Introduction

If you have been thinking about upgrading your creative setup with a Stream Deck, chances are you have looked at Elgato’s Stream Deck Mk.2. It is sleek and popular – but it is also expensive and not exactly flexible. In 2025, there is finally a serious challenger: the VSDinside Stream Dock M18, a next-generation control deck that delivers the same power and a lot more personality, at nearly one-third the price.

This review takes a closer look at how the M18 compares to the Elgato Stream Deck Mk.2, what makes it stand out, and why many creators are calling it the best Stream Deck alternative in 2025.

1. Design: A Hybrid Between Touch and Tactile

At first glance, the Stream Dock M18 looks familiar – a compact, elegant control deck with 15 bright, fully customizable LCD keys. But look closer, and you will notice something Elgato does not have: three physical function keys along the top row.

These tactile buttons bring a new layer of control. While Elgato’s touch-only interface is fine for quick taps, many creators prefer the physical feedback of a real switch – especially during live streams or editing sessions when every millisecond counts. The “15 + 3” layout makes a subtle but meaningful difference: you get the best of both worlds – visual feedback from the screen keys, and tactile confirmation from the mechanical ones.

The M18 also introduces something completely new: a customizable RGB light strip that wraps around its chassis. It is not just for show – the lighting can reflect your workflow states, such as “recording”, “standby”, or “live”. This feature adds both style and functionality, giving the M18 an edge in both design and usability.

2. Performance: Same Power, Smarter Control

In terms of performance, the Stream Dock M18 holds its own against Elgato’s Mk.2. Each key is individually programmable and can run multiple actions or folders. The software supports drag-and-drop configuration, similar to Stream Deck’s system, but feels noticeably more open and lightweight.

One of the biggest advantages of the M18 ecosystem is its open SDK – developers can create and share plugins more freely. While Elgato maintains a closed marketplace with strict submission rules, VSDinside’s approach encourages community growth. This means users get access to a wider variety of verified but more experimental plugins, especially for creative automation and AI integration.

Whether you are controlling OBS scenes, triggering shortcuts in Premiere Pro, or launching macros for productivity tools, M18’s interface is fast and responsive. Key animations are smooth, and the tactile buttons make complex workflows less error-prone.

As a next-generation macro pad and creative control deck, it’s redefining the workflow efficiency for streamers and editors.

3. Build Quality and Feel: The Satisfaction of Real Keys

If there is one area where M18 outshines its competitors, it is how it feels to use. The keys have a slightly firmer press compared to Elgato’s Mk.2, and the added tactile function buttons feel satisfying – like pressing real mechanical keys instead of tapping a phone screen.

For creators who rely on muscle memory – video editors, music producers, coders – this difference matters. The physical feedback gives a sense of precision and confidence that touch-only systems simply cannot replicate.

In short, the M18 feels more like a professional instrument than a gadget.

4. Ecosystem and Community Support

One of the biggest frustrations for Elgato users over the years has been slow customer service and limited technical support options. VSDinside took a completely different route – instead of hiding behind a ticket system, they built a real-time Discord support community where engineers directly assist users.

Need help debugging a plugin? Want to request a new feature? You will often get a reply from the same people who built the hardware or software. This hands-on, human approach is refreshing and has quickly become one of the main reasons why creators are switching to M18.

In addition, all official plugins go through a verification process to ensure stability – but independent developers are still welcome to share experimental tools, maintaining a healthy balance between quality and openness.

5. Value: One-Third the Price, Full Experience

Let’s talk numbers. The Elgato Stream Deck Mk.2 typically sells for around $150–$180, depending on the region. The Stream Dock M18? Roughly one-third of that, while matching (and in some areas exceeding) the Mk.2’s functionality.

For creators building multi-device setups, this difference matters. Buying two M18 units still costs less than one Mk.2, making it an incredible value option for streamers, editors, and developers alike. And with official support for Windows and macOS – plus an SDK for advanced users – it is surprisingly flexible out of the box.

When you factor in the tactile experience, open plugin ecosystem, customizable lighting, and fast Discord support, it is clear that M18 is not just cheaper – it is smarter value.

6. Real-World Use Cases

Streamers: Quick scene changes, chat macros, sound effects – with visual feedback and physical keys that reduce misclicks.

Video editors: Faster timeline scrubbing and tool switching with muscle-memory shortcuts mapped to tactile buttons.

Developers: Automate testing scripts, launch builds, or toggle dev tools instantly from a dedicated control deck.

Designers: Set shortcuts for Figma, Photoshop, or Illustrator – all in one compact device that sits neatly under your monitor.

No matter your workflow, M18 feels intuitive after just a few minutes of setup. It is built not only for streamers, but for anyone who values efficiency and creative flow.

7. Verdict: The New Standard for Creative Control

The VSDinside Stream Dock M18 is not just another Stream Deck clone – it is a thoughtful evolution of the concept. By combining tactile feedback, RGB customization, and a more open ecosystem, it redefines what a control deck can be.

If you are tired of paying premium prices for the same features, or frustrated by slow support and closed ecosystems, the M18 delivers a refreshing alternative – more keys, more color, and more support for less money.

Learn more or get yours VSDinside Stream Dock M18 .