Summary

A Reddit user 3D-printed a DIY Stream Deck replica with 12 programmable keys and a custom enclosure, mimicking the look and some features of Elgato’s device.

The Stream Deck utilizes an ESP32 and custom software to assign tasks such as app control, media management, and smart-home integration via Home Assistant and MQTT.

While it doesn’t require a PC for smart-home control, it’s limited to MQTT-compatible devices.

Elgato’s Stream Deck isn’t meant for everyone, but it’s one of the most widely adopted devices in recent years, especially among streamers, content creators, and productivity enthusiasts. Stream Deck’s growing popularity also led to other players entering the space to compete with Corsair and giving users more choices. However, these aren’t the only options, as it’s pretty simple to build your own Stream Deck-like device if you have a Raspberry Pi.

While you can mimic its functionality, it takes a bit more effort to make it look like a Stream Deck, because in that case, you’ll also need an enclosure. And this is what Reddit user u/PrinterBrothers managed to achieve. Not only did the creator manage to mimic some of the best features, including the ability to control smart home devices, but they also made the device look like a Stream Deck by using a 3D printer.

This 3D-printed Stream Deck was built from scratch, and it looks promising

The creator didn’t share the STL files, so you can’t just download those files and make the same Stream Deck. However, it’s worth taking inspiration from, as the DIYer made it from scratch by bringing together 3D printing, electronics, and software development.

They used a 3D printer to print the enclosure and key caps, and inside the body is the ESP32 board, which the creator programmed using Arduino IDE. Not only that, but the Reddit user also claimed to have developed their own software for configuring keys.

It includes 12 keys, and you can assign different tasks to each key, including opening and closing of applications, opening folders or websites, media control, such as play/pause, next/previous tracks, volume up/down, mute/unmute, and more.

The DIY Stream Deck also supports Smart Home integration. To set it up, the creator connected to the ESP32’s temporary hotspot and entered the MQTT credentials. After that, the microcontroller sent a discovery message to Home Assistant, finally allowing the assignment of actions to keys. This way, it doesn’t need to connect to a PC to control smart home devices.

According to the creator, the DIY Stream Deck currently performs the following tasks:

-Launch or close applications

-Open folders or websites

-Send custom hotkeys or text commands

-Control media: play/pause, next/previous track, volume up/down, mute/unmute

-Adjust system volume

-Smart Home integration: control Shelly Relays and WLED lighting

However, one of the DIY Stream Deck’s limitations is that it works with MQTT-compatible devices and those that are compatible with the ESP32’s protocols.