DeckPilot vs Mountain DisplayPad

A better alternative to Mountain DisplayPad

Mountain DisplayPad is a 12-key hardware macro pad with customizable LCD buttons. Great build quality, but expensive, USB-only, and limited to 12 keys.

Mountain DisplayPad ($169)

Quick Answer

DeckPilot is a free alternative to the Mountain DisplayPad that turns your iPhone or iPad into a wireless LCD button deck. Mountain DisplayPad costs $169 for 12 fixed LCD keys tethered to your desk via USB. DeckPilot gives you unlimited buttons across unlimited pages with automatic app-aware switching.

By The DeckPilot Team•Last updated April 9, 2026

Feature-by-feature comparison

Feature

Mountain DisplayPad

DeckPilot

Price

$169

Free*

Button Count

12 Fixed Keys

Unlimited

Connection

USB Cable

Wi-Fi & USB

Portability

Desk Only

Your Pocket

Custom LCD Icons

Yes

App-Aware Switching

Manual Profiles

Automatic

Multi-device

Buy More Units

iPhone + iPad

Mac Software

Base Camp App

Native macOS

Touch Bar

Yes — Sliders & Modules

Firmware Updates

Occasional

Continuous Software

Swipe Gestures

Mission Control, minimize & more

Multi-App Launch

One tap, many apps

MIDI Controls

Faders, knobs, XY pads

DeckPilot wins 11 of 13 features

* Free tier available forever. Pro plans start at $7.99/month.

Why choose DeckPilot over Mountain DisplayPad

No $169 Hardware

DisplayPad costs $169 for 12 keys. DeckPilot is free and gives you unlimited buttons using the iPhone you already own.

Unlimited Buttons

DisplayPad caps at 12 keys. DeckPilot has unlimited buttons across unlimited pages and decks.

Truly Portable

DisplayPad lives tethered to your desk. DeckPilot goes anywhere your iPhone does.

Auto Profile Switching

DeckPilot detects your active app and switches decks automatically. No manual profile juggling.

See DeckPilot in action

Pick a template. Tap the buttons. This is exactly what DeckPilot looks and feels like on your devices.

Mountain DisplayPad vs DeckPilot — FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Mountain DisplayPad and DeckPilot.

How does DeckPilot compare to Mountain DisplayPad?

DeckPilot is free and gives you unlimited buttons on the iPhone you already own. Mountain DisplayPad is a $169 hardware accessory with 12 fixed LCD keys that must stay tethered to your desk.

Is DeckPilot worth it instead of buying a DisplayPad?

For most Mac users, yes. You save $169, get unlimited buttons instead of 12, get automatic app-switching, and gain wireless freedom. The trade-off is no physical key feedback.

Does DeckPilot have LCD-style icons like DisplayPad?

Yes. Every DeckPilot button shows a custom icon (emoji, SF Symbols, Iconify, or your own image) on its full screen. The visual experience is similar to LCD keys but on your phone screen.

Can DeckPilot replace a 12-key macro pad for streaming?

Yes. DeckPilot has a streaming template pack with OBS, Discord, and Twitch shortcuts. You can build a 12-button deck or a 32-button deck or however many you need.