Quick Overview
- The Ulanzi Creative Deck (D200X) is a versatile controller with 14 buttons, 3 knobs, and a built-in docking station for USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and SD cards.
- The Ulanzi Creative Dial (D100H/I003) is a wireless, tactile dial with 7 buttons, perfect for precise control in apps like Final Cut Pro and Photoshop.
- Both devices are fully customizable via Ulanzi Studio software, allowing users to create shortcuts, automations, and even assign keys for gaming.
- They seamlessly integrate with creative software (Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, OBS) through downloadable plugins, switching profiles automatically.
- The video demonstrates practical use cases from editing efficiency to browser gaming, highlighting their potential beyond just streaming.
Based on a hands-on video review by creator Jacob R, we explore the practical capabilities of Ulanzi's Creative Deck and Creative Dial. This article summarizes key insights, setup processes, and real-world applications, showing how these tools can streamline workflows for content creators, editors, and even gamers. Ulanzi, a brand dedicated to empowering creators, designed these products to transform complex tasks into simple, tactile actions.
Unboxing and First Impressions: More Than Just Buttons
The Ulanzi Creative Deck (model D200X) arrives with a substantial presence. It features 14 customizable buttons, three satisfyingly clicky knobs, and a surprising array of ports on the back—including three USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI, and an SD card reader—effectively doubling as a compact docking station. The Ulanzi Creative Dial (model I003) is a standout wireless peripheral with a large, tactile dial offering precise haptic feedback and seven surrounding buttons. Both devices feel robust and are designed for extensive customization.
The Ulanzi Creative Deck and Dial combine customizable controls with practical docking/connectivity features, offering immediate utility beyond basic shortcut keys.
Setup and Customization with Ulanzi Studio
Setting up is straightforward using the free Ulanzi Studio software. Users can drag-and-drop actions like opening websites, triggering keyboard hotkeys, or launching applications onto any button. The software supports 'linked presets,' where the device automatically switches profiles when a specific app (e.g., Photoshop, Final Cut Pro) is opened. A built-in plugin store offers pre-configured profiles for popular creative software, drastically reducing setup time. For example, the Final Cut Pro plugin provides instant access to tools like marker navigation, clip splitting, and the razor tool. OBS Studio's official plugin system confirms that certain hardware controllers, including stream deck devices, can communicate directly with OBS to trigger scene switches and other actions.
Ulanzi Studio software enables deep, app-aware customization with a vast plugin library, making professional-grade shortcuts accessible to all users.
Enhancing Creative Workflows: Photoshop and Final Cut Pro in Action
In the video, the Creative Deck's knobs are assigned to control Photoshop's zoom, brightness/contrast, and layer scrolling, providing tangible, precise adjustments that are faster than mouse sliders. The Creative Dial shines in Final Cut Pro, where it can scrub through the timeline frame-by-frame with exceptional accuracy — a boon for editors seeking perfect cuts. Apple's official documentation confirms that Final Cut Pro supports a full range of keyboard shortcuts and a dedicated Command Editor for customizing key assignments, which hardware controllers like the Creative Dial can map to physical controls. The automatic profile switching means these specialized controls are instantly available the moment the creative software is activated, eliminating manual mode hunting.
Tactile knobs and dials offer superior precision for creative editing tasks, speeding up repetitive adjustments and improving overall workflow efficiency.
Unexpected Use Case: Gaming and Peripheral Testing
The review explores unconventional uses, like gaming. By assigning common movement keys (W, A, S, D, Space) to the Creative Deck's buttons, it successfully controls a browser-based game. This demonstrates the device's potential for creating custom gaming macros or ergonomic key layouts. Additionally, the Creative Deck's docking functionality is tested: it successfully outputs video via HDMI to a second monitor and reads files from an SD card, confirming its role as a versatile hub.
The Ulanzi Creative Deck's flexibility extends to gaming and hardware connectivity, proving it's a multi-functional tool for various digital lifestyles.
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Ulanzi Creative Deck and a regular Stream Deck?
The Ulanzi Creative Deck (D200X) differentiates itself with physical knobs for precise control (e.g., scrolling layers, adjusting brush size) and built-in docking station ports (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, SD card reader). This combines shortcut functionality with hardware connectivity in one device.
Is the Ulanzi Creative Dial wireless?
Yes, the Ulanzi Creative Dial (model I003) is a wireless device that connects via Bluetooth. It includes a USB-C cable for charging, allowing for cable-free operation on your desk.
Can I use the Ulanzi Creative Deck with software like OBS or DaVinci Resolve?
Absolutely. The Ulanzi Studio software features a plugin store where you can download pre-configured profiles for OBS, DaVinci Resolve, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, and many other popular creative and streaming applications.
How easy is it to set up custom shortcuts on the Ulanzi Creative Deck?
Setup is very user-friendly. Using the drag-and-drop interface in Ulanzi Studio, you can assign actions like opening a website, triggering a keyboard shortcut, or launching an app to any button in minutes. You can also customize button icons.
Can the Ulanzi Creative Deck and Dial be used for gaming?
Yes, they can be repurposed for gaming. You can assign keyboard keys (like WASD or action keys) to the buttons, creating custom controllers or macros for certain games, as demonstrated in the video with a browser game.
Does the Creative Deck work as a USB hub or docking station?
Yes. The Ulanzi Creative Deck has multiple ports on the back, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and an SD card slot. In the video, it successfully extended a display and read an SD card, functioning as a compact docking station.
Who are the Ulanzi Creative products designed for?
Ulanzi Creative products are designed for photographers, vloggers, video editors, livestreamers, and digital content creators who want to optimize their workflow with tactile, customizable controls. They are also suitable for tech enthusiasts and gamers looking for versatile input devices.
