Working from home
Since before the 2020 pandemic started, I have always worked from home with a couple multi-month long stints working in an office, but for the majority of my professional career; I have always been "wfh"
Back then, I was content to having my computer in the bedroom where I slept. But after some time, I realized that having the "workspace" and the resting place was not the best way to go because I cannot separate the two ideas from each other, and I end up spending way more time in the computer or more time in bed.
In my next house, I decided to have an actual office. A separate room where the computer is, and all work is done there. Back then, I was just content on having a different place to work. I didn't bother 'pretty-ing' it up.
This was ten years ago. ugh, so ugly.
I realized that to be better at my work, I needed a space where I can also be proud of. The way I thought about is that having a nice office is an investment for myself, and to also show my clients that I have my shit together. Afterall, a mans office is a reflection of himself.
How the office looks right now
As you can see, I am still a sucker for moody edits on my photos
The PC
I have always loved new tech, and I try to be as current as possible. Right now, my work station is running these specs:
| Component | Specifications | Link |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16-Core Processor | ↗ |
| Motherboard | X570 Aorus Ultra | ↗ |
| RAM | 64GB | |
| GPU1 | Nvidia GeForce 4090 | ↗ |
| GPU2 | Nvidia GeForce 1080Ti | ↗ |
| Storage1 | 512GB NVme | ↗ |
| Storage2 | 4TB HDD | |
| Storage3 | 4TB HDD | |
| CPU Cooler | Noctua Dh-15 Chromax Black | ↗ |
| Power Supply | EVGA 210-GQ 1000W | ↗ |
| Cooling Fans | Noctua NF-A14 x 8 | ↗ |
It's a bit much for Figma, but fortunately, I also dabble in a lot of video and photo editing as well as teaching myself Unreal Engine. The 3090 is also great for training A.I. models so it's not just a giant, expensive paperweight.
Monitors
Right now, I am running 4 monitors in my setup. Two 4K IPS displays in the middle, flanked with LG DualUp monitors in either side. I know, how many monitors do you need, right? But I actually make it work in my case.
The most left monitor is for Slack and Discord, and the second one is for content ie: Youtube, Netflix, or movies. The main display is for Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, or any other tool that needs color accuracy, and the most right monitor is for VSCode when I am coding.
See, I make it work, or maybe im just overcompensating.
| Display | Model | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor 1 | GIGABYTE M28U 28" | ↗ |
| Monitor 2 | GIGABYTE M28U 28" | ↗ |
| Monitor 3 | Dell 27" Monitor: S2721DGF | ↗ |
| Monitor 3 | Dell 27" Monitor: S2721DGF | ↗ |
The chair
The pièce de ré·sis·tance of my setup. The Herman Miller Embody was a dream of mine ever since I first laid my eyes on it.
I think I read every review that I can find, and watched every video about it. It took me 8 years of using crappy office chairs that I can find, before taking the plunge and investing in one. Spending $2000+ on an office chair is a bit much for most people but for me it is honestly worth every penny. I can stay sitting down for more than 10 hours everyday, and not feel like my ass is burning at the end of it. It has also stopped my back from hurting, so definitely a win win.
Peripherals
An office is not complete without them. Duh.
Keyboards
I have never been a keyboard "enthusiast" before, and off the shelf mechanical keyboards always just worked for me. But when I saw people building their own keyboards, I had to try it. In the span of a month, I built 3 keyboards just to flush the envy out of my system, and it worked!
keychron Q6 QMK
| Component | Make | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Keychron QM6 100% | ↗ |
| Switches | Glorius Gateron Red Switches | ↗ |
| Keycaps | Akko Black & Bronze Keycaps | ↗ |
| Stabilizers | Glorius GSV2 PREMIUM | ↗ |
| Cable | Glorius Coiled Cables | ↗ |
GMMK Pro White Slate
| Component | Make | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Base | GMMK Pro White | ↗ |
| Switches | Glorius Gateron Red Switches | ↗ |
| Keycaps | Akko Blue on White | ↗ |
| Stabilizers | Glorius GSV2 PREMIUM | ↗ |
| Cable | Glorius Coiled Cables | ↗ |
GMMK Pro Black Slate
| Component | Make | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Base | GMMK Pro Black | ↗ |
| Switches | Glorius Gateron Red Switches | ↗ |
| Keycaps | Akko World Tour Keycaps | ↗ |
| Stabilizers | Glorius GSV2 PREMIUM | ↗ |
| Cable | Glorius Coiled Cables | ↗ |
I know, how many keyboards do you need? I honestly don't have an excuse why I have three keyboards, but they're fun to build so there.
Microphone
Since I also upload youtube videos, I wanted to have a microphone that is USB connectd, but with decent sound quality so I went with RODE NT USB. I might change this to an XLR microphone, but for now, this should work for my usecase.
Headphones
Sound cancelling headphones was something that I thought I didn't need until I had mine. Now, I can't live without it. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a wokrhorse, and I use it everytime I have to focus on something and not be bothered with any distraction. I also bring it whenever I work in a coffee shop or when I am out of the house. Useful in airports too.
Mouse
The Logitech MX Master 3S was a great addition to my setup. Ignoring the fact that it looks really great. The ergonomics of the mouse has been amazing as well as not having any wires to clutter up the desk space is a big plus too.
Webcams & Cameras
Now this is something that might be a bit much, and maybe I have too much but it is what it is.
Sony a7SIII with 20mm Sigma lens
This is the main camera that I use for youtube videos. I have always been a Sony guy because I love the color science of their cameras.
Insta 360 Link
This is the camera that I use for quick video calls where I don't really need the 4k quality of the Sony a7SII. It physically follows you around when you move around. So thats fun.
Sony A7SIV with 35 Sony lens
This is the camera that I use for hand held shots for Youtube shorts as well as social media posts. The dust tho, ew.
Black Magic Atem Pro & Stream Deck
To control, and toggle all of the cameras that I use for my setup. I use a Black Magic Atem Pro. It is an HDMI switcher where the cameras are connected to it, and you just press the button to choose which camera the computer uses. It is great for streaming, and using multiple angles for your stream
Stream Deck
I try to streamline all the processes that I do everyday, and one key device that I use every single day is the stream deck. By clicking just a single button to open an application, or turning off my Elgato Lights to locking my computer. Everything is just one click away.
So there, this is where I most spend most of my time, and my happy place. :)