Brian Ruiz

My Desk Setup for 2023. Minimalist but functional.

I've curated a minimalist, clean workspace for coding and creating. Here's the 2023 desk, shelf, and cable setup, plus the links for everything that made the white oak and white combo work.

My Desk Setup for 2023. Minimalist but functional.

I've already created a video covering my desk setup. If you'd rather watch that, use the card below. This post is the written companion with all the links and resources in one place.

To provide some background, I'm a software engineer by day and 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 works for both.

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Software Engineer's Productive and Minimal Desk Setup (2023)

A deep dive into the tech gadgets and home office products that make up this workspace.

The Desk

First things first: the desk. It's the centerpiece of the setup. I got to test the Ergonofis Sway Desk, which was gifted to me. It's a game-changer, with a slick control interface and aesthetics that match the functionality. They also built in an anti-collision system.

The Ergonofis team also sent their solid wood monitor riser / desk shelf. Having your monitor at eye level is better for posture, and the shelf is a clean way to get there while adding some style.

Desk setup with cable management rack
Desk shelf and white oak surface
Desk setup underside and cable management
Full desk setup with white oak and white combo
Captures of the setup, including the cable management rack and desk shelf. I went with the white oak and white color combo.
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Monitors and Lighting

A high-quality monitor matters for my work, and I chose the LG 34WN780. Its ergonomic stand gives full control over screen positioning. I also added the BenQ ScreenBar Halo, a USB-powered lamp that gives consistent, glare-free light across the desk.

Computer Setup

My primary machine is the 16-inch MacBook Pro. To streamline connections and cut cable clutter, I use an Anker USB-C hub. For audio, I reach for AirPods Max when I want to focus without distractions.

Audio

I prefer headphones over the monitor speakers. AirPods Max are the main pair for quality and focus.

Peripherals

I'm a mechanical keyboard enthusiast, and my favorite at the time was the Envoy by Mode Designs. Paired with the GMK Dracula keycap set and a Tomorrow-themed set, it added a personal touch. For pointing, I used the Logitech MX Master III for the extra buttons and ergonomics.

Chair and Ergonomics

For long sessions, I chose the Herman Miller Aeron. Fully adjustable, with lumbar support that keeps posture comfortable through the day.

Miscellaneous Items

A few extras that round out the workspace:

Conclusion

That was the 2023 workspace. I've since moved and updated parts of the setup (see the later NYC desk tour), but this one still captures where I was that year: minimal, functional, and tuned for long coding and creating sessions.