Building an Elgato Stream Deck Into a Desk

Elgato’s Stream Deck is macro pad with LCD buttons and it has become extremely popular. So popular, in fact, that many people build their own DIY versions and Elgato took notice of that. Instead of throwing a temper tantrum, they decided to cater to that market by offering Stream Deck Modules that contain all of the electronic components, but omit the enclosures. Cam Shand used a Stream Deck Module to upgrade his desk with physical buttons.

Elgato says they designed the Stream Deck Modules for “makers and OEMs,” which is a very interesting business decision that I applaud. To that end, Stream Deck Modules don’t have any Elgato branding. They’re available in 6, 15, and 32-key variants that are functionally the same as normal Elgato Stream Deck models.

In this case, Shand used a 6-key Stream Deck Module. His goal was to integrate that into his existing desk. Because the Stream Deck Module doesn’t have an enclosure, that meant cutting holes in one of the desk’s metal panels for the buttons to protrude through. How does one cut holes in metal? With a CNC mill, of course!

Makera sent Shand a Carvera Air CNC mill for the job. But Shand had limited experience with CNC milling, so most of the video focuses on his journey through CAD, CAM, and milling strategies. He started with wood to get a handle on the basics and worked up from there. Elgato helpfully provides 3D models, which Shand used to streamline the CAD work. From there, he was able to use Makera CAM software to generate the toolpaths to run on the Carvera Air.

Even though he went into this project without a lot of CNC experience, Shand’s results look great. The Elgato Stream Deck Module buttons fit perfectly in the CNC-milled panel, so the finished desk has a factory look. And now Shand has quick access to useful buttons when working at his desk.