Our editors’ desk setups, Part 11: Debbie’s got too much space and not enough RGB

The first thing you’ll probably notice when you look at my workstation is that the two 24-inch displays are positioned at different heights. Shame on me indeed. Why are they so uneven? Well, the monitors both have VESA mounts – but at different heights – and I attached both to a double monitor stand that doesn’t allow for individual height adjustment. There’s definitely room for improvement here. Then again, I’ve got so used to it I hardly even notice it anymore.

My desk, the monstrosity

I moved into my new home a mere year ago. It came with the desk, that is, a 193 × 90 centimetre kitchen worktop that’s firmly fixed to the wall. I kept the monstrosity, though it’s actually bigger than I’d like; you can see the empty space to the right of my monitors. In addition, the sloped ceiling prevents me from making good use of the entire surface. What I’d actually like to do with the space is to put a small PC case on display, complete with a transparent cutout and RGB lighting (can you tell I’m jealous of fellow editor Michelle’s setup?)

Alas, my be quiet!-clad PC rests fully opaque and RGB-free under my desk. Every few years, I upgrade my gaming PC components to the upper mid-range. A few weeks ago, I installed an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 3D. I’ll be replacing the graphics card next. I’m currently running an Nvidia RTX 3060Ti from Gainward similar to this one.

I use the computer for everything that isn’t work, especially gaming and streaming. For work, I use the laptop I got from my employer. I connect it to a docking station, so I can use my screens and peripherals with it. I keep my gaming PC shut off during the day to conserve energy. In the evening, I’ll typically game and/or stream on it for a few hours.

Razer fangirl? Sure looks like it

My keyboard, the Razer Ornata V2, was a gift. I’m quite happy with it; I like the RGB lighting. The only thing I’m grappling with now is the numpad. The keyboard’s proved too wide for me, and I keep bumping into it with my mouse. But I’m also too stingy to replace a perfectly functioning keyboard – and with one that’d probably be a bit more expensive thanks to my colleagues’ influence.

My wireless [Razer Deathadder V2 X Highspeed] mouse, on the other hand, I’m totally satisfied with(/s1/product/razer-deathadder-v2-x-hyperspeed-kabellos-maus-17276971). It’s got no unnecessary bells and whistles, sits comfortably in my hand and stays nice and clean. This is the first wireless mouse I’ve owned, and I have to say not being restricted by a cable is a liberating feeling. I don’t know how I stuck it out so long with a wired mouse. On my wish list for when I upgrade my mouse is a rechargeable battery and RGB lighting (and no, I most definitely do not consider RGB lighting bells and whistles!)

I’m talking RGB lighting like on my Razer mouse pad. Like the mouse, it was gifted to me. And I adore its glowing edges. As for the blue light you can see peeking out from under the monitors, it’s thanks to a Govee LED strip.

I use the Razer Blackshark V2 headset and am positively enamoured with it. I’ve never owned a headset that sits so comfortably! Three and a half years on, it still looks as good as new – and it’s permanently on my head when I’m sat at my computer, so that’s at least eight hours of wear on workdays. It doesn’t pinch or get too warm. I have no criticism when it comes to sound quality, but then again, I probably wouldn’t hear much difference compared to a significantly more expensive model anyway.

Streaming and gaming

My desk is also covered in a bunch of gadgets for streaming on Twitch. For one, a cheap ring light that’s totally unsuitable as the simultaneous camera mount it’s intended to be. I say this because I’d rather not be completely blinded every time I look into the camera while streaming. As lighting, though, it does its job. At the top left of my setup is a light panel that provides enough light from the other side, too.

For my camera, I rely on the Logitech 922. It does its job for streaming or video calls, but the quality isn’t outstanding. In addition, I use the NT-USB microphone and a microphone arm from Rode for my streams – solid equipment that I wouldn’t want to go without.

I also rely on the Elgato Streamdeck for streaming (another gift). It allows me to trigger effects, control the light or start a timer. Then I’ve got my streaming accessories – moose antlers and heart-shaped glasses – which I keep at hand for specific situations.

As for a controller, who needs one?! A mouse and keyboard is the only way to go for gaming (don’t even try to fight me on this!) I do, however, have a steering wheel with foot pedals: the Logitech G29 and matching gearbox. I like using it for games like Snowrunner, and occasionally for truck simulators or Farming Simulator.

Chair and decoration

The search for the right gaming chair was long – which is why I’m all the more appreciative of the DXRacer Formula I’ve had for two years now. Finally, a chair that doesn’t twist me the wrong way! Before it, I relied on a simple kitchen chair for years. I know from my colleagues’ articles that this rather cheap gaming chair may well eventually do in my back. But until then, I’ll enjoy the luxury of having armrests and castors and being able to turn easily. In the future, I’d definitely opt for fabric instead of faux leather. The latter makes for quite a sweaty experience.

The two small Teufel speakers to the left and right of my monitors are already 12 or 13 years old. Mind you, I hardly use them anymore; I need my headphones for most things and tend to just leave them on. In other words, the speakers are there more for decorative purposes.

The Darth Vader coaster never fails to remind me who Luke’s father is – oh, and it protects my desk from coffee rings, too. I’ve had it for many years. To the right is a picture of my late cat on its back. Before her untimely death, she’d often lie on my lap and watch me peacefully as I worked. The photo keeps those memories alive.

I’m proud of the fact that my desk looks pretty tidy. Thanks to two cable boxes and a healthy dose of discipline, I’ve got the cables under control and there’s not too much unnecessary stuff lying around. I would, however, like to have more colourful lighting – I keep toying with the idea of getting some small Philips Hue lights or further RGB-equipped gear. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Hue, but as I already have a lot of Hue lights in the house, they’d fit in well.

In case you missed the last instalment of this series, here it is: