For years, the Elgato Stream Deck Mk.2 has been the standard 15-key control deck for creators. But in 2025, a smarter and more efficient alternative arrived — the VSDinside Stream Dock 293S.

While both devices share the same 15-key layout, the 293S introduces a major improvement: a dedicated information display window. This single upgrade dramatically enhances workflow efficiency without changing how creators already use their decks.

Below is a full comparison to help you decide which deck is better for your setup in 2025.

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1. Feature Overview

Even though both devices look similar, the added info window on 293S fundamentally increases the deck's capability.

2. Information Display Window — The Key Difference

The biggest limitation of the Stream Deck Mk.2 is the lack of real-time feedback. Creators often need to know:

• Which page or profile they are on
• Whether a timer or macro is running
• System status like CPU or RAM usage
• Recording or streaming indicators

Stream Deck Mk.2 cannot show this unless a key is sacrificed to display status.

The 293S solves this with its dedicated information window.

The info window can show:

• Current page name
• Active profile
• Time, date, counters
• System performance
• Microphone or audio indicators

This frees all 15 keys for actual controls instead of wasting them on status display.

3. Workflow Efficiency — Why 293S Feels Faster

When creators switch pages or tools in the Mk.2, they often lose track and need to look back at the screen. The 293S eliminates this friction with a persistent label showing:

• Page number
• Mode name
• Current tool or app context

Editors, streamers, students, and productivity users benefit immediately:

• Fewer mistakes
• Faster navigation
• Higher confidence when triggering macros live

4. Same Learning Curve — Better Experience

Creators switching from Mk.2 to 293S will feel right at home:

• Same 15-button layout
• Same multi-action folders
• Same plugin-style ecosystem

But with better information feedback, the 293S feels significantly more modern and intuitive.

5. Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Stream Deck Mk.2 if:

• You want a basic 15-key layout
• You do not need real-time information on the device

Choose Stream Dock 293S if:

• You want a smarter, more modern workflow
• You prefer having system info, page names, or indicators on the deck itself
• You want all 15 keys available at all times

For creators who multitask heavily across apps, the 293S provides meaningfully more efficiency.

Conclusion

While Stream Deck Mk.2 remains a popular choice, the Stream Dock 293S elevates the 15-key deck category with its information display window and smarter workflow design. It is not just a replacement—it is an upgrade.

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