Gaming Desk Selection and Setup Recommendations
There are several elements gaming computer users will be considering when creating their gaming setup, from the machine they’re using and its various components to several important accessories and related items. One area that should never be overlooked during this process: A proper desk setup that allows for the right access to the buttons and items you need during gameplay.
At Xidax, we’re proud to assist clients with a wide range of gaming computers and custom workstations, with a lifetime parts and service guarantee that’s unmatched in the industry. We assist our clients with every part of their gaming setup, from providing the very best in gaming hardware and software to numerous other areas we’re happy to help with. What are some of the top themes we recommend keeping an eye on when both selecting and arranging your gaming desk setup? Here’s a primer.
Desk Selection Themes
When selecting a new desk for a gaming setup, there are a few things you should be thinking about. The desk is the centerpiece of your entire setup, serving as the foundation upon which everything else is built. Here are some important elements to be considering as you look for the best option to purchase:
- Desk surface material: One of the first things you’ll need to figure out when choosing a desk is what you want the surface of your table to be made from, and how much room it should have. There are three main types of desks that can work for gaming computer setups: Glass tables, which offer a sleek look but will require extreme care to ensure they don’t break; Wooden desks, which offer a classic look but may require special care to prevent warping or other damage; and Metal desks, which are the most durable but also the hardest to find in styles other than “plain.” With such a wide range of desks to choose from, there should be something for every style. One particularly important factor here is the weight limit of the desk. If you’re going to be using a lot of extra components, such as an additional monitor or similar device, it’s vital that your desk can handle the weight.
- Desk space: Also vital to be thinking about here is the amount of space you have for your desk. Many gamers place their setups around the center of a room, with everything they need within arm’s reach. If that’s what you’re aiming for, it’ll be important to measure the area where you plan to put your desk before buying it. A good idea is also to figure out how much horizontal space you have available, as many gaming setups include side tables for placing an additional monitor or keyboard.
- Desk height: With your measurements in hand, it’s time to find the perfect desk height. If you’re not sure what would work best for you, there are a couple of factors that can help you decide this important piece of information. First, take your natural height and add about one foot for a standard desk. If you’re shorter than average, subtract that same foot; if you’re taller than average, add it to the total.
- Cable management themes: You should also be closely considering how you’ll be managing your cables, several of which will be running across the desk. Look for desks with hidden cable trays or similar openings to help secure your cables so they don’t create an eyesore on your setup.
Desk Setup and Organization Themes
Once you’ve purchased a quality desk for your gaming needs, there are a few important elements to think about as you set it up for optimal daily use. These include:
- Monitor arrangement: The central part of your setup will obviously be the monitor, and it’s important to consider some best practices as you arrange it. First, use a secondary monitor if you have one so you can position the primary display above the keyboard for maximum ergonomic comfort. In addition, you should consider arranging your monitors in an L-shaped pattern, or placing them on either side of the keyboard.
- Mounting needs: In some cases, you may require or be interested in mounting your gaming monitor or even a television to the wall. This is an important step to consider, as certain setups may require it for full functionality. There are a variety of monitor arms and similar products that can help you mount your screen at the optimal viewing height.
- Ergonomics and comfort: Finally, you should be ensuring that every part of your setup is as comfortable and ergonomically sound as possible. This means that your chair, keyboard, and even mouse should be height-adjustable to provide the best playing environment possible. When positioning your furniture, think about making sure you’re near outlets for your computers and consoles; this will also help with cable management if you can hide them behind bookshelves, desks, or consoles.
Mouse and Keyboard
One last area that’s important to note here is how your mouse and keyboard fit into your setup. There are several important factors to consider in this regard, from basic placement to the use of ergonomic features.
First and foremost, you should be considering how your mouse and keyboard can be placed within arm’s reach for effortless play. This means you’ll likely want to keep them in a separate area from where your computer station is located, which can take up more room than needed. If that’s the case, consider using a wireless keyboard and mouse to free up extra space.
In addition, you should be thinking about the placement of your actual controls so they’re comfortable for extended periods of use. This means adjusting the height of each item, as well as their placement in relation to one another; try putting them at an arm’s length or closer together to make this as simple as possible.
For more on how to select and set up the ideal gaming desk for your needs, or to learn about any of our gaming computers or other products, contact the team at Xidax today.