I am a gamer, grad student, and a data scientist in New York City with limited space. Here is how I make my space work for me. Still looking for ways to improve my setup so if you know anything I can do please leave a comment so I can test it out!
Sections
7
Keyboard
Mouse
Controller
Audio
Software
MISC
Keyboard
There isn’t a perfect keyboard out there so it’s best to see what works. Find out is you like linear or tactile feedback for switches as they make a pretty big difference in feedback. I’d avoid any of those clicks switches (blue switches) as they’re ...
My first magnetic keyboard with snap tap (rapid trigger) tech. It’s suppose to be more responsive when playing games like csgo/valorant but not not a feature I use. Its lights and sensitivity of keys are adjustable on the app. The traditional switche...
MelGeek Magnetic Hot-Swappable Gaming Keyboard
This has been my daily driver since its release and I still use it here and there. This is a metal build so it’s got weight but I can’t speak for the quality and switches as I swap them out with my own.
Keychron Q2 Max Wireless 65% RGB Keyboard
Mouse
Everyone’s hands are different and the way we hold it as well. These are the standard ambidextrous designs so they’re more versatile with hand size and grip type. I’ve tried the specialized designs but they’re just not for me.
This mouse is my daily driver. Super light and a pretty standard design but somehow just feels right. I used to use the Logitech go pro super light and since then I’ve been on the hunt for a better lightweight mouse. Couldn’t go back to the original ...
Lamzu: MAYA
Can’t leave out my first super light mouse. Honestly well built and feels solid. I’ve actually made some modifications to mine as I really didn’t like the charging port since it still used a micro usb.
Logitech G Pro X Superlight Wireless Gaming Mouse
This is a solid mouse for the price I’d try to find it on AliExpress or temu as they have some good deals on this at times.
VXE Dragonfly R1 Series Wireless Mouse
Big fan of this mouse pad. It’s thick so it’s got cushion so it might not be for everyone but my mouse glides on this thing.
Lamzu Energon Pro Gaming Mousepad 500x500mm
Controller
Oh man I’ve only got good things to say about this controller. Uses Hall effect joysticks so these shouldn’t drift like the Xbox controller. There’s sensitivity knob on both sticks and overall just feels good to hold.
FLYDIGI Vader 4 Pro Controller Joystick
This one is another fantastic choice though there’s no sensitivity adjustment for the stick however the triggers on these feel so good. I wish this one was combined with the Vader.
BIGBIG WON BLITZ2 Wireless Controller, 16 Micro Switch, 2000Hz, PC/Switch/iOS/Android
Audio
Ok these aren’t the top of the line speakers but they’re less than 25 bucks. I’ve used $200+ speakers only for them to be marginally better.
Creative Pebble 2.0 USB Desktop Speakers White
I recently switched to this mic and this goes on sale quite often for about 50 bucks so definitely worth it for the audio quality at this price. I tried the yeti mic and they just don’t sound crisp for something so expensive. I left my audio technica...
FIFINE Studio XLR USB Dynamic Microphone
There’s so many options for noise canceling headphones but I’ve got a few criteria I was looking for when buying these.
1. Wireless - I hate getting my wires tangled and so much more convenience when I need to move about.
2. Audio quality - unfortuna...
Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset
If you don’t a wired connection this is the only real “gaming” headset I would go with. This has great audio quality for the price and the mic is one of the few that actually sounds good. I’m sure many have experienced the cheap muffled sounds from ...
HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset, USB-C
I really don’t like the spring loaded ones so that was a big requirement for me. Luckily I found these and so far they’re great. Tighten the nuts for each of sections and it holds up well. I just move it out to the side if I’m not talking to anyone.
TODI Rotatable Mic Arm for Lightweight Mics
The one in the photo I use is a schiit hel. It seems this one is discontinued but I’ve used the predecessor of this fulla schiit before swapping over. It does the job at a very affordable price. And yes the company is pronounced as “sh•i•t”
Schiit Fulla E Headphone DAC/Amp w Mic Input
I have this one on the side connected to my schiit amp/dac. I use this mic when I don’t want the giant arm and mic in front of me. Audio is pretty good for what it is and a good alternative for someone who doesn’t want a full setup.
DJI Lavalier Mic
Software
Great free software that turns your computer into a could device. Pair it with moonlight and Tailscale and you got yourself your own GeForce now without the subscription and more flexibility. You don’t need to have the latest and greatest computer to...
Sunshine | LizardByte
Can’t leave out moonlight when sunshine is included. This is for your portable device and they have it for pretty much every operating system. It’s free so feel free to play with it.
Moonlight Game Streaming: Play Your PC Games Remotely
While you can directly connect moonlight and sunshine without this outside your local network, there is a risk as the network would technically be open to the public. This creates a vpn tunnel that you must log into to get access so an extra layer of...
Tailscale · Best VPN Service for Secure Networks
MISC
If your monitor supports it please get yourself a monitor arm and attach it to the desk. It’s a game changer. These default ones that come with the monitors just take up so much precious desk space especially if your table is small. I’ve got multiple...
HUANUO Dual Monitor Stand - Adjustable Mount
Desk light that doesn’t get in the way and sits right on top of the monitor. Auto adjusts based on on ambient light and doesn’t shine light in your eyes when in use. No shadow since it’s pretty much overhead. I’ve tested other ones but this one was e...
BenQ ScreenBar Pro LED Monitor Light Bar
It took me a long time to decide to go with this char. I was lucky to be near a facility that sold a bunch of chairs so I got to test them all out. We spend so much time in chairs so take care of your body. This chair goes a long way and it’s super c...
Aeron Chair - Office Chairs
Gamer RGB. I just use it to add a little ambience and you can connect it to the music output to play along with the music. It’s really optional but if you like lights, it brightens up the desk.
Govee RGBIC Gaming Light Bars H6047 Wi-Fi LED
I have this by my mousepad so I can just magnetically attach my mouse here when I’m away to keep my mouse topped off. Not really a fan of those full docks that razer makes so this was a good alternative.
G Pro X Superlight 2 Fast Charging Dock
Ok this one is great for transferring files for those as card readers. It’s a bit pricier because of the UHS-II capability.
ProGrade CFexpress B & SD UHS-II Card Reader
This one works just as well if you don’t have and UHS-II cards. I carry this one so I’m not as heart broken if it’s gets lost or breaks.
Anker USB-C SD 4.0 PowerExpand+ Card Reader
Maintenance
I don’t want to buy those dust cans so I just got a rechargeable one. This one is a bit bulkier but it works.
3 Gear 100000RPM Rechargeable Air Duster LED
It’s literally a microfiber cloth around a stick. I needed to get into tight spaces in my computer so I went with this one so I had more control. Any microfiber cloth does wonders to pick up dust.
Honeydak 24pcs Microfiber Mini Duster Sticks
Micro fiber cloth in a shape of a glove. I try not to touch anything with my bare hands in my computer to avoid any potential damage so I play it safe by covering my whole hand. You can also use a static remover too. Changes are low but I hate trying...