Loupedeck Live S: A Promising but Flawed Creative Companion for Photographers

After putting the Loupedeck CT to the test for my evaluation, I investigated what this pint-sized variant had to offer in a competitive market intensely contested by industry leader Elgato. While the deck’s defining features are comprehensive and cover all the essential elements I might require, its implementation falls short of rival offerings.

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The Loupedeck Stay-S, a compact yet powerful iteration of the Loupedeck Stay series, presents itself as a comprehensive macro solution tailored specifically to creative professionals. By combining multiple macros, you can craft a single command that unleashes a chain reaction of automation, potentially transforming your daily routine and significantly elevating your overall standard of living. Ultimately, this ubiquity permeates every aspect of modern stream deck marketing, driving a frenzy of competitive offerings vying for supremacy. Yet, what initially captivated me was Loupedeck’s ingenious implementation of built-in macro profiles that seamlessly integrate with these programs. When I choose laziness, I must commit to doing it thoroughly.

When Logitech acquired Loupedeck’s founder in 2023 and entered the Stream Deck ecosystem, I initially felt perplexed by their sudden move into this space. It wasn’t due to the peripheral’s desire to steal Elgato’s thunder; such a notion was entirely understandable.

Following the agency’s acquisition of a pre-existing model, it replicated one of its flagship products, the Loupedeck Stay, to directly compete with Razer in the form of the Stream Controller. Furthermore, the rebadged device operates through Loupedeck’s proprietary software, implying that any enhancements Logitech might make to the Loupedeck Stay (by extension, also benefiting the Stay S) could ultimately benefit a direct competitor as well?

Despite the apparent demise of the Razer-Loupedeck collaboration, trying to acquire one of these joint decks currently feels akin to extracting blood from a stone, with no clear path to success. Furthermore, a disconnect has emerged between Loupedeck’s software and Logi Choices+, the newly introduced driver for the innovative MX Creative Console, which debuted in October 2022.

The Loupedeck product line’s fate has taken a turn for the better; with Logi’s intervention, it’s gained new life, and when working effectively, its excellence shines through. Whether seeking to establish a reputation on Twitch or streamline workflows using tools like DaVinci Resolve and the Adobe suite, this offering has much to commend it.

Specs

Design and options

Measuring a compact 5.9 by 3.4 by 1.2 inches, the Loupedeck Stay S is only slightly taller than the iPhone 13 Pro. Despite its lightweight plastic construction and slim profile, the device exhibits surprisingly low flexibility, providing reassurance about the quality of the materials used. Can the flimsy framework of this attachable stand withstand even moderate force without collapsing? I must admit it’s rather particular to link up, but with my characteristic flair for the dramatic, I’m confident you’ll do better. Fortunately, my initial excitement about testing the StayS was unmarred by any significant issues.

The fascia of the Stay S features two pushable dials, four circular RGB buttons, and an LCD touchscreen comprising a 5×3 grid of customizable buttons, inviting intuitive control over your audio experience. The mechanical components boast robust build quality – tactile feedback from the dials provides a satisfying resistance as they tick and press, while the buttons respond with a subtle, shallow press, ideal for precision control when navigating macro pages at breakneck speed.

While the two dials share some similarities with Elgato’s Stream Deck+, they lack the precise dial stacking feature of that product. While cycling through multiple features for a single dial is possible, you can still navigate these options by vertically swiping on the touchpad – provided you’ve enabled this functionality.

The sole button on the underside left of the device is activated by tapping or long-pressing, in contrast to the three buttons on the right-hand side that exclusively support tap-based functions. The truly anomalous aspect is that the extended press doesn’t offer customization options, instead simply reverting the device to its default settings. While researching, I found that initial plans called for the expansion of these buttons’ capabilities upon launch, but unfortunately, those aspirations have seemingly been abandoned.

The touchscreen display shines brightly enough that you won’t need to reach for your phone’s flashlight to decipher the on-screen icons. While it’s comparable to my trusty Elgato Stream Deck MK.1 in terms of icon readability, With a subtle smudginess, these screens possess an undeniable charm, lacking in their pricier counterparts; remarkably, text remains legible despite its diminutive size.

While long-pressing a contact button yields a subtle yet palpable haptic buzz, it’s intriguingly inconsistent – the same gesture doesn’t trigger a response when executed with lighter pressure, despite the underlying mechanism correctly detecting the movement. It’s sufficient for the task at hand, yet I still prefer the tactile feel of authentic buttons on my original MK.1 model. The touchpad accommodates intuitive swipe gestures, allowing seamless scrolling across macro pages without compromising essential button functionality. While I yearn for traditional approaches, this digital framework offers a flexible and meaningful solution.

Another significant design advantage is that you receive a comprehensive set of dials, buttons, and 15 programmable macro keys, which sets it apart from Elgato’s premium offering, where compromises were made on this front. Unfortunately, the Loupedeck cannot quite match the crisp LCD touchbar and metallic rotary encoders offered by the Stream Deck +. Positioning itself as a mid-range option between the 15-key Stream Deck and the Stream Deck+, the Loupedeck has carved out its niche market – particularly when it comes to its outer design and aesthetics.

Unfortunately, the Loupedeck is only offered in a sleek black finish, making it incompatible with those seeking a matching white aesthetic. Despite appearing on the Loupedeck website and various third-party marketplaces like Etsy, offering customised faceplates has yielded no results so far.

In the package, aside from the compact stand and quick-start guide, users will find a braided 2-meter USB-C to angled USB-C cable featuring an attachable USB-A converter at the PC end. Despite this, when reviewing a specific unit, I found that attempting to relocate the deck without momentarily disconnecting was impeded by the angled finish levers’ design?

Software program and efficiency

A streamer’s success hinges on the effectiveness of their software companion, and the Loupedeck’s offering is often inconsistent in its performance. The Loupedeck app presents itself as intuitively designed. The user interface is straightforward and easy to comprehend, with minimal effort required to execute and improve tasks. As customer feedback highlighted concerns about the software’s accessibility, both Loupedeck and Logitech have dedicated efforts to bring it up to speed.

At the top of the navigation menu, three substantial dropdown options await: select your device, opt for the desired app profile, or choose a workspace (toolbox) specific to the selected profile. While I’m not naturally inclined to leverage workspaces, the 14-page layout of buttons and dials provides an additional layer of refinement for those who desire it. The Stay On feature also enables seamless profile switching, ensuring that your preferred webpage remains prominently displayed on your energetic desktop window at all times.

In the upper right corner, you’ll find a shortcut to the Loupedeck Market, a comprehensive hub offering profiles, plugins, and more that are regularly updated. While it may not offer the same array of delights as Elgato, this alternative is infinitely more accessible in terms of its free-to-play nature. Logitech provides free macro profiles for productivity tools like Adobe’s Creative Cloud, DaVinci Resolve, and Notion, which are often pre-configured, in addition to custom game shortcuts for popular titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Euro Truck Simulator 2, and World of Warcraft.

While Elgato’s third-party-made variants may be tempting, they come at a steep price: you’ll need to part with over $100 just to get started with these bundles. Logitech and Loupedeck have established a standard that I’ve long been hoping Elgato will finally catch up to?

While exploring Azeroth in World of Warcraft’s basic mode, I formerly found joy in discovering and cataloguing various shortcuts to quickly mark targets, convey emotions with (), and effortlessly access ability menus. The emojis even incorporate pleasant GIF icons showcasing motion – a great touch. Despite using a macro, a massive pop-up field inexplicably appears on-screen, obstructing gameplay, and frustratingly, no workaround has been found to eliminate this intrusive feature. Unfortunately, this marks the beginning of my Stay S effectiveness issues.

With Photoshop as a staple in my workflow, I’ve had to devote considerable time to ensuring seamless integration between the two packages, requiring meticulous debugging efforts to get the plugin functioning smoothly. Despite encountering erratic fluctuations and connectivity issues, the seamless integration I had hoped for remains elusive. As I’ve toiled away, I’ve actually enjoyed myself immensely while flipping through settings and tweaking parameters using the controls.

Unfortunately, my biggest concern has been the Stay S’ product’s inconsistent performance. As I navigate the app’s iterative process of profile adjustment, frequent freezing and concomitant instruction execution issues have been a significant source of aggravation. Despite reinstalling the app several times, I’ve consistently experienced the same result.

Must you purchase it?

• In today’s digital age, you no longer have to dedicate hours to crafting custom macros for productivity software.
• If you prefer using your Stream Deck in a landscape orientation directly towards your desk.
• If you wish to utilize the Stream Deck for live streaming, content enhancement, and additional features.
• If you’re already entrenched within a competitor’s ecosystem?
• If you possess a limited ability to tolerate software program glitches.
• If touchpads don’t meet your accessibility needs sufficiently.

If the Loupedeck Stay S isn’t your cup of tea?

Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

Streamlining your workflow with a 15-key Stream Deck from Elgato? At a price point roughly $30 lower than the Loupedeck Stay S, the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 offers a compelling alternative for those who prefer a more straightforward control panel. You’re also leveraging Elgato’s top-tier software capabilities.

Elgato Stream Deck +

The Elgato Stream Deck+, boasting eight keys and four dials alongside a sleek touchbar, is the ultimate solution for those seeking unparalleled performance. For a mere $20 extra, you can upgrade to the most comprehensive stream deck available in the market today. The Stream Deck+ showcases impeccable craftsmanship and features Elgato’s most advanced software capabilities.

Today, you can opt to add detachable peripherals, such as an XLR dock and a USB hub, transforming this device into a comprehensive, all-encompassing solution for both streamers and everyday content creators. While the Elgato Stream Deck is a compelling option for those prioritizing raw value, we would recommend the Stream Deck + to anyone with a willingness to invest in their streaming setup.

Discover a comprehensive evaluation of the Elgato Stream Deck.

Verdict

At its most fundamental level, the Loupedeck Stay S delivers all the features you might reasonably expect from a stream deck. The comprehensive hardware bundle boasts an impressive array of features, catering to the diverse needs of creatives, while its extensive library of built-in macro profiles adds immense value to the overall package. Using this tool is a dream come true when it functions smoothly; unfortunately, a myriad of software issues and occasional implementation quirks render it difficult to recommend confidently.

Priced competitively, this product occupies the sweet spot between Elgato’s flagship offerings and more affordable options, effectively challenging the dominance of its rivals in a crowded marketplace. If Logitech chooses to refine the core technology driving the Loupedeck series, it could ultimately present a significantly more appealing value proposition, especially for professionals in editing and creative fields.