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 (View Reel):
  • 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: A 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• GoXLR Mini Audio Interface: I bought this in 2019 so it may be a bit outdated.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 Elgato 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: This solution is easily removable to work on your cables. 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
• IKEA Skadis: This pegboard is perfect for organizing and displaying your tech. I combined two stacked 22"x22" for my setup. Link to Product

My Tips for Building Your Own Setup

Start with your needs. Do you game, edit, or just need to do office work? Prioritize gear that improves 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. 😊

Clear Audio = Better Content

Clear audio is essential for creating compelling content. Whether you’re recording a video, podcast, or voiceover, bad audio kills good content fast—and your audience will notice.

What is Adobe Podcast?

Adobe Podcast is a free, AI-powered audio enhancement tool. It automatically cleans up your voice recordings—removing background noise, reducing echo, and balancing your levels to make everything sound polished and professional.

Even if you’re recording on your phone in your bedroom, it can still sound like it was recorded in a studio. No mic upgrades, no editing software, and no audio background required.

Why It's Great for Creators

This isn’t just for podcasters—Adobe Podcast is ideal for:

• Voiceovers for YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels

• Interviews or remote guest audio

• Quick cleanups of phone or webcam recordings

• Saving time on editing while still sounding professional

It’s especially helpful if you’re working solo, on a budget, or just want to simplify your workflow.

How to Use It

Using Adobe Podcast is super simple:

1. Record your audio (any mic or device works—I’ve used my phone and my MacBook mic)

2. Go to podcast.adobe.com

3. Upload your file to the Enhance Speech tool and let it process.

4. Download your polished, studio-quality audio—ready to drop into your content

Final Thoughts

Adobe Podcast is an awesome tool for creators making quick, short-form content or even longer content—and it’s totally free. Whether you’re just getting started or already an established creator, it’s a useful tool for streamlining your voiceover process.

I’ve used it for my own videos, and the results have really impressed me. Want to hear it in action? Check out my Creator Tool Spotlight on Adobe Podcast!

From content creation to graphic design and illustration, the right fonts shape the personality of your projects and elevate your work. Google Fonts is one of the best free resources for experimenting with different typefaces and finding the perfect match for your content.

Google Fonts offers a vast library of free, open-source fonts that are easy to browse and integrate into your projects. Plus, all fonts are optimized for web use, ensuring your text looks crisp across various devices and screen sizes.

Preview and Customize with Ease

One of Google Fonts’ most useful features is the ability to preview fonts with your own text. Simply type in a headline, logo name, or paragraph and see how it looks instantly—no downloads required. You can also tweak weight, size, and spacing directly on the site, making font selection hassle-free.

How to Use Google Fonts in Your Projects

Once you find a font you love, Google Fonts makes implementing simple. You can download font files for offline use or embed them directly into your website with a quick link. For video and graphic design, just install the fonts on your computer and start using them in your favorite editing software.

Google Fonts Licensing

One of the biggest advantages of Google Fonts is its open-source licensing. Every font in the library is available under the Open Font License (OFL), meaning you can use them for both personal and commercial projects without restrictions. Whether you’re designing a website, a marketing campaign, or a client project, you won’t have to worry about licensing fees or copyright issues. This makes Google Fonts an excellent choice for businesses, freelancers, and hobbyists.

Final Thoughts

With an extensive library, instant previews, and open licensing, Google Fonts is an essential resource for any creator looking to enhance their typography.

Visit Google Fonts

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, 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 lot easier. With four shortcut buttons — Close, Add, Switch Desktop Left, and Switch Desktop Right — you can easily manage multiple 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.