Microsoft Teams shortcut keyboard / external control device?

[Mont Blanc]

Are there any external input devices I can buy that are specifically designed for Microsoft Teams functions?

Answer call/hang up call/volume/mute and unmute mic, etc

The only things I can seem find are either homebrew contractions or a repurposed Streamdeck.





Any suggestions?

Cheers

[Hanslow]

I used to use a streamdeck (5x3 configuration) to manage my teams at home using an online profile that someone had previously created with a few minor tweaks. That worked well until I was provided with a Teams compatible Jabra headset which has most of the functionality built in. That was working fine until the latest teams update which has lost my capability of lowering the mic to answer a call meaning I can't pick up calls whilst downstairs making a brew. Other than that minor loss of functionality it works well so could be an option to go for a Teams integrated headset.

[Harpoon]

Are you set on your audio device?

If not a Jabra 510 has buttons on the top for answer/drop/mute/un-mute and volume

https://www.jabra.co.uk/business/speakerphones/jab...

Mine has been great. Would be nice to be able to have the smart button to toggle your web camera on/offf (the Jabra software only lets you configure a speed dial).

[Mont Blanc]

Hanslow said:

I used to use a streamdeck (5x3 configuration) to manage my teams at home using an online profile that someone had previously created with a few minor tweaks. That worked well until I was provided with a Teams compatible Jabra headset which has most of the functionality built in. That was working fine until the latest teams update which has lost my capability of lowering the mic to answer a call meaning I can't pick up calls whilst downstairs making a brew. Other than that minor loss of functionality it works well so could be an option to go for a Teams integrated headset.

Thank you. I have looked at some Teams integrated headsets, but the issue is for me, that I never wear a headset at home. I just don't like wearing them, plus I have some really decent speakers, and the mic in my webcam is excellent, so I don't have a need for a headset.

Current audio setup is great, but would just prefer a control surface or buttons external to my keyboard that would allow easy answer/mute/unmute and so on.

The other thing which may be a barrier, is I'm fairly sure I cannot install any 3rd party software onto my work laptop, so any interface software for something like a Stream Deck to map the keys etc won't work.

Shame Microsoft don't offer an external plug and play control of some sort. I would have thought that building Teams buttons into a Microsoft mouse might be a good idea as well.

[Mont Blanc]

Harpoon said:

Are you set on your audio device?

If not a Jabra 510 has buttons on the top for answer/drop/mute/un-mute and volume

https://www.jabra.co.uk/business/speakerphones/jab...

Mine has been great. Would be nice to be able to have the smart button to toggle your web camera on/offf (the Jabra software only lets you configure a speed dial).

Sorry, saw this after I replied above.

I have good clear speakers (Creative Pebble V3) and the mic in my webcam is really clear, so whilst I know those Jabra units are excellent, I don't really have the need for one.

But maybe if all else fails for external Teams buttons I could consider a Jabra unit.

[GuyW]

I use a Streamdeck for this very purpose. Native API/plugin available, honestly so much better than trying to cobble together anything else.

[Mont Blanc]

GuyW said:

I use a Streamdeck for this very purpose. Native API/plugin available, honestly so much better than trying to cobble together anything else.

Forgive my non-IT ignorance, but would using a Streamdeck require any form of software to be installed on my laptop?

If so, it would be a no go for me as IT block any non authorised software from being installed.

[GuyW]

Mont Blanc said:

Forgive my non-IT ignorance, but would using a Streamdeck require any form of software to be installed on my laptop?

If so, it would be a no go for me as IT block any non authorised software from being installed.

Yes, it does require software. As the Streamdeck can be customised to do as many or few actions as you like.
I'd be surprised if it was on any blocked software even in a commercial setting.

There are ways around it, but not fool proof.

https://old.reddit.com/r/elgato/comments/vhege9/co...

[Harpoon]

It's a know it is a home-brew but looks pretty tidy and with the correct boards, appears as a keyboard so hopefully no driver / software issue

https://www.printables.com/model/402081-8-button-m...