Making your perfect tech & desk set up - tech accessories, hardware, etc

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Hi everyone,

I’m new here. I hope its okay to make a thread about this.

I wanted to get everyone’s opinion on how to make your perfect desk set up for your tech including what products to buy and what to avoid.

Everyone talks about the software we ought to use here but rarely the hardware and accessories that go along with it. Hence this post.

Primary categories include:

  1. Keyboards
  2. Mice
  3. Monitors
  4. Monitor Arms
  5. External SSDs (SATA or NVMe of large storage space)
  6. NAS
  7. Laptop Stands (for closed and open lids)
  8. Webcams
  9. Computer Speakers
  10. Ergonomic Office Chair

I wanted to categorize and curate suggestions from all about what your favorite products are if money no object premium quality items are preferred - which item of each would you buy from what brand? I’m upgrading it all & trying to make a perfect set up for myself and crowdsourcing info on this is also bound to help others.

Please share your suggestions. I’m looking forward to them. Thanks everyone!

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Hey! Welcome to the forum!

This is a very good question as I often find myself partaking in communities that prefer items that last for a long time and are reliable, so I’m able to help you in some of these categories.

Premium options

Ergonomic Office Chair

  • My current chair is the Herman Miller Aeron. Not much to say about, if you say “premium office chair”, this is what I think of. I bought it used for a decent price, it’s mint condition (despite the age).
  • The runners up are: Steelcase chairs (Leap, Amia, etc.), Haworth Fern - these can be more preferable if you like to sit with your legs up.
  • What my suggestion for you is try to look for these chairs on your local second hand marketplace. A good YouTube channel that can help you with buying premium office chairs is Ahnestly.

External SSDs

  • Samsung ones are probably your best bet, but I haven’t bought one yet, so I can’t tell you my experience (take this recommendation with a grain of salt).

Mice

  • I currently use a Logitech G Pro, it’s the best mouse I’ve ever used. Serves all kinds of purposes such as gaming, working or anything in general. I’m not sure how ergonomic it is, as I don’t have any clue on what makes a mouse ergonomic. What I know is it’s a good, reliable mouse that lasts.
  • Newer versions of the Logitech G Pro exist to my knowledge, I haven’t tried those out.

(I’m not sure if you care about the following categories as you have not mentioned them, but I’ll just throw them in, in case some else is curious)

Printers

  • Brother B&W laser printers - I use the model MFC-L2860DWE. Works like a charm with Linux driverless printing. Truly a great investment.

Laptops

  • Lenovo Thinkpads - I don’t think I even have to mention how good these are. I picked up a T14 gen 1 used, for cybersecurity related work. It works like well-oiled machine with Fedora Silverblue.

That’s it for now I think. I hope this helps.

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I have not had time to critically analyze every possible option against my criteria, so I will provide a best-effort answer.

Currently the minimum requirement is utilizing QMK firmware:

Probably the Logitech M100 Corded Mouse:

I have not done enough reseach into this particular subject, but I know I want a matte screen with a super dim backlight.

Not enough research either, but I currently have Ergotron on the short list of candidates:

  • https://www.ergotron.com/en-us/

I do not need or want it in my workflow.

I do not know if I want one yet.

Ideally I would have a mirrorless camera, although due to lack of research, I cannot provide any specific recommendations.

The Focal Trio11 Be is the minimum baseline, but computer speakers are completely optional in my workflow:

I would also acquire a Hermin Miller Aeron:

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Here are some of the brands and companies I recommend checking out for your product needs. It’s hard to pick one for each category because that comes down to your preferences with the product itself and the price point you’re comfortable with.

  1. Logitech for computer peripherals
  2. Humanscale for desk accessories & office chairs
  3. Steelcase for office chairs
  4. Dell or Asus for monitors
  5. Audioengine for speakers
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if money no object premium quality items are preferred - which item of each would you buy from what brand?

Difficult to say which brand i would buy, as i had not really thought that way, more like whats the best for the price i want pay.

Keyboards

As a keyboard, I would pick up the Dygma Raise 2. I find the concept on the one hand great and on the other hand the split keyboard set up 60 degrees. Especially in silver it looks epic.

Mouse

There is no such mouse as I would like. It would have to be vertical, wireless, white and multimedia buttons

Monitor Arms
For Monitor Arms i would buy again a Ergotron one, i have one and i love it alot.

External SSDs, NAS, Laptop Stands, Webcams & Speaker

For external SSDs, NAS, Laptop Stands and Webcams i have no use. The same is for computer speakers, i have a high quality surround room system which i use for that.

Office Chair

As an office chair I have not yet found a really favorite, I am looking for a very comfortable one with many adjustment options, such as synchronous mechanics, 2D headrests, 5D armrests that you can also fold down and integrated footrests. Also white in color.

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