Our editors’ desk setups, part 1: Michelle likes colours
Background information

Our editors’ desk setups, part 1: Michelle likes colours

Michelle Brändle
14-12-2023
Translation: Eva Francis

In this series, our editors will show you which equipment they use every day – be it for work or gaming. First off, Michelle’s colourful and geeky desk setup.

The collection of playful and colourful things on my desk helps me start the day with a smile on my face. I enjoy taking a seat and letting all the colours of the rainbow flow into my work. Apart from that, I just have stuff lying around I'm actually working on – and a notepad to collect my thoughts.

Michelle’s desk: colourful and geeky

My desk in three words? Colourful, geeky and full of things that light up. After writing about my desk setup, I realised most of the things I own were either gifts or things I’ve already had for many years.

My desk setup.
My desk setup.
Source: Michelle Brändle

My computer

I assembled my PC myself and packed it into a Lian Li case. My priorities? As much RGB lighting as possible. Rumour has it this boosts performance wink.

My PC – I’ll have the rainbow to go, please.
My PC – I’ll have the rainbow to go, please.
Source: Michelle Brändle

I opted for the Asus Pro Art, which helps me keep everything in sight. Working on two individual monitors doesn’t work well for me. I prefer one large one (that’s what she said).

Mouse and keyboard: RGB for the win

What’s most important to me when I’m working is a good keyboard (thanks, Kevin!). Therefore, this Zoom75 is the centrepiece of my desk. I put it together myself – RGB included, of course. I went for the SubarashĪ key cap set by PBT Fans. Most recently, I installed linear switches that meet my requirements. And I added a very special key cap from Jellykey’s 8-bit series.

It’s the little things in life – a very special key cap is a must.
It’s the little things in life – a very special key cap is a must.
Source: Michelle Brändle

The keyboard rests on a mat that’s designed for a different purpose. It’s a play mat for the Pokémon card game. However, I like the little Mew so much I want to see it every day.

My mouse is a Roccat Burst Air Pro. I’m super happy with how lightweight it is – and the fact that it lights up in all colours of the rainbow.

I particularly enjoy writing on my keyboard. It’s cute, colourful and tactile.
I particularly enjoy writing on my keyboard. It’s cute, colourful and tactile.
Source: Michelle Brändle

Podcast equipment and sound

Every now and then, I join the guys in our weekly podcast. That’s why Phil gave me a pretty decent Rode Podcaster microphone. I added a microphone arm – also from Phil – and a shock mount as isolation from vibrations on my desk.

My headphones? The Bose Soundlink, which are already pretty worn out. They’re so old they’re not even features in our range anymore. However, I still find them really comfortable and am super happy with their sound quality when I’m listening to music. Having said that, if any more tiny parts crumble off that I can’t replace, I might buy the successor.

The Rode Podcaster Mic does a good job in transporting my female perspective to the weekly Tech Affair Podcast.
The Rode Podcaster Mic does a good job in transporting my female perspective to the weekly Tech Affair Podcast.
Source: Michelle Brändle

Additional sound is provided by my small Logitech loudspeakers. I got them as a gift and they do their job – even when I turn up the volume on Angus Young’s riffs while editing my photos.

These speakers are definitely better than the ones on the monitor – and allow me to turn up the volume quite a bit.
These speakers are definitely better than the ones on the monitor – and allow me to turn up the volume quite a bit.
Source: Michelle Brändle

Order and overview

A small jar keeps my desk tidy. A good friend made it for me. It’s not supposed to be washed, so I use it to collect scraps of paper and the like. To keep my mind tidy, I always have paper and pens handy. Fellow editor Domagoj gave me this notepad from a Pikmin fan package. To keep a good (over)view, there’s always a cleaning cloth for glasses somewhere on my desk.

Keeping my desk and mind organised with a tiny bin and a notepad.
Keeping my desk and mind organised with a tiny bin and a notepad.
Source: Michelle Brändle

If you’ve missed an episode of our desk setups, here’s the full list:

  • Background information

    Our editors’ desk setups, part 1: Michelle likes colours

    by Michelle Brändle

Samuel:

  • Background information

    Our editors’ desk setups, part 2: Samuel needs order

    by Samuel Buchmann

David:

  • Background information

    Our editors’ desk setups, part 3: David keeps it simple

    by David Lee

Flo:

  • Background information

    Our editors’ desk setups: Flo’s cable management from hell

    by Florian Bodoky

Jan:

  • Background information

    Our editors’ desk setups: Jan’s all about ergonomics

    by Jan Johannsen

Kevin:

  • Background information

    Our editors’ desk setups: Kevin the compact one

    by Kevin Hofer

Domi:

  • Background information

    Our editors’ desk setups, part 7: Domi sees double

    by Domagoj Belancic

Tinu:

  • Background information

    Our editors’ desk setups, part 8: Martin’s got a standing desk, but never stands

    by Martin Jud

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In my world, Super Mario chases Stormtroopers with a unicorn and Harley Quinn mixes cocktails for Eddie and Peter at the beach bar. Wherever I can live out my creativity, my fingers tingle. Or maybe it's because nothing flows through my veins but chocolate, glitter and coffee. 


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