Across the creative community, more and more users are replacing their Stream Deck Mk.2 with the VSDinside Stream Dock M18. It’s not just about saving money — it’s about gaining a tool that feels more personal, more flexible, and more inspiring to use every day.

In this article, we showcase how real creators — streamers, editors, designers, and developers — have built their new setups with the Stream Dock M18, and why they say it’s a better fit for modern workflows.

1. Streamers: Fewer Misclicks, Faster Control

For live streamers, every second counts. Many users who switched from the Stream Deck Mk.2 to the Stream Dock M18 highlight one clear difference: the three physical top buttons.

Instead of relying only on touch, streamers can now change scenes, mute microphones, or toggle overlays using tactile buttons — all without looking down. That small detail has drastically reduced on-air mistakes and made switching smoother during live shows.

“After a week with the M18, I can’t go back. Those three real buttons are life savers during streams.”
— @LinaLive, Twitch Streamer

2. Video Editors: Ergonomic Comfort and Muscle Memory

Editors who spend hours cutting timelines in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve say the adjustable stand of the M18 is a game changer. Unlike the fixed angle of the Stream Deck Mk.2, the dual-position stand lets them find the most comfortable angle for long sessions.

Paired with the tactile feel of each button, editors report improved workflow rhythm and fewer wrist strains.

“It feels more like an instrument than a gadget — that’s what makes editing on the M18 enjoyable.”
— @TheoCuts, Video Editor

3. Designers: Lighting That Matches Their Workspace

The Stream Dock M18’s customizable RGB lighting ring isn’t just decoration. For many designers, it has become part of their aesthetic setup — matching monitor lighting, keyboards, and ambient lamps to create a unified, creative mood.

It doesn’t react dynamically yet, but users love that they can set their own colors and effects directly from the Stream Dock software.

“The RGB ring gives my desk character — it’s like part of my moodboard now.”
— @AriaDraws, Digital Artist

4. Developers: Building Custom Tools with the SDK

Developers are also migrating to the Stream Dock M18 because of its open SDK. Unlike Elgato’s closed system, the M18 lets users create or port plugins easily — all supported by engineers on the VSDinside Discord.

From triggering build scripts to controlling Docker or AI tools, developers are finding ways to make the M18 a central hub for automation.

“I ported my Stream Deck plugin to M18 in a single afternoon — and got feedback directly from their engineers on Discord.”
— @RyuCode, Developer

5. A Shared Experience — Community Support and Collaboration

The VSDinside community has become a unique part of the experience. Instead of dealing with ticket systems, users can talk directly with the developers, share custom layouts, or request new features in real time.

Whether on Discord or Reddit, the M18 ecosystem is evolving based on user feedback — making it truly community-driven.

Conclusion — A Creative Tool That Adapts to You

From streamers to editors to developers, the Stream Dock M18 is becoming the preferred stream deck alternative for 2025. It combines tactile feedback, open development, customizable lighting, and ergonomic design into one seamless experience.

As creators continue to share their setups and workflows, the M18’s story grows with the community that shapes it.

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