explain：The  Stream Dock  is a  multi-functional display keypad . Its purpose To manage apps and workflows through  programmable keys

Recently, I’ve seen many discussions on various platforms comparing  Stream Dock  and  Stream Deck , along with articles written by tech experts about the  Stream Deck . It instantly became my dream gadget—a must-have for maximizing "productive laziness." However, the original  Stream Deck  is way too expensive, so I opted for a more budget-friendly alternative:  Stream Dock .  

 

1. Impressions of Stream Dock

   

At first glance, the  Stream Dock  didn’t immediately catch my eye. Its compact size and transparent keys made it seem less impressive than a full-sized keyboard. But appearances can be deceiving.  

 

The  Stream Dock  is a  multi-functional display keypad . Its purpose To manage apps and workflows through  programmable keys , allowing for endless customization with unique icons and text. It’s designed to  boost productivity  and make you the most efficient person in the office.  

 

Compared to the  $100–200 price tag  of a  Stream Deck , the  Stream Dock  is a  game-changer in affordability . At around  $50 , it delivers a premium experience without breaking the bank—perfect for DIY enthusiasts.  

 

The real magic of a  visual keypad  lies not in the hardware but in its  software ecosystem . If you’re tech-savvy, you can even develop your own powerful plugins. So why pay more when a cheaper alternative can offer the same (or better) functionality?  

 

Online, many users recommend brands like  VSDinside  and  MiraBox , which are significantly cheaper than  Elgato’s Stream Deck . Since the software is what truly matters, why not go for the more affordable option?  

 

The  VSD Stream Dock M18（https://www.vsdinside.com/products/vsd-stream-dock-m18）  is priced at just  $59.99 , making it one of the  most cost-effective Stream Deck alternatives  on the market. Despite being on sale for less than four months, it has already sold over  3,000 units on Amazon .  

 

Unboxing & Build Quality 

  

Inside the box, you’ll find:  

- A user manual  

- A  USB Type-A to Type-C  power cable  

- The  Stream Dock M18  itself  

 

The Stream Dock M18 model  features  15 independent LCD keys , each with a small display. Below the screen are  three additional programmable buttons , adding even more customization options. The back of the device has an  adjustable stand , allowing for multiple viewing angles.  

 

The display quality is impressive—even from  30 cm away , there’s no noticeable pixelation. The keys are well-lit, remaining visible even under bright lighting. The only minor drawback is the  default small font size , but you can easily adjust it in the settings.  

 

2. Building Your "Action Library"  

 

The  Stream Dock M18（https://www.vsdinside.com/products/vsd-stream-dock-m18）  is essentially a  shortcut powerhouse . It consolidates numerous hotkeys into one streamlined workflow, enabling  one-touch efficiency  for repetitive tasks. You can even set up  multi-step actions —each press cycles to the next function.  

 

 Software & Setup   

You can download the companion app from the official website:  

 [https://www.vsdinside.com/pages/download](https://www.vsdinside.com/pages/download)  

 

The software includes:  

-  App Market  (similar to an App Store)  

-  Control Panel  (the main interface for customization)  

-  Shortcut Menus  (the core functionality of Stream Dock)  

Simply  drag and drop icons  onto the control panel to assign functions. The software comes with  pre-configured shortcuts  for various scenarios, including:  

-  System controls   

-  Media playback   

-  Quick website access   

-  Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)   

-  OBS & streaming tools   

The  Stream Dock M18  also has a  built-in plugin store , It can be used with one-click installation, and the playability is still very attractive，covering mainstream software like:  

-  Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Premiere, etc.)   

-  Microsoft Office （Excel、Word、PowerPoint）

 

Plug-in Center has ：“Gaming”、“Utilities”、“Developer Tools”、“Business Tools”、“Finance”、“Streaming”、“Smart Home”、“Productivity”、“Engagement”、“General”、“Video”、“Monitoring”、“Finance” and more   

Each key’s display  syncs in real-time  with the software. You can customize:  

-  Font style & size   

-  Icon colors & positioning   

-  Button layouts   

Final Thoughts  

This article covers the  basics of the Stream Dock M18 , but there’s so much more to explore! In the next installment, we’ll dive into  advanced setups and hidden tricks  that can  supercharge your workflow, gaming, or streaming experience .  

Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss the  next-level hacks  that will turn you into a  Stream Dock power user !