This list covers all of my desk essentials going into 2025. From my favorite tools to the must-haves for my desk setup, I’ll be updating this list throughout the year to reflect new additions and upgrades. 

Desk & Monitor

• Flexispot Standing Desk: I opted for the 48" x 24" size to keep the desk compact. The motorized height adjustment is smooth and reasonably quiet, and the surface gives you plenty of room for all your gear. Link to Product
• ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ: I prefer a large 43-inch 4K monitor instead of an ultrawide or multi-monitor setup. It offers the same benefits—spacious screen real estate and multitasking ease—but without the interruptions of bezels or split screens. Its high refresh rate and accurate colors are perfect for productivity, gaming, and content creation. Link to Product

Input Devices

• Custom Mechanical Keyboard:
  • Switches: Gazzew Boba U4T 62g
  • Keycaps: Akko Black on White PBT ASA Profile
  • Case: 60% Walnut Wood Case
  • Plate: Carbon Fiber
  • PCB: BM60 Poker
  • Stabilizers: Durock V2
• Mouse: My mouse of choice is the Razer Orochi V2. It's compact, lightweight, and versatile. It uses either AA or AAA batteries with a ~950 hour battery life and connectivity via 2.4ghz or Bluetooth, making it perfect for desktop use or travel. Link to Product
• Stream Deck: This is one of the my favorite tools on my desk and an absolute essential for video editing and desktop control. Elgato's software is easy to use and it’s a time-saver for repetitive tasks or hard to access shortcuts. Link to Product

Audio

• Shure SM7B Microphone: The gold standard for audio quality. Link to Product
• GoXLR Mini Audio Interface: I bought this in 2019 so it may be a bit outdated. Today, I would try the Stream Deck + XLR Dock. Link to Product

Lighting & Cable Management

• Ambient Lighting (Ambibox Module): For a cozy vibe and reduced eye strain, ambient lighting is a must. I use an Ambibox module connected to controller software on my PC. This method offers precise color syncing across the screen, which I find far more reliable than camera-based systems.
• Monitor Light: I use the SEENDA Monitor Light with wireless controller. I don't believe this is available anymore but here's one from BenQ I would try. I prefer this over a desk lamp since it distributes light evenly across your desk and reduces eye strain.
• Cable Management: I found a solution that is easily removable and versatile. Velcro ties and adhesive clips can also keep your setup looking clean. Bonus: it’s easier to find the cable you need! Link to Product

Extras

• IKEA Desk Mat: A desk mat gives your setup a working area while protecting your desk surface. The IKEA Desk Mat is durable, affordable, and minimalist—perfect for any desk. Link to Product
• Neewer Microphone Arm: This is a good budget microphone arm that's strong enough to support my Shure SM7B and doesn't have exposed springs. Link to Product

Tips for Building Your Own Setup

Start with your needs: Do you game, edit, or just need a do office work? Prioritize gear that fits your workflow. Budget: You don’t need to go all-in at once. Start with essentials and upgrade as needed.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links in this guide may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my content. 😊

Gyroflow is a free and powerful stabilization tool with user-submitted profiles and the ability to leverage gyro data for enhanced stabilization with compatible devices.

Why Use Gyroflow for Stabilization?

1. Tailored Camera Profiles
1. Gyroflow supports user-submitted camera and lens profiles for cameras with or without gyro data. I tested it with footage from my iPhone 15 Pro Max and found many user-made profiles available.
2. Enhanced Precision
1. For devices that have gyro data, Gyroflow leverages that data to provide optimal stabilization that’s often better than built-in stabilization tools in editing apps.
3. Customizability
1. Gyroflow gives you full control over stabilization settings, such as crop factor, smoothing intensity, and rotation adjustments. This is ideal for those who have cameras that haven’t had any user-made stabilization profiles made or want to tweak existing profiles

How to Get Started with Gyroflow

1. Download Gyroflow
• Visit the Gyroflow website and download the latest version for your operating system. It’s completely free!
2. Check Camera Compatibility
• Browse the user-submitted profiles on Gyroflow’s repository or submit your own.
3. Import Your Footage
4. Adjust Stabilization Settings
• Fine-tune settings like stabilization intensity and cropping preferences to get the level of stabilization you want.
5. Export and Edit
• Once your footage is stabilized, export it and it’s ready to bring into your editing app!

Link to Gyroflow

If you’re looking to improve your desktop setup, Wallpaper Engine is a must-have. This software brings animated wallpapers to your desktop that can be interactive and even music-reactive wallpapers.

If you’re a tech enthusiast, gamer, anime fan, or just someone who loves a good aesthetic, Wallpaper Engine is going to completely transform your workspace.

Why You Need It

1. Endless Customization: There’s no limit to how you can personalize your desktop with Wallpaper Engine. Browse thousands of wallpapers from the community, or create your own. Want an anime-inspired landscape from Frieren? It’s there.
2. Productivity Booster: Need some motivation or getting bored of the same wallpaper? It’s small, but the visual changes make a big difference in staying focused and energized.
3. Low System Impact: Wallpaper Engine is optimized to work smoothly without taking up too much of your CPU or RAM.
4. It’s Fun: Having a cool, personalized desktop is just plain fun. Wallpaper Engine makes sure that your desktop isn’t just a tool, but a cozy space. Whether you’re into gaming, anime, or productivity, there’s something that can make your setup feel like it’s yours.

Getting Started with Wallpaper Engine

1. Purchase the App: Head to Steam and download Wallpaper Engine for $3.99.
2. Browse the Workshop: Once you’ve got it installed, head over to the workshop. There are thousands of wallpapers to browse, and you can filter by categories like anime, nature, gaming, and more.
3. Customize the Look: You can tweak each wallpaper’s settings, from animation speed to audio syncing.
4. Apply and Enjoy: Once you’ve picked your perfect wallpaper, just hit apply, and enjoy! The interactive wallpapers can even react to your mouse movement or music—making it feel way more dynamic!

Final Thoughts

Wallpaper Engine is more than just a fun tool for customizing your desktop. It’s a way to make your workspace more dynamic, whether you’re a gamer, anime fan, creator, or just someone who wants a personalized desktop that reflects your interests. The huge variety of wallpapers, low system impact, and customization options make it an essential if you want to level up your setup. Link to Wallpaper Engine

I stumbled across a new tool that's perfect for finding ideas and inspiration for your next project. Same Energy is a visual search engine, currently in beta, built to simplify the process of finding art, photography, and visual inspiration. It lets you search traditionally with text or visually by uploading an image. Instead of typing out tags, you can upload an image, and the tool will find others that match its aesthetic and mood. This resource is perfect for people who want quick idea generation or visualizations. Here are some use cases I've thought of to get your creative research going:

• Desk & Room Planning: If you’re redesigning your workspace or any room in your house, Same Energy is perfect for finding decor that complements your vision.
• Event Planning: I found that Same Energy is useful for event decoration ideas. 
• Fashion & Outfit Inspiration: Find clothing styles and accessories that match a look or outfit you like.
• Art & Photography Inspiration: Explore similar artistic styles or photography techniques to enhance your creative projects.
• Wallpapers: Find unique wallpaper designs for your desktop or phone based on a style you like.
• Gift Ideas: Research creative gift ideas that match someone's style.

Link to Same Energy

How to Choose the Right Power Bank for Everyday Use?

Choosing the right power bank is a crucial part of optimizing your everyday carry and after trying several options, I’ve settled on the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 Carbon Fiber Power Bank as my go-to.

Capacity:

At 10,000 mAh, the NB10000 delivers enough power to charge my phone and someone else’s phone comfortably in a day. Whether you’re tackling a heavy workday or out at a theme park, it provides plenty of power without unnecessary bulk. For my use, it's powerful enough to recharge my iPhone 15 Pro Max twice, making it a great balance between capacity and portability.

Size & Weight:

At 5.2 oz and 4.8"x 2.3" x 0.42", the NB10000’s carbon fiber frame makes it more lightweight than other powerbanks. It's thinner than most phones and easily fits into a sling, backpack, or even your pocket. At this time, I don't believe there is a lighter alternative at 10,000 mAh. 

Versatile Ports:

One standout feature for me is its dual USB-A and USB-C ports, which allow for charging of two devices simultaneously. Unlike newer models that remove USB-A, the NB10000 keeps compatibility with older gadgets while adding a low-current mode for low current devices like smartwatches. At 20W for total output, I find that sufficient for charging even larger devices like my iPad.

Durability:

The carbon fiber case has been durable in my year of usage. Plus, with an IPX5 water resistance rating and built-in safeguards against overcharge, overheating, and short circuits, makes it a reliable power bank for work, travel, or emergency kits.

Room for Improvement:

If there’s one feature I wish it had, it’s a screen to display the exact charge percentage instead of basic LED indicators. This would make it easier to know when it’s time to recharge. I also wish the edges weren't so sharp so it sits more comfortably in a pocket.

Conclusion:

The Nitecore NB10000 blends capacity, portability, and durability into one ultralight device and I still haven't found anything better. If you need a reliable, everyday power bank, this is my choice. Link to Product

Affiliate Disclosure

The link in this guide is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my content. 😊

As a fun project, I built a Keyboard Tester for GiosGearGuide.com! 

• Dynamic Background: The entire background changes with every typed message, making it perfect for ambient lighting setups.
• Lightweight: Built with simple HTML (and a little help from ChatGPT 😉), it loads fast.

Click here to visit the Keyboard Tester

Link to Wallpaper

If you’re moving multiple desktops for work or gaming, the Stream Deck can make it a whole lot easier. With four buttons — Close, Add, Switch Desktop Left, and Switch Desktop Right — you can easily manage your desktop spaces. 

Setting It Up in the Stream Deck App

1. Open the Stream Deck App and drag the "Hotkey" action onto an empty button.
2. For the Close Desktop button, set the hotkey to Win + Ctrl + F4 (this closes the current desktop).
3. For the Add Desktop button, assign the hotkey to Win + Ctrl + D (this adds a new desktop).
4. For Switch Left, assign Win + Ctrl + Left Arrow.
5. For Switch Right, assign Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow.

Now you're ready to effortlessly manage your desktops with just a few button presses!

Link to Wallpaper

Dova-Syndrome is a royalty-free music library contributed to by Japanese artists. It’s an excellent resource for creators seeking high-quality tracks and want more unique, lesser used music.  

Dova-Syndrome is a hidden gem in the saturated online space of free music resources. The platform offers a large selection of tracks across genres — everything from upbeat pop to serene ambient soundscapes for background music. Because the music is created by independent Japanese artists, each track feels unique. 

One notable feature of Dova-Syndrome is its search functionality. You can filter music by mood, tempo, and genre, making it easy to find the perfect track for your project. As a bonus, Dova-Syndrome allows you to download tracks for free with clear usage terms. Most tracks only require a simple credit to the artist, making it accessible for creators on a budget. 

If you’re tired of the same overused YouTube Audio Library background tracks, give Dova-Syndrome a try. It’s an excellent way to support independent Japanese artists while giving your projects music that feels fresh and authentic.