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

For a long time, I had a huge LG OLED monitor on my desk. I wasn’t really happy with the setup. The monster display was great for gaming, but it really got on my nerves at work.

In text programs, the screen kept dimming its brightness, because of the risk of burn-in and such. Finding a good layout for my virtual workstation on such a huge device in 16:9 format was difficult too. So, I recently decided to switch to a dual-monitor setup without OLED.

Monitors and PC – two are better than one

I went for two Inzone M9 monitors from Sony, expensive devices with IPS panels and local dimming. Thanks to 4K resolution across 27 inches, text and images look razor-sharp. They’re mounted on a Neomounts monitor mount. Both sit perfectly and don’t wobble.

But I’m not completely satisfied with my new setup either. What annoys me most is the uneven brightness and the different colour temperatures on these monitors. The left monitor is significantly warmer and brighter than the right one. There’s also an annoying coil whine on the left monitor. I hate it, but I’ve got used to it over time. Until I notice it again and want to throw it out of the window.

Apart from that, I like the screens when gaming. They offer a refresh rate of 144 Hz and HDR. The HDR doesn’t look as impressive as on an OLED screen, but it certainly fulfils its purpose Speaking of gaming, there’s an absolute beast hiding under the desk.

There’s a pre-built PC from Joule Performance hiding here. I don’t like making things myself, I don’t have the time or inclination. All I care about is that it works and I don’t have to worry about it much or at all. Same goes for RGB gadgetry and transparent glass. It’s just a shame I almost never use this performance monster for gaming. After a long day working from home, I don’t feel like spending any more time at my desk and prefer moving into the living room with my consoles and 77-inch LG TV.

Podcast equipment – let there be light

I’m well equipped for podcasting. I installed a microphone arm including shock mount to my right. The microphone is a Røde Procaster. It’s connected to my PC via an Elgato Wave XLR. Sometimes it doesn’t work at all and I have to connect and disconnect the Elgato hardware countless times. Annoying.

There are two Elgato Key Lights above my monitors. Here, too, I thought two would be better than one. Sadly, they’re rarely used because we no longer record the podcast in video form. At least they get me out of bed. After waking up, briefly turn the brightness up to maximum, let your retinas burn away and you’ll be awake in no time. Seriously, these things are amazingly bright.

My Elgato Facecam is attached to the Elgato Multi Mount Solid Arm by the right-hand keylight. This saves me another tripod that I’d otherwise have to mount on my desk. And the webcam does its job well.

Speakers – good sound, annoying software

Next to my monitors, there’s the Razer Nommo V2 X. I think they’re really snazzy, and they pack a punch too. The only drawback – suboptimal Razer software. I can’t update the firmware on these things for the life of me. Instead, I’m confronted with a warning message every time I start up saying an update is urgently needed. YEAH, I KNOW. Then let me do the stupid update. Grr.

Mouse and keyboard – don’t care

I’m one of the few people in our editorial team that keyboard guru Kevin hasn’t yet been able to get interested in his hobby. There’s a wireless Logitech G G915 TKL on my desk. I can write my articles on it, and that’s all I care about. Only one negative here – the keyboard is charged via an outdated micro USB port.

My mouse is a Logitech MX Master 3. To me, it’s simply the best mouse ever, period. The fun magnetic scroll wheel is a nice bonus.

Between order and decor

I try to keep my workstation as clean as possible, so good cable management is particularly important to me. This looks fine on the desk, but things get a bit more chaotic under it. Luckily, I don’t have to look at that part.

Despite my urge for order, I need a bit of decor and colour to make me feel comfortable. My screen wallpapers come from My Nintendo. There are lots of other stylish backgrounds to download, all you need is a Nintendo account. I am very happy with my cute little Pikmin, they look so jolly on their plants. A good reminder to take a deep breath and relax every now and then.

I placed a small PlayStation lamp with the famous buttons under the monitors, concealing the unsightly base of the monitor mount a little. There are two little animals I got from gacha machines in Japanbetween the symbols. The sleeping dog reminds me of my four-legged friend Lino. He also likes to doze off in my office from time to time.

To the right of the lamp there’s a Link amiibo from Tears of the Kingdom. Looks like he wants to keep the PlayStation buttons in check. To the left of the lamp, I planted a talking flower from Super Mario Bros. Wonder. I love that game.

I put stuff I don’t need in a Songmics filing cabinet under my desk. There’s more chaos than order, but luckily I only encounter it briefly when I open a drawer. As the filing cabinet is ultra-ugly, I keep placing stickers all over it.

Table and chair – eww and meh

I don’t know how long I’ll have this setup. I’m not at all happy with the table. It’s height-adjustable, but wobbles like crazy after just a few centimetres. I can’t remember where I bought this thing, otherwise I’d have written a negative review long ago. If you have any tips for a good, height-adjustable table with strong cable management, put it in the comments!

I’m also unhappy with my chair, the Noblechairs Epic. It’s okay, but the sticky leather is annoying in summer. I sweat like crazy on it. I’m currently looking for a slightly more breathable alternative. It should also be a little softer. Again, I’d appreciate your input – which chair would you recommend?

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

Samuel:

David:

Flo:

Jan:

Kevin:

Domi:

Tinu: