I’ve always loved watching desk setup videos on YouTube. There’s something really inspiring about seeing other people organize their workstations. Fun fact: the reason why I wanted to do Tech videos on YouTube is after watching Jonathan Morrison’s iMac dream desk setup video 8 years ago.
Now, I’ve done desk setup videos before; the last one was about 3 years ago. But this time, I wanted to create something that is not only visually appealing but also super productive. So, here is my 2024 desk setup.
Alright, let me tell you why I named this the Ultimate Productivity Desk Setup. It’s more than just a triple monitor setup because I’ve also got a laptop workstation on the side too. But first things first, let’s start with the desk itself.
Desk
The desk that anchors this whole command center is the EVIS L-shaped desk. I’ve been a fan of EVIS since my last desk setup video. In fact, I’ve been using their tables exclusively because they’re high in quality and super reliable.
This is my first time using their L-shaped version, and it’s been a great sit-stand desk. It offers two orientations – left or right – along with three tabletop finishes. Plus, there are other cool add-ons. For instance, you can integrate cable management like I’ve done right at the middle of the desk.
There’s also an option for a built-in wireless charger, a snake cable, and even adding wheels to the desk. I chose not to add wheels, though, because I found that the desk height position is perfect with my seating position at this lowest configuration.
Chair
Now, speaking of a seating position, let’s talk about the chair. This is also from EVIS, which is their new Zenia Cordless Massage Chair. Yes, a massage chair as part of a desk setup. Never heard of that before, right? I chose this chair because it integrates so well with my daily work routine.
On my desk, I have the Baseus timer for a Pomodoro Technique. I set it between a 25-minute work interval followed by a 10-minute break. During the break is where I turn on the massage function and get back to work right after.
The chair has several modes controlled from the side of the seat. You can also activate a seat vibration and even a heat function, which is mild. I usually keep the heat off since my room gets the morning sun.
There’s also a dedicated app where I can customize all of these features too.
Physically, the chair has adjustable armrests, a magnetic headrest, and a magnetic lumbar support. I use them when I’m at my desk and remove them during the massage mode, of course.
As for the effectiveness of the massage, it is dangerously good. EVIS calls this the Z-Flux technology, which massages from your neck all the way down to your thighs. Sometimes, it is tempting to extend the massage session, but I keep my timer on to keep me disciplined. I’ll have a longer session after my whole workday is over.
A huge plus is that the chair is wireless and comes with an adapter to charge it as needed.
Audio
Next up, let’s talk about audio. About the speakers, I’m using the Kanto TUK. After doing a dedicated review on this, I decided to wait and check out other speakers before making a purchase. Eventually, I chose them to replace my Audioengine A5+.
Why? Because they’re simply the best speakers I have heard and used, not only for video editing but also for relaxing and listening to music. Their sleek and minimal look also beautifully complements my overall desk setup.
By default, the active speaker is supposed to be on the left, but I switched it to the right channel, which you can do manually on the included remote. They sit on the Kanto SP9 speaker stands for a perfect listening height that is angled just right to match my triple monitor setup.
I got these Kanto TUK speakers and stands, as usual, from TechX, which is the most reliable place to not only get Kanto speakers but also a wide range of other audio gear.
Monitors
Now, let’s talk about my triple monitor setup. The centerpiece is the Apple Studio Display. I’ve done a dedicated review on this one. It is my main monitor because of its high 5K resolution, which is perfect for video editing as I often shoot in 6K or even sometimes 8K resolution. Plus, it is a super color-accurate monitor.
I’ve got it connected to my Mac using the Thunderbolt 3 cable. I use the other three USB ports for my Loupedeck Live S, my mechanical keyboard, and a MagSafe charger. Yes, I will be talking about these accessories and all the peripherals more in a bit.
For the other two monitors at the side, I’ve got two LG DualUp monitors. This takes productivity to a whole new level because this 16:18 vertical layout is like having two 22-inch monitors stacked. It is amazing for multitasking and especially useful for video editing.
But where it really shines is in the productivity tasks, like handling my monthly accounts, writing very long emails for ChatGPT prompts and answers, and even scripting, to the point where I cannot go back to scripting on a single monitor, as this really increases my speed of scripting.
While you can connect one monitor to two different inputs, maybe like a gaming console, I’ve decided not to mainly because I don’t want to get distracted. Everything is connected to my Mac Studio, which I’ll talk about more later.
It comes in two variants – one with the LG Ergo stand and the other with the regular stand. I use the Ergo version on the right, and on the other, I use the Aryl monitor stand for similar flexibility. I’ll also talk about the other accessories from the Aryl later on.
The “Brain”
Let’s move on to the “brains” of this whole setup – the M2 Ultra Max Studio.
I’ve got the maxed-out variant, which I’ve done an in-depth review of. To save desk space, I’ve mounted the Max Studio underneath the desk using the HumanCentric Mount from Amazon.
I routed every cable neatly underneath the table, with each Thunderbolt port connecting to one of the monitors. Then I have another Thunderbolt port connected to my external storage drive, which is off to the side of the desk rather than having it on top of my Ikea Alex drawer unit. This helps to keep the desk more minimal, of course.
The other two USB-A ports are also used, one to connect with the Kanto TUK speakers, which has a built-in DAC, and the other to connect with the Yeelight Monitor Light Bar Pro.
I’m also using the Ethernet port for a wired internet connection. The headphones jack and the HDMI port are currently unused, which technically I can and have added another monitor to the setup.
Finally, the two Thunderbolt 4 ports in front are usually used for connecting external SSDs for video editing. This is where I plug in the SSD once the team is done with the video projects or if I’m converting Blackmagic RAW files. Lastly, the SD card slot is mainly used for my voice-over recording files.
Accessories
Let’s talk about the accessories – the smaller items that play a huge role in making this overall setup work.
The biggest accessory is the BALOLO Monitor Stand. This is the large variant in black, and fun fact, I don’t use this to support any of the monitors, but I got it specifically for its dedicated Apple accessories organization.
Under the shelf, I’ve added the MagSafe holder to charge my iPhone, or I can use it for FaceTime calls at the desk. There’s also a phone holder for my iPad Mini and an Apple Watch holder for charging my watch, which I’ve got connected to my LG monitor.
I also bought the Smart Accessory holder for the Loupedeck Live S but ended up not using it due to its cable routing issues. I’ve even tried the side-angle USB-C cable, which comes inside the box, it couldn’t go through properly. So, BALOLO, you might need to look into that.
There’s also a Tablet holder which I did not use since my iPad Mini fits well on this phone holder, which I’m probably saving for a future setup.
On top of the shelf, I have the Baseus timer. It works well for my Pomodoro-style work. It has a magnetic base too. Speaking of magnets, this is quite a fingerprint magnet too, and the battery life isn’t great at all, lasting close to only a month on three AAA batteries. Next to it is my favorite Powerpuff Girl Lego figurine – Buttercup.
The Yeelight Monitor Light Bar Pro wireless rotary switch knob to control the Yeelight light bar. Now, this light bar has been a game-changer when I work at night. The controller lets me adjust the brightness, the color temperature, and the mood lighting, where these settings are also adjustable via the Yeelight app and also the Mi Home app.
Now, below the shelf is the Loupedeck Live S. People often use this for apps like Final Cut Pro or live streaming on Twitch, but I use it mainly for my frequently used apps and websites.
Next is the second-generation SwitchBot Hub. This controls my IR devices like my fan, and it also has a temperature and humidity sensor.
As for the peripherals, my keyboard of choice is the IQUNIX F96 Joker mechanical keyboard. It is wireless, but I use a wired custom cable, and it is my all-time favorite keyboard.
As for the mouse, I use the Logitech MX Master 3S in Pale Grey, although it looks white. It’s been my go-to for video editing and multitasking, especially with its customizable buttons for Final Cut Pro.
To keep the clutter off the desk, I have the Actiforce desk drawer for less frequently used items.
Specifically for the Aryl, apart from the monitor arm, I have tons more accessories like the gravity cup holder with the headphones holder and a magnetic cable management channel for my table stands, which is placed down below the table.
Speaking of the bottom, there are also three additional cable management boxes and a quad-entry snake cable clamp for future cable management.
The coolest accessory from the Aryl is at the side, where this is the Clamp-on Desk Pegboard Panel. It holds my Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor, which isn’t the most reliable to get the best temperature and humidity, but it’s really great for the air quality readings. Since the pegboard is magnetic, it keeps this Aqara TVOC air quality monitor nicely in place on the pegboard.
Then I have hooks for hanging the cables for my USB-C to USB-C cable in light purple, and I also got my M1 iPad Pro, which also magnetically held on the pegboard, used as a smart home display or an extended monitor for my MacBook Pro.
On the other pegboard, because there are two, there’s a bottle of Zeiss lens cleaner for cleaning my devices with the controversial Apple polishing cloth. I have to say it is really good because this is not only a gift from my fellow creator friends ZY and Jayz from Lens Library, and I use this combination of the Zeiss cleaner and the Apple polishing cloth to clean my iPad, my smartphone, and even my monitors as well.
Here’s where I also hang my AirPods Max, and I have the Belkin iPhone mount with MagSafe for MacBook, which is also stuck on there magnetically as well.
On the desk are my Aqara M2 Hub for smart home control and the Sensibo Sky, which I’ve covered these two devices in-depth in my smart home video.
The great thing about this whole pegboard system from the Aryl is its flexibility. I can move and adjust the accessories as needed.
MacBook Pro Setup
Now, let’s dive into my secondary workstation centered around the M3 Max MacBook Pro. This is the maxed-out specs version, which I use on the go.
However, when I’m at the desk, it’s mainly used for working on a separate Final Cut Pro project. Yes, sometimes I edit two video projects at the same time since I have two teammates who are video editors. Some might think this is overkill, but this approach helps me to release at least three videos, sometimes even more, each week.
It’s standing on an unbranded laptop stand which I got from Shopee. I use this laptop on the desk while doing video calls as I use my iPhone as a camera with the Belkin iPhone mount. The reason why I set up this way is that it gives me a nicer background with my main monitor view at the back. Thanks to these Yeelight Smart Panels on the wall, I can illuminate my face better, whether it’s day or night.
Speaking of night, want to see how this setup looks in dark mode?
And here are two more accessories from Yeelight that play a huge role:
The Smart Light Panels can display up to 16 million colors, and you can arrange them and design it how you like. These panels can also sync to music with a built-in mic, integrate with Razer Chroma RGB and Overwolf for gaming, and have smart home capabilities too with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. You can control all of these features via the Yeelight app or even the Mi Home app.
Around this whole L-shaped table, I have the Yeelight Lightstrip Pro with an extension to add more illumination to the desk setup at night.
The reason why I’m using this Yeelight Lightstrip Pro is the huge compatibility with other similar features of the Yeelight smart light panels, which also includes HomeKit as well since I’m in the Apple ecosystem. It also uses the similar two apps for control, and there’s also a physical controller for that that is easily placed underneath the desk towards the right.
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So, that is my 2024 desk setup. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know!
