Easy DIY Stream Deck for OBS
DIY Stream Deck for OBS Studio.
"OBS Switcher"
Easy! No wiring, coding or optional software needed.
(Windows Operating System)
If you are already streaming and familiar with the basics of OBS, you will have no problem understanding this easy diy tutorial.
A few of my fellow performers were interested in my diy gadget.
For easy step by step instructions, materials, photos and downloadable colored markers keep reading to the bottom of page.
In case you are worried... please know the scenes and sources you have already created will remain intact.
* Before you begin this project open OBS. Make sure all of your scenes and sources are setup, named and working as usual.
Keep it simple to start with
Basic functions you will use a lot are
"start / stop" stream
"record start /stop"
A welcome Screen
(separate scene in obs)
Main Webcam Scene
If you don't have time to make one,...you can always buy the Elgato Stream Deck $99 - $149. The principal is the same. (imo) A usb button is a "button" whatever you assign the hotkey to.
I've been using this "diy OBS stream deck" for a while now and it has taken a lot of stress out of live streaming. This small converted numeric keypad takes up very little space. The quick "one finger" operation with the added bright colored buttons allows me to make quick scene changes in low light while playing my guitar without having to reach for my eyeglasses and computer mouse. (not to mention finding the cursor on the computer screen)
ONN Numeric Keypad model ONA17H0002 is what I use. This model has the "larger buttons" which I like. I've made (rigged) a few of these for other streamers.
* With keypad in "symbol" mode
Simply go to the OBS settings, hotkey section and push the colored button on keypad for your desired function.
OBS Studio has made it super easy to assign hotkeys.
Go to settings / Hotkeys
At first glance, if you are new to using hotkeys this may look overwhelming. Trust me... it's really easy!
This usb keypad is "plug and play". After your drivers load, you are ready to assign the buttons.
* ** Make sure unit is in the symbol mode.
To do this press the num/lock key on the first row.
* The Green light must be OFF.
Pay attention "only" to the symbols not the numbers.
(We will not be assigning the del , 00, or num/lock key. Any buttons you don't need you can add the colors to assign as your needs arise.)
Let's start with something simple
"Record and Stop" button
It's ok if you want to try this before adding your button labels.
Open OBS Studo
Go To "Settings"
"Hotkeys"
Find spaces near the top for
"Start Recording", "Stop Recording"
Put the cursor in the space
Press the symbol button you want to use on your keypad. The choice is yours.
You will see the symbol in the space.
Click APPLY / OK
Make a note of what each symbol does. Add labels later.
Click photo to enlarge
Take your time and know you won't be using all of the blank spaces.
If you're feeling confident keep going.
*If you make a mistake or want to delete an entry, click the trash can icon to the right of that row. Click APPLY at the bottom right of page before adding more functions.
Let's do another one... this space is at the top of the hotkey section.
Start and Stop Stream
Audio Mute (toggle one button)
You will be pressing the same key in both spaces to create a toggle button. Click apply / OK
Go back to main OBS... push the button and watch the mixer speaker go off and on. Press to mute. Press again to unmute. Fun!
(You can also make a single record button a toggle. I choose to use two separate buttons for a vintage look)
You can also add the color beside the Scene name like I did in pic below
More?
If all your buttons thus far are working and you feel confident... go ahead and assign buttons for the OBS functions you've already been streaming with.
OBS has conveniently placed all of your created SCENES into sections. Under scenes, you will see your sources.
Start with assigning buttons for your SCENES. The "sources" you already have in OBS with the "eyeballs" showing will already be showing as they normally do.
Gradually add a button for sources as you need them. You can give your sources a button. Like pic 1, pic 2, video 1, video 2 etc... customize as you see fit.
Take your time. Check everything in OBS before adding / assigning another key.
*You won't be using all of the blank spaces. Just the main ones. (experiment, practice, test)
Materials
1 Numeric Keypad with large buttons
$8 - $10 on ebay ONN model # ONA17H0002
Walmart also carries this brand online.
USB Extension Cable (optional)
Rubber Cement Glue
Scissors
Colored Tiles - Make your own or * Download my printable 4x6 photos by right clicking images at the bottom of this page. There are blank squares and ones with text if needed.
Isopropyl Alcohol - Carfully go over the keys with a q-tip and a drop of alcohol to remove any dirt or grease on the keys.
(do not let any alcohol or glue fall into the cracks around the keys)
Scotch Invisible Tape - Before you cut out your squares, tape strips of invisible tape over your photo, or cardboard. This will be a lot easier than adding tape later and the tape will protect your buttons from grease and dirt.
Apply rubber cement with the cut off end of a q-tip. * Not the fuzzy end. :O
These peel off easily when dried if you decide to move colors around later. You may not need to use as many buttons as I do, but you can always add more later.
Everyone's needs are different. Some of my fellow performers use chroma key (green screen), change pictures or videos in the background. I use a "heart" button for my "scrolling text"... which is my "thank you" button. :)
* Before you get the glue out...think about what all you need for easy switching in OBS. The order you will use the buttons in your show will help you flow better.
*See the use the printable 4x6 with text at the bottom of this page.
8.5x11 Printable Reference Chart
If any key starts conflicting with other keys, just cover it with black square. There are plenty of keys to use.
When you have completed assigning buttons... check them all in OBS to make sure they are working properly.
If a button isn't doing what you want it to do... simply go back to the OBS Hotkey section. Make sure you have the correct "symbol" in the space or just assign a different unused key.
Now glue your colored tiles, labels or whatever you choose to use on the keypad buttons.
Above there is a printable sheet available to make notes on... if you decide to use blank colored tiles. Before every show, check again. Run through all buttons and rehearse what each color does.
Right click and save. Print a few 4x6's
* Before you start cutting, cover the rows on the photo with strips of Scotch invisible tape.
Tiled Squares
Blank squares
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This is just a guide.... something to play with if you enjoy buttons like I do!
Keep it simple until you get used to this!
Like dance choreography, practice your buttons before going live.
It won't take long until you are flowing flawlessly!
Disclaimer :
What works for me, may not work for someone else; depending on setup. Cover any that won't work in black. Trying another key usually resolves any issues.
This blog is ongoing. Any feedback, issues or ideas would be appreciated. Experiment and get creative! I'm sure you'll come up with ideas that will help other streamers.
Thanks for looking and happy streaming!
