2023 Desk Setup

I’ve been building and making a desk setup that I can use while gaming, streaming, or working. Over 2022 I have been compiling my setup. I have a few more upgrades, including a new mic (Shure MV7), another monitor, and another mechanical keyboard (QK75).

I consider this my “what’s in my bag,” similar to what I did early in 2022. I am still working remotely – I don’t plan on going into an office again – and playing video games more often. I use one desk to work at right now but plan to add another desk to the office sometime in 2023.

Here is the work and gaming setup. The main difference is I swap my mechanical keyboard for the Mac keyboard.

Here’s a full list of the gear I have on the setup:

• MacBook Pro – https://amzn.to/3Z1n1p5 
  • My main machine and daily driver for anything work related. The M1 chip is life changing with the longest battery ever and I never hear the fan run. I upgraded the RAM and the storage (16gb and 1TB respecively).
• QC35s – https://amzn.to/3YXxeTv 
  • Great pair of headphones. Mine are 5+ years old now. They’re likely on the last leg.
• Mac Keyboards – https://amzn.to/3WGbMAT 
  • I use this only with the Mac. I keep using it because I like its low profile, and I can easily pull it out to work without too much thought. I love TouchID too!
• Brio Webcam – https://amzn.to/3vwTqq0 
  • Best 4K webcam. I use it while making Looms, video calls, or sometimes when. I am streaming.
• Eero Router – https://amzn.to/3WXtoaZ 
  • Use Eero routers because they’re some of the best routers on the market. I am not in Amazon’s ecosystem for home gadgets fully. I use Google Home, but Amazon bought Eero a couple of years back. I never switched, and since Amazon has kept the app/tech good – I have stayed.
• LG QHD Monitor – https://amzn.to/3IhkBwp 
  • Decent monitor, which I picked up at Costco randomly one day. It’s nothing special, but I do like that it has an adjustable base.
• Steel Series Mouse – https://amzn.to/3VxROa0 
  • Gaming mouse I use with the PC. It’s got RGBs and is super lightweight. I like the air flow on the mouse because I often get sweaty palms while gaming.
• MX Master 3 – https://amzn.to/3Gzix1E 
  • Another mouse I use while I am working. I have it connected to the PC and Mac. It’s a great go-to mouse with amazing software to adjust how different buttons work based on applications.
• Anger Power Strip – https://amzn.to/3i9URrl 
  • Powerstrip I use to connect and power everything. I only trust Anker for cables, power strips, and a couple of other power-related devices.
• Yeti Blue Mic – https://amzn.to/3VFbLvN
  • Current mic in my setup. I have always bought Yeti, but I have recently started looking at higher-end mics. I want to upgrade to a Shure MV7 but haven’t wanted to drop the money for the mic when my Yeti sounds fairly good.
• Blue Mic Arm – https://amzn.to/3IbVjzY 
  • Really nice mic arm. It doesn’t wobble or make any noise when you move it.
• Mac Stand – https://amzn.to/3Ci2GlE 
  • I love having a spot to put Mac while I game. I put the Mac keyboard on the bottom and the Mac on top. It keeps it out of the way and safe.
• Elgato Key Light – https://amzn.to/3jO6AvW 
  • The key light is a huge upgrade to the setup. The window to the side often gives big shadows and washes out the back. The light makes any video look like it’s professional quality. Combined with the 4k webcam, I look crispy on streams or while in video meetings.
• Prebuilt Gaming PC – https://amzn.to/3Ih4OO8 
  • This is the Amazon link, but this pre-built PC I bought at Bestbuy. It’s a good gaming PC that am so glad I bought. I often play Fortnite or Hell Let Loose.
• OrbitKey Pad – https://amzn.to/3VEIeCb 
  • Matt that is under the keyboard. Super high quality from OrbitKey.
• Gaming Chair – https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/matchspel-gaming-chair-bomstad-black-40507605/ 
  • I wanted a Herman Miller but didn’t want the cost. Instead, I bought this Ikea gaming chair. Very comfortable and is made of metal, so I think it will last.
• Peg Board x2 – https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/skadis-pegboard-white-10321618/ 
  • These are the classic Ikea peg boards. I have two to the right to hold screws, key caps, the Keychron keyboard, and my headphones.
• Autonomous Desk – https://www.autonomous.ai/standing-desks/smartdesk-2-home?option1=3&option2=5&option16=37&option17=7442&purchase_method=1 
  • This sit-to-stand desk is the one I reviewed about 6-years ago. Hands down the best desk I have owned. I plan on getting a new desk in 2023 for just work or gaming, and will likely be one of the Autonomous desks.
• Keychron Keyboard – https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-q1?variant=39898878869593
  • This is a custom mechanical keyboard. I  currently have the stock switches and keycaps. I do plan on tinkering and building different keyboards. I ordered a QK75 keyboard, which should come in around March.
• Linear Switches – https://divinikey.com/products/gateron-oil-king-linear-switches 
  • These Oil King switches are the ones I plan on putting in the Keychron keyboard and the QK75 one when it comes in.