In Streamlabs Desktop, open Settings > Hotkeys, click the field beside the action you want, and press the key combination to assign it. You can bind broad controls such as muting your microphone as well as actions for individual scenes and sources.
Assign a hotkey in Streamlabs Desktop
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Open Streamlabs Desktop.
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Click the Settings cog.
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Select Hotkeys.
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Find the action you want to control and click its hotkey field.
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Press the key combination you want to use. Streamlabs assigns that combination to the selected action.
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Scroll through the panel to configure actions for particular scenes or sources, if needed.
The Tool Desk
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Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15 Macro Keys- 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
- One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.
Streamlabs recommends using a combination of at least two keys to reduce the chance of triggering an action accidentally while using another application. This is a recommendation, not a guarantee that an accidental trigger cannot occur. The sources do not establish universal default bindings, so check the field in your own Hotkeys panel rather than assuming a key is preassigned.
Choose what your hotkeys control
Global stream and recording actions
Streamlabs lists actions such as starting or stopping a stream, muting the microphone, saving a replay, and skipping alerts. To set one up, locate its field in Settings > Hotkeys and assign a combination using the steps above.
Rank #2
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
Scene and source actions
The panel also includes controls for individual scenes and sources. For example, you can assign a key combination to show or hide an alert box or display capture in a particular scene. Streamlabs’ related tutorial also describes scene and marker actions, including creating a video marker or timestamp with a custom title for later editing. Look for the relevant entry in the panel; the available fields and actions may depend on what is configured in your scene.
If a Show/Hide hotkey does not work
Streamlabs Support documents a workaround for cases where Show/Hide hotkeys for some source types do not respond: toggle Dual Output off and then on. The support page has conflicting status and date information, so treat this as a documented workaround rather than proof that the issue is either fixed for everyone or currently affecting all users. If toggling does not help, check the current support page for the latest status: Show/Hide hotkeys not working in Streamlabs Desktop.
Rank #3
- 18 Programmable Keys Macro Keypad: This stream controller deck comes with 18 customizable macro keys (15 LCD visual keys + 3 physical buttons). Users may program single actions or multi-step sequences for daily operation. The keys support in-game combos, app launch and media playback control for multiple usage scenarios. Each LCD key accepts JPG, PNG and GIF images and animations to mark separate functions
- Single Tap Control: This USB macro keyboard pad supports single tap commands for quick operation. Users can trigger pre-set macros, input text, open files and web pages, adjust media playback, or switch OBS scenes with one tap. The straightforward layout fits gaming, live streaming and professional office task setup
- One Tap Multi-Shortcut: This macro controller pad streaming deck supports multi-shortcut macro programming for gamers and content creators. Custom shortcuts simplify game combo inputs, video editing, music production and photography workflows. The Operation Follow function runs multiple macro steps in custom order or simultaneous execution for adjustable task control
- Adjustable RGB Surround Light Ring - VSD M18 gaming streaming deck features an outer RGB light ring with auto color cycle mode. Custom RGB tones are available via device firmware upgrade. The light ring offers adjustable visual lighting for dim gaming, streaming and night work setups.
- Wide System Compatibility: This VSDinside macro control board works with Windows 11 and newer, macOS 11.0 and newer systems. Connect via USB-C cable for immediate use. It is compatible with mainstream software including OBS, Streamlabs, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Excel, Word and Photoshop for daily production work. Native Linux system plug-and-play support is not available, while SDK development documents are provided for custom secondary development
Do you need a dedicated controller?
No. You can configure and use hotkeys with a keyboard; a dedicated control surface is optional. Streamlabs describes native hotkeys as an alternative to buying a stream deck. Its related tutorial also names Stream Deck and Loupedeck among creator-console options that can use hotkeys, for people who prefer physical controls.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Rank #4
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more; Know that your command has been executed
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more
- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more; Regular updates and new plugins frequently added
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
