially if you use animated icons. If you notice lag, try reducing animations or closing other apps.

Comparing Two Decks vs. One Larger Deck

If you’re deciding between a second Stream Deck and upgrading to a larger model, consider the trade-offs. A single Stream Deck XL (32 keys) gives you more buttons than two 15-key decks combined, but it’s a large device. Two 15-key decks give you 30 buttons total, but they can be positioned separately. The advantage of two is flexibility in placement and the ability to dedicate each to a different task. The advantage of one larger deck is simplicity—you only deal with one device, one USB cable, and one set of profiles. For most users, a single 32-key is enough, but for those who want physical separation or need more than 32 keys, two decks make sense.

Cost and Value

Stream Decks are not cheap. As of 2024, the 6-key version is around $60, the 15-key around $150, and the 32-key around $250. Buying a second one doubles that cost. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much you rely on quick shortcuts. For a professional streamer or video editor, the time saved can be significant. For a casual user, a second deck might be overkill. Consider what you’d do with the extra buttons. If you can’t think of at least 15 new actions you’d assign, you probably don’t need a second deck.

Alternatives to a Second Stream Deck

If you want more buttons without buying another Stream Deck, consider these alternatives:

• Use folders and profiles: The Stream Deck software lets you create folders on a key, so you can nest actions. This effectively gives you unlimited buttons, just with more clicks.
• Use a phone or tablet as a companion: There are apps that turn your phone into a virtual Stream Deck, but they aren’t as reliable or tactile.
• Use a macro keyboard: Some keyboards have dedicated macro keys that can be programmed similarly, though they lack the visual feedback of a Stream Deck.
• Use software shortcuts: You can assign hotkeys in your apps and use a keyboard shortcut manager, but that’s less intuitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two different Stream Deck models together?

Yes, you can mix models. The software detects each device and lets you assign profiles independently. For example, you could have a 6-key for audio controls and a 32-key for video editing. They work seamlessly.

Do I need a USB hub to connect two Stream Decks?

Not necessarily, but it helps. Each Stream Deck uses a USB-A connection. If your computer has enough USB ports, you can plug them in directly. If not, a powered USB hub is recommended to ensure stable power.

Can I control both Stream Decks from one software instance?

Yes, the Stream Deck software shows all connected devices in the same window. You switch between them by clicking on the device tab. You can even drag actions between devices.

Will two Stream Decks slow down my computer?

Each Stream Deck uses some CPU and memory, especially with animated icons. Two devices will use more resources than one, but on a modern computer, the impact is minimal. If you experience lag, try using static icons or reducing the number of animated buttons.

Is buying a second Stream Deck worth it for a beginner?

Probably not. Beginners usually have plenty of buttons with a single 15-key deck. Start with one, learn how you use it, and only add a second if you consistently run out of buttons or want to separate workflows.

Can I use a Stream Deck with a console or mobile device?

Officially, Stream Decks are designed for Windows and macOS. There are community-made apps for Android and iOS, but they are not official and may not have full functionality. For consoles, there is no official support.

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