Software Engineer's Productive and Minimal Desk Setup
A walkthrough of the minimalist desk I built for coding and creating: standing desk, monitors, peripherals, and the gear that makes long sessions sustainable.
This post is the companion guide to the video, with all of the links and resources in one place.
I'm a software engineer by day and a part-time creator in the evenings. I spend a lot of hours at this desk coding, editing, and learning, so I put together a setup that stays productive for both.
The desk
The centerpiece is the Ergonofis Sway Desk. It has a slick control interface, an anti-collision system, and the kind of build quality that makes standing all day feel natural. They also sent their solid wood monitor riser / desk shelf, which keeps the display at eye level and adds a bit of structure to the surface.
- Ergonofis Sway Desk: standing desk with intuitive preset heights
- Ergonofis Desk Shelf: solid wood shelf for posture and organization
- Ergonofis Cable Management: keeps the underside tidy
Monitors and lighting
A good monitor is non-negotiable for my work. I use the LG 34WN780 for its ergonomic stand and wide canvas, plus a BenQ ScreenBar Halo for consistent, glare-free light.
Computer setup
My daily driver is a 16-inch MacBook Pro. An Anker USB-C hub cuts down cable clutter, and a Nomad MagSafe dock keeps the phone out of the way.
Audio
I mostly work in headphones because monitor speakers aren't enough for editing or focus sessions.
Peripherals
I'm a mechanical keyboard person. The Mode Envoy with Alexotos linear switches and a GMK Dracula set is still my favorite daily typer. For pointing, I switch between a Logitech MX Master III and an Apple Magic Trackpad.
- Orbitkey Desk Mat
- Mode Envoy Keyboard
- Alexotos Linear Switches
- GMK Dracula Keycap Set
- Logitech MX Master III
- Magic Trackpad
Chair and ergonomics
Long sessions need a chair that stays out of the way. The Herman Miller Aeron covers that with full adjustability and solid lumbar support.
Miscellaneous
- Ikea Skådis Pegboard
- Govee RGB Floor Lamp
- Fellow Products Coffee Grinder
- Electric Kettle
- Larq Water Bottle
Closing
That's the workspace as of this write-up. It keeps evolving — if you have suggestions for what to improve around the edges of the desk, I'm always open to them.