The best creative controllers will help you optimize and streamline your workflow, regardless of where your creative passion lies. However, just because all (or most) creative controllers share a similar design purpose, that doesn’t mean they share a similar design. To help you find the best streamlining solution for creative workflow, we’re breaking down some of our favorite creative controllers from big-name brands like Logitech, Elgato, Loupedeck, and Cooler Master.
Logitech MX Creative Console
Logitech’s MX Creative Console is designed for creatives looking to customize and streamline their workload. Comprised of two components (a main pad and a control dial), the MX Creative Console can be placed around your desktop in ways that accommodate your workflow. Do you want both the main pad and the dial units next to each other? Maybe one next to your keyboard and the other above? You have the freedom to place the units whatever is most comfortable for you without compromising performance.
The main pad features nine buttons with customizable LCD screens along with two arrow buttons so you can easily navigate pages. Perhaps the most impressive feature of this pad is how the icons automatically change as you load and swap between active applications. You can go from Adobe Premiere to Lightroom and even Photoshop and the MX Creative Console will detect the application and swap the relevant shortcuts. Of course, using Logitech’s free to download Logi Options+ app, you can customize the shortcuts for each application and download additional profiles for other programs.
Using a wireless connection, the dial-pad offers a tactile feel that is smooth and responsive, allowing you to fine-tune multiple aspects of your project with a large dial, four buttons, and a horizontal roller. Just like the button pad, you can customize the actions of the dial pad, allowing you to control brush size, volume, and more.
The MX Creative Console comes with a 3-month subscription for Adobe Creative Cloud, giving new and established users access to a suite of useful tools. Also, Logitech offers a marketplace that allows third party developers to craft their own plug-ins for the MX Creative Console, giving users the opportunity to obtain compatibility with even more creative applications.
Elgato Stream Deck XL
Elgato changed the way creators and live streamers interacted with their applications and audiences thanks to the original Stream Deck. Taking controls to new levels, Elgato released its robust Stream Deck XL which offers 32 customizable LCD keys!
Whether you are a creator or a live streamer, the Stream Deck XL can be easily integrated into your desktop setup. Compatible with the most streaming platforms like OBS, you can switch scenes, change volume, trigger effects on the fly, and more with just the press of a button. Elgato’s software allows users to integrate custom images, videos, and GIFs, adding a sense of personalization that feels distinct.
Elgato Stream Deck +
Incorporating the same concept of the Stream Deck XL but adding a bit more utility to it, the Stream Deck + provides you with eight LCD keys, four dials, and an LCD touchscreen. The buttons offer the same customization found in the Stream Deck XL while the dials add a level of fine tuning so live streamers can adjust mic volume, system volume, and even their game volume with a simple twist. Each dial can also be pressed inwards for instant mute capabilities or whatever you’d like. Meanwhile, the LCD touchscreen nestled between the LCD keys and dials provides vibrant colors, custom features, and even supports gestures.
When paired with other Elgato devices, you can control and entire studio’s worth of hardware from this interface. With devices like the XLR Dock and USB Hub, you can further expand the utility of the Stream Deck +, creating the ideal studio of your dreams. Using Elgato’s software, you can fully customize the Stream Deck XL and Deck + to fit your needs. Add shortcuts, customize effects, add pictures and more!
Loupedeck Live S
For those looking for customizable controls in a lightweight and compact design shall look no further than the Loupedeck Live S. Compatible with the Adobe suite as well as popular programs like OBS, Ableton Live, and many more, the Live S proves to be a workhorse of a device that enables creatives to expand their control. Thanks to the size, the Live S makes a perfect on-the-road companion for those creating on the go.
Featuring an interactive touchscreen that can be customized to fit up to 14 pages of customizable buttons, the Live S has ample room for your most essential commands. Buttons also automatically switch between apps and profiles using a dynamic interface that always matches the active window. On top of that, you can easily control your desktop, launch media, applications, web pages, manage emails, and even interact with Zoom and Teams.
Two rotary dials with detents and push functionality allow for precision control of audio levels, mic input, and more. There are also four buttons that can be customized to various functions where the touchscreen isn’t necessary, such as quickly moving through pages of commands or anything else you can think of.
Loupedeck Creative Tool
Looking for some additional utility that places powerful software tools at your fingertips? Look no further than the Loupedeck Creative Tool. Complete with 12 touch buttons with haptic feedback, six analog dials, 20 RGB buttons, and a control wheel with touch screen, the Creative Tool is a stand-out device for photo, video, and design editors.
On top of all the customizable buttons and controls, the Creative Tool is natively compatible with a wide range of editing software suits including Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Audition, Illustrator as well as other programs like Final Cut Pro, Ableton, OBS, and more. If there is a program that isn’t supported, you could easily go to the Loupedeck Marketplace and see if anyone created their own custom set for you. With such compatibility that ranges across so many programs, the Creative Cool is easily one of the most impressive tools in an editor’s user’s utility belt.
Cooler Master MasterHUB
Thanks to its modular design, the Cooler Master MasterHUB can be fully customized to meet the needs of your user experience and workflow. Using the combined efforts of strategically placed magnets and POGO connectors, you can mix and match components to optimize your controls and craft the perfect workstation dock.
In the core package you get a 15-key pad that features high-resolution IPS screens for instant-access to your commands, five faders to fine-tune your audio, and side-by-side rollers; all customizable using Cooler Master’s free software. Each of these are dedicated modules that can be placed however you like that is most comfortable for you.
Sold separately are the MasterHUB Encoder and 3X Knob modules which also provide you with greater options when it comes to managing your media. The Encoder module offers real-time control so you can make fine adjustments or quickly scrub through your timeline. There is also a bright IPS touch display which can be customized to provide you with information relevant to your needs. Meanwhile, the 3X Knob module offers enhanced precision for volume, feedback, and whatever you need.
Currently, the MasterHUB is not available, but we do have preorders ready, so if you are interested, make sure you click on the product link to also get more details on this forthcoming device.
As you can see, when it comes to the best creative controllers, there is no shortage of options. Whether you are an editor, designer, or live streamer, each of these devices offer something unique that streamlines your productivity in one way or another. From newcomers getting their foot in the door to seasoned creators looking to squeeze out additional utility, we have something for you.
For more information about any of our favorite creative controllers, including additional info on features, specs, and details, be sure to check out the detailed product pages of each item. Or simply drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all of your comments and questions.
